Schools and communities manager jobs

The Youth Endowment Fund 

Change Lead, Youth Sector 

Reports to: Head of Change for Youth Sector 

Salary: £56,600 

Location:  Central London, Hybrid*  

Contract: 2 years -fixed term contract

Closing date: Thursday 23rd April 2026 at 12pm (noon) 

Interviews: Week commencing 4th May 2026 

About the Youth Endowment Fund 

All of us will experience violence at some point in our lives. For many children, it is a daily reality. Each year, tens of children are killed, hundreds are hospitalised, 1 in 5 teenage children are victims and the majority admit to feeling afraid of violence. It scares them when they travel home from school, prevents them from going out and makes the most vulnerable feel like they don’t matter. It is taking lives, traumatising families and dividing communities. It robs potential, progress and hope.   

But it doesn’t have to be this way.   

The Youth Endowment Fund believes that no child should be affected by violence. We research violence to understand it; we find, fund and test what works to prevent it; and we are building a movement to end it.  

Key Responsibilities 

We are making good progress building the evidence of what works within and around the youth sector to reduce violence. With the launch of the new Practice Guidance we are keen to translate evidence recommendations into practice. The greatest risk is that evidence stays on the shelf and doesn’t help young people – your role is to make sure that doesn’t happen.
 
You’ll focus on helping local authority commissioners use our tools and guidance in their everyday decisions about youth services. This will involve: 

• Creating clear, practical content like guides, toolkits and workshop materials to support the use of Practice Assessment for the Youth Sector (PAYS). 

• Leading our Practice Guidance programme, working closely with commissioners to help them use evidence in their work. 

• Building strong, trusted relationships with senior leaders across the sector. 

• Planning and tracking how we support more commissioners to adopt evidence-based approaches. 

• Spotting what tools or resources are needed and helping develop them. 

• Finding effective ways to share evidence, from events and workshops to online sessions and presentations. 

As a senior member of staff in the organisation, you also: 

• Build a culture where it is natural to perform well and support colleagues brilliantly.

• Contribute to setting the strategy, delivering results and building and modelling the culture that we need to succeed.

About You 

You are this sort of person: 

• You are fascinated about change and are experienced in making it happen. You have outstanding analytical judgment alongside the emotional intelligence and experience needed to identify the right opportunities for change, then make them happen. You understand why people find change difficult. You come alive talking about how people make decisions and why they do the things they do. 

• You understand Local Authority Commissioners working specifically working with the youth sector. You really understand how youth commissioners work, from Directors of Children Services, Heads of Services to senior stakeholders within the youth sector. You have experience of commissioning youth provision, working in youth sector, ideally in a role that worked with young people who are vulnerable to or involved in violence. You can demonstrate ability to reflect on and adopt evidence-based practice in relation to the youth sector.

• You write in a way that people easily understand. You have that rare skill of writing in plain English. You have experience of translating complex information into plain writing that everyone can understand.

• You have excellent project and time management skills and the ability to deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment. You can work independently and to a high standard.

• You win people over. People tend to warm to you and respect you. You have built good relationships with very senior people and with very junior people. You are good at chairing meetings, connecting people and having good introductory meetings. You are comfortable talking to a government minister, a youth worker, a company CEO, a teacher and a 15-year-old student. Listening to people from all backgrounds matters to you.

• You are an excellent strategic thinker. People say that you are good at seeing the big picture. You have experience of wrestling into place a strategy for a project or organisation. You are good at thinking logically, but you are also creative. You have ideas but are happy rejecting a lot of them. You like seeing things from different points of view. 

• You learn fast but remain humble. You are very quick at getting your head around things. You like learning. You are very good at synthesising information. You know how much you don't know. You know that you can learn more. You know that it's easy to assume you know when you don't. You care more that good things happen than who gets the credit. You are a great and supportive team player. 

• You don't want your days to pass without making a difference. You want to play a significant part in reducing violence.

• You understand young people. You understand what the lives of vulnerable young people can be like and you understand some of the organisations that work with them, ideally through first-hand experience.

• You are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

You must have this sort of experience 

• Changing frontline practice and systems: You have significant experience in leading behaviour, practice or policy changes within the youth work sector. You can show how these have been effective in delivering tangible change.

• Commissioning, or supporting the commissioning of, youth sector services, preferably in a role/setting specifically working with young people who are vulnerable to or involved in violence.  

You might have this sort of experience:  

• Crafting and delivering a strategy to get a new piece of evidence or guidance adopted within the youth sector.

• Behaviour change research experience.

• Working with other funders and commissioners of youth services, such as housing investment leads.

While it’s not a criterion, we’re especially interested to hear from applicants who have lived experience of youth violence.    

It’s also important to us that the people we hire do not discriminate. We believe in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or social economic background.    

Hybrid Working Details     

The office is based in Central London, but you don’t have to be.

Those living in London and within the 32 London Boroughs are expected to be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week. If you live outside of London and work remotely, you’ll be expected to work from the London office 2 days per month. As part of our commitment to flexible working, we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at the interview stage. 

