Senior major donor officer jobs in Bermondsey, greater london

Director of Fundraising Development

We have an exciting and rewarding opportunity for a Director of Development to join the Senior Leadership Team.

The Director of Development is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and provides strategic and operational leadership across all fundraising and income generation activities.

Join a youth social action charity which challenges 18 to 25-year-olds to tackle educational inequality through a year of full-time social action. As mentors, tutors and role models in schools, they support pupils growing up in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the UK.

Position: Director of Development

Location: London/Hybrid (two days worked from the office or at external events per week and two days from home)

Hours: Part-Time, 4 days per week, 28 hours per week

Salary: £60,000 pro rata (£48,000 for 28 hours)

Duration: Fixed-term (12 months with possibility to extend)

Start date: March-April 2026

Closing Date: 7 January 2025

Interviews: Starting from the week commencing 12 January 2026

The Role

The Director of Development is responsible for leading a dedicated Development team to secure sustainable income from corporates, trusts and foundations, high-net-worth individuals, events, and statutory bodies.

You will collaborate with the SLT colleagues and the Board’s Development Committee to drive income growth, strengthen relationships with key supporters, and ensure the organisation’s fundraising strategies align with the organisations mission, values, and long-term objectives.

The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership of a high-performing team, ensuring fundraising systems, processes, and reporting are effective, accurate, and aligned with best practices.

Main duties and responsibilities include:

· Strategic Leadership of Development

· Team Leadership and Management

· Major Donor, Corporate and Trusts Management

· Systems, Processes and Reporting

· External Engagement and Profile Raising

About You

We are looking for someone with strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and presentation skills and the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.

You will have:

· Demonstrated commitment to the charity’s mission, vision, and values.

· Extensive experience in a senior fundraising or development role with a proven record of securing significant corporate, trust, foundation, or major donor partnerships.

· Experience leading and managing a fundraising or development team, including performance management and professional development.

· Proven track record in managing fundraising income budgets, forecasting, and planning.

· Experience of working with senior stakeholders and trustees to secure funding and support.

· Experience managing fundraising systems and reporting processes, including Salesforce.

· Demonstrable success in achieving challenging fundraising targets.

· Experience working in the charity or education sectors, including integrating programme impact into fundraising.

Please apply by uploading your CV and cover letter (two pages preferred) demonstrating your suitable experience, knowledge, skills and abilities. Due to the high volume of CVs received, the charity can only respond back to the successful candidates.

Employee Benefits

As an organisation, particular emphasis is placed on fairness, well-being, and inclusion and offer a range of benefits for staff, including:

· Great holiday entitlement

· Training including degree-level qualifications

· Pension scheme enrolment starts at 4% as standard, and employee contributions are matched up to 5%

· Free eye tests and £20 off glasses

· Interest-free travel season ticket loans

· Interest-free bike loans under the “Cycle to Work Scheme”

· Interest-free Loans to assist employees with welfare or financial hardship

· 2 days per year to pursue volunteering opportunities and 2 days per year to support wellbeing

· Regular all staff wellbeing sessions with external wellbeing experts

· Reservist friendly employer - Bronze award

· Laptop and mobile phone

Other areas of experience may include Director of Development, Development Director, Director, Fundraising Director, Director of Fundraising, Trusts, Foundations, Major Donor, Corporate, Fundraiser, Fundraising, Head of Fundraising, Income, Director of Fundraising and Development.

Please note this role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of our client.

Head of Development and Communications

Job Description

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

£46,200 - £50,200 per annum FTE

The Head of Development and Communications plays a pivotal role in driving In2scienceUK’s mission to change lives by opening doors to STEM degrees and careers for young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. 

As a senior leader, you will shape and deliver a bold, integrated development and communications strategy that brings our mission to life, tells powerful stories of change, and inspires confidence and commitment from donors, partners, and key stakeholders that unlocks new opportunities for innovation and expansion.

In this role, you will manage a small, high-performing team and oversee the creation of compelling narratives and effective engagement strategies that inspire donors, partners, alumni, and key stakeholders, supporting a resilient and diversified income portfolio.

Working closely with programme teams, you will ensure that development and communications activity amplifies the impact of existing programmes, while identifying and developing new opportunities that deliver meaningful outcomes for young people across the UK.

You will drive the development of strategic partnerships and funding relationships to expand the reach and influence of In2science’s work. Combining strategic vision with operational expertise, you will take a proactive, entrepreneurial approach to growth, shaping how the organisation connects with its audiences, builds its reputation, and communicates the impact of its work in support of long-term strategic goals.

In2scienceUK operates on a remote basis, with necessary UK-wide travel for partner and funder meetings, events, and staff co-working days. 

Direct Reports

Development Team: Development Manager, Development Officer, External Fundraising Consultancy.

Comms Team : Senior Communications Officer.

Responsibilities 

Development

• To collaborate with the senior leadership team and trustees in setting organisational strategy and building strategic partnerships to support In2science’s vision for 2026 and beyond.

• Lead on planning, implementation and delivery of segmented fundraising and stewardship campaigns across programmes and audiences with a 2026 income target of £1.5m. 

• Lead and manage a diverse fundraising portfolio, including corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, research grants (e.g., UKRI), government funding, and individual giving.

• To lead a small but effective development team, including an external fundraising contractor to build upon our success to date to achieve funding targets and foster strategic relationships with funding and delivery partners.

• Budget and resource all aspects of development and communications, including engaging with external contractors to maximise our output and upskill our teams.

• Work closely with the Head of Operations to oversee our CRM, ensuring accurate pipeline reporting and forecasting, as well as utilising the system for tailored stewardship opportunities.

• Work closely with our programmes team to ensure that deliverables are met and in line with our mission and objectives.

• Explore opportunities for partnership to launch new programmes and initiatives, working with the Data and Impact manager to use national data to ensure we deliver the greatest possible impact to those most in need.

Communications

• Oversee the organisation’s external communications, ensuring all messaging is on-brand, reflects our values, meets high standards, and effectively tells the story of our impact on young people.

• Oversee resourcing of the communications function, balancing 70% development and brand engagement with 30% programme-focused activity.

• Identify opportunities to maximise brand presence through strategic partnerships, policy engagement, and media activity.

• Work closely with the SMT and Trustees to respond to media, speaking, and event requests, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging.

• Ensure digital and web platforms effectively showcase our impact and support compelling storytelling.

• Manage the Senior Communications Officer to deliver campaigns that drive organisational growth and engagement with donors, partners, volunteers, and beneficiaries.

Governance

• To work with the SMT, CEO, and Trustees to ensure strong charity governance, including leading the Growth Subcommittee and preparing reports for quarterly board meetings.

• Identify organisation-wide opportunities to streamline and improve performance across the organisation.

• Working with SMT and trustees to ensure charity compliance. Including the charity commission, funding regulator, ICO.

