Senior communication officer jobs in Manchester

Director of Communications – EMMS International (Remote, Scotland-based)

EMMS International is creating a new Director of Communications role following an organisational review, separating fundraising and communications into two Director posts. Reporting to and working closely with the CEO, the Director of Communications will lead all internal and external communications, raise the charity’s profile and influence, and provide strong strategic support to income-generating functions, especially fundraising. You will develop and deliver a multi-layered communications and external affairs strategy, lead a small Communications Team (including a new Head of Communications), and play a key role on the Executive Leadership Team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and implementing an organisational communications and external affairs strategy

• Leading EMMS’ rebrand in partnership with an external agency

• Growing and engaging core and new audiences across multiple channels

• Supporting fundraising colleagues with compelling campaigns

• Managing a small team, setting objectives/KPIs and overseeing performance and development

• Budget planning and financial oversight for the Communications function

• Representing EMMS at senior level, including Board meetings and sector bodies such as SIDA

What they’re looking for:
An experienced communications leader with a strong track record in strategic comms, audience growth, media engagement and campaign delivery. You’ll bring creative thinking, excellent written and verbal skills, experience managing and developing teams, and confidence operating at both strategic and hands-on levels. Familiarity with the Scottish charity, political and social landscape is essential, as is the ability to communicate effectively with both Christian and secular audiences in line with EMMS’ faith-based origins and healthcare mission. Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience is required.

Terms and benefits:

• Salary: £63,313 – £70,347 (depending on experience), with annual inflationary rise

• Remote role with monthly meetings in central Edinburgh (more frequent in first three months)

• 25–30 days annual leave depending on length of service + 10 public holidays

• 8% employer pension contribution (with salary sacrifice)

• Salary sacrifice scheme for electric vehicle lease

• Flexible working, travel expenses to office, access to Edinburgh office, some international travel

• Life assurance (three times annual salary) and Aviva Digi-Care app

Application:
Apply by CV and covering letter (each up to 2 pages) by Monday 12 January 2026. Interviews will be held in Edinburgh, with two stages. You must live in Scotland and have the right to work in the UK.

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity to drive ARMA’s engagement with political and health sector stakeholders and lead our communications. Working closely with the CEO, you'll help raise the profile of the Alliance, influence policy outcomes, and support members to collaborate to effect change.

Over 20 million people live with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in the UK.

ARMA brings together patient charities, professional bodies, research organisations and industry partners to work together for better MSK treatment, care and support.

You can help us to make MSK health a higher national priority and thereby improve the lives of millions of people.  You can also make a wide ranging contribution to us developing as a charity and Alliance.  This role will offer lots of opportunity for personal and professional development.

Key responsibilities

· Develop and implement ARMA's influencing and political engagement plans.

· Build relationships with key stakeholders, including politicians, government departments, and advisers.

· Monitor research, policy and legislative developments affecting MSK health.

· Draft briefings, consultation responses, letters, and parliamentary correspondence.

· Represent ARMA at meetings, roundtables, and political events.

· Chair and manage meetings and webinars comprising the policy and communications leads of member organisations.

· Lead and co-ordinate the annual Bone and Joint Week campaign activity and the combined efforts of member organisations.

· Develop and manage campaigns and external communications that promote the work of ARMA and our members, including social media channels, our monthly newsletter and website.

· Assist the CEO in policy and public affairs work and support the wider delivery of our strategy and operational plan, as required.

About you

We're looking for someone who brings:

· Experience working in a public affairs, parliamentary, or policy role either in-house, in an agency, or in a political setting.

· Excellent political awareness and understanding of UK policymaking.

· First rate written and verbal communication skills.

· A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to build relationships at all levels.

· An interest in health policy.

· Alignment with our vision and values.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected and important charity at the heart of a growing Alliance of organisations. You'll have autonomy, visibility, and the chance to make a meaningful impact whilst working with high profile members and stakeholders.

Employer: Community Rail Network 

Salary: £43k-£51.5k pa, full time 

Location: Home based / flexible or Huddersfield 

We are seeking a dynamic director of policy and communications, to lead and develop our increasingly impactful external affairs activity. You’ll be sharing community insights and evidence with policy and decision-makers at national and devolved level, supporting a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable transport and mobility, while overseeing high-quality, inspiring member communications and thought-leadership, drawing on grassroots experiences.  
  

About us 

Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.

Community rail is made up of 76 community-based partnership organisations, and c.1,300 station friends volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.

Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in different locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support our members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in developing our team and helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.

About this role 

This role is crucial for us, our members and their communities, especially at the current time, with our need to seize on the opportunities of rail reform and devolution, promote wider use of sustainable transport, and bring communities together. You will spearhead our external affairs strategy and plans, building political relationships, influencing decision-making and raising awareness of community rail and its insights, while ensuring effective communications with our members and helping them to have a voice locally and regionally. You’ll be striving to put community rail at the forefront of a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable mobility.

