Senior conference and training events manager jobs in Stevenage, hertfordshire

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 Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement. 

You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.

By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).

You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

Strategic Leadership:  

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities 

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required 

Comms & Marketing:

• Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources 

• Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience

• Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice. 

Influencing & Public Affairs:  

• Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful 

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities

• Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:  

• Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact 

• Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do 

• Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries

Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:  

• Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels

• Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector. 

Membership, Events & Communities:  

• By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).

• Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications

• Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth 

• Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach

• Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity

General Responsibilities 

• Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity

• Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend

• Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group

• Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities

• Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group

• Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design

• Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies

• Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required. 

Personal Development  

• Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing

• Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions

• Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession

• Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.

Organisational Responsibilities: 

• Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.  

• Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.  

• Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.  

• Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.  

• Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.  

• Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.  

• Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.  

• Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.  

• Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.  

This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.  

Person Specification  

Job Title 

Director of External Relations 

• Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills

• Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships

• The ability to work effectively within a small team

• Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload

• A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work

• A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative 

• A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity

• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post

• Fit to undertake the duties of the post. 

Experience/Skills/Competencies 

Essential 

• Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success

• PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR

• Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback

• Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development

• Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making

• Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making

• Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT 

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders

• Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms

• Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.

• Experience managing budgets and associated reporting

• Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events

• Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team

• Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity

• Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment

• Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications

• Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)

• Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events. 

• Experience supporting and manging a remote team

Education and Qualifications: 

Other Requirements: 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  

• Regular travel to attend meetings and events. 

• Occasional evening meetings.  

Legal requirements: 

• Enhanced DBS check. 

Please Note: You will not be eligible to apply unless you hold the L2 Award in Instructing Cycle Training and have worked for 5 years in cycle training. If you do not hold this qualification your application will automatically rejected. 

• Lead the Trust’s strategic development work supporting our 2025–2035 strategic ambitions.
• Drive innovation across the Bikeability programme — including training guidance, evidence-based pilots, and digital learning products.
• Use your expertise as a qualified cycle training instructor to shape improvements to national training delivery.
• Support research, evaluation and evidence generation to ensure the programme remains future-focused and impactful.
• Represent the Trust at national forums, government meetings, conferences, and sector events.
• Manage development budgets, oversee project governance, and contribute to strategic decision-making.
• Ideal for someone with quality assurance experience, a strong background in qualification design and evaluation, and a proven track record of delivering innovative, high-impact projects.

We expect to hold interviews on either 10th or 13th April but we may do rolling interviews. 

Are you a fundraising expert intrigued by the idea of transforming healthcare through the power of volunteering? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you! 
 
Helpforce is on a mission to revolutionise health volunteering, and we’re looking for a dynamic, strategic, and results-driven Head of Business Development & Fundraising to lead this work. This is your chance to shape the future of a award-winning national charity at the intersection of innovation, impact, and social good. 
 
You will develop and deliver an integrated strategy across philanthropic fundraising (grants, trusts, high-net-worth donors) and revenue-generating business development. Reporting to the CEO/SMT and working closely with Communications, Finance, and Programme teams, you’ll ensure strong prioritisation, clear pipeline management, and robust forecasting to support decision-making. 

You’ll also play a visible external role, representing Helpforce at events, building strategic relationships, and identifying new opportunities through proactive networking. 

Since our launch in 2017, we’ve championed a vision where volunteering is integral to healthcare at its best. We work with NHS Trusts and healthcare organisations to co-create volunteering models that address key challenges, while building evidence of their impact. Our insights help health leaders invest in solutions that improve patient experience, ease pressure on staff, and deliver meaningful benefits for the volunteers who give their time and talents. 
 
This is not just any job, this is a chance to make a tangible difference to the lives of millions who receive and deliver healthcare. 
 
Key Responsibilities 
Strategy & Leadership  

• Lead the development and delivery of an integrated income-generation strategy. 
• Identifyand assess new fundraising and business development opportunities. 
• Work with the CEO and SMT to set annual revenue targets, KPIs and income projections, ensuringaccurateandtimelyforecasting. 
• Utilise your senior level networks toidentifynew areas Helpforce canoperatein. 
• Ensure all income-generating activities align withHelpforce’sfinancial strategy andcomply withinternal governance and approval processes.

 
Fundraising  

• Develop and manage a healthy pipeline of funding prospects including trusts, foundations, institutional funders, and HNWIs. 
• Shape and oversee compelling value propositions, funding proposals, donor reports, and stewardship plans – incorporating storytelling into high-calibre content. 
• Manage relationships with existing funders, ensuring high-quality communication and reporting. 
• Ensure full compliance with restricted fund terms and grant agreements, working with Finance tomonitorallocation and utilisation of funding. 
• Uphold ethical fundraising standards and ensure alignment with the Fundraising Regulator Code of Practice. 
• Deliveryearonyeargrowth in fundraising income against agreed targets.

 
Business Development  

• Identifyand develop new markets, partnershipmodelsand products offerings. 
• Leverage the excellenttrack recordand reputation of Helpforce, using our sector-leading evidence of impact to generate new opportunities. Lead the preparation of bids, tenders, proposals, and commercial negotiations, ensuring all opportunities are assessed for fit, feasibility, pricing, and margin. 
• Collaborate with programme managers to package services for sale or partnership. 
• Conduct due diligence on prospective partners and commercial clients to ensure values alignment and manage reputational risk. 

 
Relationship Management  

• Build andmaintainrelationships with donors, funders, corporate partners, and public sector stakeholders. 
• Represent the organisation at external events, conferences, and networking opportunities to raise visibility and strengthen the organisation’s profile. 
• Support senior-level relationship-building with strategic funders and institutional partners, working alongside the CEO and Trustees whereappropriate. 
• Maintain a focused approach to cultivatinga number ofhighpotentialrelationships positioned forlongtermor multiyear support.

