At Children’s University Trust, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive through learning beyond the classroom. We’re a small, passionate team with bold ambitions to expand our impact – and we’re looking for an equally ambitious Business Development and Community Partnership Manager to lead the way.
This is more than just a development role. It's about building sustainable growth strategies, forging powerful partnerships, and shaping a future where opportunity is no longer defined by postcode or circumstance.
As our Business Development and Community Partnership Manager, you will take the lead in shaping and implementing visionary, data-driven growth strategies across three vital areas:
- Place-based memberships with schools, universities, councils’ departments, and third sector organisations.
- Individual “at home” subscriptions for children in areas without direct Children’s University provision or those who do not engage with traditional education.
- Strategic business partnerships with corporates and SMEs, securing vital funding and in-kind support.
You’ll be a key figure in our next phase of growth — identifying new opportunities, building meaningful relationships, and helping us scale our reach across the UK.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive new business activity and revenue growth across all three strategic areas.
- Build a strong, inclusive pipeline of potential members, partners, and funders.
- Manage and nurture relationships from first contact through to long-term collaboration.
- Use data and insight to shape decision-making and report progress to the board.
- Be a passionate ambassador for Children’s University at events, conferences, and online.
We’re Looking for Someone Who:
- Has a proven track record in income generation, partnerships or sales – all sector’s welcome!
- Is passionate about improving the lives of children and young people.
- Is a strategic thinker with the energy of a new business developer.
- Has the confidence to influence senior stakeholders and the empathy to build trust.
- Brings a creative, collaborative, and resilient mindset.
- Thrives in a fast-paced, flexible, remote-first environment.
Why Join Us?
- A unique chance to shape a growing national charity’s development strategy.
- A collaborative, driven team that values innovation and purpose.
- Flexible working, with one day a week in Manchester.
- An opportunity to truly change lives through education and opportunity.
If you’re excited by the chance to lead sustainable growth with purpose, and you want your work to matter, we want to hear from you.
Apply today and be part of a team creating a brighter future for children across the UK.
Registered Charity 
1 - 5
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Role: Freelance Bookkeeper / Accountant
Location: Student Minds, Leeds - remote working contract. Some in person work may be required approximately 2 to 3 times per year.
Hours: 15 - 20 hours per week; flexible working Mon - Fri, to suit your availability
Fee: £20 per hour, inclusive of VAT if applicable (open to discussion – please include your rates in your application)
Contract: 6 to 12 months, reviewable
Start Date: July 2025, exact start date to be agreed
About Us
Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity. We have a clear vision: No student should be held back by their mental health. We empower students to build their own mental health toolkit to support themselves and their peers through university life and beyond. We challenge the higher education sector, health sector, and government to make student mental health a priority.
We are looking for a detail-oriented and reliable bookkeeper or accountant to join our friendly team, help manage our financial records efficiently and support day-to-day financial administration.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a friendly and reliable freelance bookkeeper or accountant to join our extended team and help keep our finances running smoothly. You’ll play a key behind-the-scenes role, working with the Senior Finance Manager to support our charity’s sustainability and activities. Student Minds is a medium sized charity (turnover approx £1m and 27 staff) and we need to make every penny work to support our student communities.
This role would suit someone who enjoys working with purpose-led organisations, and who values flexibility, collaborative working and community impact.
Your Key Responsibilities
-
Maintain accurate financial records and ledgers.
-
Process accounts payable and receivable.
-
Support the invoicing process.
-
Reconcile bank accounts, control accounts and company payment cards.
-
Reconcile income reports.
-
Prepare draft monthly management accounts.
-
Prepare financial reports.
-
Manage routine credit control.
-
Manage the central finance email inbox.
-
Ensure financial data integrity and confidentiality.
What We’re Looking For - Minimum Criteria
-
Proven experience (at least 2 years) as a bookkeeper or in a similar role, ideally with charities or community organisations
-
Proficiency and experience in Xero accounting software.
-
AAT Level 3 qualification or equivalent.
-
Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
-
Knowledge of financial regulations and tax procedures.
-
Proficient with Microsoft Office packages, with advanced knowledge of Excel
-
Grade C and above / Grade 5 and above in GCSE Maths or equivalent.
-
Excellent communication skills.
We can only accept applicants who are residents of the UK with a valid right to work.
What You'll Gain
-
A flexible freelance role with real community impact
-
The chance to work alongside a values-driven team
-
An opportunity to support a long-standing charity doing meaningful work supporting positive wellbeing and mental health
How to Apply
If this sounds like a good fit, we’d love to hear from you! Please send us an email (detailed on our BreatheHR site, and in our recruitment pack) outlining:
-
your experience and qualifications, telling us how you meet the role requirements
-
your freelance rate
-
include your CV
- if you wish to be considered under our priority interview scheme.
Priority Interview Scheme
We recognise that candidates from ethnically-diverse backgrounds may face additional barriers throughout their careers and when applying for charity roles. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team by offering a prioritised interview scheme for candidates from ethnically-marginalised backgrounds.
If you meet the minimum criteria for this role and are from an ethnically-diverse background, you'll be prioritised for an interview under our Priority Interview Scheme.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 6th July, 23.59; interviews during mid July, by arrangement.
Student Minds is committed to building an inclusive team and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life.
