Schools and communities manager jobs

Project Trust is an education charity with over fifty years’ experience in international volunteering for young people.  We organise challenging, long-term placements for 17–25-year-olds with partnership organisations in Africa, Asia and the Americas.

We annually select up to 200 young people from across the UK for sustainable teaching and youth development projects around the world.  Our Volunteers are provided with training and support before, during and after their international placements, and return home with broadened horizons and an impressive range of transferable skills, true Global Citizens.

We are looking for a talented and versatile Volunteer & Schools Engagement Coordinator to recruit and support Volunteers for our immersive and focused international placements.  This is an exciting role for a motivated self-starter with excellent communication skills to work with inspirational young people from across the UK, enabling them to achieve their dream of an international volunteering placement.

The successful candidate will be a highly organised individual with the ability to build and maintain relationships with schools and with young people.  We are looking for an inspiring public speaker who is able to engage with and motivate young people to support the recruitment, retention and fundraising efforts of our future Volunteers.

The role is home-based and will involve travel throughout England, including overnight stays, plus some travel to meetings elsewhere in the UK. There will be the occasional requirement to work evenings and weekends.

Main areas of responsibility include:

• Recruit Volunteer candidates through delivery of inspiring presentations within schools, youth organisations and careers fairs
• Develop relationships with partner organisations within the education and youth sectors
• Support and co-ordinate Returned Volunteers in the delivery of school talks
• Be a point of contact and support for young people at application, selection and throughout fundraising activities

Responsibilities & duties

• Recruit Volunteer candidates through the delivery of inspiring presentations in schools and youth organisations, in-person and online
• Engage and support fundraising Volunteers, offering practical advice, guidance and monitoring of fundraising progress
• Represent Project Trust at career and recruitment fairs
• Develop and maintain relationships with partnership organisations within the education and youth sectors
• Support and co-ordinate Returned Volunteers in the delivery of school talks
• Be a point of contact and support for young people throughout the application, selection and fundraising process
• Maintain accurate and up to date records on our CRM database
• Participate in the selection, training and debriefing of Volunteers

Qualifications & skills

Essential

• Commitment to Project Trust’s purpose, approach, ethos
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workload and manage time effectively
• Proven ability to deliver presentations to a range of stakeholders, including young people, with an ability to motivate and inspire others
• Experience of working effectively with and developing young people in a variety of settings, eg schools, youth and community groups
• Ability to work autonomously on own initiative and as part of a remote, multi-disciplinary team
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal, and ability to communicate with a range of audiences
• Excellent customer service skills, with a commitment to providing an outstanding service to Volunteers and third parties
• Excellent administrative skills, able to keep accurate and up to date records and produce reports
• Good judgement and decision-making skills with the ability to work under pressure
• Working knowledge of Microsoft packages and a variety of social media platforms
• Ability to travel within a designated region of the UK and to other parts of the UK as required
• Ability to work remotely from an appropriate home base
• Willingness to undertake work outside standard office hours
• A full clean driving licence and use of a vehicle

Desirable

• Experience of working and/or living in an international environment
• Qualification in working with young people, or demonstrable equivalent experience
• Knowledge and understanding of the voluntary and charitable sector
• Experience in marketing or sales
• Experience of running small projects
• Experience in using a CRM database

Conditions of Service

The appointment will be made subject to Project Trust’s detailed terms and conditions of employment. Candidates should be aware that:

• The post holder will be required to obtain an enhanced Disclosure Scotland check (PVG)
• Any offer of appointment will be made subject to the receipt of satisfactory references
• The post holder must have the right to work in the UK

If you are passionate about youth development and want to use your skills, knowledge and experience to change the world, apply now.

Join us in shaping the new Fair Futures for Young Carers programme in Scotland, as we build a national schools‑focused initiative and lay the foundations for sustainable young carer support across the country.

Carers' Trust are looking for a Programme Officer with a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring young carers are at the heart of programme design and development.