• Identify and manage organisational/operational risk and ensure that all measures are in place to mitigate this.

As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and amended in consultation with the post holder. The postholder will carry out any other duties that are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager. All staff must undertake all mandatory training, checks and compliance as instructed by the organisation.

Person Specification

Essential:

• A passionate advocate for social mobility in STEM.

• An inspiring leader who can inspire and collaborate across the organisation to achieve our collective goals.

• Three years experience of leading a development team to generate a seven-figure annual income from a diverse range of donors, ideally in a charitable organisation.

• Knowledge of all streams of fundraising, with direct experience in at least two of the following: corporate fundraising, trust and foundations, research grants e.g. UKRI, government grants or individual giving (incl. high-net worth donors).

• A target driven individual with a proven track record of personal six-figure income generation and achieving or exceeding personal targets.

• Excellent relationship management skills to steward existing and potential partners and donors.

• Experience of line management including developing personal development plans and setting KPIs.

• Proven experience of managing a brand, ensuring consistent and impactful communications that maximise reach amongst our target audiences.

• Superb written and verbal communication skills with the ability to persuade and influence at all levels.

• Proven experience of overseeing communication campaigns to engage new prospects across a variety of audiences.

• Evidence of efficient and accurate management of budgets and resources.

• Willingness to work flexibly and attend occasional events or meetings on evenings/weekends when required.

• Working collaboratively and supporting fostering a collegiate workplace environment.

• Upholds the values of our code of conduct and is respectful to all.

Desirable:

• Direct knowledge and/or experience of the barriers young people face in accessing STEM degrees or careers.

• Direct knowledge and/or experience of working with education organisations or STEM sector employers, incl. knowledge of current trends.

• Experience of working in collaboration with across teams to deliver new initiatives that maximise outcomes for young people and attract relevant funding.

• Evidence of delivering highly impactful events.

• Prior experience of public speaking, thought leadership and engaging with the press.

• Experience of governance in a small charitable organisation and utilising Trustees to support the organisation's goals and objectives.

Benefits: 

At In2scienceUK we practise what we preach by giving all staff opportunities to progress in their careers. You will have the opportunity to develop your career with your line manager to get you to the next level from day one. 

Although we take our career development seriously we also value work-life balance. You will have the opportunity to work flexibly from home, balancing your caring responsibilities, volunteer commitments, hobbies and anything else that makes you happy. 

You will have 28 days of annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays. 

Commitment to Safeguarding: 

In2scienceUK is committed to our responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults as outlined in Working Together to Safeguard Children. We are committed to recruiting candidates who share this commitment to safeguarding, and therefore we apply robust recruitment and selection procedures to ensure that the people selected are right for the job, and that all candidates are appropriately screened prior to appointment. 

The following pre-employment checks will be undertaken as applicable:

• References 

• DBS check and/or Overseas criminal records check where applicable

• Self-Disclosure 

• Identity check 

• Right to work in the UK 

• Evidence of qualifications applicable to the role 

• Confirmation of registration with applicable registered body where applicable 

Many of our roles involve working with children and we will therefore take up references prior to your appointment. You should provide details of referees including your current and previous employers, covering the last 5 years. Your current or previous employer will be asked about disciplinary offences relating to children, if the role involved working with children, including any in which the penalty is time expired. We will also ask if you have been the subject of any child protection concerns and if so, the outcome of any enquiry or disciplinary procedure. 

Diversity and Inclusion:

In2scienceUK is committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who are underrepresented in STEM and the charity sector, including but not limited to people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

We recognise that talent and potential come in many forms, and we welcome applicants with different experiences, perspectives, and ways of thinking. We are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process and working environment, and we will make reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. If you require any adjustments, please let us know.

BACKGROUND

Over the past 90 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster.

The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.

IRC UK

IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England.

In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm.

The Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the Associate Director of Philanthropy, UK, the Philanthropy Manager will support the implementation of the UK Philanthropy team’s strategy, with a focus to identify, establish and develop new and existing high value relationships with individuals who have the capacity to support IRC at a five and six figure level. This is an exciting role working with senior stakeholders across IRC, in the UK and internationally, to cultivate and steward relationships with philanthropists to effectively solicit multi-year gifts to fund high-impact programmes that will deliver transformative change for IRC clients across the world.

As part of this, the Philanthropy Manager will:

· Develop and implement initiatives to identify, cultivate and solicit gifts from donors in the major gift range of £10,000 and above, both in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and through account management of a discreet prospect portfolio

· Work closely with the Director of Philanthropy and the research function to identify and cultivate positive relationships with existing donors and new prospects to significantly grow our major donor pipeline

· Manage a portfolio of major donors through various personalised approaches, including face-to-face meetings, phone calls, events and written and verbal communications

· Develop personalised donor stewardship plans with the aim of increasing their engagement and uplifting their support to achieve the revenue target for the UK Philanthropy team and the overall revenue target for the International Philanthropy team

· Lead on gift management, reporting and proposal development for new prospects and existing donors, ensuring timely and accurate communications that match the individual’s requirements

· Identify and deliver unique stewardship and cultivation opportunities for donors

· Maintain thorough and up to date files and records relating to major donors

· Maintain strong knowledge and understanding of IRC’s work in the UK and around the world

· Collaborate proactively with a network of internal and external senior stakeholders, garnering their support and influence in the development of relationships with philanthropists

· Contribute to profile raising of the IRC’s Philanthropy programme and the IRC more widely through proactive networking and external engagement with potential donors and their advisors

· Proactively collaborate with other members of the Philanthropy team, supporting the delivery of the wider Philanthropy strategy as required

· Carry out administrative activities and other duties, as required, to maximise fundraising.

Scope and Authority

Authority: This position is responsible for supporting the delivery of Philanthropy and contributing to the identification, cultivation and stewardship of £10,000 and above gifts from HNWIs.

Key Working Relationships

· HNWI donors and prospects

· Third party philanthropy advisors

· Key contacts across IRC in UK and internationally:

o International Philanthropy Team

o USA Philanthropy

o Engagement with the UK and International Board

o Global Partnerships and Philanthropic Services

o Communications team

o Policy and Advocacy team

o UK Finance team

o Country Programme and regional teams, the Awards Management Unit as well as IRC’s Technical Units

o President’s Office and Executive Director of IRC- UK

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Partnership identification, cultivation and stewardship (65%)

· Manage a portfolio of HNWI prospects and donors, working closely with the Director of Philanthropy to cultivate successful, high-impact relationships

· Collaborate with colleagues to develop transformative funding opportunities, create tailored plans for the cultivation of donors, deliver unique stewardship and cultivation opportunities, and coordinate internal and external meetings to drive donor relationships forward.

Partnership Management (25%)

· Lead on the creation of inspiring and engaging impact reports and proposals for donors, ensuring timely and accurate communications that are matched to the requirements of donors.

