Senior innovation executive jobs in Edinburgh

About us

Community rail is a unique and growing grassroots movement made up of community rail partnerships, station volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives across Britain.

Together, these organisations and volunteers deliver a wide range of initiatives, from engaging young people and building confidence in rail travel, to improving accessibility, enhancing stations, supporting biodiversity projects and creating community spaces that bring people together.

Community Rail Network is the national membership and umbrella body for the community rail movement across England, Scotland and Wales. We empower, support and champion community-led partnerships and groups, helping them create social, environmental and economic value through their work.

Our team of 22 colleagues is based across Britain, working mainly from home while coming together regularly online and in person. We are a collaborative, values-led organisation, passionate about making a difference through community rail.

We believe in nurturing talent, supporting professional development and creating an environment where everyone can reach their potential while maintaining a healthy work–life balance.

About this role and your main responsibilities

We are looking for a compassionate, collaborative and creative leader to head up our work with members. Everyone on the team is here for our members, but you will lead the way in ensuring everything we do is driven by what members need, now and in the future, to help them develop, grow and thrive. You’ll also help ensure our members have a great experience whenever they are accessing our support and services.

As a member of the senior leadership team, you’ll actively contribute towards its collective work in driving organisational performance and success, including growing investment in our work so we can make an even bigger difference for our members and the communities they serve.

Please see the attached introduction from our Chief Executive and role profile for further information about the position, including its principal responsibilities and the experience, skills and attributes we are looking for.

Other information

The role will involve regular travel across England, Scotland and Wales to raise the organisation’s profile and engage with members, partners and key stakeholders.

There is flexibility on your location given the requirement to travel and that your office will be home-based. You will need to travel to in-person quarterly team meetings (usually in London or the north of England) and to Board meetings which alternate between online and London.

It is expected that travel will be by public transport and easy access to the rail network is therefore required to ensure journeys can 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 three months. 

Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.

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.

We are entering a period of unprecedented opportunity. Advances in treatment, increasing recognition of the condition, and growing awareness of healthcare inequalities provide a unique chance to strengthen our impact and expand our reach across the UK. Our ambition is bold: to engage and support at least 50% of the UK myasthenia community as members within the next five years, creating a movement that is representative, influential and impossible to ignore.

The successful candidate will lead the development of a thriving national community of people affected by myasthenia, ensuring that individuals and families feel connected, represented and empowered. They will transform community insight into meaningful campaigns, influence policy and healthcare decision-making, and position myaware as the authoritative voice for everyone affected by the condition.

Success in this role will be measured not only by influence and campaigning outcomes, but by the growth, engagement and mobilisation of our community. The Director will play a central role in delivering our ambition to reach, engage and retain 50% of the UK's myasthenia population as members and active supporters within five years, creating a change-maker movement that is representative of our goals.

Key Responsibilities

Community Growth and Engagement

• Contribute towards the development and delivery of a comprehensive membership growth strategy aimed at engaging at least 50% of the UK myasthenia community within five years.
• Build a deep understanding of the patient journey and identify opportunities to connect with people from diagnosis onwards.
• Lead the development of services, programmes and engagement approaches that increase membership recruitment, retention and participation.
• Ensure that people affected by myasthenia are at the heart of all organisational decisions, campaigns and strategic priorities.
• Create pathways for members, volunteers, supporters and ambassadors to actively contribute to myaware's work.
• Use data, insight and market intelligence to measure community reach, identify underserved groups and drive continuous improvement.

 

Campaigning, Policy and Influence

• Develop and implement a national campaigning and influencing strategy focused on awareness, equity of care, access to treatment and service improvement.
• Position myaware as a leading voice within healthcare, policy and rare disease discussions across the UK.
• Build strategic relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, NHS organisations, Integrated Care Boards, NICE, clinicians, researchers, industry partners and allied charities.
• Lead public affairs activity, including consultation responses, parliamentary engagement, policy briefings and stakeholder events.
• Ensure lived experience evidence informs policy development, healthcare decision-making and treatment access discussions.

 

Organisational Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and contribute to organisational strategy and performance.
• Foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, collaboration and measurable impact.
• Work closely with fundraising, communications, partnerships, and service delivery colleagues to maximise organisational reach and effectiveness.

