Public policy jobs in Cambridge, cambridgeshire

Join us and help create opportunities that change young lives.

Career Ready is a UK-wide social mobility charity, working to empower young people with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to succeed. We’re looking for a proactive and strategic Corporate New Business Development Lead to drive growth in our corporate and partnerships income, unlocking innovative collaborations that deliver real impact.

In this pivotal role, you’ll identify and secure high-value corporate partnerships, craft compelling proposals, and lead pitches to senior decision-makers. You’ll work closely with colleagues across Communications, Programmes, and Operations to create multi-year partnerships that combine funding, programme support, and brand alignment—helping us reach more young people than ever before. The role is home-based, but you’ll have opportunities to travel across the UK (primarily London, Manchester, and Edinburgh) for meetings, events, and networking opportunities (expenses covered), giving you variety and the chance to build relationships face-to-face.

We’re seeking someone with a proven track record of winning significant corporate partnerships (five-figure or ideally six-figure), excellent communication and influencing skills, and a strong understanding of CSR/ESG trends. If you’re entrepreneurial, creative, and thrive on building relationships from scratch, we’d love to hear from you.

For full information view our candidate pack, which is available when you click on Apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 12 January 2026

First stage interviews: expected to take place w/c 19 January 2026 

For the full recruitment pack and application form, please visit our website. We can only accept applications via our website portal. 

ABOUT CAUDWELL YOUTH

Not all young people have the same opportunities in life.

Caudwell Youth exists to level the playing field for young people at risk.

We support at-risk young people who are care experienced, have mental health challenges, or are at risk of exploitation or offending.

WHAT WE DO

Caudwell Youth shapes young people’s futures by providing person-centred support to at risk 11 to 24-year-olds through volunteer-led mentoring for up to 18-months, alongside a targeted intervention programme.

Our mentoring service is designed to ensure every young person feels safe, heard and supported. Each young person gains a trusted adult (a trained volunteer) who meets with them once a week to support them as they take steps towards a more positive future.  

This year, we have supported more than 400 young people.

Our vision is to help every young person at-risk in the UK. We give young people the time, trust and support they need to shape a positive future, no matter their starting point.

ABOUT THE ROLE

To support the Deputy CEO in ensuring the effective delivery and growth of Caudwell Youth’s services.

To oversee the management of operational programmes, ensuring high-quality, person-centred support for young people. To contribute to business development, leading expansion via statutory grants and contracts.

On appointment, you are expected to have significant knowledge and professional experience of your area of specialism and the ability to quickly take on significant responsibility very quickly.

KEY DUTIES

Strategic and External Leadership:

• Lead the effective delivery and development of Caudwell Youth’s programmes, in line with our strategic plan.
• Build and maintain relationships with funders, and strategic partners, with support from the Deputy CEO.
• Identify and secure new funding opportunities, leading on public sector bids and tenders, in line with our strategic plan
• Ensure a youth participation and evidence-based approach in all aspects of service delivery and development.

Services:

• Develop, oversee and report against Operations department budget and plans.
• Oversee operational systems, risk assessments and data to ensure services are safe, needs-led and effective.
• Ensure safeguarding policies are embedded across delivery, acting as DSL if required.
• Support and develop high-performing teams, ensuring training, appraisal, and performance management frameworks are in place.
• Ensure that all programme delivery is trauma informed and person-centred
• Oversee quality assurance processes, ensuring consistent standards across all delivery regions.
• Lead on operational compliance, including health & safety, data protection, incident reporting and regulatory requirements.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and high-quality practice across the organisation.
• Ensure that programmes are monitored and evaluated effectively and that reporting requirements are met, working with the fundraising team as required

Business Development:

• With support from the Deputy CEO, develop plans to implement a growth strategy focused on securing statutory contracts.
• Act as a key point of contact for commissioners, local authorities, and strategic partners.
• Identify and respond to commissioning opportunities across local government (crime, education, and health sectors) in line with our strategy.
• Lead on bid writing, proposal development, and contract negotiations for statutory contracts and grants
• Work with finance and fundraising teams to create budgets, proposals and tender submissions for statutory contracts
• Be responsible for starting up and implementing new funded programmes to ensure quality in delivery
• Identify new trends, emerging needs and opportunities for partnership projects.