As a member of our senior leadership team, reporting to and working closely with our chief executive, you will manage a passionate team of four, ensuring collaboration with our other teams, partners and funders, and drawing on members’ insights.

 
Main responsibilities 

• Lead the review, development and delivery of our communications, policy and insights strategy, working to position the community rail movement effectively, use its insights to influence policy change, and ensure our members are well-informed and have a voice; 

• Further strengthen our advisory and influencing work with national, devolved and regional government, transport bodies, parliamentarians and other decision-makers, especially around rail reform, transport devolution and integrated, inclusive, sustainable transport; 

• Ensure we’re engaging effectively with policy developments and opportunities, taking forward a programme of relationship-building, and identifying and engaging in relevant consultations, events and speaking opportunities, enabling community rail’s insights and experiences to be shared; 

• Collaborate with partners in rail, government and the third sector to feed in our expertise on community engagement with rail, amplify our campaigns, and build opportunities for joined-up communications and policy work;

• Continually develop and disseminate our evidence base and insights on the social, environmental and economic value community rail delivers, and opportunities to create greater benefits for communities from rail and transport; 

• Oversee high-quality, coherent and inspiring communications with our members and partners, promoting our work, and sharing news, opportunities, and good practice across the movement; 

• Manage production of high-quality resources, case studies and reports that our members can use to enhance their impact and which showcase community rail’s impact; 

• Lead and develop our media relations and awareness-raising PR, championing community rail and its messages on sustainable, inclusive travel and communities at national and regional level, while supporting members on local PR; 

• Develop our online presence and reach, making full use of our website, social media, our Scenic Rail Britain campaign, and partners’ channels to celebrate and position community rail and grow its reach and impact; 

• Oversee a calendar of creative and impactful campaigns that involve and empower our members, creating PR and engagement opportunities, including Community Rail Week;

• Play a key role in collective leadership, strategic focus and organisational development as a member of our senior leadership team, including through internal communications and cross-team working, annual planning, funder liaison and reporting, upholding our strategies and policies, and pursuing opportunities for continuous improvement. 

 
Skills and competencies 

1. Strong leadership and management skills, including experience managing, developing and drawing on a multi-faceted team delivering complex campaigns or projects, and budget management; 
2. Excellent communication and external leadership skills; articulate, assertive, and with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels; 
3. An understanding of public affairs, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, and a demonstrable ability to identify influencing opportunities, deliver thought-leadership, and engage with policy-makers, including sharing community insights; 
4. Politically astute, with awareness of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a good grasp of the importance of public transport sustainable travel, and community-led action, to these agendas; 
5. Understanding of political processes and experience of engaging with policy and decision-making, ideally at national, devolved and local levels; 
6. Sound knowledge of communication and marketing methods and channels, and ability to oversee messaging and targeting of public and professional audiences, and to align content across multiple channels; 
7. A demonstrable ability to think analytically and draw on statistical and qualitative research to construct robust, evidence-based arguments; 
8. Experience of working with the media and achieving coverage at national, regional and local level; 
9. Experience working collaboratively with partners and ideally funders to deliver communications and policy activity and forming professional networks; 
10. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while dealing with competing priorities, and to support team members to do so; 
11. IT literate with a good working knowledge of Office, the internet and social media; 
12. Appropriate qualifications and professional development demonstrating knowledge and skills in line with the above, and a commitment to ongoing learning and development.

Other information

As you will be home-based, we are flexible about your location. However, you will be expected to travel to in-person full team meetings quarterly (usually in West Yorkshire), and you will need to bring your team together (currently all West Yorkshire based) with similar regularity in between. Attendance at in-person events and meetings is also important. We therefore welcome applications from those with decent public transport links, not too far from a railway station, to enable journeys to be made sustainably.   

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months.   

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.  

Key info
Closing date: Sunday 25th January 2026 at 23:59. 

Annual salary: £42,400

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full time)

Contract length: 3 years initially, with contract extension subject to funding

Location: UK based, mainly remote with occasional in person work

The role

TransActual is recruiting a Communications Lead to join our rapidly growing team. You’ll be working alongside our board and Senior Management team to develop and implement a communications strategy across all media channels that supports the accurate representation of TransActual’s work to the wider world and our mission to advocate, empower and inform.

We are looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills both in terms of understanding and responding to underlying questions in a sometimes hostile media environment, identifying the effective ways of proactively and reactively communicating about our advocacy goals, and working closely with our Policy Lead, Director of Operations and for Healthcare, staff team, board and volunteers to achieve that.

Your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the creation of a communications strategy, communications processes, protocols and standards, press releasing and liaison, and line management of our communications officer. You will be responsible for forward planning of communications where events are foreseeable and will also be required to enable rapid and sensitive response to unpredictable events and consequent media inquiries.

An in-depth understanding of trans people’s lived experiences and an ongoing commitment to bringing about positive change for all trans people in the UK is absolutely essential for this role. This understanding can come from your own lived experience. You will demonstrate a strong understanding of and commitment to equity, particularly in relation to race equity and disability equity.