 

Awareness and Public Engagement

• Increase awareness and understanding of myasthenia among healthcare professionals, policymakers, media and the public.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen myaware's visibility, reputation and influence.
• Support the development of compelling campaigns, media activity and storytelling that inspire engagement and drive action.
• To be the spokesperson for myaware.

 

What Success Looks Like

Within five years, the postholder will have:

• Led significant growth in membership, progressing towards engaging at least 50% of the UK's myasthenia community.
• Increased participation in surveys, campaigns, events, volunteering and lived-experience activities.
• Established myaware as the recognised national voice for people affected by myasthenia.
• Secured meaningful influence in policy, healthcare and treatment access discussions.
• Generated evidence of improvements in awareness, service delivery, treatment access and patient representation.
• Built a highly engaged and empowered community capable of driving change at local, national and system levels.

 

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Significant senior leadership experience within the charity, healthcare, membership, public affairs or advocacy sectors.
• Proven success in growing and engaging communities, memberships, movements or supporter bases at scale.
• Experience developing and delivering campaigning, influencing or public affairs strategies that have achieved measurable outcomes.
• Strong track record of building relationships with senior external stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Experience using data, insight and lived experience to shape organisational priorities and influence strategy.
• Experience leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Outstanding strategic thinking and leadership abilities.
• Exceptional communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Strong understanding of community mobilisation, supporter engagement and membership growth.
• Ability to translate complex healthcare and policy issues into compelling public narratives and calls to action.
• Strong analytical and performance management skills.
• Commitment to inclusion, co-production and patient-centred approaches.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• Ambitious about building one of the UK's most engaged rare disease communities.
• Passionate about amplifying the voices of people with lived experience.
• Collaborative and inspiring.
• Politically astute and credible with senior stakeholders.
• Resilient, innovative and outcomes focused.
• Motivated by creating lasting change for people living with long-term health conditions.

Why Join Us?

myaware is the only charity in the UK dedicated solely to the care and support of people affected by myasthenia. 

This is a rare opportunity to build a community movement capable of transforming lives. You will lead the growth of a national membership community, shape policy and healthcare conversations, and help ensure that every person affected by myasthenia feels informed, supported, represented and connected.

Together, we aim to ensure that within five years, at least half of everyone living with myasthenia in the UK knows, trusts and actively engages with myaware as their community, their advocate and their voice.

We are working hard to raise awareness of myasthenia, as it is a little-known condition. We provide support for people with myasthenia and their families, whilst offering advice and tips for living with the condition. 

We also fund the research that brings us closer to finding a cure as well as funding specialists nurses and advisors. 

Members of myaware have full access to a wide range of support services and events including our specialist benefits and welfare advisor. 

myaware supports people with myasthenia and their families.  We campaign for better medical services for people with myasthenia and work to inform medical professionals. 

The myasthenias are a group of neuromuscular conditions. They are rare but also manageable and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or nationality. Myasthenia gravis, ocular myasthenia and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome are autoimmune conditions whereas congenital myasthenic syndrome is caused by an inherited genetic fault. It is thought that there are approximately 20,000 people currently living with myasthenia in the UK. 

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance
• Perkbox account (global benefits and rewards platform)
• Group Life Assurance after 6 months of service 
• NEST workplace pension scheme
• Free inhouse staff benefits and welfare advice 
• Investment in your personal and professional development
• Annual salary review

Application instructions

Candidates should submit their CV and tailored covering letter by: 11:30pm on Friday.4th September

Provisional interview dates will be week commencing: 28.9.26

Interviews will be held over Microsoft Teams.

Applications submitted without a tailored cover letter will not be considered.

This post, due to its nature, duties and responsibilities, will be subject to an enhanced check by the DBS. This is funded by myaware.

This organisation supports anonymous recruitment. That means hiding your personal identifying information, removing bias from the hiring process.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.

Special Olympics GB is proud to support some of the most inspiring athletes in the world — individuals with intellectual disabilities who compete from local to international levels, breaking down barriers and showing the transformative power of sport both on and off the field of play.

