Senior research manager jobs

Young Lives Consortium are recruiting a Business Operations Manager

Location: Based at Lightwaves Leisure Centre, Wakefield WF1 3LJ

Hours: 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday, core hours of the day are open to negotiation.

Contract: Permanent

Salary: Pay Band D £30,976 - £34,055 pa Commencing pro-rata salary will be £25,116 to £27,612 pa.

Application deadline: 20th October 2025

Are you eager to participate in supporting Voluntary, Community Sector organisations in Wakefield District promoting positive outcomes for children, young people, and families in Wakefield District?

Young Lives Consortium seeks a Business Operations Manager to spearhead the back-office functions and provide essential support to the Chief Executive Officer. As a key member of the Management Team, you will play a crucial role in enhancing business processes, maximising efficiency to support Young Lives Consortium’s development.

In this rewarding position, you will be tasked with managing the business’s day-to-day operations, overseeing financial management, and ensuring operational excellence across all support functions.

If you are a results-orientated professional with a passion for making a difference and possess strong organisational, communication, team, and leadership skills, this role could be a perfect fit for you.

With a focus on fostering a positive work environment and promoting growth and development the Young Lives Consortium provides an exciting opportunity for individuals committed to promoting Voluntary Community Sector organisations supporting children, young people, and families

The Skin Health Alliance (SHA) has a great deal to say about skin, and we seek a passionate communicator to help get our message across.

The SHA  is the world’s leading independent, not-for-profit dermatologist-led accreditation body. We are internationally recognised across the personal care, cosmetics, and FMCG sectors. We provide trusted skin safety information and an accreditation service that empowers consumers, supports industry partners, and champions dermatological research worldwide.

We are seeking a Senior Communications Officer to play a pivotal role in promoting SHA’s aims, raising our profile, and ensuring our voice as the global authority on skin health is heard across industry, professionals, and consumers.

The Role

As Senior Communications Officer, you will:

• Develop and deliver SHA’s annual communications and media strategy.

• Manage our website, social media, press relations, and stakeholder communications.

• Represent SHA as a spokesperson – briefing experts, giving interviews, and maintaining our credibility with journalists and industry stakeholders.

• Collaborate with partner brands, communication teams, and external agencies to deliver impactful joint campaigns.

• Monitor and evaluate media coverage, providing strategic insights to senior leadership.

• Strengthen SHA’s voice by building trusted relationships with dermatologists, experts, and key journalists.

• Represent SHA at high-profile international events, conferences, and industry meetings.
   

This role requires a confident communicator who can balance strategy and execution, manage multiple projects, and consistently deliver high-quality, credible outputs.

About You

We are looking for a creative, strategic, and highly skilled communicator who can combine leadership with hands-on delivery.

Essential Requirements:

• Degree in communications, marketing, media, or relevant equivalent experience.

• Proven track record in communications and marketing (5+ years preferred).

• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex information into compelling messages.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrable experience across multiple communication channels, including digital platforms.

• Confidence to act as a spokesperson, build media relationships, and represent SHA externally.

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work with cross-functional teams, partners, and senior stakeholders.
   

Desirable Skills:

• Familiarity with communications platforms (e.g. Google Suite, Microsoft Teams, media database and distribution software).

• Experience managing budgets and working with external agencies.

• Analytical skills to measure communication performance and impact.

Why Join the Skin Health Alliance?

• Be part of a global leader in dermatological accreditation and skin education.

• Shape communications that directly influence consumer trust and industry standards.

• Work alongside internationally renowned dermatologists and high-profile global brands.

• Contribute to a meaningful mission – improving skin health and funding dermatological research worldwide.

  The Skin Health Alliance is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees. We believe in equal employment opportunities regardless of race, nationality, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or disability status.

Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life.

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK. 

We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.

We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification: 

This role is an exciting opportunity to play a key role providing expert analysis and conducting research on the high essential costs facing older people in financial hardship and advocating for policy change in this area.  As part of the Policy and Influencing directorate, you will contribute to strategic thinking, lead research and policy development projects using a range of methods and work across the directorate to build relationships and secure change. 