To Apply 

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter, and complete the monitoring form by click on the "Apply for this" button by Thursday 23rd April at 12pm (noon). 

When applying for this role, please ensure that your cover letter can answer, within a maximum of 1000 words, the following questions:  
 
1. Turning evidence into practice: We are keen to ensure that our Practice Guidance and tools are actively used by commissioners. This role requires building trusted relationships with local authority commissioners and other local funders to encourage evidence-based decision-making. Describe your experience influencing senior stakeholders to change practice or adopt a new approach?
 
2. Influencing commissioners: This role requires building trusted relationships with local authority commissioners and other local funders to encourage evidence-based decision making. Describe your experience influencing senior stakeholders to change practice or adopt a new approach? 
 
3. Excellent project management: Will be critical to delivering the Practice Guidance programme and supporting adoption across the sector. Tell us about a complex project you have led from planning through to delivery and share what management tools aided you. 

Interview process  

This will be a one stage process, with interviews taking place the week commencing 4th May 2026.

 
PLEASE NOTE: We do not sponsor work permits, and you will be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK. 

Benefits Include 

• £1,000 professional development budget annually 

• 28 days holiday plus Bank Holidays  

• Four half days for volunteering activities  

• Employee Assistance Programme – 24hr phone line for free confidential support

• Volunteering days - 4 half days per year  

• Death in service - 4 times annual salary  

• Flexible hours. Core office hours 10am – 4pm  

• Financial support including travel and hardship loans  

• Employer contributed pension of 5% 

Personal Data   

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.   

The Kensington + Chelsea Foundation is an independent local charity which was founded in 2008 to tackle the key inequalities in our community. While our borough is often associated with wealth and affluence, it also has areas of severe deprivation. Nearly one third of children in K+C are eligible for Free School Meals, life expectancy between residents from different wards varies by nearly two decades, and in-work poverty has increased by 46% since 2020.

Our vision is of a borough where all residents have the opportunity to live happy, healthy, fulfilled lives. To achieve this vision, we identify and fund impactful local projects which improve the lives and life chances of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged residents. Alongside this longer-term work, we also play a key role in responding to emergencies in our community, such as the tragedy at Grenfell Tower and the Covid-19 pandemic. The K+C Foundation is now in an exciting phase of growth, and we want to increase our profile, our income and, most importantly, our impact.

The Community Engagement + Grants Officer plays a key role in our grants team which is  responsible for all aspects of our grantmaking, as well as actively building long-lasting relationships with the local voluntary sector and wider community. The grants team members are our experts in local needs and in the effectiveness of our charity partners in responding to them. In recent years, we have adopted a participatory approach for distributing our larger funds, which means decisions around funding are delegated to panels of local residents who have lived experience of the issues we are trying to tackle. 

The Community Engagement + Grants Officer supports the Senior Grant Manager with the delivery of all of our larger grant rounds, as well as managing our small grants programme and donor-led grants. It is a busy and varied role, with opportunities to develop your skills and experience in a small and supportive team. 

The Mason Foundation is a national charity supporting neurodivergent young people into meaningful employment through our Propel mentorship programme. We work across England and Scotland, partnering with schools, colleges, community youth settings and employers to champion neuroinclusion and create opportunities for young people to thrive.

75% of our staff are neurodivergent, and we're proud to create an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can succeed.

The Opportunity

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Programme Delivery and Support Coordinator to deliver our Propel programme across Scotland, building partnerships and championing neuroinclusion.

As the Training and Support Worker, you'll engage with schools, colleges, community settings and employers, delivering training, supporting implementation, and empowering neurodivergent young people into sustainable employment. You'll play a key role in developing the programme through partner insight and keeping up with best practice in workplace neuroinclusion.

You will be required to travel regularly to deliver face-to-face training within schools, colleges, community settings and workplaces across Scotland, particularly Edinburgh and Glasgow.

What We're Looking For

• A passionate advocate for neurodivergent young people with experience in SEND, employability, or community engagement

• Strong facilitator who can deliver engaging, impactful training to diverse audiences

• Excellent communicator who builds genuine relationships across education, community and employer sectors

• Self-motivated with a 'make it happen' attitude and ability to work independently

• Team player who understands the importance of collaboration

• Driving licence and access to a vehicle (essential)

Why Join Us

In return, you get to work for an ambitious, values-driven charity making a real difference in the lives of neurodivergent young people. You'll have the flexibility of remote working, opportunities to shape the programme in Scotland, and the chance to be part of a supportive team where everyone's contributions matter.

The Woodland Trust is looking for an Engaging Communities Officer to join our exciting Sherwood’s Living Legends project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. A development grant has been awarded by Heritage Fund to help the Woodland Trust progress the project over 18-months to apply for a 5-year delivery stage grant. If this application is successful, the project will safeguard the future of ancient and veteran trees in Sherwood Forest and reconnect communities with this iconic landscape. This is a fixed term contract for 18-months, with the potential for an extension. 