As we enter an exciting new chapter, we are seeking an outstanding Director of Operations to join our Executive Leadership Team. This is a pivotal role for a strategic and values-driven leader who can strengthen our organisation, drive operational excellence and help deliver even greater impact for athletes, families and communities.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, Board and wider movement, you will lead organisational performance across governance, safegaurding, finance, people, systems, planning and delivery, ensuring Special Olympics GB is resilient, ambitious and fit for the future. As Executive Lead for Safeguarding and Welfare, you will champion a culture where the wellbeing, safety and dignity of every athlete remains at the heart of everything we do.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is inspired by the power of sport to transform lives and create more inclusive communities.
• Brings significant senior leadership experience and a track record of organisational development and operational excellence.
• Can translate strategic ambition into effective delivery and sustainable growth.
• Has experience of governance, compliance, finance, risk management and safeguarding.
• Builds strong relationships and partnerships, influencing with credibility and integrity.
• Leads with empathy, accountability and a commitment to inclusion.

The Director of Operations at SOGB is a wide-ranging, key role, reporting to the Chief Executive as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Working across the organisation, the Director of Operations manages the operational and support services activities including governance, compliance, HR, business processes, IT, safeguarding, finance and health & safety to ensure that the organisation runs smoothly, efficiently and effectively.

Application Instructions

For Job Role specifics and how to apply please see the below SOGB Director of Operations Recruitment Pack.

The closing date for applications is Friday 4th September 2026 at 9am. There will be a two- stage interview process that will cover both culture/motivators and thematic competencies.  Stage 1 interviews will take place week beginning 28th September 2026 and stage 2 will take place week beginning 5th October 2026.

Hours: 30–35 hours per week
Location: Home-based*
Reporting to: CEO

*This is a home-based role. However, the successful candidate will need to be based within reasonable travelling distance of London and our programme activity, with the ability to travel to meetings and visits within a day where required. We therefore anticipate that applicants based in Scotland, Ireland, West Wales or the far South West may find the role impractical.

This position is being re-advertised; previous candidates need not apply.

Be part of a mission that's transforming children's futures through food, farming and the countryside

For more than 45 years, The Country Trust has been connecting children from the UK's most disadvantaged communities with the land that sustains us all. Through inspiring farm visits, food education and countryside experiences, we've already reached more than 600,000 children, and we're just getting started.

We're entering an exciting new chapter as we develop our next organisational strategy, and we're looking for an experienced fundraising leader to help shape our future.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious and strategic fundraiser to join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the next phase of our income growth, enabling even more children to benefit from our life-changing programmes.

About the role

As Head of Fundraising, you'll provide strategic leadership across all fundraising activity while remaining hands-on in securing major income and developing key relationships.

You'll lead a dedicated fundraising team, drive innovation, strengthen fundraising systems and processes, and develop a sustainable fundraising strategy that diversifies income across:

• Trusts and foundations
• Corporate partnerships
• Major donors
• Individual giving
• Legacies
• Gaming and Streaming for Good
• Emerging fundraising opportunities

Working closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, Digital and IT colleagues, you'll help embed new fundraising systems, champion data-driven decision making and ensure fundraising excellence across the organisation.

About you

We're looking for an inspiring fundraising leader who combines strategic thinking with practical delivery.

You'll bring:

• Significant senior-level fundraising leadership experience
• A proven track record of securing substantial income across multiple fundraising streams
• Experience developing and delivering fundraising strategies that drive sustainable growth
• Strong leadership skills with experience developing high-performing teams
• Excellent relationship-building, communication and influencing skills
• Financial and commercial awareness, including budgeting and forecasting
• Knowledge of fundraising regulation, GDPR and fundraising best practice
• A passion for improving opportunities for disadvantaged children

Experience developing new income streams, digital fundraising and CRM systems would be particularly valuable.

Why join us?

At The Country Trust, you'll be joining an ambitious charity where collaboration, learning and innovation are at the heart of everything we do.

We offer:

• Flexible working
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (FTE)
• Workplace pension
• Homeworking allowance
• Mileage and agreed travel expenses
• A supportive, values-led culture
• The opportunity to shape our future strategy and make a lasting difference to children's lives

We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Key dates
Closing date: 11:59pm, Sunday 13th September
Interviews from: Monday 21st September
 

The Country Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

059 Development Product Executive

Reporting to: Products Manager
Hours: Full Time (35 hours per week)
Key Relationships: Products Manager, Stewardship Manager, Fundraising Lead, Director of Development, CEO, COO, Trustees, External Partners
Location: Remote Working, with national travel requirements for meetings, events and collaboration.