You should have experience of driving forward a policy theme, including identifying policy problems, developing credible  and evidence based solutions and working towards securing change.  Strong research and analysis skills are essential, with excellent communication and project management skills.  We are looking for experience of working independently as well as collaborating effectively across a high performing influencing function.  Most importantly, a passion to change things for older people experiencing financial hardship, and the confidence to hear and incorporate their perspectives and insights into your work mean that this role could be for you.

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9 day fortnight. 

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits. 

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. 

You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age on the careers page of our website.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification, by visiting our jobs website (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format).

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name. 

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer.  The role also requires a basic DBS certificate.

Closing Date: Sunday 5 October at 11:59pm

Interview Dates: Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th October via Microsoft Teams

The Eikon Charity helps children and young people in Surrey to feel and be safe, heard, and supported. Through one-to-one support, group work, and programmes in schools, Eikon helps children build confidence, resilience, and the skills they will need to navigate life’s challenges.

This is a senior fundraising role within Eikon’s Trusts & Grants team, focused on generating significant voluntary income from charitable trusts, foundations, and local government funders. With an overall team target of £1m, this postholder will contribute around £250k per year through a mix of high-quality applications, strategic account management, and relationship building.

The role requires both strong bid writing skills (especially for complex, high-value and multi-year proposals) and excellent interpersonal skills to develop and steward relationships with funders. It offers the opportunity to take on more responsibility within the team, deputise for the Grants Lead when needed, and help shape Eikon’s fundraising approach.

As Senior Trust Fundraiser, you will:

• Raise circa £250k annually from a mix of trusts, foundations, and local government grant funders (restricted and unrestricted)
• Lead on developing a portfolio of high-value, multi-year funders, cultivating new prospects and strengthening existing relationships
• Research, write, and submit compelling, tailored proposals and reports
• Work collaboratively with the Grants Lead on strategic bids (e.g. The National Lottery Community Fund, Community Foundation for Surrey)
• Develop an approach for growing unrestricted income
• Actively network across Surrey to identify new leads and opportunities
• Provide excellent account management through regular reporting, funder meetings, and creative stewardship (e.g. site visits, events)
• Manage accurate pipeline and reporting on Donorfy CRM, supporting both team and board-level reporting
• Deputise for the Grants Lead at meetings where required
• Provide peer support to colleagues in the fundraising team

Ideal skills and experience: 

• Proven track record in trusts and foundations fundraising (including complex, high-value proposals)
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information persuasively
• Confident in building and maintaining relationships with senior stakeholders
• Comfortable independently representing Eikon at external meetings and networking events
• Strong organisational and time management skills – able to balance writing, relationship building, and reporting
• Collaborative, proactive, and adaptable; able to deputise when required
• Experience of the children, education, or mental health sectors desirable
• Based in or near Surrey, with willingness to travel regularly within the county
• Driving licence essential

Benefits include: 

• 25 days annual leave (rising with service) plus bank holidays
• Enhanced sick leave and pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Safeguarding training and ongoing professional development opportunities

Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for the 110,000 adults and children in the UK with a muscle-wasting condition. This is a role where you can really make a difference.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of conditions we represent. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and helps us better support our beneficiaries.

The Community Fundraising Manager is an exciting role at MDUK, that will sit within the Fundrasing Team. 

In Community Fundraising we are the team that builds relationships with our supporters, families, and event participants to fundraise so that MDUK can continue to find treatments and ultimately cures through research, and to drive improvements in care and quality of life. 

In this small but close team there are four other Community Fundraising Managers covering the rest of the UK and a Senior Manager who can support you and the rest of the team in delivering an excellent supporter journey to deliver the charities aims.

You will build relationships and manage both supporters and volunteers within the local community creating an impact by maximising financial contributions and raising awareness of fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

You will need a flexible approach to your working hours as the role may require some evening and weekend work.

About us:

Muscular Dystrophy UK is the charity bringing individuals, families and professionals together to fight muscle-wasting conditions. We bring together more than 60 rare and very rare progressive muscle-weakening and wasting conditions, affecting around 110,000 children and adults in the UK. 