We particularly welcome and encourage applications from trans people, Black People and People of Colour, neurodivergent people and disabled people.

About us

We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. We’re the place to turn to for anything and everything to do with breast cancer. However, you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. 

The brightest minds in breast cancer research are here. Making life-saving research happen in labs across the UK and Ireland. Support services, trustworthy breast cancer information and specialist nurses are here. Ready to support you whenever you need it. Dedicated campaigners are here. Fighting for the best possible treatment, services and care for anyone affected by breast cancer.

About the role

Do you live in Edinburgh or the surrounding area?

As a senior community fundraiser, you’ll be an important part of the team building Breast Cancer Now’s presence in Scotland, with a particular focus on Edinburgh and the surrounding areas. 

We’re looking for someone who is an experienced relationship builder, someone who can find and develop new supporters.  You’ll need excellent local knowledge, and the enthusiasm to develop a brand-new fundraising region.

The successful candidate will also be part of the team working on our large-scale project supporting and growing Asda Tickled Pink, our award-winning partnership with Asda and CoppaFeel! which has already raised over £100 million.

You’ll work directly with passionate colleagues across Asda stores in your region driving new fundraising initiatives, inspiring communities and celebrating incredible successes.

No 2 days will look the same as you travel, connect and engage supporters to help us grow income to deliver our mission.

The role is initially offered as an 18-month contract with the potential to become permanent

About you

You’re confident in approaching new contacts and are experienced in developing new relationships from scratch. This may currently be in a customer service, account management or stewardship role.

You’re experienced in managing and building new and established relationships with a focus on retention and income growth.

You’re enthusiastic, proactive, organised and unafraid to test and try new ideas.

You’re required to be involved being out and about in the community that you’re building, so you must be able to work independently outside of the office in varying locations and enjoy being busy.

Previous experience working in a charity is not required.

Job description and benefits

Please download the job description and our attractive benefits package.

Primary location of role

This is a remote role, and the candidate will need to be based in the Edinburgh area with unlimited access to their own car. Regular travel will be required to meet supporters and visit Asda stores in your region, as well as occasional travel to our London, Sheffield or Glasgow office.

When applying

We hope you choose to apply for this role. To support your application, you’ll be asked to submit your anonymised CV. Please refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and clearly provide as much information as you can with examples, to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. If you’ve any immediate questions please contact the Breast Cancer Now Recruitment team.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

We’re committed to promoting equity, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment – for everyone who works for us, works with us, supports us and who we support.

Closing date Tuesday 6 January 2026 9am

Interview date Tuesday 13 January 2026

We reserve the right to close this advert early. Therefore, to avoid disappointment please submit your application as soon as possible, if you’re interested in this opportunity.

Build something new. Shape the future. Make a real impact.

The Infection Prevention Society (IPS) is a leading professional charity for infection prevention and control in the UK and Ireland. With 2,100 members across health and care professions, we exist to advance education in infection prevention for the benefit of the community. And we're at a pivotal moment.

We've built the foundations – modern infrastructure, professional team working alongside our volunteer leadership, strong governance – and now we're ready to scale our impact. We need someone to help us unlock new opportunities and expand what we can offer our members and the communities they serve. That's where you come in.

As our first Commercial Director, you'll have the autonomy to establish commercial capability from the ground up. You'll build partnerships with health and care organisations, create revenue streams that strengthen our mission including leading the development of training courses that reach new audiences: supporting our members to prevent infections and save lives.

This is a unique opportunity to combine commercial expertise with charitable purpose. You'll have the freedom to develop innovative strategies, build partnerships that matter, and create revenue streams that strengthen our capacity to serve our members and prevent infections. The role offers flexibility (four days per week, home-based) and genuine autonomy to shape your approach.

What You'll Do

• Build corporate partnerships: Build relationships and partnerships with businesses that have an interest in infection prevention
• Enhance events revenue: Enhance and develop sponsorship opportunities across our annual conference, events, and webinar programmes
• Explore new opportunities: Identify emerging revenue streams from consultancy, publications, and membership growth into new professional sectors
• Shape training course development: Scope and develop infection prevention courses that generate income whilst advancing our educational mission

Who We're Looking For

You're an experienced commercial professional with a proven track record of generating revenue through partnerships, training programmes, or business development. You might come from membership organisations, professional bodies, charities, education or healthcare settings, or from B2B commercial roles with clear transferable skills.

You have the entrepreneurial confidence to build something new, the strategic thinking to identify opportunities, and the relationship skills to turn those opportunities into sustainable partnerships. You're equally comfortable developing pricing models and financial projections as you are crafting compelling partnership proposals.

Most importantly, you understand that commercial success and charitable purpose aren't opposing forces – they're complementary. You want your commercial expertise to strengthen a charity's capacity to serve its members and achieve its mission.