As the postholder you will:

· Build strong partnerships with schools, carer services and young carers.

· Lead programme promotion, training and events and represent the Fair Futures programme across Scotland.

· Gather insights and data to support ongoing development, evaluation and wider systems‑change.

Do you want to join a growing and dynamic children's charity and make a real difference?  This varied and rewarding role could be for you!

A little about us 

We are one of the largest providers of mental health services to schools in London. We also provide early years education and family support, including offering emergency assistance for families in crisis. This work makes a real difference to thousands of children and families each year.

Our values

We work with children and families of all backgrounds and of all faiths and none; our sole aim is to help those in greatest need so they can overcome the challenges they face and achieve their potential. Our work is underpinned by our core values of integrity, compassion, inclusion and partnership. 

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join our friendly team and use your fundraising experience to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families. As Fundraising Manager, your role will focus on developing relationships and generating income from charitable trusts, statutory sources and individuals. 

This is a diverse and rewarding role where you can work closely with our project teams and see the direct impact of your efforts. The fundraising team is also actively involved in service delivery.  This role will be instrumental in helping to distribute gifts and food to hundreds of disadvantaged families at Christmas, as well as helping families in crisis by assessing Crisis Fund applications and approving grants.

As a proactive and creative fundraiser, you will also help to shape the department’s overall fundraising strategy and play an important role in ensuring that many more disadvantaged children and families can access the support they need and have hope of a better future. 

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone with strong fundraising experience who is keen to use their skills to help CCS grow our income. A proactive and flexible approach is also a must! The successful candidate will have:

• At least three years’ experience or working as a charity fundraiser
• A proven track record of personally securing income in excess of £200,000 p.a.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop strong working relationships with colleagues and supporters.

What you will get in return

• Generous annual leave allowance of 30 days p.a. plus bank holidays
• 11% employer pension contribution
• Access to a staff Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme
• Funding to undertake a Diploma in Fundraising with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising after one year.
• The opportunity to wake up each morning and feel you are making a positive difference!

Hours

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week.  However, we are open to considering candidates who wish to work part-time but require a minimum commitment of 21 hours per week.  Please state if you wish to be considered for a part-time role in your cover letter.  

Location

Lovely office at 73 St Charles Square, London. W10 6EJ (private off-street parking is available for staff). Hybrid working options considered, with the expectation staff attend the office at least two or three days per week.

Application process

We are actively interviewing for this role so please submit your CV and covering letter as soon as possible.

Please ensure you include a concise cover letter that clearly sets out why your skills and experience make you suitable for this role and what motivated you to apply.

Further information

CCS is an inclusive employer and we aim to have a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we service. There is no requirement for our staff to be Catholic and we encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to safer recruitment and maintaining a strong and positive safeguarding culture.  This post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.  References from current/past employers will also be sought once an offer has been made.

Charity No. 210920

In Gateshead, Spear is partnering with Alive Church – Spear Gateshead is a part of Alive Church’s mission to change the culture of the city by bringing hope to unemployed young people.

Whilst the North-East is an amazing place to live, there are still challenges, with large disparities between Gateshead’s wealthier and poorer areas, and 23,600 people live in areas described as having deep deprivation. With this comes all the associated issues that poverty causes, including 1 in 4 children growing up in poverty and one of the worst levels of social mobility in the country.

Alive Church is a diverse community gathered from across Gateshead, Newcastle and the North East with a vision to see individuals, the church and communities across our region Come Alive in Jesus name. Together they are playing their part in the re-evangelisation of the nation, the revitalisation of the church and the transformation of society.

Key Information

Salary: £27,000, pro rata

Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm, Monday –Thursday, Part-time (with some flexibility and occasional evening or weekend work for events such as Spear Celebrations)

Contract: Maternity Cover

Location: Alive Church Gateshead

Closing date: Monday 23rd February (We are interviewing on a rolling basis and might close the application early if we find the right candidate)

Please feel free to let us know if you may require any reasonable adjustments to participate fully in our recruitment process.