We share expert advice and support to live well now; fund groundbreaking research to understand the different conditions better and lead us to new treatments; work with the NHS towards universal access to specialist health; and together, campaign for people’s rights, better understanding, accessibility, and access to treatments.

Benefits:

We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We also offer a range of benefits including pension, life assurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, financial wellbeing and an employee assistance programme.

Location: Home Based 

Closing date: Tuesday 30 September 

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities

NB: Please note that we are interviewing on a rolling basis and may close the advert earlier than the stated deadline if we successfully fill the role.

About us and our ecological work

We are a small but growing UK-registered charity which undertakes projects that protect and restore wild landscapes, helping to provide a future for all life on earth. We use the skills and expertise of our multi-disciplinary team (spanning science, law, economics, technology and culture) to develop projects that protect and restore wild, natural landscapes. 

Our ecological work spans two exciting fronts: restoring missing species through projects like The Missing Lynx, Pine Marten and White-Tailed Eagle reintroductions in Northern England; and securing the protection of ecological restoration sites as a Responsible Body for conservation covenants through which we aim to set the gold standard, supporting ambitious, mission-aligned projects such as Nattergal’s High Fen site.

About the role

We are seeking to hire a dynamic and passionate Senior Ecologist to join The Lifescape Project, to play an integral role in the restoration of charismatic species to the UK and in landscape scale habitat restoration.

As a Senior Ecologist, your work will cover two distinct areas which are broadly: BNG-associated site assessments; and practical planning and feasibility aspects of species reintroductions.

Salary: £40,000 - £42,000 per annum, depending on experience + benefits.

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week.

Contract: Fixed-term contract for 12 months initially.

Location: Remote working with site survey work and some UK and international travel.

Please refer to the job description for further information about the role.

To apply, please email a CV and covering letter (each no longer than 2 pages of text) outlining how you meet the person specification and why you should be considered for this role.

Closing date: 9.00am on Monday 20 October 2025.

The role will commence as soon as possible.

At Ambitious about Autism we're currently looking for a Senior Prospect Researcher to join our team.

You will be critical in strategically driving our growth, improving practices and increasing efficiency, through guiding and supporting colleagues across the fundraising department. You will work particularly closely with the Major Donor, Trusts and Foundations and Corporate Teams to help grow pipelines and bring to the forefront the most exciting opportunities.

You'll develop processes and tools relating to prospect research, such as pipeline management and prospect propensity evaluations. You'll also lead regular pipeline review meetings to support, guide and motivate fundraisers to drive movement through pipelines.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Proven experience of identifying and qualifying potential new major donors, trusts, senior volunteers and corporates, resulting in further income for the organisation
• Proven experience in communicating effectively and presenting data, information, trends and recommendations effectively with a wide range of audiences
• Experience of forming, maintaining and growing working relationships and ability to influence and persuade
• An understanding of trends and developments across the high value fundraising sector, as well as prospect research

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Join National AIDS Trust, the UK’s leading HIV rights charity, and help us stop HIV from standing in the way of health, dignity and equality - and end new transmissions for good.

We’re looking for a creative, driven communications professional to lead exciting campaigns and create powerful digital content that grows our audience and drives engagement with HIV rights.

In this role, you’ll:

· Develop and deliver communications strategies and campaigns.

· Create compelling content across digital and traditional channels.

· Collaborate with internal teams on national initiatives.

· Analyse and report on performance to maximise impact.

You’ll need:

· Proven experience delivering communications campaigns.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· A proactive, creative mindset and strong media relations skills.

This is a brilliant opportunity to make a real impact on human rights and public health in a fast-paced, supportive, and mission-driven environment.

Do you want to use your research skills to influence real change?

The Race Equality Foundation is an evidence-based charity working to dismantle systemic racism and improve outcomes for Black, Asian, and ethnically minoritised communities across the UK. We generate and share knowledge, influence policy and practice, and deliver programmes that make a tangible impact.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Researcher or Senior Researcher who is passionate about using evidence to tackle racism and inequality. Organised, reflective, and inquisitive, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering the Foundation’s research and policy work.