General:

• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across the organisation.
• Undertake and identify training as required and take a positive approach to personal development.
• Fulfil the duties and responsibilities of an employee as regards to Health and Safety at Work, including own safety and self-management.
• Ensure good administration, record keeping and reporting of all work undertaken in line with data protection and other regulations.
• Undertake any other reasonable tasks deemed necessary.

For the full job description and to make an application, please visit our website.

Senior Communications Manager 

FCDO Research Commissioning Centre (3ie)

1.  Background 

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Research Commissioning Centre (RCC) has been established to commission and manage research to enhance development and foreign policy impact. The RCC, co-led by the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) and the University of Birmingham, provides support to FCDO teams for commissioning and delivering high-quality and impactful research. It addresses challenges associated with research bureaucracy by providing a streamlined process for commissioning and delivering FCDO-funded research.

This role is based at 3ie, working closely with colleagues at the FCDO, University of Birmingham and across the RCC consortium. This is a fixed-term position for the RCC, which is a pilot project that began on the 6th June, 2023, and is due to run until the 5th June, 2028. The role is linked directly to the project funding. 

The International Initiative of Impact Evaluation is a mission-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to using evidence to transform people's lives in low- and middle-income countries. We are the global leader in funding, producing, and synthesizing high-quality evidence of what works, for whom, how, why and at what cost. We believe better policy-relevant evidence will make development more effective. 3ie is a registered non-governmental organization in the US. It has offices in New Delhi, London and Washington, DC.  

2.  Position summary 

3ie is inviting applications for a Senior Communications Manager to join the FCDO Research Commissioning Centre (RCC) team at 3ie. With the RCC entering its third year of operation, this is an exciting time to join the project. 

The role will be responsible for the strategic management of RCC communications and for the oversight and management of the Global Research and Technology Development (GRTD) website .  The position will work closely with the team of the FCDO Chief Scientific Adviser and FCDO’s Deputy Head of Research to support the development and rollout of GRTD, suiting a strategic thinker with experience or knowledge of leading communications and engagement campaigns.

The successful candidate will be a highly organised, skilled communicator with excellent command over producing a range of communication and knowledge products such as blogs, policy briefs, infographics, impact stories and case studies, as well as editing technical writing. Prior experience in social media and event management, is desirable. They will be a self-starter with a can-do, team-player attitude.
The ideal candidate will be based in the UK and have the flexibility to travel to London for in-person meetings and events as required. The candidate will need to work according to UK office hours. The role will largely be remote working with dedicated in-person time with the RCC team and with FCDO. 

3. Key job responsibilities
a)  GRTD website development oversight and strategy; FCDO GRTD communications, branding and development

• Work with FCDO to develop a coherent strategy and campaign for engaging with and communicating GRTD to external partners. Manage the relationship with FCDO communications counterparts in delivering the vision for GRTD
• Lead engagement with FCDO to determine design of enhancements and new features for GRTD; oversee these developments, managing external contractors (when required) and working with technical colleagues to ensure developments are fit for purpose
• Collaborate with FCDO teams to support the rollout and visibility of the GRTD brand
• Contribute to the development and implementation of editorial standards, templates, and guidance for GRTD content, in coordination with FCDO and RCC stakeholders
• Assist in the dissemination of impact stories and research outputs that align with GRTD branding and strategic objectives
• Support stakeholder engagement activities and campaigns led by FCDO to promote the GRTD platform, where relevant to RCC-funded research
• Monitor digital engagement with and develop KPIs to track performance, with a focus on continuous improvement and optimization

b)  RCC presence on GRTD

• Ensure the RCC is adequately presented on GRTD and that the design and structure of RCC pages is coherent and promotes the RCC vision
• Create, edit and post new website content for the RCC on GRTD as required
• Coordinate with the 3ie Strategic Communications Office to monitor the website regularly to ensure content is updated and bugs are identified.

c)  RCC Communications
       Strategy: 

• Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the RCC’s overall communication and engagement strategy, including areas of thought leadership around best practice evidence led by the RCC. 