· Use Salesforce and IRC’s internal grant management system, OTIS, to keep clear and accurate records of donor communications and interactions related to all donor relationships

Team collaboration (10%)

· Contribute to the wider ambitions and shared objectives of the Philanthropy team as part of the HNWI Pillar

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications

· Knowledge and understanding of the principles and methods of philanthropy fundraising**

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and enthuse, through the delivery of strong external and internal communications**

· Ability to establish and build relationships with donors, colleagues and senior stakeholders at all levels and from a variety of backgrounds, both externally and within IRC**

· Ability to identify potential donors, produce donor stewardship plans and be able to implement and execute them

· Ability to influence and negotiate with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, ensuring best possible outcomes for the IRC

· Excellent attention to detail

· Excellent Microsoft Office software skills including Excel

· Demonstrable ability to prioritise and organise own workload and meet conflicting deadlines

· Ability to understand and demonstrate commitment to IRC’s Equal Opportunities Policy and to ensure all activities are consistent with Equal Opportunities

· Ability to work collaboratively with members of a fundraising team and across departments, whilst managing conflicting priorities and deadlines in a busy working environment

Experience

· Demonstrable experience of securing gifts from high net-worth individuals**

· Demonstrable experience of writing persuasive and creative proposals and correspondence in a range of relevant styles

· Demonstrable experience of managing a portfolio of high net-worth individuals and relationships with senior stakeholders in a fundraising or corporate context**

· Demonstrable experience of supporting the implementation of events with wealthy individuals and influential contacts

· Demonstrable experience of managing information on a fundraising database e.g. Salesforce

· Demonstrable experience of compiling information from various global stakeholders in order to create compelling tailored proposals and reports

· Demonstrable experience of supporting a team and implementing new administrative systems and processes

Race Against Dementia is a global charity founded by three-time Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart OBE to find preventions, treatments and cures for dementia – faster.

We fund and support pioneering early-career scientists around the world, giving them the tools, mentoring and Formula 1-inspired mindset to accelerate breakthroughs. From the UK to the USA, Australia to South Africa, our researchers are rethinking how dementia research is done – applying data science, AI and engineering to neuroscience in bold, collaborative ways.

This role sits within Race Against Dementia’s small, dynamic Fundraising and Marketing team, which raises income in the UK from individuals, major donors, trusts and foundations, and community fundraisers. The team works closely together to build awareness, inspire support, and deliver exceptional experiences for our donors and supporters.

Purpose of the Role

The Fundraising Officer plays a key role in delivering Race Against Dementia’s fundraising and marketing activity, helping to grow income and strengthen supporter relationships. The role combines operational excellence with creativity: managing systems, data and platforms to ensure effective delivery, while producing engaging content and stories that inspire action.

Duties and Responsibilities

Marketing and Communications

• Manage incoming communications to the fundraising team, ensuring timely, professional responses
• Maintain the CRM with up to date and accurate supporter information, and act as organisational lead on CRM best practice and management
• Set up dashboards and reporting systems in the CRM to monitor donor behaviours and patterns Provide regular updates and reports to the fundraising team on supporter behaviours, channel performance, trends etc. to inform strategy

Fundraiser communications and events

• Act as first point of contact for individuals and organisations fundraising for the charity
• Record and track all fundraising events and activities, implementing communication plans to welcome, support, and thank participants
• Work with the Public Fundraising and Marketing Lead to build digital and automated onboarding and stewardship journeys for community fundraisers
• Oversee the delivery of excellent stewardship for community fundraisers through responsive support, proactive communication and effective use of automated journeys to enhance their experience and results
• Build strategies to maximise fundraiser income, including targets, incentives etc.
• Lead on the planning and execution of fundraising engagement events, optimising the on-site experience and income generation potential.
• Support and coordinate fundraising volunteers for key engagement events, building a stewardship programme across the year

Fundraising Operations

• Manage our major fundraising platforms (e.g. Just Giving) to ensure data accuracy and compliance
• Support the management of our legacy and in memory donations, delivering thoughtful and sensitive  supporter communications
• Work with the Finance Manager on monthly direct debits and income reconciliation.
• Undertake research to identify new supporter, donor, trust/foundation and HNW prospects aligned with our mission

Logistics and Administration

• Maintain records of fundraising materials and merchandise, reordering stock as needed.
• Oversee the relationship with the fulfilment house to ensure smooth delivery of goods and supporter packs
• Track and manage auction items and raffle prizes, monitoring usage and income
• Support the delivery of key Race Against Dementia events, providing logistical support and ensuring excellent supporter experiences
• Maintain team calendars, campaign planners, and shared resources to support smooth team operations

Philanthropy Manager

We are seeking a proactive and relationship-led fundraiser to drive major donor and legacy giving for a growing and ambitious charity.

Position: Philanthropy Manager

Salary: £40,000

Location: Hybrid, with weekly office day in Kennington, London SE11

Hours: Full time

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 10am, Wednesday 7 January 2026

Interview Dates: 15 January (online) and 22 January (in person)

About the Role

This is a hands-on and rewarding role where you will lead the day-to-day delivery of major donor fundraising and help grow legacy giving. Working closely with the Development Director, senior leaders and trustees, you will oversee the major donor pipeline, build strong and meaningful relationships, and deliver personalised supporter experiences that inspire long term commitment.

You will line manage the Philanthropy Officer and work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to plan and deliver events, develop compelling donor communications and support data driven insight into supporter behaviour and opportunities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and growing a portfolio of major donor prospects and supporters
• Developing tailored cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plans
• Planning and delivering high quality donor events and engagement activities
• Leading on legacy giving development, communications and stewardship
• Researching new prospects and preparing donor briefings
• Overseeing due diligence processes and ensuring compliance with fundraising standards
• Producing regular reports to support income forecasting and pipeline management
• Coaching, motivating and developing the Philanthropy Officer
• Supporting the implementation of improved CRM and data systems

About You

As Philanthropy Manager you will be confident, organised and proactive, with strong relationship management skills and the ability to communicate impact with clarity and warmth. You will be motivated by building meaningful supporter relationships and delivering exceptional experiences.

Essential skills and experience:

• Strong background in major donor or individual giving fundraising
• Experience securing five or six figure gifts
• Ability to manage pipelines and donor journeys using CRM systems
• Experience planning and delivering donor cultivation events
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational and project management skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders, trustees and colleagues
• Experience researching and cultivating new prospects

Personal qualities:

• Warm, engaging and confident working with people from all backgrounds
• A proactive mindset with the ability to spot opportunities
• Commitment to inclusion and belief in the transformative power of the arts
• A collaborative team player with a supportive leadership style

About the Organisation

This organisation works nationally to make music education equitable, inclusive and joyful for every child. Through long term programmes in partner schools, teacher training, advocacy work and sector wide initiatives, it supports thousands of children and young people each year. The charity is entering the next phase of strategic growth, scaling its most impactful work and strengthening its national influence.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Major Donor Manager/officer, Individual Giving Manager/officer, Fundraising Manager/officer, Philanthropy Lead, Development Manager/officer, Supporter Engagement Manager/officer.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Our client see a Britain where refugees find safety and have a fair chance to rebuild purposeful, happy lives, contributing to our communities. It is a vision rooted in dignity and shaped by the belief that everyone deserves the chance to live in stability and to thrive. Now, the organisation will appoint a new Executive Director of Fundraising & Digital and Prospectus is proud to lead the search.