The Role: 

• Lead the community-focused development of Sherwood’s Living Legends, shaping how people connect with the cultural, historical and ecological significance of ancient and veteran trees. 
• Co-create imaginative engagement approaches with consultants, using storytelling, heritage and local myth to inspire urban and rural communities. 
• Define target audiences and craft compelling key messages that will underpin the project’s delivery-stage communications. 
• Promote the project across the Sherwood NCA through social media, local press, PR events and creative outreach activity. 
• Ensure engagement plans are inclusive, accessible and responsive to the needs of diverse communities and participants. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, community groups, landowners and Woodland Trust teams to support joined-up project development. 
• Monitor and evaluate engagement activity, gathering insight and data to inform project design and future delivery. 
• Represent the project internally and externally, sharing successes and supporting alignment with wider Woodland Trust communications. 

The Candidate: 

• Experienced in coordinating and delivering varied community events, including consultations tailored to different audiences and locations. 
• Confident leading groups outdoors, with experience engaging children, schools and community participants in nature-based activities. 
• Skilled in partnership working, able to collaborate with volunteers, community groups and external organisations to achieve shared outcomes. 
• Strong communicator with excellent written, verbal and digital skills, including social media content creation and public-facing representation. 
• Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, with an understanding of how to design accessible and welcoming engagement. 
• Organised and proactive, able to manage multiple workstreams, prioritise effectively and work independently within a dispersed team. 
• Competent with IT systems, particularly MS Office and collaborative platforms such as Teams. 
• Professional, positive and adaptable, able to represent the Woodland Trust and partners with confidence and clarity. 
• The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Basic DBS Check, as part of our pre-employment screening. 

Benefits and Wellbeing: 

Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer: 

• Enhanced Employer Pension 
• Life Assurance 
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options 
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time) 
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme 
• Enhanced Parental Pay 
• Employee Assistance Programme 

About Us: 

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity.  We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees. 

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: 

To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.

People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.  

Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application. 

Application Advice: 

For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and CVs are redacted until after shortlisting is complete. Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role. Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply.

Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI): 

We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools.

Apply Now: 

If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete. 

Interviews to be held on April 21st 2026.

We are seeking an experienced Finance Manager to join our small, professional finance team in a complex and demanding charity environment.

What is the role?

Working at both operational and strategic levels, you will play a central role in supporting the Director of Finance & Assets and contributing to the financial health, governance, and long‑term sustainability of the organisation. The work is varied, intellectually engaging, and meaningful. You will lead key financial processes while supporting strategic planning and decision‑making across the organisation. As a key point of expertise, strong technical ability, initiative, organisation and interpersonal skills, are essential.

What are we looking for?

You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or be AAT qualified with significant experience and have management finance experience in the charity or not for profit sector. You will be skilled in preparing management accounts, budgets and forecasts, managing competing priorities and deadlines, and developing and implementing systems and processes. You don’t need to be a practising Christian, but you do need to be aligned with, and willing to develop an understanding of, the values, ethos and mission of our organisation.

Why join us?

• A role with genuine purpose and impact across local communities.
• A supportive, close‑knit Finance Team where your expertise is valued.
• Supportive and engaged staff in a organisation where your wellbeing matters.
• Varied work combining operational delivery with high‑level strategic insight.
• Hybrid working and a welcoming organisational culture rooted in Christian values.
• Additional benefits such as flexible working, a range of wellbeing activities and the Church of England Pension Scheme with 9-15% employer contributions.

The closing date for applications is 12noon on 13 April 2026 with interviews being held on 21 April 2026 in Truro.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. However, we would particularly welcome applications from those with a disability, or from a UK minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented in our staff.

SAFEGUARDING – EVERYONE MATTERS – EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY

The Diocese of Truro strives to be trauma informed, and is committed to developing safer policies, cultures, and practices.

About Spear

We launched the award-winning Spear Programme over 20 years ago, and there are now 18 Spear Centres across the country, equipping unemployed 16–24-year-olds facing barriers to employment with the skills and mindset they need to secure work and thrive in the workplace.

Spear operates a joint venture model with churches across the UK to run our Spear Centres. Some Centres operate in collaboration with independent charitable trusts, while others are run directly with the local church (both referred to below as ‘Spear Church Partners’ or ‘Church Partners’).

About the role

We’re looking for a new Church Partnerships Manager to join us for this northern based role, with travel across the region.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in driving national growth by developing and nurturing partnerships with churches across the North of England. You will be at the forefront of developing new relationships with potential early-stage partners, inspiring churches to engage with our mission, and supporting them through the pipeline, and helping to establish a diverse and thriving network of church partnerships.

We are looking for a confident relationship-builder who can engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders, particularly church leaders, and who is comfortable working in a dynamic and evolving environment.