      Content: 

• Strategise on new communication products (including website content, impact stories, blogs, media articles, social media and multimedia content), launches, events, and online promotions Edit, manage and publish research commissioning call documents and participate and manage related events such as Early Market Engagements, FAQ sessions, etc.
• Work with RCC Grantees and project teams editing and publishing RCC publications and deliverables, including reports, briefs and other publications. 
• Create social media content and manage dissemination through 3ie’s social media channels, working with 3ie colleagues (NB: RCC social media channels may be established and in this case the role will directly manage these). 
• Events and engagement: Provide end-to-end support for workshops and events, including content, budget, logistics, communication and marketing
• Provide inputs for communication and implementation plans for research funded by the RCC.

d)  Project management: Ensure that RCC publications and communications products are processed in a timely manner and published on GRTD

• Maintain and update process documents, guidelines and templates for external communications for the RCC and for communications from grantees.
• Oversee the implementation of and improvements to RCC’s branding and logo suite as needed.

e)  Stakeholder support: Work closely with RCC staff to cultivate relationships across the research ecosystem, consortium and with grantees. This is likely to include RCC representation at external events.

f)  Support RCC grantees: Provide guidance and advise on dissemination activities to grant recipients. Review and approve the engagement and dissemination products and plans submitted by RCC grant recipients as part of their work on RCC-funded projects and support the wider RCC team to monitor engagement activities undertaken by grantees.

g)  Knowledge sharing: Collect and collate impact stories for the RCC to support both learning and reporting requirements

4. Qualifications and skills 

• Master’s degree in journalism, public affairs, marketing, or a field directly relevant to international development, including formal communication training. Exceptional candidates with a bachelor's degree and extensive work experience may be considered
• At least seven to ten years of experience in a communication role in development sector.
• Proven ability to plan and implement communication and engagement strategies for organizations and research projects
• Knowledge of tools for graphic design, content management, social media and event management is desirable (e.g., InDesign, Photoshop, Mailchimp, Canva, Drupal, etc.)
• Proven project management and coordination skills to ensure on-time delivery 
• Excellent English writing and editing skills; cross-platform writing experience is desirable
• Self-motivated, creative, and multi-tasker with a proven ability to work under tight deadlines accurately and professionally
• Excellent interpersonal skills and willingness to work in a matrix-organized team environment
• Experience working with UK government departments is desirable

5.  Eligibility
3ie is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, ethnicity, disability, caste, religion or sexual orientation. We particularly encourage women, ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. 

6.  Terms of employment 
The salary range for this position is competitive and commensurate based on qualifications and experience. Our policies and procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse. We follow a zero-tolerance policy for any form of bullying or harassment in the workplace.

7. How to Apply 
Your application must include the following information*: 
•  A cover letter (not exceeding two pages) highlighting your qualifications and experience relevant to the terms of reference. 
•  Curriculum vitae along with names and contact information for at least three professional references. 

*Incomplete applications will not be considered. 
The deadline for receiving applications is 21 December, 2025. Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

About us

Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue.

We’re looking for a Senior Face to Face (F2F) Fundraising Manager to join our Face to Face Fundraising team. This is a fantastic opportunity within the RNLI to play a vital role in developing and growing the RNLI in-house F2F Fundraising team to reach the ambitious targets we have ahead. This role manages a team of F2F Managers who each lead a team of F2F fundraisers signing up regular supporters within a defined geographical area and raise vital long-term funding for the charity, as well as delivering lifesaving water safety messaging. The role is part of the F2F Senior Management Team, supporting the team’s development through leading projects that drive forwards team performance.

Your role

As a Senior F2F Fundraising Manager, you will be tasked with focus on the following areas:

• Recruit, train and manage a geographically diverse group of direct reports. Develop and motivate direct reports to deliver key messages, campaigns and products within the F2F strategy.
• As a senior manager in the F2F fundraising team (200+ staff), continue to develop and maintain a positive high-performing culture to ensure the team are performing at their best and developing. Drive continuous improvement across all KPIs.
• Construct and monitor financial and performance reports to ensure budget & KPIs are met, reforecasting where necessary.
• Develop a positive safety culture by identifying and managing risks to health and safety and safeguarding.
• Oversee compliance & complaints to ensure RNLI F2F fundraising adheres to best practice.
• Lead the delivery of selected team projects from initiation to completion, working with colleagues both within the F2F team and the wider organisation to provide the plans, processes and tools needed for the team to achieve their objectives. Develop solid relationships and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders across the UK and Ireland.

About you

Leading a frontline team, you’ll have excellent communication skills and people management capabilities, with a proven track record of achieving fundraising targets. You will be a strategic thinker, with the ability to use your networks to ensure that plans are executed well and future opportunities are maximised to drive both the volume and value of new supporters.