What We Offer

• Build something new: Establish new commercial capability in a respected healthcare organisation
• Autonomy and influence: Freedom to develop your own strategies with CEO mentorship and Board support
• Meaningful work: Direct contribution to preventing infections and protecting public health
• Senior leadership role: Strategic responsibility and genuine influence on organisational direction
• Flexibility: Four days per week (£42,400 per annum / £53,000 FTE), home-based with regular UK travel
• Growth potential: 12-month fixed-term contract with potential for extension or permanent conversion

Why Now?

As a charity, IPS exists to advance education in infection prevention for the benefit of the community. We're at an exciting stage of development, having evolved from a volunteer-led organisation to a professional operation with dedicated staff working alongside our expert volunteer leadership. We've modernised our infrastructure, enhanced our conference programme, and strengthened governance. The foundations are in place.

Now we need dedicated commercial expertise to unlock our full potential and accelerate our growth. This role will genuinely shape the future of the charity – the partnerships you build, the courses you develop, and the strategies you implement will determine our capacity to expand our reach and deepen our impact over the coming years.

Key Details

• Role: Commercial Director
• Contract: 12-month fixed-term (potential for extension/permanent conversion)
• Hours: Four days per week (0.8 FTE)
• Salary: £42,400 per annum (£53,000 FTE)
• Location: Home-based with regular UK travel

How to Apply

Download the full recruitment pack for detailed role responsibilities and person specification.

To apply, please submit your your CV (maximum 3 pages) and covering letter (maximum 2 pages). Applications close 10pm on Sunday 11th January 2026.

Your covering letter should address:

• Your relevant experience in commercial/business development
• Your track record of revenue generation with specific examples
• Why you're interested in this role and IPS
• How your skills match the person specification

Location: Home-based with regular travel to the Guildford office
Job Type: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £53,462
Benefits: 27 days holiday bank holidays (pro rata for part time roles), perk scheme access, life assurance, paid compassionate leave, enhanced sick pay, Cycling UK membership plus many more staff benefits.

There’s never been a better time to join the team at Cycling UK! We are 18 months into our ambitious new strategy – and we want you to be part of it. There are loads of reasons to love cycling, even if you’re not someone who cycles. From cutting pollution, to making us healthier and happier, cycling can help us all thrive.

As our Head of Brand, Marketing and Communications, which sits in the wider External Affairs directorate, you will have responsibility for increasing the profile of the charity’s brand with a particular focus on increasing engagement with our priority audiences. Working closely with colleagues within the Commercial directorate you will ensure our marketing and communications are aligned and maximising opportunities for impact and income. The role involves leading a team of 11 people in developing and delivering Cycling UK’s Brand, Marketing and Communications Strategy. This team has overall responsibility for ensuring Cycling UK’s brand is imbedded across the organisation and our brand profile is raised among our priority audiences. We are ideally looking for someone with vast digital experience able to ensure the charity is making the most of the latest developments in digital tools and platforms, with a particularly strong focus on digital marketing, supporter journeys and content strategies. The role form

If you’re a strategic brand leader, passionate about purpose-driven communications and making an impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Explore the attached job description for full details on this exciting opportunity. Complete the application form expressing why you are the right candidate for this opening. Focus on gearing your supporting statement to exemplify how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role, directly referring to the person specification. This enables the selection panel to assess your relative strengths against the specified criteria.

This role is home based with expected travel to London and Guildford.

Applications close at 9:00am on the closing date shown

You may also have experience in the following: Brand Strategy, Marketing Leadership, Communications Director, Digital Marketing, Content Strategy, Stakeholder Engagement, Campaign Management, Social Media Strategy, Brand Development, Audience Engagement, Marketing Communications, Fundraising Communications Head of Brand, Head of Marketing, Head of Communications, Marketing Director, Communications Director, Brand and Communications Manager, Digital Marketing Director, Director of Marketing and Communications, Marketing and Communications Lead, Engagement and Communications Lead

REF-225 742

About Us

Caritas Diocese of Salford is the principal social action agency of the Catholic Diocese. Our mission is to put Love Into Action. We help those across Greater Manchester and Lancashire experiencing poverty, disadvantage, and discrimination to transform their lives with dignity. We provide a practical response to those in crisis, suffering hardship or who are at risk. We rebuild lives for the long-term, enabling people to live in a safe, healthy, and secure environment. We call for a better, more just world, where the voices of the poor are heard and acted upon and positively influence the systems, decisions and resources that affect those in need.

About the job

We are looking to recruit a Grants and Foundations Officer to join Caritas Salford’s fundraising team. You will be part of a team that is passionate about tackling poverty and inequality, where your work will have a real and visible impact. Your focus will be on maintaining and growing income from charitable trusts and statutory agencies.

As a Grants and Foundations Officer, you will work closely with senior managers and service managers, researching potential funders, securing funding from trusts, foundations and other potential funding partners. As well as building and stewarding lasting relationships that will help sustain and grow Caritas’ mission. We will support your development, helping you grow your fundraising skills, take on complex projects and help shape bids for commissioned services.