You will develop and lead projects exploring the persistence of racial inequalities and their consequences, identifying and sharing good practice, and developing potential solutions. Central to the way we work are intersectional and participatory approaches that place the voices of those with lived experience at the heart of our research, and you will be instrumental in embedding these principles in the projects you manage.

As part of the role, you’ll also take a leading role in disseminating findings to diverse audiences, influencing policy and practice, and developing and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including central and local government, funders, and voluntary and community sector partners.

This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to impactful research, inform systemic change, and be part of a collaborative, values-driven organisation dedicated to tackling racial inequality.

Why work with us?
You’ll join a values-driven organisation where your work directly contributes to racial justice. We offer:

• Generous annual leave – 25 days rising to 31 after five years, plus bank holidays

• Above-statutory employer pension contributions

• Employee Assistance Scheme (EAS) to support your wellbeing

• Opportunities to work on impactful, high-profile research projects

• A collaborative, supportive, and inclusive working environment

How to apply
Apply via our online recruitment portal, submitting your application form and supporting statement.

Closing date: Monday 29th September 2025
Interview date: Monday 13th October 2025

Ref 7161

Closing Date: 24 September 2025

Save the Children UK has an opportunity for a Portfolio Manager to manage our West and Central Africa (WCA) portfolio within the Global Impact group from January 2026 for 12 months. In this pivotal role, you'll oversee a diverse range of programmes and partnerships across the region, ensuring they are well-managed, strategically aligned, and delivering lasting impact for children and communities.

Working closely with Country Offices, donors, and internal colleagues, you'll manage risk, drive performance, and capture learning that shapes future portfolio opportunities. Success in this role will require strong portfolio management expertise, excellent relationship-building skills, and fluency in both English and French to engage effectively across the region. Above all, you'll bring a commitment to ensuring children everywhere can survive, learn and thrive.

Please Note: Even if this fixed-term WCA role isn't quite the right fit, we welcome you to submit your CV to be considered for other upcoming Portfolio Manager opportunities across Save the Children UK, including positions overseeing Portfolio's in regions such as the Middle East or East Africa that do not require French.

About Us

Save the Children UK believes every child deserves a future. In the UK and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children's unique needs are met and their voices are heard. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach.

About the Team

The Portfolio & Risk Team manages the SCUK International Restricted Portfolio, supporting Country Offices and local partners in achieving strategic goals. They collaborate closely with Country Offices and other members, offering expertise in programme management, donor compliance, and risk management. Their responsibilities include ensuring compliance, quality assurance, and addressing sensitive issues such as fraud, safeguarding, and safety/security concerns. The team also ensures that learning from the portfolio informs future partnership and portfolio opportunities.

Key Accountabilities

The Portfolio Manager for West and Central Africa (WCA) is responsible for overseeing the successful implementation of Save the Children UK's portfolio across multiple Country Offices in the region. This includes providing direct management support to Country Offices, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, and supporting the effective delivery of programmes and partnerships. Working with a high degree of autonomy, the postholder will lead on managing risks, issues and challenges specific to the WCA portfolio and escalate as necessary to senior colleagues.

The role works closely with the Senior Portfolio Manager for WCA and the Regional Portfolio Lead to ensure regional priorities are supported and delivered. This includes contributing to the effective development and implementation of regional and strategic partnerships, identifying and addressing systemic risks and issues across WCA, and capturing lessons learned to inform future portfolio development opportunities. The Portfolio Manager will also collaborate with colleagues across Partnership Engagement and Portfolio Development to strengthen new partnership opportunities in the region.

In this role, you will:

• Manage the delivery of Save the Children UK's (SCUK) portfolio by overseeing grant and contract management, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, and supporting Country Offices (COs) in achieving program deliverables and managing risks and issues.

• Provide oversight of risk management and portfolio performance, making informed decisions on issues, ensuring key performance indicators are met, and escalating concerns when required.

• Support portfolio development efforts, identifying new funding opportunities with COs, and maintaining up-to-date award and information systems.