For more information please read through our Work With Us Information Pack and Job Specification.

Role Responsibilities

Oversight of the Spear Programme

• As a confident communicator, you will lead group sessions of around 10 young people each, using coaching skills to transform attitudes to their own ability and the workplace, and to raise their awareness and maximise potential in stepping into the world of work.
• Prepare and coach group and 1-1 sessions with the Spear Coach.
• Ensure the programme is delivered in line with agreed targets, and report KPIs on recruitment, retention and completion of Spear Trainees, as well as their ongoing progress and sustainment of work or education.

Partnership Liaison and Relationship Management

• Establish the primary local referral agencies and steward relationships with these, overseeing and building a strategy to ensure recruitment of young people onto the Spear programme is effective.
• Maintain and develop relationships with local partners to form a strong referral network.

Line Management and Training

• Manage the Spear Coach, using a coaching approach to invest in their growth and development.
• Work alongside the Programme Manager to analyse Spear Programme performance and ongoing operations of the centre, and report back on KPIs.

Church Community

• The Spear Centre Manager is directly employed by Alive Church, meaning you are part of a vibrant church staff team and submerged in an exciting faith community.
• You will be required to establish strong relationships with key people at the church to ensure the engagement and backing of church members and help the Spear Coach to establish a strong presence at the church to build a network of supporters for the Spear programme.
• Ensure the Spear programme is a key missional feature of the work of the church; this may involve attending church events and speaking at services.

Site Management

• Work with the Church to coordinate the training room and any infrastructure needs for the Spear Centre.
• Liaise with relevant staff locally on-site issues and work to resolve them as soon as possible, ensuring the office and training room are safe and tidy working spaces in line with health and safety policies.

Person Specification

• An active Christian, able to personally represent the values and beliefs of Spear and Alive Church, and a commitment to grow and learn spiritually and as a Christian leader.
• A dynamic and engaging coach with an enthusiasm for and direct experience of coaching and training techniques.
• Passion for social justice and for working as part of the church to transform communities, especially supporting young people in employment or education.
• An entrepreneurial and ambitious individual who enjoys starting new projects, works well under pressure and can translate ideas into practice with creativity.
• Self-motivated with strong leadership, management and organisational skills with the ability to exercise initiative and prioritise workload.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a confidence in group facilitation, high emotional intelligence, and a sense of fun!

Key Information

Location: Kennington, office-based

Salary: from £34,000

Contract: Full-Time, Maternity Cover (9-12months)

Hours: Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 5.30pm with some out-of-hours work needed for events such as our Spear Celebrations

Closing date: Monday 23rd February (We are interviewing on a rolling basis and might close the application early if we find the right candidate)

Assessment Day: Thursday 5th March

For more information please read through our Work With Us Information Pack and Job Specification.

If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Role Responsibilities

Strategy, vision and impact

• Be at the forefront of leading our ‘big picture’ vision of a transformed society, empowering churches to transform young lives 
• Build and implement a strategy for developing relationships with local referral agencies to ensure effective recruitment of young people onto the Spear programme 
• Oversee the reporting of the Centre outcomes and ensure the Spear Programme is delivered in line with agreed targets 

Leadership, line management and training

• Lead your team with confidence; spurring them on our mission; invest in a team culture of excellence, belonging and fun 
• Manage and develop the Lead Coach and Assistant Coach, using a coaching approach to invest in their growth and development. This includes weekly 1:1s, performance reviews and regular feedback
• Equip your team to drive change through a data informed approach, and keep them accountable to agreed targets for the Spear Programme

Relationship management

• Manage great relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including referrers, local businesses, donors, and your Board of Trustees 
• Embed into your local church; working closely with your Spear Trustees and congregation, and actively participating in their mission and events
• Partner with the Spear Trustees and assist in implementing their funding strategy by helping to build corporate
• and donor relationships. For example, by hosting prospective donors in the Training Room