Executive Director of Fundraising & Digital
£90,000
Permanent
Hybrid from the Stratford, London office, with travel to services as and when needed
Interviews beginning w/c 2nd February

The Executive Director of Fundraising & Digital is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for ensuring the organisation's financial growth, supporter engagement, and digital transformation. This role provides strategic leadership across fundraising, digital platforms, brand, and supporter experience, ensuring these functions deliver ambitious income targets, expand public reach, and align with the organisation’s mission and values. The Executive Director builds and leads a high performing Fundraising and Digital directorate, fostering a culture of empowerment, innovation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The selected candidate will have extensive senior leadership experience in fundraising and income generation, with a proven track record of delivering significant income growth across multiple fundraising streams. You will also have significant experience of brand development and/or guardianship, ensuring consistency and impact across channels. The selected candidate will also need to demonstrate considerable evidence of driving innovation in fundraising and digital campaigns.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds. Please let us know if we can help you with the application process in any way. We are more than happy to make any reasonable adjustments to enable all interested candidates to apply. If you have any disability and would like assistance with completing an application then please contact Ryan Burdock at Prospectus.

If you are interested in applying to this Executive Director of Fundraising & Digital position, please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you the full job description and will arrange for a call and/or meeting to brief you on the role. You’ll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

About us

Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) is a values‑driven organisation working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities to protect the world’s rainforests and uphold their human rights. Since 1989, RFUK has partnered with forest peoples and grassroots organisations to secure land rights, challenge destructive industries, and influence laws and policies that safeguard forests and the people who depend on them.

Our mission is clear: to combine human rights and environmental protection to tackle deforestation. From the Congo Basin to the Amazon, our work has helped communities protect millions of hectares of rainforest. With a growing team of passionate advocates for social and environmental justice, we are committed to scaling up our impact to confront the accelerating climate and biodiversity crises.

About the role

Do you want to lead transformative fundraising and communications strategies that make a global impact?

As Head of Fundraising and Communications, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping RFUK’s external profile and driving income growth to support our ambitious 2033 vision: scaling up community-led protection of tropical forests. Reporting to the Executive Director, you’ll oversee strategic communications and fundraising, manage a small team, and work closely with colleagues across programmes and operations.

This is a senior leadership position where no two days are the same—whether you’re crafting compelling narratives, engaging major donors, or amplifying the voices of Indigenous communities on the global stage.

The role is full-time, permanent, and based in London with hybrid working options. We offer flexibility, a supportive culture, and the chance to make a lasting difference.

About you

You’re an experienced leader with a proven track record in both strategic communications and fundraising. You’re a creative communicator who can turn complex issues into persuasive, accessible messages that drive change and support for our mission. You know how to secure significant income from foundations, corporates, individuals and major donors, and you’re confident in building long-term relationships with diverse stakeholders. You thrive on collaboration, motivate teams to achieve ambitious goals, and bring resilience and cultural sensitivity to everything you do.

If you’re passionate about social and environmental justice and ready to help shape RFUK’s future, we’d love to hear from you.

Job description and benefits

Please download the full job description. We offer 30 days annual leave, 4% pension contributions, Employee Assistance Programme, learning and development allowance and four weeks of work-from-anywhere flexibility.

Location

Hybrid role based in our Bethnal Green office. The postholder would usually be required to work in the office a minimum of two days per week during their probation period. This can be reviewed with their Line Manager thereafter. RFUK can sponsor a Skilled Worker Visa for the successful candidate if required.

Application process

To submit your application, kindly complete the online application form by Friday 16th January 2026, by 9AM. Please be aware that the form will be anonymised for review by the panel.

Please note that CVs will not be considered.

Regrettably, due to the large number of applications we usually receive, it is not possible to write to you should you not be shortlisted for an interview. If you have not heard from us within 10 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held on 29th January 2026. Please let us know in your application if you are available to attend an online interview.

Key Details

We are seeking a proactive, confident, and relationship-driven Partnerships & Growth Officer to contribute to Bridging the Bar’s external income and growth activities. This is a highly client-facing role that involves engaging with chambers, organisations, major sponsors, donors, grant funders, and other external stakeholders to secure financial support for BTB’s mission and programmes. You will take ownership of outreach, lead meetings and negotiations, and build strong, long-term relationships that underpin the charity’s sustainability and impact. 

Job Title: Partnerships & Growth Officer
Location: Remote (c. twice a month travel to London and other UK cities, with expenses reimbursed).
Working Hours: Mon- Fri  9:00–18:00 with a one hour lunch break.
Weekend Work: 1–2 Saturdays per month (September to June), with time off in lieu.
Salary:£25,396.80 per annum, with eligibility for a discretionary bonus linked to organisational performance. The expected range for this bonus is £1,000–£5,000, depending on results.

About Bridging the Bar

Bridging the Bar (BTB) is an award-winning charity working to increase diversity at the Bar of England and Wales. We support aspiring barristers from underrepresented backgrounds through a range of high-impact programmes, events, and partnerships with leading chambers, law firms, and institutions.

The Role

We are seeking a proactive, confident, and relationship-driven Partnerships & Growth Officer to contribute to Bridging the Bar’s external income and growth activities. This is a highly client-facing role that involves engaging with chambers, organisations, major sponsors, donors, grant funders, and other external stakeholders to secure financial support for BTB’s mission and programmes. You will take ownership of outreach, lead meetings and negotiations, and build strong, long-term relationships that underpin the charity’s sustainability and impact.

As Partnerships & Growth Officer, you will manage the delivery and renewal of our annual Partnership Cycle, cultivate major sponsorships, prepare award and grant applications, support the development of new income streams such as our accreditation scheme, high-value individual giving, and crowdfunding, and innovate novel initiatives. You will work closely with the Head of Operations and Programmes, as well as the wider Programmes team, to ensure high-quality delivery across all external commitments, seamless coordination, and effective communication of BTB’s outcomes and impact.

This role is ideal for someone who is motivated by securing resources, enjoys leading external meetings, thrives in a varied and fast-moving environment, has a flexible and innovative approach, and is excited by the opportunity to contribute to BTB’s strategic growth and long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

Partnerships Cycle

Each year, Bridging the Bar works with a cohort of chambers and organisations who financially support our work through the Partnership Cycle. This cycle runs from April to April, with partners donating a set amount in return for formal recognition and a package of benefits delivered throughout the year. As the cycle progresses, you will be responsible for outreach and renewals, onboarding, benefit delivery, and ongoing relationship management.