• Monitor portfolio performance across designated regions, or other regions when resourcing help is requested, evaluating progress, ensuring adherence to SCUK policies, and ensuring compliance with donor and partner requirements, making adjustments where necessary to ensure success and sustainability.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key staff in Country Offices, offering operational support as needed to ensure quality programming and donor compliance.

• Work to ensure Country Office priorities drive SCUK support for programming, while fostering collaboration across relevant SCUK teams.

• Oversee relevant research projects, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and quality standards, and managing associated risks. Ensure quality assurance processes are completed for research projects, resulting in the right product for the right audiences and adherence to research ethics. Explore solutions for efficient management and synthesis of evidence and learning from SCUK-supported and external research to feed into future partnerships and portfolio design.

• Ensure continuous improvement by facilitating the sharing of lessons learned, best practices, and success stories to inform future portfolio and partnership development efforts and capture knowledge management across the SCUK portfolio.

• Support in identifying new funding opportunities, as follow on from existing awards and/or as part of the day-to-day interaction with donors and that this will be included in the central pipeline management. As directed by the Head of Portfolio Development, this role may be asked to support on proposal development as necessary.

About You

We are looking for someone with the following experience, competencies and skills:

• Project and Portfolio Management: Experience in managing portfolios across multiple Country Offices, with knowledge of donor compliance requirements and the proven experience of ensuring a portfolio of work is delivered on time, within scope, and in alignment with donor requirements and agreed outcomes.

• Risk Management and Mitigation: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and addressing risks at both the portfolio and project levels, ensuring that strategies are in place to minimise or resolve potential issues.

• Stakeholder and Donor Relationship Management: Strong ability to develop and manage successful relationships with donors, strategic partners, and Country Offices, ensuring effective communication and alignment with organisational priorities.

• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting: Skilled in overseeing the collection and analysis of data for portfolio performance, as well as financial management and ensuring effective monitoring and reporting to internal and external stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: Ability to facilitate the sharing of best practices and lessons learned to enhance future portfolio management and development opportunities.

• Management Skills: Ability to manage a diverse portfolio, to ensure the portfolio's success across various regions and partnerships.

• Communication and Relationship Management: Proven ability to work effectively in a team and build strong relationships with colleagues from different organisations, functions, and cultures. This includes excellent communication skills for engaging with multiple stakeholders, including Country Offices, donors, and internal teams, ensuring clear and effective dissemination of information and fostering collaboration.

• Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills: Good attention to detail with the ability to identify risks, assess potential issues, and develop solutions that support successful portfolio delivery and overcome challenges across different contexts.

• Technical Expertise: A good understanding of program management, international development, and donor relations.

• Language Skills: Fluency in French (essential) and English.

Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

Location & Ways of Working:

The majority of our roles can be performed remotely in the UK, but at times you will be required to come to your contracted office (usually between 2–4 days per month, depending on the needs of your role, team, or service). For many roles, this is likely to be the minimum required to deliver impact.

This will be discussed and agreed with your manager / team and we encourage candidates to discuss our ways of working in more detail at interview stage.

Please note: travel costs to your contracted office will be at your own expense. 

Flexible Working - We are happy to discuss flexible working options at interview.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: 

Save the Children UK believes in a world that is fair, inclusive and equitable where all children have the opportunity to change their world. We apply this to our workforce and we are committed to developing and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organisation where all employees have a sense of belonging and feel that they can be "Free to Be Me". We are not looking for just one type of person - we want to recruit people who can add fresh perspectives, innovative ideas or challenge that disrupts the risk of group think. 

We are especially interested in people whose childhood experiences - of life on a low income, of migration, of being in a racialised community, of the care system, of being LGBT+ or in an LGBT+ family or living with (or with someone with) a disability - help us to see things we might otherwise miss. Whatever your story is we want to hear it because we know that different voices, ideas, perspectives and knowledge, working together will enable us to better the lives of children around the world. This is the reason why we are all here. 

The Talent Set are delighted to partner with Breast Cancer Now to recruit for a fantastic Senior Prospect Research Manager. With a bold ambition to transform high-value income over the next five years, including the launch of a landmark £50 million Campaign, they are investing in the Prospect Research function to sit at the heart of their newly formed High Value Partnerships & Campaigns directorate.