Delivery of the Spear Programme

• Support group and 1-1 coaching with numerous 16-24-year-olds: equipping them with practical work-ready skills and resilient mindsets 
• Provide guidance to the Lead Coach in the training room when dealing with behavioural and safeguarding situations and upskill coaches with consistent coaching feedback
• Use a coaching approach to engage young people in challenging conversations that will enable them to take responsibility and over significant barriers to employment 

Operations 

• Liaise with relevant staff regarding site operations and work to resolve any issues as soon as possible, ensuring the office and training room are safe and tidy working spaces in line with health and safety policies

Person Specification

• You are an active Christian, passionate about your work being a lived expression of your faith 
• You want to help others reach their full potential, and enable young people to overcome significant barriers to employment 
• You have demonstrable experience in coaching, teaching or training and development, as well as being keen to develop these skills further
• You are an experienced and mature leader/line manager, or have great leadership potential, and are eager to bring out the best in your team
• You are confident building relationships with a variety of stakeholders, with effective written and verbal communication skills 
• You are looking for a varied, hands-on role, where you won't be tied to a desk 

Dig Deep is an award-winning international development charity working to secure clean water, safe sanitation and good hygiene for the one million people of Bomet County, Kenya - half of whom are children.

This is a new position, created at a pivotal moment for the charity. Over the last year, the combined turnover of Dig Deep and our trading subsidiary (Dig Deep Challenges) has grown by over 50%. Our impact, our partnerships and our responsibilities have grown with it. To sustain this progress well, we now need dedicated leadership across international finance and governance.

The Finance & Governance Manager will play a central role in making this work possible. By ensuring strong financial management, robust governance and clear reporting, you will help ensure every pound & Kenyan shilling is used well and every decision is well-informed.

This role is home-based and open to candidates living in the UK. You will work closely with colleagues across the UK and Kenya, with monthly travel for team meetings in the UK and occasional travel to our Kenyan office.

If you care about impact, value rigour, and want your work to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.

ROLE SUMMARY

Organisation: Dig Deep (Africa)

Role: Finance & Governance Manager

Reporting to: Chief Executive

Key responsibilities:

• International Finance: Day-to-day international financial management of the charity and trading arm, incl. procurement, timely payment of invoices and production of management accounts
• International Governance: ensuring all statutory returns and other critical governance deadlines are met and internal governance procedures are adhered to
• Business Intelligence: developing and producing financial reports for staff leadership team and trustees
• Act as Secretary to the Board: ensure the smooth scheduling and preparation of regular board meetings
• CRM & Data Protection: Maintaining/developing CRM and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations

Contract type:

• Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
• Permanent

Salary and benefits:

• £40,000-45,000 per annum
• Mentoring, coaching and professional development support available from highly experienced trustee finance & governance committee & staff team
• 33 days annual leave (incl. Bank holidays)
• Home working with flexible hours

Location:

• Home working in UK
• Travel required once per month for team meetings in Sheffield/across Midlands/London (expenses paid)
• Possible travel required to East Africa on exceptional basis (approx. once every 2 years)

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• At least 3 years of experience in finance, governance, or a closely related role
• Experience managing day-to-day financial processes, including payments, procurement and reporting
• Good understanding of governance requirements, statutory returns and board processes
• Experience producing clear financial reports for senior staff and directors
• Experience of managing audits
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Confidence managing systems, records and sensitive data
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently in a home-based role
• Alignment with Dig Deep’s values and commitment to ethical practice

Desirable

• Experience of working with QuickBooks
• Experience of multi-currency accounting
• Experience working in the charity or international development sector
• Experience supporting or acting as secretary to a board or committee
• Familiarity with CRM systems and data protection compliance
• Experience working across multiple countries or jurisdictions
• Experience supporting a growing organisation through a period of change

HOW TO APPLY

We encourage applications from all backgrounds, ages and ethnicities. If you think you could be a valuable asset to Dig Deep but are unsure about your suitability, or have any other questions, please contact us.

