Research assistant jobs in shepperton, surrey
Purpose of role: To support the Head of Partnerships in managing and retaining the charity’s existing donor base and in establishing new major donor partnerships to secure significant income for the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN): an impactful fundraising and grant-giving wildlife conservation NGO focused on supporting grassroots projects across the Global South.
Reports to: Head of Partnerships
Contract: Full-time, permanent contract, working 5 days p/w
Deadline to apply: Friday 23rd May (but please apply at your earliest convenience). Initial interviews will be targeted for end of May.
Whitley Fund for Nature
Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) is a UK charity supporting grassroots conservation leaders across the Global South. Through project funding (Awards), training, and media profile, we support local solutions to the planet’s most pressing conservation challenges. Our winners are courageous changemakers, working alongside communities to save species and protect ecosystems. Established in 1993, we have channeled £24 million to +220 conservation leaders in 80 countries, benefitting wildlife, landscapes, and people. WFN is governed by a committed trustee board. Our team is dynamic, passionate about our mission, and ambitious. The charity benefits from high profile support from Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, and Ambassador Sir David Attenborough. Our funding is raised each year, mainly from family trusts and foundations, as well as from individuals, corporates, and international NGOs, with a current annual income of around £2.6m/year. We raise funds based on winner need, and in the coming years are seeking to steadily grow what we provide in support to winners, actively pursuing new partnerships to support our mission.
The Opportunity
We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Partnerships Manager to join our small and dynamic team. This new role will support the Head of Partnerships and wider WFN team in delivering our fundraising strategy, stewarding high-value donor relationships, and unlocking new opportunities for income growth.
The Partnerships Manager will work directly with some of WFN’s existing portfolio of 30 Major Donors made up primarily of Trusts, Family Foundations and High-Net-Worth Individual (HNWI) supporters, with some Corporates. The Partnerships Manager will maintain close professional relationships with supporters that are bespoke and require excellent interpersonal skills, with most meetings taking place in-person, in central London.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a highly respected conservation organisation making a real difference on the ground.
PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER - PERSONAL SPECIFICATION
Essential
- A proven track record of fundraising, donor management, and/or building relationships with stakeholders in the non-profit or philanthropic sector.
- Excellent writing and communication skills, with experience drafting donor materials and reports.
- A proven track record in the development of grant applications, including drafting objectives, activities, timelines, indicators, and budgets, as well as coordinating narrative content and inputs from across the team.
- Past experience coordinating and delivering fundraising and engagement events.
- Experience coordinating volunteer committees.
- Exceptional interpersonal qualities, and comfortable liaising with high-profile individuals and senior stakeholders.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Proactive, dependable, and able to manage multiple priorities.
- A flexible ‘can do’ approach with the ability to chase opportunities, while remaining resilient and positive
- An open and collaborative working style, with a willingness to share information, communicate clearly, and contribute to a supportive small team environment.
- A genuine interest in conservation and/or passion for social and environmental equity through a grassroots approach.
Desirable
- Experience working with donor databases or Salesforce.
- Familiarity with trusts and foundations, HNWI fundraising, or corporate partnerships.
- Previous work in a small, agile team or start-up-style organisation.
Additional details and benefits
- Attractive holiday package totaling 30 days p.a. plus bank holidays.
- Training and professional development opportunities provided.
- Hybrid working opportunities
- The charity operates a Pension Scheme and a Life Assurance Scheme.
This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship. Only applicants who have the right to work in the UK at the time of application will be considered for this role.
Regrettably, due to limited resources and the high number of applications we receive, we are only able to contact short-listed candidates. If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.
Diversity and Inclusion
At WFN we are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. We celebrate and respect diversity in nature and among the people and partners with whom we work. We need more people and diversity across the environment sector, and to achieve our vision. We are therefore particularly keen to receive applications from Black, Asian or minority ethnic; disabled; LGBTQ+; or from lower socio-economic backgrounds. As a small organisation we are committed to progressing and continuing development across DE&I. Please contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application. Applications are considered solely on your demonstrated suitability
Registered Charity
6 - 10
Whitley Fund for Nature is a fundraising and grant-giving nature conservation charity supporting grassroots practitioners across the Global South.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
ECHO supports children and young people with heart conditions and their families, who have been treated within the Guy's and St Thomas' NHS network of 47 hospitals. Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect and affects just under 1 in every 100 babies born throughout the UK.
ECHO helps from diagnosis, which is often during pregnancy, throughout any treatment and care pathway or bereavement. Families are supported at every stage of their heart child’s journey throughout childhood, teenage years and during the transition to adult services.
ECHO’s new Engagement Coordinator will be confident, self-motivated, and capable of managing projects independently. They will be responsible for building strong relationships with stakeholders, coordinating engagement activities, and ensuring these are executed successfully.
The role requires a proactive, flexible, results-orientated individual with a passion for creating meaningful connections and working autonomously to achieve goals. You will lead with a “Make it Happen” approach to benefit the families we support in the children’s cardiology network connected to the Evelina London, Royal Brompton, and Harefield hospital networks (47 hospitals).
Can you:
Read the room when attending events, meetings, and conferences, with the confidence to share the ECHO story in a professional manner and with a smile?