As Partnerships & Growth Officer, you will be responsible for:

• Researching and identifying potential partner organisations, and conducting proactive outreach to engage them in the Partnership Cycle

• Renewing existing or recurring partnerships, ensuring positive and long-term relationships

• Leading meetings and negotiations with potential or existing partners to secure onboarding to the current Partnerships Cycle 

• Ensuring the smooth delivery of partnership benefits, including coordinating agreed activities and supporting partners to maximise the value of their engagement 

• Coordinating with programme teams where cross-team collaboration is required to ensure expectations are met in relation to partner benefits 

• Maintaining accurate partnership tracking, including invoicing, communications, benefit allocation, and delivery deadlines

• Monitoring partner accounts and taking a proactive approach to managing partner relationships and resolving issues 

• Developing and refining partnership materials, such as proposals, benefit decks, and outreach resources

• Bringing an innovative, solutions-focused approach to the design and delivery of partnership benefits and improvements to the overall cycle

• Gathering partnership feedback, ensuring partners understand the value and outcomes of their contribution

• Supporting impact reporting, including gathering relevant data, preparing summaries, and assisting the Head of Operations and Programmes in the production of reports for the Board

Major Sponsorships 

Bridging the Bar also secures major sponsorships to fund specific programmes, such as the Academy. These agreements are individually negotiated and supported through tailored engagement plans. You will be responsible for identifying potential major sponsors, supporting negotiations, coordinating the delivery of agreed benefits, and managing these relationships to ensure strong long-term sponsorships.

As Partnerships & Growth Officer, you will be responsible for:

• Researching and identifying potential major sponsors, and conducting proactive outreach to engage organisations aligned with our programmes and new initiatives

• Cultivating and renewing major sponsorships, ensuring positive, long-term relationships with key funders

• Developing proposals, presentations, and engagement resources tailored to major funders to support pitches 

• Collaborating with programme teams to ensure cross-team deliverables related to major sponsorships are met effectively and on schedule

• Maintaining accurate tracking of major sponsorships, including records of communications, deliverables, invoicing, and benefit fulfilment

• Proactively monitoring sponsor accounts, addressing emerging needs, and supporting strong relationship stewardship

• Gathering sponsor feedback and helping sponsors understand the outcomes and impact of their contribution

• Supporting impact reporting, including gathering relevant data, preparing summaries, and assisting the Head of Operations and Programmes in producing reports for the Board

Grants and Awards Applications 

Bridging the Bar also pursues opportunities through both achievement awards and monetary grants. Achievement awards help raise our profile and showcase the impact of our work, while grant funding supports the delivery and growth of our programmes. You will contribute to identifying suitable opportunities, preparing strong applications, and supporting the stewardship and reporting required by award bodies and grant funders.

As Partnerships & Growth Officer, you will be responsible for:

• Researching and identifying suitable opportunities that align with Bridging the Bar’s mission, programmes, impact, and funding requirements

• Drafting and preparing high-quality applications, including gathering evidence, impact data, and supporting materials

• Monitoring deadlines and submission requirements to ensure timely, accurate applications

• Assisting with stewardship of award bodies and grant funders, including timely communication and relationship management

• Supporting grant reporting requirements, such as gathering programme data, preparing summaries, and assisting the Head of Operations and Programmes with narrative and financial reporting

New Initiatives 

In addition to established activities, Bridging the Bar pursues new and emerging initiatives to support long-term financial sustainability, programme expansion, and reputational growth. This includes in our current development phase; a Chambers focused accreditation scheme, high-value individual giving, and crowdfunding campaigns. Future expansion has the scope to include other opportunities whether identified by the organisation or by you. You will help develop, test, and implement these initiatives as they evolve.

As Partnerships & Growth Officer, you will be responsible for:

• Overseeing the pilot of the accreditation scheme including; conducting meetings with pilot chambers, co-ordinating with consultants, ensuring deliverable are met, assisting with evaluation and refinement, supporting materials production

• Overseeing the initial stages of our high value individual giving work stream including; identifying potential givers, conducting relevant meetings, co-ordinating with suppliers, dispatching thank you gifts, and supporting materials production and distribution 

• Developing crowd funding and fundraising initiatives including; innovating themes for targeted campaigns, overseeing campaign delivery, co-ordinating with volunteer fundraisers, administering recurring donations, and supporting materials production and distribution 

• Applying a creative, solutions-focused mindset to identifying and shaping future opportunities

Other Duties 

Beyond core responsibilities, you will also support wider organisational activities as needed. This may involve assisting with the BarNav newsletter, representing Bridging the Bar at events, and completing additional tasks that contribute to the charity’s overall effectiveness.

• Overseeing production of the BarNav newsletter including; brainstorming issues themes, co-ordinating contributions from partners, sponsors, staff, and/or candidates, compiling contributions and drafting final issue in Canva, and collaborating with the programmes team to ensure distribution of each issue.

• Providing support to the Head of Operations and programmes where needed including; taking meeting minutes, supporting production of financial reports, and assisting with presenting to the Board 

• Collaborating with operations and programmes departments to support cross-functional delivery

• Representing BTB at BTB hosted events, relevant sector events, award ceremonies, or grant briefings where required

• Maintaining a flexible approach and supporting emerging needs across the charity as they arise

About You

Essential

• Adaptable and flexible, comfortable working in a changing environment

• Confident communicator, able to liaise with senior stakeholders and clients, lead meetings, negotiate, and network effectively

• Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative

• Innovative, with a willingness to propose new ideas and approaches

• Aligned with the organisation’s values and mission-driven in approach

• Commercially aware, with an understanding of opportunities, markets, and value creation

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities

Desirable

• Experience with business development, corporate relations, grants, or sales or similar

• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships, generate opportunities, or support income-generating activities

• Understanding of the charity or legal landscape

• Creative approach to outreach and audience engagement, including digital communications and social media 

• Competence with common work tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Canva) and a willingness to learn new systems

What We Offer

• The opportunity to support an award-winning charity driving systemic change within the legal profession

• Opportunities to contribute to organisational strategy and shape new initiatives

• Remote-first working environment, enabling flexibility and autonomy

• Flexible scheduling, allowing you to balance work and personal commitments

• Additional annual leave, with one extra day of paid holiday for each year of service (up to three years)

• Reimbursed travel and accommodation expenses for all work-related travel

• Annual funded team celebration days to recognise achievements and strengthen team connection

• Role-specific training and professional development, tailored to your growth

• Regular supervision and mentorship to support your ongoing professional development

• Access to our Employee Development Fund to fund training courses or other progression costs 

• Access to our Employee Equipment Fund to fund to help you enhance your home-working setup

• Supportive, inclusive, and values-driven organisational culture

How to Apply

Please submit a one-page cover letter and CV via the form with the subject line (NAME) – Partnerships & Growth Officer Application - Stage One. Your cover letter should reflect your experience, vision for how you would contribute to the organisation, and commitment to BTB’s mission. This should be submitted to us directly via the email address on our website: applications that are not emailed directly will not be considered.