OVERALL PURPOSE

To support the Products Manager in the development, delivery and administration of innovative fundraising products and initiatives that generate income for NHS Charities Together whilst helping NHS charities increase their own fundraising income.

The Development Product Executive will play a key role in coordinating fundraising products including the lottery programme, the National Legacy Campaign, , fundraising toolkits and collective fundraising initiatives. The role will help ensure products are delivered effectively, members receive excellent support and product performance is monitored to drive continuous improvement.

Working collaboratively across the Development team, the Development Product Executive will help deliver high-quality fundraising products that are accessible, scalable and responsive to the needs of NHS charities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The main duties and responsibilities of the role holder are as outlined below:

Product Delivery & Development

• Support the Products Manager with the delivery and ongoing development of fundraising products, campaigns and initiatives for NHS charities.
• Support the administration and delivery of the lottery programme, including member onboarding, supplier liaison, reporting and responding to enquiries. The role will support NHS charities to recruit players to the lottery, so experience of engaging and growing membership or supporter bases, and understanding recruitment journeys, would be beneficial.
• Assist in developing, testing and evaluating new fundraising products and pilot initiatives.
• Produce and maintain fundraising toolkits, guidance documents, templates and other supporting resources.
• Coordinate timelines, project plans and actions to ensure fundraising products are delivered to schedule.
• Support the creation and delivery of collective fundraising initiatives that enable NHS charities to collaborate and maximise fundraising opportunities.

Member Support & Collaboration

• Act as a first point of contact for member charities with queries relating to fundraising products and initiatives.
• Build positive relationships with NHS charities, understanding their needs and supporting successful implementation of fundraising products.
• Coordinate member communications relating to fundraising products, campaigns and opportunities.
• Support the delivery of webinars, workshops and member events, including preparing materials, managing registrations and following up with attendees.
• Gather feedback from member charities and supporters to inform future product development and improvements.
• Support the delivery of consultancy projects where required.

Product Administration & Performance

• Maintain accurate project documentation, timelines, budgets and performance records.
• Collate income, participation and engagement data across fundraising products.
• Produce regular reports and dashboards to monitor product performance and support evaluation.
• Assist in monitoring budgets, expenditure and income against forecasts.
• Maintain accurate records on Raiser's Edge and other systems in line with GDPR and organisational policies.
• Support supplier administration, including raising purchase orders, processing invoices and monitoring contracts where required.

Marketing & Communications

• Work collaboratively with the Communications Team to develop and schedule marketing materials that promote fundraising products.
• Coordinate the production of product resources, case studies and promotional content.
• Identify member success stories and examples of best practice to share across the NHS charity network.
• Support campaigns that encourage member engagement and product participation.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor fundraising trends, emerging products and sector developments to identify new opportunities.
• Support the testing and evaluation of new fundraising ideas and product improvements.
• Assist with gathering insight and learning from product pilots to improve future delivery.
• Contribute ideas that improve efficiency, supporter experience and member engagement.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Work closely with colleagues across the Development Team to ensure fundraising products complement wider fundraising activity.
• Collaborate with Data & Systems and Business Support teams to ensure effective administration and reporting.
• Support wider fundraising activity, including events and campaigns, where required.
• Contribute positively to team meetings, planning sessions and organisational projects.

Other Duties

• Visibly live NHS Charities Together's values, including our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Carry out duties in accordance with NHS Charities Together's Health & Safety policies and procedures.
• Work flexibly, prioritising workload and supporting colleagues across the organisation as required.
• Adhere to relevant legislation, fundraising regulation, GDPR and organisational policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of duties. Flexibility is required and the post holder will be expected to undertake other duties appropriate to the role and within their skills and experience when reasonably requested.

Competencies

Teamwork – 'One Charity', working within and across teams

• Collaborates effectively across teams to ensure fundraising products are successfully delivered and continuously improved.

Building trust and respect – listen, feedback and learn

• Builds positive relationships with NHS charities, suppliers and colleagues through responsive communication and a collaborative approach.

Responsibility – owning your part in our success

• Takes ownership of product administration, project coordination and delivery to ensure high-quality outcomes. Demonstrates excellent attention to detail and follows through on commitments.

Professionalism – creating an environment to achieve success

• Organises work effectively, manages competing priorities and maintains accurate records and reporting. Upholds fundraising regulations and organisational standards.