To apply, please attach a one-page cover letter and CV (max two sides) before 17.00 on Wednesday, 4th March 2026

First round Zoom interviews are scheduled to take place on Monday 16th March 2026

Second round in-person interviews are scheduled to take place on Monday 23rd March 2026

Support charities. Strengthen communities. Tackle inequality across Oxfordshire.
Join OCVA as a Community Development Officer and be the first point of contact for organisations making real change.

This is a hands-on, people-focussed role at the heart of Oxfordshire’s voluntary and community sector. You will work directly with charities, community groups and social enterprises, offering practical advice and support on governance, funding, sustainability and organisational development. You will combine office and home working with regular travel across the county, building trusted relationships and helping organisations tell the story of their impact.

If you enjoy supporting others to succeed, working collaboratively, and making a tangible difference to communities, this role offers variety, autonomy and purpose in equal measure.

Help improve the life chances of young people through physics education. We’re looking for an experienced, creative Marketing and Communications Manager to raise awareness of our work, strengthen our brand, and inspire engagement across schools, teachers, industry partners, and supporters.

Physics Partners is a charity dedicated to improving young people’s life chances through high-quality physics teaching. We work with schools, teachers, and industry partners to make physics accessible for every student, helping to build the skilled workforce the UK needs for the future.

As our Marketing and Communications Manager, you’ll lead campaigns that tell our story, grow our reach, and celebrate the impact of our programmes. You’ll manage content across digital, print, and social media, shape our online presence, and develop creative materials that connect with diverse audiences.

We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with hands-on creativity - confident in digital communications, content creation, and stakeholder engagement. You’ll join a small, collaborative team where your ideas will make a real difference.

Key details

• Hours: 14 hours per week (0.4 FTE) – flexible working arrangements available

• Contract: 6-month initial term, with potential to become permanent

• Salary: £35,000 FTE (negotiable depending on experience and contract type)

• Reports to: Chief Executive

• Location: Home-based, with occasional travel

• Contract type: Employment or freelance considered

Essential skills and experience

• Proven experience in developing, planning, and executing marketing communications campaigns.
• Strong digital communications skills (CMS, SEO, email marketing, social media, Google Analytics).
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling ability with a strong eye for design and detail.
• Track record of managing external agencies and multiple stakeholders.
• Creative and proactive mindset
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• A genuine commitment to diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and Physics Partners’ mission.

Application process

The full role description is available to download.

Submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

• Deadline: 5:00 pm, Sunday 1 March 2026

• First interviews: Online on 9 and 10 March 2026

Physics Partners is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

NEON is a not- for profit Organtision 

Our Mission is to remove structural barriers within the arts and creative industries by creating equitable access to training, space, professional experience and paid work.

We centre children, young people and emerging creatives from underrepresented and underprivileged communities, ensuring talent is supported not only creatively, but economically and professionally.

We are seeking to expand our team capacity to deliver transformational growth across our creative programming. The Business Development Manager will  transition NEON from project-based delivery to sustainable, recurring programmes while scaling our impact within the creative industries and local community.

Job Description

You will work closely with both our external cross-sector funders, clients and internal delivery partners and teams to provide a service that exceeds expectations by  monitoring progress and continually adapting and improving effectiveness to meet changing needs

The postholder will:

• Expand income generation through studio hires, memberships, events, and trading

• Securing sponsorships, multi-year funding, and philanthropic donations

• Develop contracts and partnerships with schools, local authorities, and corporate entities

• Strengthening impact reporting and financial reporting and management

• Supporting the Founder and Artistic Director to build a resilient business model across our sites in Vauxhall from 2026. 