Key information:

• Salary: £37,000
• Location: Remote with once a month travel to London for team meetings and regular travel in the North of England
• Full-time, 12-14month Fixed Term Contract, with the possibility of extension
• Closing date: Friday 10th April, 09.00am (we interview on a rolling basis and will close the role early if we find the right candidate)

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

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

Person Specification

• A practising Christian, passionate about personally representing the values and beliefs of Spear, and our mission to equip and support young people facing barriers to employment
• Strong leadership ability with the confidence to make effective decisions
• Outstanding people skills and emotional intelligence, capable of quickly winning trust and confidence, as well as network, influence and negotiate with church leaders and a range of audiences, internally and externally
• An understanding of the needs and workings of churches and their leaders, and the ability to innovate, build our growth strategy and generate new partnerships
• An excellent communicator (both written and verbal)
• Excellent initiative and a self-starter, with the ability to operate flexibly in a changing and dynamic environment and in response to the support needs of each partner
• Strong organisational skills including the ability to establish appropriate processes and structures and to manage multiple priorities to meet targets and deadlines
• Strong quantitative skills including ability to work with and interpret impact data, fundraising pipelines and basic financial information
• Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint competent and experience of/ability to use databases

As Charity Officer, you will directly support our venues based at Redlibbets Golf Club, Cobtree Manor Golf Club, and Warley Park Golf Club.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Delivery:

• Plan, organise, and execute a range of community outreach and charity events, including (but not limited to) Fun, Food, and Golf, Community Cafes and School outreach.
• Collaborate with local schools, charities, and community groups to build strong relationships and drive participation in these programs.
• Ensure the successful delivery of events, including logistics, staffing, equipment, and communication with all relevant stakeholders.
• Work as part of the leadership team at each assigned venue to ensure that charity delivery is an integral part of venue operations.

Partnership Management:

• Build and maintain partnerships with local schools, charities, and other organisations, working to enhance the visibility and impact of Get Golfing’s charity initiatives.
• Identify new opportunities for collaboration with local charities to create synergies and maximise the use of our venue spaces.
• Represent Get Golfing at community events, meetings, and partnerships, ensuring a positive and professional image of the charity.

Funding and Compliance:

• Familiarise with and navigate the local government Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) funding landscape to secure funding for eligible programs where applicable.
• Ensure all programs are compliant with relevant local safeguarding requirements for working with young people and vulnerable adults.
• Assist in preparing reports and documentation for funding applications and compliance checks.

Safeguarding and Wellbeing:

• Adhere to and enforce Get Golfing's safeguarding policies, ensuring that all staff and volunteers are adequately trained and supported.
• Monitor the safety and wellbeing of all participants during events, making sure all appropriate risk assessments and safeguarding protocols are followed.

Community Engagement and Impact:

• Engage with local communities to understand their needs and feedback, ensuring Get Golfing’s programs are accessible, relevant, and impactful.
• Promote Get Golfing’s charitable initiatives through local media, social media, and other communication channels, raising awareness of the charity’s work.
• Collect data and feedback to measure the success and impact of outreach programs, activations and initiatives- assisting with the preparation of reports for key stakeholders.

Administrative and Event Coordination:

• Maintain accurate records of events, funding applications, and partnerships.
• Coordinate with other departments and teams within Get Golfing to ensure effective event delivery and administrative support.
• Manage the budget for each project and event, ensuring cost-effective delivery of services.

Person Specification

Experience

• Experience in community engagement, charity work, event management, or education, particularly in a role involving young people or vulnerable groups.
• Experience working with children and young people in an educational, sporting, or charitable setting.
• Understanding of fundraising strategies and the ability to secure financial support for charitable initiatives.

Knowledge and Skills

• (Desirable) Knowledge of the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) funding landscape and local government initiatives.
• Familiarity with safeguarding policies and procedures for working with children and vulnerable adults.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders including schools, charities, and local authorities.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver multiple events simultaneously.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to produce reports and promotional content.

Attitude and Approach

• Passionate about sport and its potential to engage and benefit communities.
• A proactive approach with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A valid DBS check or the willingness to undergo one is required.
• A willingness to undertake the role of Welfare Officer for the purposes of safeguarding (relevant training will be provided).

Are you a brilliant communicator and collaborator who loves getting into the nitty-gritty of logistics and organisation? Join a passionate team working to end inequality in education through the power of Classics.

We’re looking for a Fundraising and Events Officer to help devise, organise and deliver a variety of events, seek sponsorship opportunities and grow our membership base. From managing systems and data to coordinating logistics and analysing results, every day can be a little bit different. You will be the first point of contact for many of our event attendees, donors and supporters and will enjoy building relationships and improving and maintaining systems to ensure that people have a positive interaction with Classics for All.

Diversity and inclusion

As a social mobility charity, being inclusive is a fundamental value of Classics for All. We welcome applications from all eligible people and are particularly keen to receive applications from those who are from communities that are less represented within the Classics community, such as those from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and those with disabilities.

It does not matter if Classics was offered at your own school, and you do not need to be a classicist to join our team – there are no Latin tests!

