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Senior research advisor jobs in Belfast
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Remote
£43,000 - £45,000 per year (FTE)
Full-time or part-time (30 Hours (PT) or 37.5 (FT))
Permanent
Job description
Join BrainWaves at an exciting stage of growth and help build the sustainable income behind our ambitious plans to improve young people’s mental health.
This is a rare opportunity for a proactive fundraiser to take real ownership of a growing fundraising programme, working with experienced specialists while broadening your expertise across trusts, major donors, corporate partnerships and individual giving.
About BrainWaves Research
BrainWaves Research is a charity working to improve young people’s mental health and wellbeing through research, education and collaboration.
We bring together scientists, educators, schools and young people to build a stronger understanding of adolescent mental health and translate evidence into practical support. Our work combines a major longitudinal research study with evidence-based educational resources for schools.
BrainWaves is a long-term collaboration involving the University of Oxford, Swansea University and The Day News & Media. We are entering an exciting stage of growth and are looking for a proactive and versatile Fundraising Manager to help secure the sustainable income needed to achieve our ambitions.
The opportunity
You will lead the day-to-day delivery of fundraising across trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships and individual giving, developing new opportunities as well as managing and growing existing relationships.
The role may particularly suit someone with strong experience in one area – most likely trusts and foundations or high-value giving – who is ready to broaden their expertise across a mixed portfolio.
You will work particularly closely with our fractional Fundraising Director, who will provide strategic direction and support, as well as experienced specialists in major gifts and events, senior volunteers and colleagues across BrainWaves.
This is a hands-on role with significant autonomy. We are looking for someone proactive, ambitious and organised who enjoys turning strategy into action, building relationships, improving systems and hitting targets. Above all, you will be passionate about our mission to improve young people’s mental health.
Key responsibilities
Fundraising and income growth
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Work with the Fundraising Director and COO to deliver BrainWaves’ fundraising strategy and annual income plan.
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Manage and grow a pipeline across trusts and foundations, major donors, corporates and individual giving.
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Research and develop new prospects, partnerships and sustainable income opportunities.
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Prepare compelling cases for support, grant applications, proposals, presentations and donor communications.
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Take ownership of agreed income targets, deadlines and activity plans, monitoring performance and forecasting income.
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Manage funder and supporter relationships from initial approach through to reporting and stewardship.
Major donors, corporates and supporters
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Work with the Fundraising Director, trustees, senior volunteers and specialist advisers to identify, cultivate and steward high-value prospects.
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Build relationships with companies whose values and interests align with BrainWaves and develop appropriate partnership opportunities.
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Help develop our individual-giving programme, including appeals, regular giving and supporter journeys.
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Manage and improve our use of JustGiving and other digital fundraising platforms.
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Support donor and cultivation events, including prospect identification, communications and follow-up.
CRM, data and fundraising operations
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Take day-to-day ownership of BrainWaves’ CRM, ensuring supporter, prospect, donation and relationship records are accurate and up to date.
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Improve how the CRM is used for pipeline management, reporting, segmentation, stewardship and task management.
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Establish clear and consistent processes for recording and using fundraising information.
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Produce regular pipeline, income and forecasting reports and use data to identify opportunities, gaps and risks.
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Ensure information from JustGiving and other platforms is captured and followed up appropriately.
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Maintain high standards of data protection, fundraising compliance and data quality.
Collaborative working
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Work closely with the Fundraising Director and experienced freelance specialists in fundraising strategy, major gifts and events.
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Collaborate with colleagues across communications, research and operations to develop strong fundraising propositions and materials.
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Support trustees and senior volunteers in their fundraising activity.
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Attend occasional meetings and events, primarily in Oxford and London.
About you
You will be a confident and proactive fundraiser with strong experience in at least one income stream and an appetite to broaden your expertise.
You will be a persuasive communicator and excellent relationship builder, comfortable managing multiple prospects, deadlines and priorities. You will enjoy working in a small, evolving organisation where initiative is valued and will be effective working independently from home while staying closely connected to the wider team.
Most importantly, you will be motivated by ambitious targets and genuinely excited by BrainWaves’ mission.
Essential experience and skills
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Experience of securing income within a charity, university, research institution or other purpose-led organisation.