Role Profile - Essential Experience and Skills 

• 5 years plus demonstrable experience of income generation  and management, delivering on time and within budget 

• Demonstrable experience of budget management - strong financial literacy, commercial awareness and analytical 

• You enjoy working in an entrepreneurial and creative, start-up environment - understanding that this may mean doing what is needed to get the outcome, even if not within one’s own role

• You have resilience to change course and adapt priorities as needed by the business

• You are as comfortable working independently as you are as part of a team

• You enjoy working with a small team and contributing to the broader ambition of the whole organisation and being an ambassador for our work

• Willing to be based in our studio in Vauxhall

• Substantial experience of relationship building and collaborative partnership with people from all sectors and backgrounds - especially at senior management/executive level e.g. stakeholders, funders and delivery partners

• Demonstrable track record of managing and monitoring performance to meet objectives and delivery of targets 

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate and present ideas clearly, coherently and persuasively in the written format as well as verbally 

• Ability to think, act and communicate strategically and creatively

• Ability to be self-servicing including proficient use of Microsoft IT and Google Suite package

Desirable

• Knowledge and/or experience of the arts and creative industries, in a startup or with creative entrepreneurs is desirable though not essential. We would still like to hear from you if you have experience leading and delivering high-profile projects and are committed to making a difference.

• You are passionate about the arts and creative sectors, wanting to use your abilities to nurture the talents of others and increase diversity within these sectors

Job title: Corporate Community and Events Manager

Location: Hemel Hempstead & Watford. Hybrid where agreed.

Responsible to: Head of Fundraising & Marketing

Key relationships: Head of Fundraising, Fundraising Officer, MarComms Lead, Marketing & Events Officer

Hours: 37 hours per week

Salary: £35,000 FTE

Contract Type: Permanent

Disclosure Level:  Enhanced DSB clearance required

About Us: 

Playskill is a Hertfordshire-based charity supporting pre-school children with physical disabilities and their families. The charity relies entirely on voluntary donations to fund its vital services.

Using therapeutic play as a tool for development of key milestones, Playskill steps in during the crucial early intervention window when the brain is developing faster than at any other time. Through expert therapies, vital in-home support, specialist training and all important social and respite events for the whole family.

We stand alongside families throughout the challenges of living with disability, offering guidance, care, and community, helping them to build skills, resilience and networks to face the journey ahead. 

About the role: 

We have an exciting opportunity for a Corporate Community and Events Manager who will play a key role in growing Playskill's income through community, coporate and event fundraising. 

Working closely with the Head of Fundraising & Marketing, you will develop new fundraising opportunities, steward existing supporters, and create initiatives that introduce new people to the Playskill community.

You will lead on community and corporate partnerships, manage flagship and fundraising events (including Playskill’s Annual Golf Day), and line-manage the Fundraising Officer.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Grow income from community, corporate, and events fundraising

• Build and manage relationships with supporters, community groups, and corporate partners

• Plan and deliver fundraising events and campaigns

• Identify new income streams and opportunities

• Line manage the Fundraising Officer

• Manage budgets and record activity accurately using a CRM system

• Ability to manage budgets effectively and maintain financial discipline

Required Experience:

• Minimum 2 years' in community, corporate, or events fundraising

• Experience planning and delivering fundraising events

• Strong relationship-building and organisational skills

• Line management experience

• Experience using a CRM system (Donorfy or similar)

Diversity statement:

Playskill is an equal opportunities employer and has a high number of team members with caring responsibilities and is keen to encourage applicants from a diverse number of backgrounds.

Safeguarding statement: 

Playskill is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment. Playskill has a full safeguarding policy and expects all staff to undergo safeguarding training.
 

Interview date: TBC

Interview location: Hemel Hempstead

After a successful Inspiring Minds Campaign that raised £50m over a 10-year period and achieved the goal of providing bursaries to 1 in 4 pupils, the Latymer Foundation is now entering a new strategic period. A new three-year strategy will sustain and grow bursary provision, driving us towards the goal of achieving needs-blind admissions, whilst positioning Latymer as the independent school that sets the global standard for access, inclusion and opportunity.

Within this context, the Head of Philanthropy will play a vital role in securing the financial resources that sustain Latymer’s sector-leading bursary programme, ensuring that talent, not financial circumstance, determines access to a life-changing Latymer education.