We are looking for a strategic, values-driven and collaborative Charity Director/CEO to lead DS Achieve (a small charity) through its next stage, building on strong foundations to ensure long-term sustainability and meaningful impact for the families we support.

This is a rewarding opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of a small community-focused charity supporting children and young people with Down Syndrome. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership, guide the development of the organisation, and support a committed team to deliver high-quality services for families across Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.

Please see the attached Role Profile for details.

About Chance to Shine 

We are Chance to Shine: a children’s charity dedicated to harnessing the power of cricket to transform the life prospects of young people in the UK.

It is our mission that all young people have the opportunity to play, learn and develop through cricket. We want them to learn a love of the game and to find a sense of belonging through the sport, developing their wider wellbeing and life skills to help fulfil their potential.

Established in 2005, we have a long-term track record of delivery in state schools and under-served communities, bringing best-in-class cricket programmes to young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to play. All our programmes are completely free for everyone involved, from schools and community groups to young people and their families.

About the Role

The Digital Systems Manager is responsible for the effective management and development of Chance to Shine’s digital systems, particularly the Chance to Shine Portal built on Salesforce. The role ensures that digital systems are secure, responsive to user feedback and able to deliver a best-in-class digital experience for all. They will lead operational improvements and establish clear structures to enable digital transformation, helping teams get greater value from our systems.

This is a London Office based contract. A minimum of two days a week in the office would be required with the option to work from home on the other days. The role holder will need to be flexible as and when they are required to attend meetings, events, mostly in London but elsewhere around the country.

Key Responsibilities

•  Act as the organisation-wide lead for management of digital systems, promoting good practice, clear communication and effective systems use and development
• Lead the development and general management of the Chance to Shine Portal, built on Salesforce, ensuring it meets internal and external needs.
• Lead the innovation and management of new digital solutions for the Portal, putting the user first and responding to audience need.
•  Management of digital production workflows and coordination of teams, suppliers and budgets for the Portal
•  Support a coordinated approach to other key digital systems, including Raiser’s Edge, core Microsoft tools and finance systems, ensuring they link and support delivery, fundraising and operations, and deliver maximum value for the organisation
• Proactive assessment of new and emerging technologies including AI, aiming to ensure the organisation has a digital-first approach
• Lead staff training related to digital platforms and transformation initiatives
• Proactively develop opportunities for digital systems collaboration with delivery partners, funders and other key stakeholders
• Support good data practice across all digital platforms
• Act as the operational lead for digital security and data protection, supporting GDPR compliance and appropriate cyber security controls

Experience and skills

• At least 3 years demonstrable experience of managing digital transformation in a similar sized organisation, including strategic planning and delivery of digital work or projects, coordinating teams, suppliers, and budgets
• Experience overseeing digital production workflows, managing priorities, and working in a process-driven way
• Experience designing and delivering digital solutions that put audiences and users first
•  Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work confidently with a range of stakeholders
• The ability to analyse complex situations, make sound decisions, and adapt to changing priorities and timelines

Working closely with the Participation Manager, you will help shape and develop programmes using collaborative approaches with community groups, schools and youth organisations. This will include building partnerships that support sustained engagement with underserved audiences and encourage young people and families to explore ongoing opportunities within Wakehurst.

An Enhanced DBS Check is required for this role.

We are looking for someone with significant experience of working with young people, families and community groups, with a strong emphasis on outreach and partnership development. You will have a proven track record of building and maintaining relationships with schools, youth organisations and community partners, and of successfully bringing new audiences into programmes or engagement opportunities.

You will be confident working externally and proactively developing connections, with significant experience of engaging under-served communities and a strong understanding of the barriers that can prevent people from accessing nature, science and cultural spaces.

You will play a key role in contributing to the growth of youth and family audiences at Wakehurst by identifying participation trends, developing targeted outreach approaches and working with partners to remove barriers to participation and improve access to engagement opportunities. You will support the development of clear pathways that enable participants to move from initial engagement into deeper involvement with Wakehurst’s programmes, including opportunities linked to the Community Access Scheme.

You will be an excellent communicator with strong organisational skills, able to manage multiple relationships and coordinate projects effectively while working collaboratively with colleagues across different teams. An interest in nature, conservation or environmental engagement is important, alongside a genuine passion for supporting people to connect with the natural world.

Experience of developing new participation initiatives, and embedding inclusive practice within programmes, as well as knowledge of evaluation and safeguarding, would be beneficial.

This role is based at Wakehurst with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.

About Us

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.

We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.

Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi. 

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

No agencies please.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

We’re searching for a dynamic and innovative project leader who is skilled in supporting marginalised young people and who is able to forge a new approach to meeting their needs.

Westminster City Council, Young Westminster Foundation and John Lyon’s Charity are working with DreamArts to help join up services for young people with caring responsibilities. The Carers Express Project Lead will be responsible for leading Carers Express, DreamArts flagship project for young people with caring responsibilities living or studying in Westminster.