If you are successful at stage one, you will also be asked to complete pre-interview tasks as stage two between 12th Jan - 16th Jan.

Our third and final stage is an interview stage. Applicants successful at stage two will be invited to interview in W/C 19th Jan. 

We aim to make an offer in W/C 26th Jan. 

All applicants, successful or not, will receive application feedback from the panel.

Application Deadline: 09:00 12th January 2026 

Intended Start Date: 09:00 2nd March 2026 

Please note that you must both be located within and have the right to work in the UK for this role.

Help us to grow our Environmental Education Charity’s impact and income by fundraising, allowing us to deliver our mission to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment. 
 

• The base location for this position is negotiable, with full remote working / home working a possibility.
• It’s a permanent full-time contract working an average 37.5 hours per week.
• Circa £30,197 per annum + excellent benefits – including 28 days leave + bank holidays, life assurance 5 x your salary, Health and Wellbeing Support and much more! See the full list below.
   

Love where you work!

We are a national charity established in 1943 to promote a better understanding of the natural world. 

Our aim today is unchanged – to create a world where everyone feels connected to the environment so they can enjoy the benefits it gives and make choices that help protect it. We do this by offering a wide range of education courses and materials, so that everyone – and especially young people – can increase their knowledge, understanding and love for the natural world.

We value each of our team members and understand that every role is vital to achieve our goals, so, we provide great benefits* to reward and support you while you work with us.

What you’ll be doing

Your focus will be to grow our charity’s impact and revenue streams by fundraising for environmental education, benefitting people and nature by securing funds from supporters, trusts/foundations, and businesses.

This will include building relationships with potential legators, inspiring supporters to maintain their commitment, eventually leaving the Field Studies Council a gift in their Will as well as turning strategic and operational priorities into practical funding bids.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Researching and identifying potential trusts/foundations/businesses as suitable external funders for designated target projects
• Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to draft fundraising bids, developing persuasive proposals and collating appropriate supporting documentation.
• Proactively develop positive, long-term relationships that grow Field Studies Council’s pipeline of prospects
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge and understanding of relevant governmental, sector and business opportunities to identify potential funding opportunities
• Fundraising administration including gift processing, donor thanking and stewardship
• Supporting at events and funding meetings, as required

Please refer to the vacancy pack for the full responsibilities of the position.

Where you’ll be based

The base location for this position is negotiable, with full remote working / home working a possibility. However, if you prefer working in office, we have Field Studies Centres throughout the country which you are also able to work from. We will also consider hybrid working options.

There may the occasional need to travel to meet with, colleagues, prospective funders and other stakeholders. We expect this to be limited, no more than once every 2-3 months.
 

Who we’re looking for

You will be passionate about our charity’s mission and understand the importance of Environmental Education.

It’s essential that you have experience working in a fundraising role or department. We need an experienced individual who is confident to write and submit successful fundraising bids to trusts, foundations and businesses.

You will also have experience creating and managing successful supporter journeys to optimise our donations, particularly legators.

As a natural at building relationships with internal and external stakeholders, you will be able to tell compelling stories to encourage individuals and organisations to support our aim to connect people to nature.

If this inspires you, we would love to hear from you.We look forward to your application.

* Your benefits whilst working with us will include:

• Competitive salary 
• 28 days annual holiday entitlement plus bank holidays 
• Extra loyalty days dependent on length of service 
• Health and Wellbeing Support App which provides access for you and eligible family members to remote GP appointments, mental health consultations, physiotherapy and second medical opinions
• 24hr Counselling Helpline Service 
• Life assurance 5 x your annual basic salary
• Cycle to work and EV schemes
• Discounts and cashback opportunities
• Flexible working options where roles permit
• Quality learning and development opportunities 

The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 4 January 2026.
 

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted after the close date and interviews will be arranged accordingly

The Brain & Spine Foundation is seeking a Fundraising-Focused CEO to take the helm of our charity at a moment of growth and opportunity. This is a rare chance to shape the future of a national charity, driving income, influence and impact for the 1 in 6 people in the UK affected by neurological conditions.

As Fundraising Focused CEO, you will combine leadership with personal fundraising delivery, building high-value relationships, diversifying income streams, and raising the charity’s profile. Working closely with a committed Board and a passionate team, you will lead a trusted organisation into its next chapter to ensure more people than ever can access vital information, support and hope when they need it most.

Deadline for applications

Sunday 11th January

Interviews with Brain & Spine Foundation

w/c 19th January

We are looking for a Development Manager to lead the growth of a corporate partnerships programme, securing new business and developing high-value, long-term relationships that generate income and enhance brand visibility.

This is a hybrid role with 1 - 2 days a week in the London office.

The Charity
An incredible health charity devoted to supporting families with the resources to be together at truly crucial times. Youd be joining a passionate team, offering some fantastic benefits including but not limited to, family friendly policies, 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off and a bonus day in December, season ticket loan and a commitment to development and training.

The Role
Corporate Fundraising and New Business Development
- Develop and implement a strategy to grow corporate income, focusing on new business and long-term high-value partnership opportunities.
- Produce high-quality, pitch-ready proposals, presentations and decks, collaborating with the Communications and
Marketing Team.

Relationship Management and Stewardship
- Collaborate with the Senior Partnerships Officer to ensure excellent account management of mid-level corporate partners.
- Support with cultivating key individuals (e.g. major donors, trustees, senior volunteers Fundraising Development Board Members) who can make introductions or influence support.

Management and Reporting
-Line manage, coach and support the Senior Corporate Partnerships Officer and the P/T Corporate Officer.

The Candidate
Proven track record of personally securing new five and six-figure corporate partnerships or equivalent high-value business
development deals within the last 1-2 years.

Proven experience in writing and designing compelling, tailored funding proposals and pitch decks that have secured high-value
donations and Charity of the Year partnerships of 50,000 and above.

Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with both corporate and philanthropic audiences.

Proven experience in working with and stewarding major donors, using a tailored, strategic approach to secure high-level income

IMPORTANT NOTE

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you havent been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful, but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.

We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.

Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.

Director of Fundraising and Development (Maternity cover)

Reporting to: CEO as part of the Senior Leadership team
Direct reports: Head of Business Development, Head of Corporate Partnerships, Head of Individual Giving and Engagement, Head of Major Giving, Department Coordinator Location of work: Remote/ Home based with travel to London and occasional UK travel.
Contract Length: 18 months Maternity Cover
Contract Type: Proposed full-time, 35 hours per week; 28 hours per week or 35 hours compressed may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work.