The Head of Philanthropy role will have a strong personal focus on major gifts fundraising, whilst overseeing all philanthropic income streams — Major Gifts, Regular Giving and Legacies.

Salary circa £75,000 per annum, dependent on experience.

To apply and find out more about the school and our attractive staff benefits package, please visit our dedicated recruitment website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 9.00 am on Monday, 23rd February 2026.

Interviews 1st Round (Virtual) – Tuesday 3rd & Wednesday 4th March 2026.

Interviews 2nd Round (In-person at Latymer Upper School) – Wednesday 11th March 2026.

Diversity – The School is fully committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. We have an established and representative staff Equality and Diversity Board to help drive forward positive change. A further Equality and Diversity Committee has recently been formed from our student population.

We are committed to attracting and retaining the very best staff, ensuring that our staff body reflects the diversity of our students and local community. Acknowledging a lack of ethnic diversity within our Support Staff community, we particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates for this role. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010; however, the School may employ positive action where diverse candidates can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS, online checks and receipt of two satisfactory references.

The Haberdashers’ Company is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London, with a history dating back to 1371. While custodians of a remarkable heritage, we are firmly focused on the present and future. Our enduring purpose is to empower young people from every background to fulfil their potential through our schools and by supporting their communities.

Today, the Company is a thriving membership organisation of more than 1,000 members from a wide range of professions, united by a shared commitment to service and social impact. We are a modern, values-led funder, committed to flexible, relational and transparent grant-making, working in partnership with our schools, churches, communities and charity partners to create lasting change.

Central to our approach is the Haberdashers’ Advantage, a distinctive funder-plus model that combines grant funding with member-led governance support, volunteering, mentoring and capacity building. Each year, the Company distributes over £5.6 million to support schools, young people, churches and charities across North London, Southeast London, South Wales and the West Midlands, with a primary focus on education and community resilience.

The Role

We are seeking a Director for Charities to lead and further develop the Company’s grant-making, philanthropy and fundraising. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping and delivering charitable strategy and ensuring the Company’s resources create meaningful, long-term impact for young people and communities.

The Director for Charities will oversee our grant-making, steward key funding relationships and play a central role in developing fundraising with members, including growing individual giving, legacies and events-based income. The role is inherently relational, working closely with charity partners, schools, dioceses, Company members and colleagues. You will support and advise grant-making committees, convene learning and engagement events, and represent the Company within external funder networks to remain connected to best practice in modern philanthropy.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for a values-driven leader with strong experience of flexible and responsive grant-making and fundraising in the charitable sector, and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for young people and communities. You will have excellent communication skills, a warm, engaging and reflective leadership style, and will thrive in a small but highly collaborative organisation. You will be comfortable engaging with grassroots charities, senior stakeholders, Company members and robust governance structures, combining an appreciation for heritage and service with a commitment to modern, progressive philanthropy.

To read more about the opportunity and our work, please download the full appointment brief.

Closing Date: 3 March 2026

People Beyond Profit Screening Conversations: 9-18 March 2026

The Haberdashers’ Company Panel Interviews:

• First Stage: 27 March 2026
• Second Stage: 13 April 2026

Job Title: School Gardener for Young Marketeers Leeds

Position Type: Freelance

Reports to: Project Coordinator

Based at: Home-working and at schools in Leeds

Working Hours: February – July 2026:  

16 x school gardening sessions at £110 per session plus 2 days planning @ £220 = £2200

3.5 days @ £165 for delivering 8 x school assemblies and attending Market Day  = £577.50

Total:  £2777.50

Contract: Temporary

Job Purpose

· To deliver Young Marketeers gardening sessions and assemblies in eight Leeds primary schools

Background to School Food Matters

At School Food Matters we believe that school food can unlock a happier, healthier, more sustainable future for every child. We want a school food system that delivers for all children, so they can enjoy nutritious, delicious and sustainable school food and leave school with an informed and positive relationship with food. To achieve this, we campaign for a better school food system, bringing the voices of children, parents, and teachers to government policy, and deliver fully funded food education programmes in schools across the country.