Lead and coordinate engagement activities: Plan, execute, and manage engagement strategies, events, and initiatives that drive interaction with our community (fundraisers, families, professionals, volunteers, and staff).
Develop strong relationships: Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with internal and external partners to ensure effective communication and collaboration, knowing when and how to ask for support and help.
Negotiate discounts, freebies, and special moments for children, young people, and families.
Present to anyone who wants to hear about ECHO, whether a small team in an office, a school assembly of 500, or an away day for lawyers or doctors. You will design the resources you need on a shoestring budget with limited time but deliver an impactful and memorable presentation.
Bring organisation to the team and operations through admin with a can-do approach.
Key Responsibilities:
· Galvanise support by identifying opportunities, persuading people to get on board and following through to secure trust and buy-in
· Develop a GREAT supporter journey for everyone who donates to us, helping them to maximise opportunities to raise money and spread the word about ECHO.
· Provide reliable and time-critical information and be a go-to person for our community, for example:
o A team of runners taking part in an event.
o A team of medical professionals helping with our information resources.
o Stories for social media.
· People, presentations, and engagement – confidently stepping up to present, walking into groups with ease, and engaging people naturally and enthusiastically.
· Bringing energy, charisma, and a proactive approach to every interaction – from chatting with families to speaking at events or engaging new supporters.
Closing date to apply: 03rd June 2025
Interview Dates: Monday 16th or Monday 23rd June 2025
For full details, see the full Job Description and Person Specification attached.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Heard is a multi-award-winning charity working at the intersection of storytelling and social justice. For over 15 years, we’ve inspired content and communication that shift public perspectives and drive real-world change on issues such as climate change, migration, trans rights, and more. Our work supports people to create compelling narratives that move hearts, change minds, and spark action.
We’re looking for a passionate and creative programme manager with TV experience to join our Climate team and lead the television strand of our Climate Stories That Work programme.
As programme manager, you’ll work closely with broadcasters, production companies, writers, and creatives to spark climate stories that resonate with audiences and inspire action.
You don’t need to be a climate expert. What matters most is that you understand how great TV gets made and that you're motivated to help translate climate and sustainability themes into narratives that people genuinely want to watch.
You’ll oversee the TV-focused work of the climate programme from concept to delivery. That includes shaping strategy, running story consultations, developing creative decks, facilitating workshops, and building partnerships that bring impact both on-screen and behind the scenes. You'll also play a key role in connecting climate issues with entertainment, working alongside campaigners, public figures, and cultural influencers to develop meaningful, relatable stories.
You’ll be supported by the senior programme manager, programme coordinator, and a network of consultants to ensure smooth delivery. You’ll also contribute your insights and experience to the executive team, helping guide the future direction of the programme.
At Heard, you’ll be part of a forward-thinking, creative, and supportive team. If this sounds like a fit for you, apply now!
OVERVIEW
Job Type: Fixed term contract (until 29 May 2026 with possibility of extension)
Working: Full time (35 hours per week, not including breaks)
We’re ideally looking for someone full-time, but we’re open to part-time or flexible options for the
right candidate.
Reporting to: Senior Programme Manager
Based at: Heard, The Green House, 244-254 Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9DA. Hybrid -- Staff are able to work from home for part of their week, and are required to be in the office for 2 days a week as we think it is important to stay connected as a team.
Salary: £36,720 pro rata
Staff benefits: 7.5% pension contribution and salary sacrifice scheme, 30 days holiday (pro-rata) plus bank
holidays, mentoring scheme, annual training budget, and hybrid working.
See job description for full details.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Heard is a charity working with people and the media to inspire content and communication that changes hearts and minds.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Job Profile
CAFOD’s mission in the Catholic community of England and Wales is to inspire and equip Catholics to actively engage in the Church’s efforts to overcome poverty and injustice. Our regional teams focus on recruiting and supporting a dedicated group of volunteers within parish and school communities, empowering them to educate, engage, and inspire others to act in solidarity for the common good. Regional teams also collaborate with clergy and other representatives across the Catholic community to ensure CAFOD’s volunteer programme is aligned with faith life.
The primary purpose of this role is to provide administrative and communications support to the Community Participation Coordinators across England and Wales, with a focus on the West & Wales region as the first point of contact. This includes coordinating administrative tasks performed by office volunteers and identifying opportunities for process improvements. The role also involves volunteer recruitment administration, overseeing and training Office Volunteers, and ensuring effective database management.
This role can be based anywhere in the UK including our head office in London, working from home, from one of CAFOD’s Volunteer Centres, or a combination of both. The role requires occasional travel to London and other areas within the East & West side of the country. Travel expenses will be reimbursed, and time off in lieu will be granted for travel beyond normal working hours.
This is a full-time position (35 hours per week) and reports to the Volunteer Support and Development Coordinator.
Key Responsibilities Overview
The post holder will play a key role in driving smooth, efficient operations across CAFOD’s West & Wales region. As the go-to person for admin excellence and volunteer support, you’ll work closely with your line manager and colleagues in the East to streamline processes, improve systems, and keep everything running like clockwork.