Salary: £80,000 - £85,000

BACKGROUND
Magic Breakfast’s mission is to end child morning hunger in the UK now and for good. The latest research suggests that the number of children and young people at risk of hunger has rocketed to 2.7 million, meaning that one in five children don’t have enough to eat. When a child is too hungry to learn, they struggle to concentrate, absorb information, and manage big emotions, causing them to fall behind in their studies.
Magic Breakfast provides a nutritious and filling breakfast to over 300,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma. We are now at an exciting point in our journey as we launch Nourishing Futures, our long-term strategy, which capitalises on market changes and government commitments to scale our work, while redefining breakfast spaces not just as places to eat, but as places to thrive.

JOB PURPOSE
The Director of Fundraising and Development (Maternity Cover) will provide strategic leadership and direction across all fundraising and income-generating activities, ensuring the charity continues to deliver against its financial objectives and accelerates long-term, sustainable growth across our philanthropic, public, and commercial income streams.
You will bring strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills to equip, support, and empower the team through a period of organisational change. You will help the team optimise and make the most of the new organisational strategy, embedding strategic focus, effective decision-making, and collaborative leadership practices across the fundraising leadership group.

You will use your commercial acumen and fundraising expertise to identify opportunities and support the team to recognise, shape, and pursue them confidently and effectively, enabling them to take ownership and drive progress across all income streams. A key part of the role will be ensuring that new commercial and public sector income streams are recognised, understood, and capitalised on across the organisation, working closely with the newly established Head of Business Development to embed this focus and enable them to succeed in driving this work forward.
Working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will play a crucial role in maintaining momentum, ensuring continuity, and supporting the organisation to deliver the new strategy and business plan, helping to realise opportunities, navigate challenges, and ensure long-term sustainability during this maternity cover period.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Driving income growth: establishing high-performing income pipelines across all income streams, with a strong multi-year focus, supported by robust data, reporting, and pipeline management.
• Integrating and accelerating public sector and commercial income streams: Ensuring newly integrated income areas are understood, valued and operational across the organisation.
• Embedding and executing a unified, co-owned fundraising and development strategy: Partnering with the CEO, SLT and Board to embed strategic focus, ensure integration, and alignment with organisational goals.
• Strengthening leadership, culture and team performance: Providing coaching-based leadership, direction, support and empowerment, helping the team thrive and achieve ambitious income targets across philanthropic, public sector and commercial streams.
• Advance cross-organisational impact, insight and influence: ensuring fundraising and development is tightly integrated with organisational strategy, marketing/engagement, service delivery and external influencing.

For more information on the role or to apply please contact:

Katie Booth | peridot partners| email and phone number can be found on the website link 

Simon Callaghan | peridot partners | email and phone number can be found on the website link 

Timetable

Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 12th January 2026
Candidates informed of outcome: By 5 p.m. Tuesday 13th January 2026
First stage interviews: Friday 16th January 2026 (Online)
Second stage interviews: Tuesday 20th January 2026 (In person, London)

About the Refugee Council 

The Refugee Council is the nation’s refugee charity. Together with community groups, partners and volunteers, we help people who have escaped war and persecution to rebuild their lives, integrate into communities, and play their part in Britain. Born in the aftermath of World War II, our frontline services support over 14,000 refugees each year to find safety, get to know their neighbours, and enter education, training or work. We share our evidence and expertise with policymakers to help build integrated communities where everyone can contribute.

We have offices across the UK where our Services teams provide support to refugees at local level. 

Inclusion and accessibility 

Ensuring that the Refugee Council is an inclusive and accessible place to work is important to us. We want to enable people from different backgrounds to apply and thrive with us. We believe our recruitment process enables that and are also happy to make adjustments on request.

Our Values 

Our values underpin everything we do:

• Inclusive: We are inclusive. We work with - not for - refugees and people seeking asylum, so they have an equal voice, co-producing projects and ensuring their expertise and experiences are at the heart of what we do. 
• Collaborative: We are collaborative. Working with others is a priority in order to have the collective impact that is vital to achieve policy and practice reform.
• Courageous: We speak out when we see injustice, cruelty and unfairness. We always stand up for what we believe is the right thing to do to transform the experiences of those seeking protection in our country.
• Respectful: We are respectful of all those we interact with. We treat everyone – our staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, partners and people we disagree with – with the same respect, professionalism and understanding. 

About the role

The Executive Director of Fundraising & Digital is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, accountable for ensuring the Refugee Council’s financial growth, supporter engagement, and digital transformation. The role provides strategic leadership across fundraising, digital platforms, brand guardianship, and supporter experience, ensuring these functions deliver ambitious income targets, expand public reach, and align with the organisation’s mission and values.

As the executive lead for income generation and digital innovation, the postholder drives improvements in fundraising strategy, supporter acquisition, donor stewardship, and digital content delivery. They embed a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement, ensuring fundraising and digital activity is ethical, compliant, and maximises long-term sustainability. They provide authoritative advice to the Chief Executive, Board, and Committees, ensuring robust income planning, brand positioning, and digital resilience.

The Executive Director builds and leads a high performing Fundraising & Digital directorate, fostering a culture of empowerment, innovation, equity, diversity, and inclusion. They act as joint guardian of the Refugee Council brand, ensuring consistency and impact across all channels, and model the organisation’s values, enabling staff and volunteers to deliver outstanding fundraising performance and dynamic digital engagement that strengthens public support for refugees and people seeking asylum.

Staff benefits

To reward our staff for the value they bring, we offer a variety of enhanced terms and conditions and a wide range of benefits, including:

• Training & Development
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension Scheme
• Work Life Balance Policies
• Employer-Sponsored Volunteering
• And more.

Let’s work together to improve the lives of refugees in the UK - apply on our website today.

Closing date: 26 January 2026.

Ensuring that the Refugee Council is an inclusive and accessible place to work is important to us. We want to enable people from different backgrounds to apply and thrive with us. We believe our recruitment process enables that and are also happy to make adjustments on request.

This is an exciting opportunity to steer Asylum Aid at an important time in its 30-year existence. As Executive Director you will be responsible for delivering on our strategy for impact. You will oversee our work to increase access to expert, trauma-informed legal representation to those in the asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems and lead our policy and strategic legal work to achieve systemic change that contributes towards our vision.

You will line manage the Director of Legal Casework to oversee the provision of supportive and enabling leadership to Asylum Aid caseworkers so that they can continue to deliver high quality expert advice in complex cases, while being supported in their professional development and wellbeing. You will also manage and develop the work of our welfare advice team within the Westminster Advice Services Partnership and beyond, and work collaboratively with colleagues in the sector to build capacity and increase our impact. 