This is a pivotal role, evolving prospect research from a reactive service into a strategic driver of growth. You’ll lead on identifying and recommending prospects at the six, seven and eight figure level with the potential to make a transformational impact, spanning across high-net-worth individuals, corporates and trusts and foundations in the UK and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive research on high-value audiences, including HNWI, UHNWI, corporates, and trusts and foundations, to generate actionable insights for fundraising campaigns.
• Develop and implement innovative methodologies for prospect identification, moving from reactive to proactive research practices.
• Collaborate closely with campaign teams, attending meetings where appropriate to gather first-hand information and enhance prospect strategies.
• Utilise specialist tools such as LexisNexis and network mapping platforms to gather, analyse, and present detailed prospect profiles.
• Provide detailed reports supporting senior leadership and trustees, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail in line with organisational standards.
• Drive a culture of ownership within the research team, encouraging proactive prospect identification to underpin pipeline growth.
• Support the development of streamlined processes that simplify and amplify fundraiser activities, including event and campaign support through targeted research.
• Line manage a dedicated team of two, fostering a high-performing, proactive team environment.

Person Specification

• Proven experience in prospect research within a charitable or fundraising context, ideally supporting major campaigns.
• Demonstrable ability to shift research practices from reactive to proactive approaches, with a focus on pipeline development.
• Excellent attention to detail with a track record of delivering accurate, high-quality reports for senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills, with proficiency in research tools such as LexisNexis and network mapping platforms.
• Capable of thinking creatively about process improvements to make fundraising teams’ work more efficient.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, whilst collaborating effectively across teams.
• Commitment to fostering a proactive, high-performance culture within the research function.
• Experience in managing or scaling research functions and facilitating cultural change is highly advantageous.

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Closing Date: Friday 3rd October

1st stage Interviews: Tuesday 14th October

2nd stage Interviews: Monday 22nd October

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, sexual orientation, disability, age, or gender. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

Job Title: Senior Trusts and Foundations Manager

Salary: £40,000 - £44,000

Contract: Permanent, full-time – 37.5 hours per week

Location: Hybrid, with at least two days a week working from Power2’s office in Manchester or London

Annual Leave: 25 days paid holiday each year

Power2 is a fast growing and energetic children and young people's charity that has supported 27,000 young people since 2001. We are based in the North West of England and London and deliver early-intervention asset-based programmes to children and young people who have mental wellbeing challenges and are disengaged from school and more widely. We are well-known for our accredited Teens and Toddlers programme and are supporting young people via Power2 Rediscover, an intensive 1:1 crisis response programme. Our Power2 Thrive programme focuses on improving mental wellbeing.

With our support, children and young people who are experiencing vulnerabilities and disadvantages improve their wellbeing, re-engage with school and learning, build networks and access opportunities.

We’re committed to equality and operate within a culture and structure that recognises diversity and strives to be fair. We live by our values of Brave, Expert and Passionate and we aim to have an entrepreneurial and flexible approach to work.

We are seeking an experienced Trusts and Foundations fundraiser to join our team at Power2, a fast growing and energetic youth charity.

You will lead on fundraising from Trusts and Foundations and be responsible for relationships, applications and reporting to major Trust and Foundation funders. You’ll lead internal processes for prospect research and have oversight of a growing portfolio of potential and existing donors. You will ensure a consistent pipeline of applications to meet your performance indicators and collate information from across the organisation to produce funder reports.

 You will have significant and demonstrable experience of fundraising from major Trusts and Foundations. You will have excellent project management skills, be skilled at writing compelling funding bids, be highly numerate and a great team player and collaborator. Previous experience or interest in the youth or education charity sector would be an advantage.

We operate hybrid working, and this role can be based at either our North-West (Ashton-under-Lyne) or London office, with at least two days working in the office per week. We offer flexibility as to when the role’s hours are worked, and exact working patterns can be discussed at interview.

Your expression of interest should be no longer than two pages of A4 and must cover:

· Where you are based

· How your skills and experience match the person specification

· What makes you the right person for the role.