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Strong experience in at least one fundraising stream, such as trusts and foundations, major donors, corporates or individual giving.
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Evidence of meeting fundraising targets or contributing significantly to income growth.
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Experience of managing prospects from research and qualification through to solicitation and stewardship.
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Excellent written skills, including producing persuasive applications, proposals and donor communications.
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Strong relationship-building and stakeholder-management skills.
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Ability to understand complex information and turn it into a clear and compelling case for support.
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Experience of using a fundraising CRM to manage pipelines, records and reporting.
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Excellent organisation, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
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A proactive, resourceful and collaborative approach.
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A genuine commitment to BrainWaves’ purpose.
Desirable experience
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Experience across more than one fundraising income stream.
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Trusts and foundations and/or major donor fundraising experience.
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Experience of corporate partnerships.
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Experience of using and improving a CRM, particularly Beacon or a similar system.
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Experience of JustGiving or similar digital fundraising platforms.
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Experience of fundraising for mental health, young people, education, science, health or research.
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Knowledge of fundraising regulation and data protection.
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Experience of donor cultivation or fundraising events.
What we offer
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The opportunity to shape and grow fundraising within an ambitious charity.
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Close working with an experienced Fundraising Director and senior fundraising specialists.
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Significant autonomy and the opportunity to broaden your fundraising experience.
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Meaningful work supporting research and education focused on adolescent mental health.
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A flexible, predominantly home-based role.
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25 days’ annual leave pro rata.
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Auto-enrolment into our pension scheme after successful completion of a three-month probation period.
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Reasonable travel expenses for required meetings and events.
Application Instructions
We are not looking for freelance consultants or consultancies to contact us for this role, as we really want someone to embed in our team.
Organisation
Posted on: 10 August 2026
Closing date: 07 September 2026 at 10:00
Tags: Campaigns, Fundraising, CRM, Database Management, Education, Health / Medical, Mental Health, Partnerships, Research, Youth / Children, Community Fundraising, Corporate Fundraising, Direct / Supporters, Events / Activities, Individual Giving, Major Donor, Trusts / Foundations, Grants
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Remote
£45,047 per year
Full-time
Temporary (12 months fixed term)
Job description
As our Digital Fundraising & Campaigns Lead, you’ll manage and oversee the delivery of our digital fundraising and donor acquisition activities, ensuring campaigns are innovative, data-driven and aligned with our mission.
Leading a small, talented team of marketing and campaign professionals, you’ll lead the campaign development function in cross-departmental planning, including events that drive donor acquisition and fundraising.
You’ll help us tell powerful stories, deepen engagement and help grow our community of supporters, shaping end-to-end integrated digital campaigns that build and strengthen relationships and help us bring hope and practical aid to remote communities.
Alongside campaign strategy and execution, you’ll be involved in paid media activity and digital performance, providing strategic oversight, guiding agency relationships and driving continuous improvement.
Additionally, you will:
- Deliver campaigns, events, and digital initiatives
- Act as a trusted adviser to senior leadership on digital strategy
- Lead the planning and delivery of events and volunteer engagement at festivals
- Ensure budgets are well managed, and campaigns are delivered efficiently
- Develop and evaluate digital performance metrics and reporting
About You
To join us as our Digital Fundraising & Campaigns Lead, you will need:
- At least five years’ experience in digital fundraising and marketing in a charity or mission-driven organisation
- A minimum of two years’ management experience leading digital fundraising or marketing teams
- Experience writing, reviewing, and editing copy for a variety of audiences and users
- Experience in project management
- The ability to communicate clearly, assertively, and diplomatically at all levels
- Demonstrable success in developing and delivering multi-channel digital campaigns with measurable impact
- Demonstrable expertise in paid media strategy and optimisation (Google Ads, Meta, programmatic, etc.)
- Strong creative ideation and direction skills
- A data-driven approach with experience using analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, CRM platforms)
- Excellent and proven stakeholder management and influencing skills
- A deep understanding of digital trends, donor behaviour, and fundraising compliance
This is a remote role with a once a month visit to our Folkestone office.
Organisation
Posted on: 06 August 2026
Closing date: 05 September 2026 at 23:00
Job ref: MAF02
Tags: Christian, Faith-Based, Digital Fundraising
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Remote
£40,000 - £45,000 per year
Full-time or part-time (Full-time (35 hours per week) or Part-time (minimum 28 hours per week considered))
Permanent
Job description
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.