You’ll be a role model to others, displaying behaviours that inspire respect. You’ll look after your people so they in turn can look after our donors, by displaying a passion to lead, manage and motivate a diverse team who engage with the public. You’ll be positive, confident, determined resilient and naturally outgoing. You’ll be a self-starter who can lead an energetic and innovative team to success.

You’ll be a team player with a pragmatic and solution-focused approach to problem solving and a calm attitude to prioritising a busy workload. Your strengths in planning and critical thinking will help you strike the balance between taking calculated risks where required and maintaining compliance to policies and sector regulations.

You’ll be flexible and prepared to work out-of-office hours with travel throughout the year. Substantial annual leave during the summer would not be practical for this role. This post requires a valid driving licence.

To be considered as the Senior F2F Fundraising Manager, you will need:

• Proven experience and success in leading a remote face-to-face fundraising team. This will either have been gained working for a charity or a fundraising agency
• Evidence of managing and motivating a team of paid staff or volunteers to achieve goals/targets
• Demonstrable experience of delivering projects that provide improvement to process
• Excellent communication skills and teamworking ethos
• Self-motivation and ability to create and prioritise own workload
• Knowledge of F2F charity sector, compliance and regulation
• This post requires a valid driving licence

For more information and to apply, please visit our jobs page.

Closing date: 4 January 2026.

Interview date: 12 January 2026.

The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process).

Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.

Community Fundraiser - London​

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research? ​

Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and motivated fundraiser to join our team. As a key part of our fundraising efforts in our high-performing East region, you will have the opportunity to drive income generation through a variety of initiatives, including challenge events, fundraising groups, and corporate partnerships such as charity of the year. You will also be responsible for driving initiatives to increase our profile and supporter base within London.​

Key Responsibilities: ​​​

• Generate income across a range of community fundraising initiatives and events, with the opportunity to lead on key projects 
• Steward supporters to help drive the charity’s fundraising activities and growth 
• ​Work with the fundraising team to develop and maintain strong relationships with fundraisers, donors, partners, and key stakeholders ​
• Contribute towards the growth and success of fundraising efforts, ensuring a sustainable income stream for the vital ongoing funding of brain tumour research ​​

Requirements: ​​

• At least one year of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in income generation 
• Strong experience in supporter stewardship  
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire supporters and partners alike ​
• Passion for Brain Tumour Research and its mission to fund research and ultimately find a cure 

​

If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.​​

​For this role, the successful candidate must live in the London area.​​

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

Closing Date: 04th January 2026

​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

​

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

Harris Hill is proud to be partnering with the Community Land Trust Network to recruit a New Business, Partnerships and Innovation Manager — an exciting opportunity to join a highly respected national charity championing land justice, community ownership and social equity.

About the Role

Accountable to: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £45,200–£55,200 (depending on skills and experience)

Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract, with potential to become permanent

Working Hours:

· 3 days / 21 hours per week (with reduced duties), or

· 4 days / 28 hours per week
Working pattern negotiable

Location: Remote/home-based

This newly created role will play a pivotal part in expanding the charity’s income and influence. You will:

• Lead on new business development, nurturing existing supporters and securing new partnerships with developers, housing associations, local authorities, funders and other stakeholders.
• Shape and grow their consultancy and service offer, helping reduce reliance on grant funding.
• Support the roll-out of their Growth Lab, working with practitioners and community groups to develop innovative models, products and services for Community Land Trusts.
• Capture insights, impact and learning to strengthen the case for scaling these innovations.
• Work closely with the CEO on funding proposals, partnership development and strategic initiatives.

This role offers variety, influence and the chance to help shape a major area of the charity’s future work. The team operates fully remotely, with a warm, collaborative culture and a strong focus on wellbeing.

About You

They are looking for someone who:

• Has experience in partnerships, business development, philanthropy or account management — and enjoys turning opportunities into long-term relationships.
• Communicates with clarity, confidence and professionalism across sectors including business, charity, local government and community groups.
• Is entrepreneurial, proactive and excited by innovation and co-creation.
• Shares a commitment to social justice, equity and community-led change.

Key Dates

• Closing date: Monday 5th January 2026
• Interviews: Week commencing 12th January 2026

How to Apply

Please email Hannah Laking at Harris Hill to request the full job pack, or you can download it directly from this advert. If you’d like to learn more about the role, you’re welcome to book a call with Hannah. Alternatively, you can simply send your CV and supporting statement which must follow the structure outlined in the job pack before the closing date, and Hannah will get in touch.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.