 
Finance & Reporting  

• Set, monitor, and report on income targets, pipeline health,ROIand overall income performance against agreed KPIs. 
• Develop budgets and financial forecasts for all income streams ensuring accuracy, transparency, andtimelyupdates for senior decision-making. .
• Liaise with the Finance team to ensureaccuratetracking, reporting and audit-readiness. 
• Collaborate with Finance to ensureaccuratefunder-specific financial reporting, including restricted/unrestricted income reporting and grant reconciliations. 
• Monitor income and expenditure related to income generation activities, support financial planning, and advise on funding risks and sustainability. 
• Provideclear insights into income confidence levels, timelines, risks, and mitigation actions. 

 
Person Specification  
Essential  

• 5 years of senior-level experience in fundraising, business development, or strategic partnerships. 
• Proventrack recordof raising significant funding (6–7 figure). 
• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering successful income-generation strategies. 
• Above excellent written communication and document design skills (grant writing, proposals, reporting). 
• Strong negotiation, commercialawarenessand contract management skills. 
• Highly confident in face-to-face relationship building, networking and able torepresentHelpforce effectively at external meetings, events, and conferences. 
• Proven ability toidentifyand build new strategic relationships across diverse sectors, including government agencies, NHS, philanthropy, and corporate partners. 
• Ability to work with resilience,maintainmomentum under pressure, and adapt quickly to evolving opportunities. 

 
Desirable  

• Experience in a non-profit, NGO, social enterprise, or impact-driven business. 
• Knowledge of CRM systems and fundraising databases. 
• Sector knowledge: [e.g. healthcare]. 

 
Equality and Diversity 
Helpforce encourages applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries. We're committed to having a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. We actively encourage BAME and disabled applicants and value the positive impact that difference has on our organisation. We are committed to equality and diversity within our workforce and all opportunities provided by Helpforce. 

Location
Remote, but travel to the London office will be required, as will UK wide client meetings. 
 
Closing date for applications is 9th April 2026. Please use the application link to send us your CV and a covering letter to support your application. Applications submitted without a covering letter may not be considered. 
 
REF-227 559

Youth Programmes Officer – Oxfordshire & Wiltshire 

SALARY: £18,731 pro-rata including holiday pay, based on a working pattern of 30hrs/week across 4 or 5 days, and 39 weeks/year. £26,700 FTE

LOCATION: Homebased with travel within Oxfordshire & Wiltshire (mainly Swindon, Carterton, Didcot) 

HOURS: 30hrs a week, working term time only (39 weeks/year). The hours and days of coverage may be negotiable for the right candidate and experience. 

CONTRACT: Permanent

Ideal opportunity if you enjoy working with young people and want to help them be the best they can be. 

Flexible and rewarding position within a dedicated and supportive team, working together to develop teamwork, leadership, and employability skills that inspire the next generation to aim high. 

Are you looking to join an exciting organisation that’s truly making a difference?

The Jon Egging Trust are seeking a highly motivated individual with experience of working with young people, to plan and deliver inspiring teamwork, leadership and employability programmes in the Oxfordshire & Wiltshire. The role involves liaising with school staff, local partners (including the Military and local businesses) and volunteers to ensure programmes meet the needs of our young people and is supported by the Regional Manager, Oxfordshire & Wiltshire. You will be joining a fantastically motivated and committed team of workers who are all passionate about improving the lives of young people through our specialist youth programmes.

The successful candidate will be based from home with a requirement to travel to partner schools and business sites in and around Swindon, Carterton and Oxfordshire surrounding areas. Fuel expenses are paid and travel time is included as part of working hours. Working with secondary schools to provide early support programmes, core delivery time is usually within the school working day and during school terms only. All other working hours can be managed with flexibility by the post holder to ensure that all administrative tasks are completed as required.

Across the JET team we cultivate a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better outcomes for our young people. We welcome applicants whatever your background and whatever your stage in life, so if you are returning to the workforce after a period away, or even seeking a change of pace, please get in touch.  

About the Jon Egging Trust (JET)

At JET, we support vulnerable young people to get back on track and realise their potential; more than 30,000 young people right across the UK to date, and there’s so much more we can do. We’re an organisation that really values its people and we’re immensely proud that our team culture is based on caring and raising each other up.

Our benefits package includes:

• Flexible working

• Enhanced annual leave

• Homeworking allowance 

• Occupational pension scheme

• Occupational sickness scheme

• Special paid leave provision

• Enhanced family leave 

Download the Candidate Information Pack  

Read our Applicant Privacy Notice 

Child and adult at risk protection policy statement 

The Jon Egging Trust is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for everyone involved in its services and activities. The Trust takes its extended moral and legal duty of care very seriously in relation to children, young people, staff and volunteers. We seek to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and to protect them from harm or abuse when they engage in any of our activities. JET expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees or volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. 

To apply 

Please complete our online application form.

The closing date is Sunday 19th April at 23.30 hrs 

The two-step interview process to be held week commencing 27nd April 2026. 

Step 1 is a formal interview on Teams online on Monday 27th April 2026. 

Step 2 an in-person session delivery at one of our partner schools in Oxfordshire & Wiltshire, location to be confirmed. This will be on Wednesday 30th April 2026. 

Questions? 

Contact through our website. 

Please note:

Due to our anonymised recruitment process, if your application is not shortlisted, we are unable to provide personalised feedback. 

To become an employee at JET, you must be able to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK and a satisfactory DBS check – enhanced with children's barred is required for this role. 

As part of our safer recruitment process, all candidates invited to a final interview will also be required to complete a confidential self-disclosure form, which allows any relevant information to be discussed in line with our safeguarding policy.