Organisation
IPSEA
View profile
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Registered Charity
21 - 50
We help children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) get the education they are entitled to by law
Refreshed on: 06 August 2026
Closing date: 06 September 2026 at 23:30
Tags: Campaigns, Policy, Legal / Law, Autism, Education, Learning Disability, Politics, Public Affairs, Public Relations, Research, Youth / Children
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Job description
We are looking for a Community Support Coordinator, who will lead and develop a team of Volunteers, helping to deliver safe, inclusive and person-centred support.
You will work closely with health and social care professionals, MDT’s, local partners and volunteers to connect people affected by MND with the information, services and support they need.
At the Motor Neurone Disease Association, we work to improve care, support and quality of life for people affected by MND. As a Community Support Coordinator, you will play a key role in ensuring our support reaches people when they need it most.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, recruit, develop and support a team of Community Support Volunteers.
- Respond to enquiries and referrals, providing information and connecting people with appropriate support.
- Build effective relationships with health and social care professionals, hospices and local partners.
- Support volunteer groups and branches to understand and respond to local needs.
- Facilitate collaboration between volunteers, staff and external stakeholders.
- Promote safe and inclusive services, ensuring compliance with safeguarding and organisational policies.
- Work with regional colleagues to support awareness, fundraising and campaigning activities.
- Monitor activity, maintain accurate records and contribute to service development.
- Identify gaps in local support and contribute to improvements in services.
- Encourage effective communication and engagement across the volunteer network
About You
- Experience leading, managing or coordinating volunteers or volunteer-led services.
- Understanding of care and support services within the statutory, voluntary or private sectors.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, risk management and supporting people at risk of harm.
- Strong communication, relationship-building and presentation skills.
- Full driving licence and willingness to travel within the region
- Experience supporting people and assessing needs using a person-centred approach.
- Ability to build partnerships and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
- Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise and make decisions independently.
- Good IT skills and confidence using a range of digital systems.
This is a home-based role with frequent travel across Northern Ireland
Further information about MND Association and full job description is available in the attached Candidate Pack.
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.
As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.
What We Offer
- 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays
- Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies
- 24/7 GP access via phone and video
- Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines
- Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave)
- Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Opportunities for training and personal development
About Us
MotorNeuroneDisease moves fast. It takes away time, it takes awayindependenceand it has no cure. Every day we support people affected by MND.Wefundground-breaking research. We campaign for better care.We’rehere for everyone who needs us. Because with MND,every daymatters.
Organisation
MND Association
View profile
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Registered Charity
101 - 500
We support people affected by Motor Neurone Disease, campaign for better care and fund ground-breaking research. Because with MND, every day matters.
Posted on: 03 August 2026
Closing date: 17 August 2026 at 23:59
Job ref: JD1640992BelCSC
Tags: Advice / Information, Social Care / Development, Volunteering Management, Operations, CRM, Customer support, Data Protection, Engagement / Outreach, Health / Medical, Partnerships, Risk Management, Safeguarding, Direct / Supporters, Social / Support Work
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Thank you!
Remote
£52,851 per year
Part-time (22.5)
Contract (Fixed term until 31st March 2028)
Job description
We are looking for a Safeguarding Lead to provide dedicated safeguarding leadership as our flagship Drive Project working with high-harm, high-risk perpetrators of domestic abuse, scales across England and Wales. Acting as a Safeguarding Lead, you'll hold oversight of safeguarding governance across our network, lead a shift from compliance towards collaborative, relational learning, and support delivery partners as a trusted peer and source of expertise. This is a pivotal, newly created role for someone energised by culture change, skilled at holding both accountability and compassion, and comfortable working in complexity.
Closing date: Tuesday 25th August, 9am. Please refer to the job description for further details.
To apply, please visit Respect UK website
Organisation
Posted on: 29 July 2026
Closing date: 25 August 2026 at 09:00
Tags: Social Care / Development, Compliance / Quality, Domestic Violence / Abuse, Gender / Gender Based Violence, Monitoring and Evaluation, Partnerships, Risk Management, Safeguarding, Victim Support, Governance / Management
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Thank you!
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