The ideal candidate, who may be legally qualified, will have experience of leadership in the charity/NGO sector and a sound understanding of the asylum, human rights and trafficking processes in the UK and the legal frameworks which govern the protection of refugees, survivors of trafficking and stateless people, and of the role of law in achieving system change.

We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about providing supportive and inclusive leadership to our expert team. You will be committed to our objectives and to the role which expert legal representation plays in enabling people in need of protection in the UK to obtain it.

As is the nature of this sector, the role may be exposed to a high volume of traumatic and distressing material and, whilst they will be supported by the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and surrounding team, the candidate should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of good self-care principles in an intense work environment and dissemination of those principles to junior members of the team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and strategy

·Be responsible, with the support of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO, for the development, implementation and monitoring of Asylum Aid’s organisational strategy

·Provide leadership and strategic direction at Asylum Aid in accordance with its aims and objectives, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework

·Act as external spokesperson for Asylum Aid, maintaining and strengthening Asylum Aid’s position as a leader in the refugee rights, statelessness and legal aid sectors;

·Work collaboratively with others in the sector to promote and strengthen Asylum Aid’s work, identify and establish potential partnerships, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework;

·Work collaboratively with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and Executive Leadership team to drive the implementation of the Group strategic framework;

·Ensure that all reporting and monitoring requirements are met to support fundraising, contract compliance and monitoring strategic impact;

·Support the cross collaboration of the Asylum Aid team with the Helen Bamber Foundation team and play an active part in the management of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group.

Governance  

·Act as the Data Protection Supervisor with responsibility for data protection and cyber security within Asylum Aid

·Together with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and designated safeguarding leads, be responsible for child and adult safeguarding within Asylum Aid

·In collaboration with the Director of Legal Casework, ensure compliance by Asylum Aid with all legal and regulatory obligations, including the Legal Aid Agency contract, the Immigration Advice Authority and Solicitors Regulation Authority;

·Lead on the preparation and presentation of quarterly reports on Asylum Aid’s activities, strategy and risks to the Asylum Aid Board, the Finance and Fundraising Committee and the People and Governance Committee;

·Lead on the preparation of the Trustees’ annual report and ensure that monitoring and evaluation systems are adequate to enable reporting on Asylum Aid’s activities and impact.

Management and Supervision 

·Responsible for line management of the Director of Legal Casework and Welfare Advice service coordinator, and other team supervisors as required;

·Together with the Group Director of People, responsible for Human Resources and implementation of the People Strategy within Asylum Aid, including development and implementation of HR policies and procedures;

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors, drive the effective management and supervision of the Asylum Aid team and ensure that they comply with relevant professional standards and accreditation;

·Foster a supportive and inclusive team culture at Asylum Aid in which each member feels valued and supported to develop professionally and to perform to the best of their ability;

·Ensure the team’s well-being and that self-care practices are established and work in tandem with the Director of Legal Casework and supervisors to ensure trauma-informed ways of working.

Policy & Strategic Legal Work

·Together with the Group Director of Policy, identify policy priorities and coordinate the preparation of evidence and briefings drawing on Asylum Aid’s experience and expertise to influence system change;

·Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with sector colleagues to support joint strategic engagement including policy advocacy and strategic legal work;

·Work closely with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors to drive changes in the UK asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems through strategic legal work.

Finance & Fundraising

·Work closely with the CEO and the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Finance Team to set and manage budget(s) and general financial matters for Asylum Aid

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and the Group Finance Team, establish systems for monitoring legal aid Work In Progress and billing, and securing casework income including legal aid, and inter partes income from judicial review cases;

·Work closely with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Fundraising and Communications Team to secure funding for Asylum Aid from a range of sources including trusts and foundations, corporate philanthropy and major donors;

·Ensure that Legal Aid and other income is maximised, and targets are achieved.                                   

Other duties

·Manage the recruitment and supervision of volunteers where necessary in collaboration with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Volunteers Coordinator;

·Support the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Facilities team to ensure the smooth running of the office and that the facilities meet the needs of Asylum Aid;

·Work outside normal office hours as required and travel in order to carry out the responsibilities of the post.

·To undertake any task that may be requested from time to time that may be consistent with the nature and scope of this post.

Essential Experience, Skills and Knowledge

•Experience of running a small to medium sized charity/legal NGO and/or legal department within the NGO sector (or other equivalent senior management role);

•Demonstrable experience of managing and leading a successful team and the ability to manage a growing team with mixed roles from team supervisors to administrative support staff, working co-operatively with colleagues to maintain transparency and effective working relationships within the team;

•Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds

•Strong understanding of good governance including legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities;

•Ability to work with a range of stakeholders from trustees to external partners;

•Experience of leading and/or participating in organisational strategic planning;

·Experience of legal policy work within the human rights field and /or of strategic litigation, whether as an NGO claimant or legal representative;

•Experience of managing diverse funding sources and setting and implementing budgets;

•Experience of working in a service delivery partnership with other organisations;

•Experience of fundraising, especially grants from trusts and foundations;

•Sound working knowledge of the law and policy as it relates to immigration,  asylum, human rights and modern slavery/trafficking;

•Demonstrable understanding of the asylum and human rights sector in the UK;

•An understanding of the barriers migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers face regarding access to legal advice, reasons why they may become destitute and why this makes it more difficult to access advice and support; and

•The passion for working empathetically and supportively with migrants, refugees, stateless people and asylum seekers.

Desirable Experience

·Experience of managing the delivery of frontline casework with people in the asylum or trafficking systems

·Experience of tendering for and delivering publicly funded contracts e.g. LAA or local authority funding;

·Working knowledge of Legal Aid Agency contracts, including the delivery of casework and billing under a legal aid contract in the immigration and asylum category and/or the public law category;

How to apply 

The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 10am on Monday 26th January 2026.

The website form will ask you to:

1.Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.

2.Upload your current CV

3.Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional, and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.

For an informal conversation about the post before applying, please contact Alison Pickup, the current Executive Director.

Selection Process

We will invite candidates to an initial online interview on Tuesday 10th or Wednesday 11th February, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interviews at our office in Old Street on Tuesday 24th or Wednesday 25th February.

We offer a guaranteed initial interview for refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration, provided that they provide some evidence of relevant experience or skills in relation to the essential criteria.

We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.

Eligibility

Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).

Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.

Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our approach to our clients, our volunteers and our staff, and we are an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer.

We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates because we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in.

We genuinely welcome and encourage applications from candidates from a range of backgrounds, especially people of colour, people with disabilities, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration or trauma and of the housing and welfare system, who are under-represented in our organisation.

We recognise and value the role of lived experience in meeting the needs of our clients and acknowledge the under-representation of people with lived experience of forced migration and statelessness in the advice sector. We value experience gained overseas as well as in the UK.

We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network and access other information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.

Please complete the form on their website to request support and they will confirm if they can match you with a mentor to support your application.