You’ll lead on volunteer recruitment and engagement—welcoming new volunteers, managing onboarding, and ensuring everyone feels valued, equipped, and inspired to support CAFOD’s work. Your people skills and attention to detail will shine as you manage applications, data entry, and training coordination.
Communications will be at the heart of your role. You’ll create engaging e-bulletins and social media content that keeps our community informed and motivated, while ensuring messages are clear, consistent, and aligned with CAFOD’s wider goals.
You’ll be the guardian of accurate data, working with office volunteers to maintain up-to-date records that support smarter outreach and efficient workflows. Your collaborative spirit will help strengthen connections across teams, share best practices, and contribute to creative new approaches for engaging communities.
This is a role for a proactive, organised, and people-focused individual who’s excited to innovate, solve problems, and make a tangible impact in a supportive, values-led organisation.
Safeguarding
All CAFOD staff share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture, including identifying the key actions they should take given their role and responsibilities.
Person Specification
Understanding our context
- Understanding Catholic identity: sympathetic knowledge of the life, culture and structure of the Catholic Church in England and Wales and an ability to work effectively within it and especially an understanding of parish community life.
- Understanding CAFOD: ability to express what motivates people to volunteer for, and support, CAFOD and the main activities in which Catholic community primarily participate. Being informed about, supportive of, and actively promoting our anti-racism work.
Working together
- Managing ourselves: strong interpersonal skills including an ability to develop personal relationships quickly and to convince others. Ability to be self-motivated and able to work in isolation linking with different people in a variety of contexts; confident with articulating support required for you to work well.
- Working with others: builds positive and fruitful partnerships, particularly with volunteers; works effectively as part of a team which may work at a distance to ensure sharing of good practice and shared workload; being willing and able to help other team members and be helped to achieve delivery of shared objectives.
- Communicating: ability to identify how best to communicate instructions and processes clearly and how this helps achieve the objectives CAFOD seeks to deliver and how to share knowledge and information across teams.
Making change happen
- Managing resources: confident with processing data for planning, monitoring and reporting: proven time-management, data-management and organisational skills/experience of delegating tasks clearly and making improvements to processes.
- Achieving results: ability and willingness to focus on achieving efficiencies, especially in support of regional plans for community participation and income growth.
- Managing our performance: ability and willingness to work to targets and achieve results.
Job-Specific Competencies
Administrative Process Improvement:
Proven ability to assess, streamline, and document administrative processes. Strong organisational skills are required to manage a variety of tasks and ensure efficient delegation to volunteers. Ability to identify inefficiencies and propose practical solutions to enhance office operations.
Volunteer Recruitment & Engagement:
Expertise in recruiting, onboarding, and maintaining volunteer engagement. You will build strong relationships with volunteers, ensuring their experience is positive and aligned with CAFOD’s mission. Experience in using volunteer management systems and managing volunteer data is essential.
Communication & Content Creation: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience in producing engaging content for e-bulletins, newsletters, and other media resources. Ability to tailor messaging to different audiences, ensuring clarity and consistency in CAFOD’s communications.
Data Management & Accuracy:
Attention to detail is crucial for maintaining accurate records. Experience with databases, data segmentation, and ensuring data integrity is essential. A strong understanding of data protection standards, including GDPR, will be necessary.
Collaboration & Team Communication:
Effective communicator with internal teams, ensuring smooth communication and alignment across various regions. Ability to foster positive working relationships and collaborate across teams, both virtually and in person. Proficiency with communication tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom is required.
Training & Support:
Experience in delivering training to volunteers and staff, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge. Ability to provide ongoing support to regional office volunteers, helping them succeed and contribute effectively to the team.
Adaptability & Problem-solving:
Flexible and resourceful, able to adapt to changing priorities. You will be expected to identify challenges and propose solutions to keep operations running smoothly.
Commitment to CAFOD’s Mission & Values:
A deep understanding of CAFOD’s mission and Catholic social teaching, with the ability to align volunteer engagement and administrative activities with the organization’s goals of addressing poverty and injustice.
Use of Digital Tools & Systems:
Competence in using databases, Microsoft Office Suite, and collaboration tools. Ability to train volunteers in these systems to ensure smooth operations across teams.
Project Management & Accountability:
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring tasks are completed within deadlines and to a high standard. You will be responsible for delivering results aligned with CAFOD’s objectives.
Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults
CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect. CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse. CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount. Any candidate offered a job with CAFOD will be expected to adhere to CAFOD’s Safeguarding policy and sign CAFOD’s Code of Behaviour as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents. This post involves contact with children, young people and vulnerable adults, or has responsibility for people who will do, and applicants will be subject to specific checks related to safeguarding issues. If based in the UK the post holder is required to present or obtain a Disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service). If the post is based outside the UK the post holder will be subject to a different checking process.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, and appropriate screening checks can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. CAFOD also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of, and consent to, these recruitment procedures.
Please click here for a full list of CAFOD’s Staff Benefits
Come and join us and help make a real difference in the lives of the world’s poorest communities.
CAFOD is an equal opportunities employer. Recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
CAFOD is the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales tackling poverty and injustice across the world.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.