You will be responsible for producing and delivering creative and therapeutic activities for the Juniors (7-11) and Seniors (12-18) Carers Express cohort. The project should be thought of with a strategic and long-term vision that supports young people to use creativity to explore and extend meaning to the challenges they face, build a sense of belonging with peers sharing their experience and be supported with their emotional wellbeing. This will include projects in school holidays, residentials (e.g. attending the UK Young Carers Festival) and phases of evening/weekend workshops. You will act as lead facilitator and will be supported by a freelance Wellbeing Practitioner.

You will also manage a caseload of Young Carers aged 11-16, providing 1:1 support to newly identified carers and/or young carers experiencing key life transitions, e.g., primary school to secondary school. Where possible, you will assess and respond to individual needs, build positive mentoring relationships, and signpost or refer young people to appropriate support services within DreamArts or external partner organisations. Outside of your case load, you will build relationships with all Carers Express participants and their families to sustain their engagement through regular check-ins.

The role includes training and development in therapeutic approaches applied within DreamArts, including the PACE attachment model, and you will receive regular reflection spaces with our Therapeutic Consultant to process your work and ‘therapeutic lens’ sessions exploring approaches for supporting the wellbeing needs of young people in your planning, delivery and evaluation.

MAIN ACTIVITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES​

1.  Producing, delivering and managing the ongoing Carers Express project to meet the needs and interests of Young Carer participants with a strategic and long-term vision.
2. Coordinate with facilitators and partner organisations to deliver engaging and relevant sessions. This includes conducting team planning and debriefs and working with the Young Carers Programme Manager to ensure the team has the necessary skills and training to deliver the project.
3. Ensure that Carers Express maintains a high standard of quality and is managed and delivered within the context of DreamArts Theory of Change, including implementing monitoring and evaluation systems
4. Ensure the project and its delivery are underpinned by autonomous participation and equality of opportunity. This includes engaging young people at every level of the programme, identifying and responding to their needs and interests, and positively challenging and expanding their knowledge and experience.
5. Apply a relational approach underpinned by the PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy. Training in PACE will be provided.
6. Deliver outreach activities to increase awareness and referrals to Carers Express.
7. Liaise with referral partners, including Westminster Early Help Service, schools, professionals and partners to identify Young Carers and inform them of participants’ development.
8. Lead and line-manage a Wellbeing Practitioner who will support the pastoral needs of the group.
9. Manage resources, including ensuring venues are booked and collating all expenditure receipts.
10. Implement safeguarding and welfare and ensuring the project adheres to DreamArts Safeguarding Policy.
11. Take responsibility for Health and Safety within the project, including risk assessments, incident reporting and accident reporting.
12. Provide support for young people who may be facing particular challenges. This includes managing a caseload of young carers aged 11-16, providing tailored 1:1 support through home visits or online sessions with the aim of integrating them into the wider Carers Express project and Young Carers Pathway offer.
13. Aid the Young Carers Programme Manager to produce qualitative and quantitative data on the Carers Express Project for the end-of-year Young Carers Impact Report.
14. Keep abreast of developments in the young carers sector, identifying strategies, partnerships and key individuals. This includes initiating and responding to collaborative projects with other agencies.
15. Supporting the development of other aspects of the Young Carers Programme. This may include contributing to the delivery of Young Carers Awareness Training, providing relevant content for newsletters and other social media content, and cultivating/maintaining relationships with partner schools using our Young Carers Schools Package.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

1. Proven track record of supporting the development of marginalised young people.
2. Proven track record of building relationships with young people and families.
3. Experience of organising and producing youth programmes for children, young people and/or communities.
4. A proven track record of delivering creative activities and a developed practice in facilitating for young people.
5. Strong interpersonal and communication skills
6. Experience of cultivating relationships with community groups, senior internal and external colleagues and voluntary sector organisations.
7. Working knowledge of current issues facing Young Carers, and within the arts/cultural sector.
8. High level of initiative and leadership qualities.
9. Available to work during unsociable hours, including monthly Sunday sessions and a monthly evening session for our Juniors cohort.
10. Ability to listen, show empathy and support young people through different challenges. 
11. Good IT skills and confidence with Outlook, Teams, and other Microsoft Office Apps.

DESIRABLE

1. Experience of working with Young Carers.
2. Experience of working within London.
3. An understanding of or qualification in therapeutic practice.
4. Basic understanding of Canva.
5. Experience of collecting and presenting qualitative and quantitative data for project reports and outcomes.

Are you looking for a pivotal role which will shape the future of a CIC and Charity working on key challenges in housing, education and employment? Are you excited to take on a strategic post which will demonstrably improve the charity’s work with its service users, supporters and other key stakeholders? If so, we’d love to hear from you! 