You will have excellent interpersonal skills, strong research and analytical expertise, be highly organised and confident in using IT systems and digital tools for research, communication and data management. Additionally, you will have the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a range of stakeholders, plus a willingness to learn from others about fundraising and social impact.

37.5 hours per week. Monday to Friday with occasional evening and weekends required.

Part time would be considered

Flexibility to work remotely, with regular visits to Caritas services across Greater Manchester and Lancashire.

If this sounds like the next step you are looking for and you would like to work for an organisation passionate about transforming lives, we would love to hear from you!

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to interview/ appoint before the closing date. Early applications are therefore strongly encouraged.

To apply, please complete an application form and click the link in the advert to be redirected to the Caritas website. You will need to click Apply Now next to the Grants and Foundations Officer role, complete the necessary information and upload your application form plus any supporting documents.

Closing date: Thursday, 8 January 2026 at 9am

Interview: Monday, 19 and/or Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Caritas follows Safer Recruitment practices, and this post is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service check. 

For full details please visit Caritas Diocese of Salford - Caritas | Diocese Of Salford – About - Careers

Caritas Diocese of Salford is an equal opportunities employer

Registered Charity Number: 1125808

Please note we do not accept applications via agencies or CVs

Your role

We are seeking a Digital Communication & Events Coordinator to support Design for Good’s programmes and initiatives. You will bring energy, ownership, and initiative to strengthen existing work and deliver new activities, working closely with our Communications & PR lead, programme staff, and senior management to execute our digital communications and events strategy.

The working environment is informal, multilingual, team-oriented, and encourages individual input, learning, and an entrepreneurial mindset. You will have the opportunity to showcase our international scope, activate a global network, and support the delivery of impact-driven programmes to improve life through design. This role reports to the Managing Director of Design for Good.

Key requirements

• 3+ years’ experience in Business, Communications, Marketing, Design, or a related field, with a strong interest in digital communications and events.

• Excellent written and spoken English; additional languages a plus.

• Highly organised, detail-oriented, able to structure, prioritise, and meet deadlines consistently.

• Comfortable working independently in a remote, international team.

• Able to manage multiple priorities and support planning and coordination of digital and in-person events.

• Creative and confident using design skills for social content, presentations, and basic animations (a strong plus).

• Proactive, with strong ownership, follow-through, and a practical “can-do” mindset.

• Curious and people-oriented, motivated to build and nurture relationships across partners, volunteers, and collaborators.

• Passion for social and environmental impact; non-profit experience is a plus.

Key responsibilities

Digital Communications & Social Media

• Support development and execution of social media strategies to expand reach and impact.

• Schedule, publish, and manage content across social and email channels.

• Create social media assets (graphics, animations, reels, videos).

• Monitor, analyse, and report monthly on performance.

• Ensure consistency across all digital communication channels.

• Support creation of the Annual Review, including content coordination and internal reviews.

• Develop and adapt presentations for partners, funders, events, and internal use.

• Prepare briefings and communication materials for stakeholders and events.

Website Development & Maintenance

• Manage website content via CMS (Squarespace experience a plus).

• Gather, create, and post relevant content.

• Analyse and report key platform metrics monthly.

Online and In-person Events

• Support planning and delivery of webinars, Q&A sessions, and other online events.

• Moderate live chats and Q&A sessions, including Slack and Teams.

• Upload and manage event recordings on YouTube.

• Assist coordination of in-person events, including the annual global gathering and CDO roundtables.

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Ability to translate complex topics into clear, engaging content.

• Experience supporting events beyond logistics, including participant engagement and follow-up.

• Interest in ethical, person-first, inclusive storytelling across cultures and regions.

• Confidence experimenting with new digital formats (carousels, short videos, interactive presentations).

• Experience working with volunteers, pro bono partners, or multi-stakeholder collaborations.

• Exposure to or experience in international culture, creativity, or sustainability initiatives.

• Comfortable using engagement metrics to improve communications.

• Proactive, accountable, and able to follow through on commitments.

• Ensure all communications reflect Design for Good’s tone, values, and visual identity.

Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £49, 282 - £54,495 per annum

Location: Gorse Hill Studios, Trafford, Manchester (Some remote working will be considered)

Contract Type: Full time, permanent

About Gorse Hill Studios

Gorse Hill Studios is a dynamic and ambitious youth and community arts charity. At the heart of our organisation is a belief that all young people deserve to feel valued, supported and inspired. We work with young people to build confidence, creativity and community connections, ensuring they have the opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive.

We believe that creativity can transform lives, and we are committed to placing young people at the centre of everything we do. Their voices, ideas and experiences help shape our programmes, partnerships and strategic direction.

We are entering an exciting phase of growth and development. Our team currently includes 20 core staff and a wider network of volunteers and creative practitioners, delivering a diverse portfolio of youth arts sessions, community engagement projects, creative wellbeing initiatives and partnership-led activity with local schools and organisations. The CEO will play a pivotal role in leading this portfolio, strengthening our impact, championing youth voice and ensuring young people continue to shape our future direction as we move into the next chapter of our development.