Young Marketeers

This much-loved programme was started in London in 2012. It is now running in about 125 primary and special schools across England.  This is the fourth year it has run in Leeds. The programme provides hands-on opportunities for children from primary schools to grow fruit and veg from seed to sell at their local market. Young Marketeers is also a platform for School Food Matters to promote food education to schools and communities as a way to support children to live happy and healthy lives. Children learn the art of growing veg from seed, and market traders will share their secrets on how to create a winning market stall. Primary schools will be visited by our gardener in March/April and then again in May/June and receive further tips on how to ensure a bumper crop. Then in July, they head to the market to sell their produce, and to meet the Mayor!

Key Tasks include:

· Build and maintain relationships with teachers, teaching assistants and senior leaders to ensure the smooth running of the project

· Plan and deliver

o One assembly in each school

o Two food growing sessions in each school with a class of 30 children (divided into 2 groups of 15)

· Attend Market Day in the city centre in July with all schools

• Complete monitoring and evaluation forms in accordance with instructions from our Evaluation team
• Take photos of workshops and events where possible
• Keep Project Coordinator and Leeds Project Officer fully updated on progress

· Keep up to date with safeguarding requirements and reporting procedures

• Maintain the ethos of the charity and positively promote our work at all times

Person specification

Essential

· Experience of delivering food growing sessions to children

· Knowledge of fruit and vegetable growing

· Excellent administrative and organisational skills with great attention to detail

· Ability to work in a team, and seek help when needed

· Self-motivated and optimistic with a can-do attitude

Desirable

· Experience of working for a charity or not for profit organisation

· Experience of working in primary schools and engaging children

· Experience of building relationships with partner organisations and individuals

The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.

Leading national policy strategy

As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will work closely with the CEO to develop and execute a four-year influencing plan.  Together we’ll aim to shift local and national incentives on inclusion by 2030, which see the national trend of rising suspension and absence begin to fall. 

You will hold relationships with the Department for Education and Ofsted and advise on policy priorities ahead, such as:

• Widening the definition of inclusion beyond special needs, recognising the needs of those young people historically or currently interacting with social services

• Reducing perverse incentives for schools to alter their school roll through admissions and pupil exits

• Expectations for multi-academy trusts in capturing and analysing data on lost learning, including how it disproportionately affects different groups

• Improving local alternative provision eco-systems, to improve outcomes for young people

• National standards for inclusive school practice, at a universal and targeted level

• Professional development standards for school inclusion

Developing implementation expertise in the middle tier

In your first six months, you will advise on the internal development of a new programme for middle tier policy actors: multi-academy trust and local authority leaders.  You will support the Programme team in its design, to plan strategically for the recruitment of trusts and local authorities, and you will plan the research and influencing work which will seek to share their success nationally.

Building the evidence base

In your second six months, you will work with the CEO to build out our research function. Your influencing plan will include how The Difference can learn from the work across our multi-academy trust, local authority and internal AP pioneer partners over the next four years, to develop influential publications. Research work ahead will include publishing sector-facing publications of The Difference’s own research, carried out by our research lead and associates; alongside managing external contractors and internal colleagues to bid for and deliver aligned research disseminating our ideas.

Raising your voice

This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to inclusive policy change. The Difference has always punched above our weight in national and sector press reach. In post,  you will publish blogs and comment pieces, disseminating our shared ideas.  You will be a prominent voice on inclusion.

The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!

The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will: 

Design and execute an impactful influencing plan 

• Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones. 

• Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.

• Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks. 

• Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.

Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation

• Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives. 

• Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert. 

• Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability. 

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:

• Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic. 

• Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change. 

• Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.

• Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus. 

• Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact. 

• Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference. 

• Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time. 

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following: 

• Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice. 

• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).

We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply. 
We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.