Stakeholder focus – understanding the needs of our stakeholders

• Provides excellent support to member charities, ensuring fundraising products are practical, accessible and responsive to their needs.

Acumen – sound decision-making

• Uses data, feedback and learning to improve product delivery and identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Experience working within a fundraising, marketing or project coordination role
• Experience coordinating projects or campaigns involving multiple stakeholders
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience producing reports and analysing performance data
• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Experience maintaining databases or CRM systems
• Excellent attention to detail and administrative skills
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team

Desirable

• Membership or subscription recruitment experience, particularly involving acquisition campaigns or supporter recruitment, would be advantageous.
• Experience supporting fundraising campaigns or products
• Knowledge of fundraising products including lotteries, legacy fundraising or individual giving
• Experience developing toolkits, guidance or fundraising resources
• Experience working with external suppliers or agencies
• Knowledge of fundraising regulation, GDPR and charity sector best practice
• Experience using Raiser's Edge or another fundraising CRM
• Understanding of NHS charities or the wider health charity sector

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Contract: Permanent / Full Time

Salary: C. £130k per annum, depending on experience

Location: Remote / UK Based (regular travel to London office and other locations as required)

Closing Date: 10th September

Interview Dates: 5th & 7th October

Introduction

Doing Good Recruitment is proud to be exclusively partnering with a highly respected health organisation to appoint an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO). This critical leadership role will drive organisational transformation, operational excellence and long-term sustainable impact.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the COO will serve as a key strategic adviser and member of the executive leadership team, helping to shape organisational priorities and ensure effective delivery across a complex international organisation. Working closely with the CEO, Board and senior stakeholders, the COO will play a central role in driving organisational performance, strengthening governance and ensuring resources are deployed effectively to support long-term objectives.

The role will provide strategic leadership across core corporate functions, including people, finance, governance, risk, technology and business operations. The next postholder will ensure the organisation's operational infrastructure, systems and processes effectively support performance, fundraising and programme delivery, while positioning the organisation for long-term success.

About You

The successful candidate will bring substantial executive leadership experience, ideally gained within a complex, purpose-led or internationally operating organisation. As a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), you will possess excellent financial and commercial acumen, with experience leading organisational planning, overseeing significant budgets and providing strategic financial insight at the highest level. Experience of presenting to and working closely with Boards, Finance Committees and other senior governance groups will be essential.

The right candidate will be able to demonstrate a track record of leading business improvement, organisational change and operational modernisation, alongside the ability to build credibility and influence across diverse stakeholder groups. This unique opportunity requires a collaborative and pragmatic leader who combines sound judgement with effective delivery, enabling organisations to adapt, grow and achieve sustainable impact. Experience of digital innovation, data-driven decision-making and the effective application of emerging technologies, including AI, would be advantageous.

Disability Confident

Our client is Disability Confident. Candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role and identify as having a disability (found on the application page) will be guaranteed an interview as part of their commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process.

 

Inclusion Statement

Doing Good Recruitment is committed to the highest standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, caring responsibilities, socio-economic background, or any other protected characteristic. We recognise that exceptional candidates do not always meet every requirement listed in a job description. If your experience aligns with most of the criteria and you are excited by the opportunity, we encourage you to apply.

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Cause4’s Development Team as a Development Manager, supporting a varied portfolio of charities and social purpose organisations with fundraising, strategy and organisational development.

This opportunity provides a fantastic opportunity for someone to work as part of a passionate and hard working team to hone their consultancy skills to fast track into more senior positions within the organisation.

The role offers the chance to work across multiple sectors including arts, heritage, education, health, sport and community organisations, helping clients to develop fundraising strategies, secure funding and build sustainable income streams. Alongside client work, you will play an active role within the wider Cause4 Development Team, contributing to research, organisational planning, training delivery and business development activity.

This position offers broad exposure across a wide range of organisations, fundraising disciplines and consultancy projects, making it an excellent opportunity for someone looking to accelerate their career within the charity or consultancy sectors.