About the Role

As CEO, you will provide strategic, compassionate and visionary leadership, ensuring Gorse Hill Studios delivers its mission to empower and inspire young people. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will hold overall responsibility for the organisation’s performance, culture, operations and long-term sustainability. This role calls for someone who demonstrates strong strategic insight with the ability to influence and inspire others, using emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership to build positive internal and external relationships.

A fundamental part of this role is your commitment to embedding young people’s voice in decision making. You will champion their perspectives, ensuring programme development, strategy and organisational culture reflect the needs and aspirations of the young people we serve.

You will also be an ambassador for the charity, building trusted relationships with young people, partners, funders and the wider community. This role requires a leader who is values led, resilient and passionate about supporting young people through the arts and creative engagement.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Lead on the development and delivery of the charity’s long-term strategy, with young people meaningfully involved
• Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory and governance requirements, including Charity Commission expectations and safeguarding duties
• Provide clear, timely reporting to the Board
• Support the Board to operate effectively

Financial Management and Income Generation

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning and responsible management of all funds
• Lead a diverse income generation strategy
• Identify sustainable opportunities for organisational growth

Operational Management and Programme Delivery

• Oversee day to day operations and ensure systems are effective
• Ensure programmes are high quality, inclusive and reflective of young people’s needs and feedback
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, or ensure robust safeguarding practices across the organisation

People Leadership and Culture

• Inspire, support and lead a dedicated staff and volunteer team
• Champion a positive, inclusive and collaborative working culture
• Oversee recruitment, wellbeing and performance management

External Relations and Advocacy

• Act as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for Gorse Hill Studios
• Build strong relationships with partners, funders and stakeholders
• Advocate for and with young people locally and nationally
• Represent the charity confidently at events and in the media

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Senior leadership experience in the charity, youth, arts or wider non-profit sector
• Strong financial management skills
• Proven success in fundraising or income generation
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices in youth settings
• Experience leading teams and developing positive organisational cultures
• Strategic leadership experience

Desirable

• Experience in the youth arts or creative community sector
• Understanding of the Trafford community landscape

Values and Commitment

We are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals who share these values and are passionate about empowering young people.

An enhanced DBS check will be required.

Application Details

To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter.

Closing date: 19 January

Interview date: 23 January at Gorse Hill Studios

Interviews will include a stakeholder panel and a formal interview.

REF-225 658

Director of Funding & Communications
Salary: £85, 694
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Contract: 35 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
Location: Flexible (UK) with regular travel into London at least once per quarter

About Us

Unlimit Health is an international organisation working to end parasitic disease. We work closely with affected countries, sharing evidence and expertise to eliminate preventable infections. Our purpose is to support people to live healthy lives, free from limiting disease.

Our vision is for resilient systems that sustain good health, so everyone everywhere can reach their full potential. We achieve this by working across multiple sectors in numerous countries to deliver effective and robust health programmes that have a lasting impact.

We were founded in 2002 with a £20m grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and started life as a research group, the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, within Imperial College London. Consistently ranked globally as one of the most cost-effective nonprofit initiatives, we have received significant funding since our inception including from the UK Department of International Development (DFID), USAID and philanthropic investors.

What we do

Our work includes:

• Evidence-based disease elimination support
• Cross-sectoral health systems strengthening
• Building collaborative partnerships

Our main area of focus is the elimination of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases (intestinal worms). Endemic infections of these parasitic worms are found in some of the world’s most marginalised communities, and they can have a hugely detrimental effect on individuals, including:

• Reduced productivity
• Internal organ damage
• Impaired child development
• Reduced school attendance
• Increased risk of HIV in women
• Infertility

The Role

The purpose of the Director of Funding and Communication role is to secure sustainable financial resources and build a strong, trusted brand that amplifies the organisation’s mission to share evidence and expertise to end parasitic infections in affected communities.

This is a unique opportunity for an exceptional leader in innovative income generation in the international development sector to lead Unlimit Health’s income generation strategy. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and leading the implementation of comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure diversified income streams, while overseeing compelling storytelling and brand visibility to align fundraising efforts and impactful communications with our strategic priorities.

The Person

The Director of Funding and Communications will be a self-starter with energy and integrity, and a compelling leader in the charity or social enterprise sector, with a track record in raising funds to underpin life-changing work on an international scale.  They will thrive on the challenge of creating a new, innovative funding strategy to match our ambition and values.

Closing date: 4th January 2026 at 23:59
1st stage Interview dates: 2nd – 3rd February 2026
2nd stage interview dates: 5th – 6th February 2026

Please ensure you are available to attend an interview on these dates.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Applicants are required to have the right to work in the UK, and documentary evidence will be requested at the interview stage.

Diversity Statement

We particularly welcome applications from candidates from under-represented groups to better reflect our mission and work to improve health equity. Research has shown that women and people from marginalised groups are less likely to apply for a role if they do not meet 100% of the job criteria. Please consider applying even if you do not fully meet our essential criteria. We are happy to schedule an informal chat to discuss the role further prior to submitting an application.