Kineara is looking for an experienced Communications Manager who can grow our fundraising potential and engage key stakeholders across the sector, while shaping and delivering communications and outreach campaigns that demonstrate our social value proposition and grow our support base. They will play a key role in helping Kineara grow our communications channels, increase audience engagement, expand our fundraising potential through data-driven campaigns and powerful storytelling; and build strategic relationships with existing and potential funders.

You will work closely with project managers and the Senior Leadership Team to shape communications around our key delivery areas including identifying how support services can reduce barriers to secure housing, work and school; prevent evictions and homelessness; and improve health and wellbeing of people facing challenges. You’ll use this understanding and data to shape impact storytelling and communications with existing and new stakeholders.

You will feel real ownership over your work and need to be self-starting, flexible and hungry to grow within an already impactful charity with a strong social mission and vision. You will be keen to understand how our work makes a difference to people and use our impact to demonstrate our social value.This role crosscuts a range of key specialisations, so you may have experience working in communications and be keen to widen your skillset; you may have a background in impact evaluation, you may have experience in curating digital content for charities; or you may have worked in fundraising or development for a non-profit. We are keen to invite candidates with a range of experience from a variety of non-profit roles and are especially interested to meet candidates who have been part of, or are ready to be part of, the strategic growth of a social organisation. 

Why us, now? Kineara is going through exciting changes as we rapidly expand our service user base and are opening up new avenues of finance, engagement and growth. Our most recent projects have put us at the forefront of innovative ways of delivering support to private renters or those living in temporary accommodation, working in partnership with housing services, private landlords, local authorities, solicitors and health services to envision secure housing for all. We are also a team with lived experience and are a culturally diverse, spirited and mission-focused team that takes care of each other. 

Why you? You are motivated by seeing people who have experienced marginalisation or vulnerability thrive and you have the drive to grow the reach of our organisation so that more people in need can access our support. You have a wide skillset and open attitude, ready to learn what you don’t already know and confident to lead on your projects but understand the value of listening, collaboration and working towards joint and shared ambitions.

Key Responsibilities 

Communications & PR 

• Develop, contribute to and implement impact-driven and strategic communications campaigns that build Kineara’s presence across its wide audiences and expand its fundraising potential

• Manage digital content strategy for Kineara, including producing short from video content, promotional videos, infographics, interviews, thought leadership, impact storytelling, case studies etc. to grow Kineara’s digital and social media footprint 

• Work collaboratively with practitioners and the housing projects manager to regularly develop and publish information sheets, resources and content on Kineara’s website

• Plan and manage campaigns and petitions that influence policy and shape key decisions affecting our client group 

• Ensure consistent implementation of Kineara’s brand messaging across all organisational engagements, campaigns, and materials, in alignment with Kineara’s identity, mission, vision, and core values. 

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets to proactively promote Kineara’s work, including identifying relevant media opportunities, pitching compelling stories, responding to media inquiries 

• Work closely with IT and business managers to ensure smooth running of internal communications 

• Maintain and expand Kineara’s website and its functionality to meet the growing needs of the organisation 

Fundraising 

• Develop positive relationships with a range of stakeholders providing funding to charities, including in the third sector, public sector, and the business sector, to raise awareness and promote our work 

• Contribute to grant and tender applications, and manage and coordinate work of external consultants supporting grant writing process where applicable 

• Manage and administer online fundraising platforms, and develop accessible, persuasive campaigns for public donations. 

Impact 

• Work closely with Operations Manager and practitioners to embed outcomes, utilise and optimise frameworks for monitoring and evaluate Kineara’s projects; and produce yearly evaluations and Impact Report of Kineara’s services 

• Utilise CRM software such as Advice Pro to generate data-driven impact analysis and develop evidence-based communications materials for donors, funders and stakeholders

• Use learning from impact analysis to share with team and deliver impact-driven communications and to share our social value to funders and other stakeholders. 

Business 

• Contribute to development of business plans and strategic decision-making, working with the CEO, Finance Lead and Operations Lead (SLT) 

Person Specification 

With a strong alignment with Kineara’s values, you will be: 

• An outstanding communicator who can engage, inspire and support colleagues, donors, trustees, volunteers and other stakeholders. 
• Confident in promoting thought leadership to share our knowledge to develop external alliances and discuss topical issues online
• Passionate about addressing poverty and inequality, and commitment to equality and diversity
• A self-starter and a team player, with a flair for building relationships.
• A creative communicator with a strong awareness of current and emerging trends in the charity communications sector, who proactively develops innovative and effective ways to communicate charitable causes, drive engagement, and inspire support. 
• Adept at big picture thinking and project management, but also be able to engage with the detail to ensure projects are successfully completed. 
• Comfortable with and skilled at change management and relish the strengths and challenges of a small and dynamic team in an evolving organisation.
• Analytical and reflective, but with excellent time management and ability to work under pressure.