THE OPPORTUNITY WHO THIS ROLE MAY SUIT

• This role could particularly suit: Someone looking to step into their first consultancy or Development Manager role.
• A fundraiser wanting broader experience across multiple organisations and income streams. Someone currently working in the charity, arts, education or cultural sectors looking to transition into consultancy.
• An ambitious individual seeking a fast-paced role with clear progression and development opportunities.
• An existing manager looking to build their consultancy skills to fast track into more senior positions in the sector.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising & Client Support

• Supporting a portfolio of clients with fundraising strategy development and delivery.
• Writing compelling funding applications, Cases for Support and donor-facing materials.
• Supporting funding approaches to Trusts & Foundations, statutory funders, corporates and individual donors.
• Conducting research into prospective funders, partners and opportunities.
• Supporting the development and delivery of fundraising events and engagement activities. Building positive relationships with clients, funders and wider stakeholders.
• Supporting the delivery of fundraising training and wider Cause4 programmes.

Research & Consultancy

• Producing high-quality research, reports and briefing papers.
• Supporting the development of programme ideas, evaluation frameworks and measurable outcomes.
• Contributing strategic thinking to fundraising campaigns and organisational development projects.
• Supporting wider consultancy and innovation work across the organisation.

Team & Organisational Development

• Contributing to Cause4’s business development and growth activity.
• Sharing knowledge, expertise and fundraising insight across the team.
• Supporting the wider strategic and operational needs of the organisation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Cause4 is a fast-paced consultancy environment offering significant opportunities for learning and career development.

Skills & Experience

We are particularly interested in candidates who are ambitious, adaptable and keen to grow within a consultancy environment. You may already have experience in fundraising, charity operations, programme delivery, arts administration, partnerships, research or strategy work.

We are looking for:

• Strong written communication skills and the ability to produce compelling, engaging and high-quality written material.
• Strong research and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret and synthesise large and complex amounts of information and data from a range of sources.
• Experience within a charity, fundraising, arts, education or consultancy environment.
• An interest in fundraising, philanthropy and organisational development.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Confidence working with a range of stakeholders and building professional relationships.
• Strategic thinking, creative and problem-solving skills. Strong organisational and coordination skills.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience using online platforms such as Zoom or Teams.
• Alignment with our company values.

Experience across fundraising or income generation is desirable, but we are equally interested in candidates with strong transferable skills and the ambition to develop into a client-facing consultancy role.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your CV together with either: a Cover Letter (maximum two pages), or a Cover Video (maximum three minutes) to Ben Wilson, Director of Development and Enterprise.

The deadline for applying is 5pm on Tuesday 1 September 2026.

Please also include a completed Equal Opportunities Form downloadable from the Cause4 website.

Thames Rivers Trust (TRT) is part of The Rivers Trust movement. We focus on the promotion and delivery of an ecosystem-based approach to improving the River Thames, working with partners including Thames Water, The Rivers Trust, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and a network of Catchment Partnerships across the Thames Basin, to deliver an integrated approach to managing the river basin for people, biodiversity and the environment.

We are recruiting a Programme Manager to lead day-to-day delivery of the Water Company Partnership: a developing arrangement between TRT, The Rivers Trust, Thames Water and ZSL that works alongside and helps coordinate support for the 27 Catchment Partnerships of the Thames Basin. You will oversee delivery across all five of the Partnership's workstreams and be accountable to the Partnership Board for progress, combining day-to-day programme management with support to the Board's strategic oversight.

In practical terms, this role exists to help integrate Catchment Partnership hosts and partnership members with Thames Water's delivery programme, and to upskill those partnerships so they are equipped to plan, fund and deliver more on the ground themselves, building the same kind of productive relationships with other funders and partners too, not just Thames Water. It is a genuine opportunity to shape how a major water company and its environmental partners work together, and to help turn that partnership into real, measurable improvements for rivers and the wider environment across the Thames Basin.

Your responsibilities will span five workstreams:

● Governance: catchment partnership maturity and tiering, network structure and governance models

● Monitoring and Evaluation: river health scorecards, monitoring standards and evidence for investment decisions and Thames Water's PR29 submission

● Capability and Capacity, including CaPS: TRT's own Catchment Partnerships Support Programme, learning and development, and running the Thames Catchment Forum

● Catchment and Nature-based Solutions: supporting delivery of wetland, river restoration and storm overflow projects

● Blended Finance: developing environmental market mechanisms and diversified funding for Catchment Partnerships

You will also service the Partnership Board, coordinate quarterly reviews with individual catchment hosts, and act as TRT's key liaison with Thames Water, The Rivers Trust, ZSL and Catchment Partnerships across the region.