Unlimit Health is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate differences in age, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, religious beliefs, and socio-economic background. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every team member is valued, respected, and has equal opportunities to thrive.

No agencies please.

Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network
Location: Hybrid (Manchester office with national travel)
Contract: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Closing date: Monday 12th January 2026 (10am)

About Belong

Belong is the UK’s leading not for profit network dedicated to social cohesion. They work across sectors to build a more connected, less divided society by strengthening trust, belonging and resilience in communities. Their growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society and business, and they support partners through place-based cohesion and intercultural programmes, research and policy influence, training, consultancy, leadership development, and a thriving programme of networks, events and knowledge sharing. Belong are collaborative, evidence led and committed to building common ground, creating environments where diverse communities are able to thrive together.

About the Role

This is a pivotal moment for Belong as they enter the next stage of their strategic growth. They are seeking a dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to play a central leadership role in shaping their future and strengthening Belong’s national impact. Working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, you will ensure the organisation has the systems, culture and resources needed to deliver on their mission. This is a transformational cross-organisational role, leading Belong’s core internal functions: finance, HR, IT, project management, communications, engagement and events, while driving continuous improvement, financial sustainability and organisational resilience.

You will bring strategic vision, operational excellence and a collaborative leadership style that empowers colleagues, champions inclusion and wellbeing, and ensures Belong’s operations remain aligned with their purpose of building a more united and less divided society.

About You

Belong are looking for a strategic, enabling and emotionally intelligent leader with proven experience overseeing multi-function operations at a senior level, strong financial management and strategic planning expertise, and experience within the charity or public sector. You will bring excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, a track record of income generation and bid development, and the ability to build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Knowledge of cohesion, integration or community development is desirable but not essential. Personally, you will be collaborative, inclusive and solutions focused, with strong emotional intelligence, resilience and a commitment to continuous learning.

Benefits

• 30 days’ annual leave per year
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and complete the application form, where you will be asked to answer three questions:

Why are you interested in this role and how do your values align with Belong’s mission?
What achievements make you a strong candidate for the COO role?
How does your leadership style empower others and create a positive culture?

Deadline: Monday 12 January 2026 (10am)
First Interviews: w/c 26 January 2026 (remote)
Final Interviews: w/c 9 February 2026 (in-person)

Belong’s Commitment to Inclusion

Belong is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. They welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage individuals from communities under-represented in the charity sector to apply. Impostor syndrome can disproportionately impact candidates from marginalised groups—if you are unsure whether to apply, we encourage you to do so.

REF-225 549

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) (Registered Charity Number 1213337) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Location: Remote working. Must be willing and able to travel to London, Edinburgh and elsewhere across the UK to support business need

Reporting to: AHS Chief Information and Technology Officer (to be appointed Spring 2026)

Hours of Work: FTE 37.5 hours per week

Purpose of the post

The Strategic Data Lead will play a critical role in managing the study’s data pipeline, devising and implementing strategies for the collection, management, storage, documentation and curation of complex participant data, and sharing data with research users. In particular, there will be a need for innovative, remote data collection methods that are acceptable to children and young people taking part in the study. The role holder will provide specialist advice, direction and input to the wider scientific team to maximise the potential of the study data and future proof the resource. They will drive forward innovative solutions which enable the long-term strategic vision for data management in the study.

Main responsibilities

Strategy

• Provide expert input into the design and delivery of the study before data collection begins, maximising data quality and efficient management from the start.
• Devise and implement a data management strategy, including appropriate data architecture, meta-data and data pipeline(s), to support the study’s aims and meet the needs of the research community.
• Consider the long-term strategy for data preservation and discoverability, to futureproof the resource and ensure maximal use.

Technology and innovation

• Identify and oversee the delivery of novel solutions for collection and management of complex health data, including transfer of data from specialist equipment and mobile technology, such as wearables or app-based data.
• Lead procurement activities, where required, to support the data management strategy, translating the needs of users into appropriate specifications and working with third parties to oversee delivery of solutions.

Risk management and compliance

• Oversee the development, management and continual improvement of all procedures used to process, manage and store data, ensuring that they are kept up to date and comply with relevant legislation and local guidelines.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build relationships with other longitudinal population studies (LPS) in order to seek advice where appropriate and ensure sharing of best practise within the LPS community.
• Work closely with researchers, data scientists and national bodies, such as Population Research UK and the UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration, to support study objectives.
• Consult and co-operate with colleagues and stakeholders, including children and young people, to support the use of the study’s data for collaborative research purposes, identifying opportunities to maximise the potential of the data.
• ​Offer creative solutions to issues that arise, consulting with and influencing stakeholders with differing expectations, ensuring the impact of any change is communicated and understood by those involved.