Experience and Skills 

We’d like to see a strong track record that is relevant to each of the key components of the role, although we recognise that you may have stronger experience in one or more areas. You will be able to demonstrate that you could deliver in:
 

• Planning, executing, achieving targets to grow income streams, including donor prospect research, developing new donor relationships, and grant writing.
• Working on effective online or offline fundraising campaigns that influence a range of stakeholders, with a reflective, creative and innovative approach. 
• Using impact and outcomes to engage and promote services to funders, partners and other stakeholders.
• Developing brands and brand awareness in line with organisational objectives 
• Creating communications plans in support of strategic objectives, and executing these to a high standard, reflecting and improving these to achieve greater impact. 
• Familiarity with social media channels such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook and solid experience of content creation and website management
• Creating and executing community, outreach and fundraising events. 
• Strong IT skills and familiarity with CRM databases, MS Office, Word Press.
• Ability to put together and manage project budgets.
• Creating, developing and adapting outcomes tools such as survey, questionnaires, and focus groups 
• Planning, creating and executing evaluations of projects, including creating surveys, events, questionnaires and feedback tools 
• Managing communications/fundraising officers and external consultants

How to apply 

To apply for the role, please send an up-to-date CV and a cover letter (up to two pages). Please provide concrete examples and experience where possible, however we are open to hearing how you might develop or demonstrate these abilities or attributes if you have not yet had many years of experience in the field. You can also include:  

• Why you wish to apply for this role   

• Your relevant experience, knowledge and skills, based on the person specification above.   

• What other qualities you have that you could bring to the role   

Please note we will be shortlisting candidates as we receive applications and reserve the right to close the advert before deadline date if the right candidate comes along.

Manager (Chief Executive) – Chorlton Good Neighbours
Location: Chorlton, Manchester
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full time

Could you be the steady, friendly, hands-on leader who helps more people in Chorlton feel connected, fulfilled and valued?

About Chorlton Good Neighbours
Chorlton Good Neighbours is a small, well-loved neighbourhood charity with roots back to the late 1960s, working to reduce loneliness and support older people across Chorlton and adjacent neighbourhoods. Our work is local, practical and volunteer-led: befriending, home visits, transport, weekly activities, monthly teas, intergenerational groups and occasional day trips are all delivered with warmth and care.

Our volunteer base is extraordinary - around 100 volunteers support drivers, befrienders, activity leads, admin roles and trustees - and in 2024–25 we supported 474 people in total. Funding is a mixed model of public grants, local donations and modest earned income and the charity holds healthy funds to deliver our work.

This is a practical, hands-on, delivery-focused leadership role: you will lead a neighbourhood organisation through planned transition, preserving the community culture that makes CGN trusted, while introducing proportionate systems and succession approaches that secure its future. You will also spend substantial time supporting and supervising volunteers and facilitating activities alongside strategic duties.

As our next Manager (Chief Executive), you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Lead the development and delivery of a clear long-term strategy that sustains CGN’s neighbourhood impact and reduces social isolation amongst older people.

• Governance & Finance: Strengthen proportionate financial controls, grant monitoring and reporting while working closely with trustees including the Treasurer.

• Operational Leadership: Manage day-to-day delivery of volunteer-led services and introduce accessible procedures and safeguarding arrangements.

• Income Generation: Support fundraising and bid activity to secure multi-year funding and diversify local income streams.

• Community & Partnerships: Act as CGN’s visible ambassador, maintaining and developing relationships with Manchester City Council, NHS partners and local organisations.

• Volunteer Development: Recruit, induct and support volunteers and facilitators, building a resilient volunteer pipeline and clear role pathways.

• Brand & Profile: Promote CGN’s offer across local channels to maintain footfall, attract new supporters and celebrate members’ stories.

• Premises & Risk: Work with trustees on lease and premises issues and maintain a robust risk register to protect continuity of service.

Who you are

• An experienced, hands-on manager with significant experience of running small, community-facing charities or local services and a hands-on approach to operational delivery.

• Demonstrable expertise in recruiting, supporting and retaining volunteers, with confidence in DBS/safeguarding practice and volunteer supervision.

• Highly organised with strong event/activity planning skills, practical problem solving and attention to detail.

• Financially literate - comfortable with budgeting, grant monitoring and basic financial controls and able to work with volunteer finance leads.

• An excellent communicator: approachable, diplomatic and skilled at building trust with older people, volunteers, trustees and statutory partners.

• Values driven, emotionally resilient and committed to inclusivity and dignity in later life.

• Desirable: experience of Age-Friendly programmes or befriending schemes and local credibility or knowledge of Manchester/South Manchester.

Why Chorlton Good Neighbours?

• Meaningful local impact - lead a well-regarded neighbourhood charity with deep community trust and a broad activities programme.

• Strong volunteer culture - join an organisation supported by around 100 committed volunteers and an engaged trustee board.

• Secure footing to build from - healthy funds and a clear focus on securing multi-year funding and premises.

• Hands-on role with strategic scope - keep delivery at the heart of the job while developing proportionate systems and succession planning.

• Supportive transition - trustees have planned a careful handover and you will be supported through induction and the subsequent recruitment of a part-time assistant.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 13th April 2026

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.