We're looking for someone with experience delivering environmental, catchment or nature-recovery programmes, strong partnership working and facilitation skills, and the ability to coordinate complex, multi-organisation programmes through influence rather than line management. Knowledge of the water sector, WINEP or AMP planning, nature-based solutions or blended finance would be an advantage, as would a project or programme management qualification.

Please note that we are interested in receiving and considering applications from candidates who may not tick every box. You may be just who we are looking for.

The details

Salary: £40,000–£42,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Contract: Initially funded for one year, with planned funding for a further two years

Location: Thames Basin, home-based, with regular travel across catchments and to partner offices in London

Reports to: Chief Executive, Thames Rivers Trust

How to apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter, explaining why you're interested in the role and how you meet the person specification. More details in the full job description is available.

Closing date: 10pm, Sunday 30th August 2026

Interviews: Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th September 2026

Job description

 Overall purpose of role

As WeProtect Global Alliance Fundraising and Grants Manager,you will:

• Lead the day-to-day management of a multi-donor grant portfolio (restricted and unrestricted) to ensure donor obligations are met in full and on time.
• Optimise and maintain grants management systems (calendars, trackers, templates, CRM, workflows) proportionate to a small organisation operating at global scale.
• Produce and co-ordinate high-quality donor reporting and contribute to renewal and proposal development, working closely with the Head of Development and collaborating with the Deputy Head of Operations and Finance, as well as colleagues in the Strategy and Members teams.
• Ensure and strengthen donor compliance, due diligence, and data assurance across the grant lifecycle in line with donor requirements, relevant regulations (including UK and EU), and best practice standards (including GDPR).
• Support the Head of Development and Deputy Head of Operations and Finance with grant budgets, forecasts and pipeline, supporting decision-making by the Executive Team and Board.

Key responsibilities

Portfolio ownership & planning

• Maintain a live grants calendar covering deliverables, reports, payments, audits and evaluations; ensure all internal and donor deadlines are met.
• Act as primary point of contact for assigned donors on contractual, reporting, and routine relationship matters, escalating strategically as needed.

 Reporting & stewardship

• Coordinate the production of timely, accurate and outcome-focused narrative and financial reports, synthesising inputs from programme, policy, finance and leadership colleagues.
• Support contract amendments/variations, no-cost extensions, and budget realignments in collaboration with the Head of Development and Deputy Head of Operations and Finance.

Compliance, risk & due diligence

• Interpret, operationalise, and ensure adherence to donor terms and conditions, including eligibility rules, procurement, safeguarding, DEI, anti-fraud, and data protection requirements.
• Contribute to risk registers linked to grants and grant files (audit-ready) with clear decision trails.
• Support alignment with UK and EU regulatory frameworks and internal policies.

Budgeting, finance & cost recovery

• Support the Head of Development and Deputy Head of Operations and Finance to maintain budgets, forecasts, and cashflows to delivery plans.
• Support cost recovery and overhead allocation approaches and ensure compliant coding and reporting for restricted awards (i.e. timesheets and expense coding).
• Track income recognition and receivables against milestones; prepare payment requests/invoices as required.

Proposals, renewals & pipeline support

• Work with and report to the Head of Development to identify and develop new funding opportunities.
• Support the preparation of compelling proposals, concept notes, and donor presentations tailored to institutional, foundation, and private sector partners.
• Conduct donor research and maintain a live fundraising tracker and CRM system to support proactive pipeline management.
• Contribute to the cultivation and stewardship of funders, preparing impact reports, case studies, and donor communications.
• Coordinate cross-team inputs for donor meetings, funding campaigns, or events that support income generation.

Systems, data & process improvement

• Utilise available grants management tools (e.g., trackers, templates, checklists, shared drives/SharePoint, CRM).

· Promote disciplined data management, ensuring GDPR-compliant document storage and access controls.

• Provide training and guidance to colleagues on grant requirements and internal workflows.

Governance & internal collaboration

• Prepare or contribute to concise briefings, dashboards, and summaries for the Head of Development, Executive Team, and Global Policy Board.
• Contribute to annual planning, KPI setting, and impact measurement related to fundraising and grant delivery.
• Support continuous improvement in monitoring, evaluation, and learning.