Essential criteria:

• Proven track record of managing large and complex data sets within an academic, research or similar environment, including different types of data from multiple sources, including those with complex ethical and governance requirements.
• Thorough understanding of legislation regarding data management, confidentiality and security.
• Understanding of research governance.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and implementing a data management strategy.
• Experience of implementing current and developing technologies used for collecting, storing and accessing research data.
• Excellent organisational skills with the proven ability to manage multiple competing projects simultaneously to achieve deadlines.
• Educated to degree level in Computer Science or related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Proven innovation and pro-active problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to influence and negotiate with different levels of staff and external contacts.
• Excellent communication with both internal and external stakeholders including the ability to communicate technically complex ideas at an appropriate level.

Desirable criteria:

• Proven skills in programming using various languages and technologies including understanding of data manipulation and statistical packages used to manage, manipulate and analyse data e.g. SQL, Python, R.
• Proven ability to effectively lead, direct and manage a team of technical staff.
• Experience of working with a longitudinal research study, or equivalent, at a senior level.
• Excellent presentation skills, with experience of presenting to diverse audiences.

Working Environment

• Full time role with flexible working arrangements.
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.
• Flexible working will be required across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations, fieldwork sites and partner organisations.
• As a small charity, we offer a range of benefits, including enhanced sickness and family-friendly pay, additional annual leave, the opportunity to purchase up to five extra days’ holiday each leave year, a 10% employer pension contribution, and one paid volunteering day per year.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and the post holder having the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply online with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.

The closing date for this position is EoD Sunday 25 January 2026.

Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 23 February or 02 March 2026.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership and delivery teams. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.

Role Description

The purpose of the Executive Assistant role is to provide administrative, organisational and coordination support to the Executive Team, ensuring their time and attention are aligned with organisational priorities, goals, and objectives. The role covers executive coordination, governance administration and project support.  The Executive Assistant enables effective decision making across the Leadership Team, supports the smooth delivery of priorities, and contributes to the execution of long-term strategic goals.

The Executive Team comprises the Chief Executive, Operations Director and Business Development Director.  They work together as part of the Leadership Team, comprising key leaders from across the charity.

Excellent attention to detail is crucial, as is the ability to operate with discretion and flexibility. A high standard of written and verbal communication is essential. The role requires collaboration across Finance, HR, Trustees, and external stakeholders, and an understanding of effective charity governance would be desirable.

This role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation. Success in this role depends on a proactive mindset, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure. The Executive Assistant must be highly dependable, detail-oriented, and capable of managing sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Responsibilities

Executive Coordination

• Manage calendars, inboxes, travel and meeting preparation for Executive Team
• Coordinate agendas and logistics for internal and external meetings
• Liaise with stakeholders, clients and partners to ensure smooth engagement

Governance Support

• Own the established governance timetable, board meeting scheduling, and trustee communications
• Draft and distribute board packs, take minutes, and track actions
• Support governance processes in collaboration with the Operations Director
• Support trustee onboarding, training, and engagement
• Ensure timely completion of Charity Commission and Companies House submissions
• Leverage AI tools and platforms to enhance business processes

Strategic communications

• Communicate with external stakeholders on behalf of the Executive Team
• Coordinate staff events and meetings
• Work with marketing and communities & projects teams for conferences and external events

Project support

• Support ongoing transformation projects in collaboration with Head of Business Functions
• Support recruitment and onboarding for senior roles led by the Head of Business Operations
• Support strategic planning and performance tracking led by the Operations Director and Business Development Director
• Support handover and re-onboarding of Executive Assistant on her return April 2027

Role Requirements

Required:

• Minimum of four years’ experience in a similar role.
• Experience supporting senior leaders in a fast paced and changing environment, taking initiative and managing competing deadlines calmly and flexibly.
• Confident communicating with the executive and leadership team, trustees and external partners in a professional and timely way.
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and good judgment.
• Confident coordinating meetings, preparing papers and taking accurate minutes.
• Ability to research, digest, analyse and present material clearly and concisely.
• Ability to identify and apply AI-driven tools to enhance business activities and using AI to streamline workflows and personalise business engagement.
• Comfortable stepping into an established role quickly and maintaining continuity during the maternity leave period.

Desirable:

• Experience in charity governance
• Experience in project support/management

Employees are also expected to be flexible in undertaking the duties and responsibilities attached to their post and may be asked to perform other duties that are consistent with the grade, responsibilities, and typical scope of the role. Any additional tasks should remain appropriate to the nature of the post and not extend into unrelated functions or specialisms.

All employees are expected to work in accordance with the organisation’s values and behavioural standards, which include being supportive, transparent, respectful, kind, honest, and collaborative. This means fostering a culture of empathy, openness, integrity, and teamwork in all interactions, and contributing positively to the organisation’s mission and strategic objectives.

We are committed to flexible working and are open to requests for different working patterns. This includes part time arrangements and four day working week requests, which we will always consider as part of the recruitment process.

To apply for this role, please share your CV with a one-page cover letter setting out why this role appeals to you and how your skills and experiences meet the key skills points in the job description.

Interviews expected to take place on week commencing the 2nd of February 2026.