Expectations

Cross-functional operational collaboration

• Contribute to the WeProtect Global Alliance operational compliance, financial and grant management processes and systems.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver cross-functional projects that will strengthen the reach and impact of the WeProtect Global Alliance Secretariat.

Building an inclusive culture

• Play a proactive role in ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is embedded in everything we do.
• Embrace diversity and recognise different perspectives within collaborative working to create a more impactful and effective organisation. 
• Commit to ensuring all employees are treated fairly and equitably at work, feel like they belong, and promote equality in physical and mental health for all.

Other

• To attend and contribute to meetings, training, and other events as required.
• To actively participate in our supervision and appraisal process.
• To ensure that all responsibilities and activities within this post are delivered in accordance with WeProtect Global Alliance core values and relevant corporate, organisational, financial, and compliance policies.
• To travel to meetings, which may require the need to work unsociable hours, e.g. attending evening or weekend meetings.
• To adhere to relevant legal and statutory requirements including the Data Protection Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act.
• To use WeProtect Global Alliance resources responsibly.

As a global, multi-sector alliance, ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is embedded in everything we do is a critical priority. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to be impactful and effective. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equality in physical and mental health for all.

Person Specification

Essential criteria

Experience

1. Substantial hands-on experience managing multi-donor grants across the full lifecycle, from start-up to close-out with a diverse donor community (governments/multilaterals, trusts and foundations, and private donors), including restricted awards.

2. Proven track record coordinating high-quality donor reports and ensuring contractual compliance across multiple awards and deadlines.

3. Demonstrable experience collaborating internally and leading applications, funding reports, financial reporting (budgets, forecasts, cost recovery, and expenditure monitoring).

4. Experience of preparing concept notes, proposals, and application forms for funding opportunities.

5. Experience with grant databases/CRM.

6. Stakeholder management skills, with experience liaising with donors and supporting senior leaders with briefings and stewardship.

7. Experience in due diligence, risk management and audit-readiness for grants (e.g., procurement, safeguarding, sanctions/PEP checks, data protection).

8. Proven experience working autonomously in a fast-paced environment to deliver a broad range of donor activities.

Skills

1. Outstanding organisation and time management, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and maintain meticulous records.

2. Excellent written communication, able to synthesise complex information into clear, outcome-focused reports and proposals.

3. Financial literacy: confident reviewing budgets, variances and forecasts; advanced Excel skills and comfort with shared-working tools (MS Office, Teams, SharePoint).

4. Analytical judgement and problem-solving, with a pragmatic, solutions-focused mindset.

5. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote, international team, exercising discretion and sound judgement.

6. Commitment to safeguarding, child protection, EDI, and ethical fundraising practice.

Knowledge

1. Practical understanding of donor compliance for public/institutional and philanthropic funders, including awareness of different types of donor reporting requirements.

2. Knowledge of monitoring, evaluation and learning principles and how to evidence impact and learning in grant reports.

3. Familiarity with data protection (GDPR) and information governance in grants contexts.

4. Understanding of WeProtect Global Alliance’s mission, vision, values, and global operating context.

Other

1. A willingness to travel and work unsocial hours (time in lieu can be claimed)

2. Commitment to your own continuing professional and personal development

3. To uphold high standards of work, standards, and conduct in line with WeProtect Global Alliance values.

Desirable Criteria

1. Experience setting up or improving grants management systems (trackers, calendars, templates, workflows) proportionate to a small organisation.

2. Experience of using online funding and grant management portals.

3. Awareness of global child protection policies and procedures within the digital arena and a genuine passion for child protection

Diversity, inclusion, and equity

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those of different ages, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities, and lived experiences. We particularly encourage applications from individuals who are part of communities that are under-represented in our sector, including Black, Asian, and other ethnic minorities, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Safeguarding and values

As a child-focused organisation, we have a strong commitment to child safeguarding and rigorous procedures. The successful candidate will be required to provide two referees and to undergo a criminal record check. 

All staff are expected to act at all times in a manner consistent with our values and in compliance with our policies and procedures, including our Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.

Our values are:

· Empowerment – collaboration, innovation, challenge

· Accountability – responsibility, delivery, safeguarding

· Respect – honesty, feedback, inclusion.