Your CV and personal statement are submitted on the second page of the application process. Applications without a personal statement will not be considered.

Interviews will be held on 9 and 10 October 2025.

The successful applicants will be required to undergo and secure an enhanced DBS check (child workforce) and provide details of two referees.

ROLE OVERVIEW

You will be an exceptional Policy and Public Affairs Manager who will lead your team to achieve the goals detailed in the RLSS UK Strategic Framework 2025-2030. This is a unique opportunity to work on the front line of policy change, collaborating with ministers, government officials and key partners.

This is a strategic, hands-on role suited to someone with a deep commitment to our water safety and drowning prevention priorities together with significant experience of achieving outcomes and impact.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, implement and deliver the RLSS Policy and Public Affairs Strategy
• Influence UK and Ireland ministers and government officials by engaging them directly to raise awareness of RLSS UK’s vision, mission and purpose and seeking their support in achieving our goals
• Work collaboratively to influence specific legislation, including campaigning around bills, writing amendments, and working with MPs and Peers to promote them within the legislative process.
• Lead the management of the APPG
• Manage stakeholder engagement strategies and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and partners.
• Stakeholder engagement (Parliament): Build and maintain relationships with key policy makers and parliamentarians through face-to-face meetings, providing briefings to MPs and Lords for Parliamentary debates, preparing written/oral questions, and attending Select Committees, APPGs, Parliamentary receptions and other relevant roundtables and events.
• Attendance and representation at meetings which support RLSS UK’s policy and public affairs priorities
• Deliver evidence-based campaigns, including the production of speeches, blogs, reports, and social media content in collaboration with the communications and marketing team.
• Support the Communications and Marketing Team to develop content for the website and other internal and external communications, such as blogs and articles.
• Work with the Communications and marketing team to respond to media and other communication opportunities to promote the RLSS UK work and to contribute to national debate on relevant issues.
• Organise external events and represent RLSS UK at conferences, coalitions, and media opportunities.
• Write clear, compelling consultation responses and policy materials rooted in research, lived experience and case studies.
• Monitor political developments and identify opportunities to influence emerging debates.
• Work to ensure policy positions are aligned across the UK and Ireland.
• Monitor policy and political debates and developments on water safety and drowning issues, horizon-scanning emerging policy issues, and where appropriate, disseminate and brief colleagues and RLSS UK members.
• Identify proactive and reactive opportunities to promote and embed RLSS UK and members recommendations and research.
• Produce high quality and influential policy briefs, reports, position papers, and responses to consultations, to advocate for changes in policy and practice.
• Lead on the monitoring of policy engagement and impact by using necessary evaluation tools and work with external evaluators as required to capture impact and utilise learning.
• Work with RLSS UK members, people directly impacted by the drowning and other key stakeholders to harness and amplify their expertise and insights.
• Where needed, lead the co-ordination and establishment of member expert groups to inform our policy work.
• Develop opportunities for joint working with researchers / research organisations and manage that partnership work, including the development and co-ordinating the RLSS UK research symposium.
• Work with the RLSS UK team to recommend and secure relevant speakers and presenters for RLSS UK meetings and events.
• Contribute to the general administration and delivery of RLSS UK programmes, events and overall objectives.
• Work with the Director of Income Generation and Engagement to support the development of potential fundraising bids and reporting progress to funders.
• Maintain good working relations with trustees, staff and other stakeholders
• Attendance at Board and committees as required
• Maintain up to date and accurate records of contacts, engagement and stakeholder areas of expertise.
• Production of RLSS UK evidence-based internal and external reports

OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead on and support ad hoc projects as required
• Contribute to the successful operation of the charity by undertaking such other tasks as may from time to time be required including all other duties reasonably associated with your role, as directed by the Line Manager.
• Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 by complying with internal information governance policies and maintaining up-to-date documentation as part of RLSS UK’s compliance programme.
• To demonstrate and uphold the Society’s values and behavioural standards at all times.
• To help create an inclusive working environment where diversity is valued, everyone can contribute, and everyday actions ensure we meet our duty to uphold and promote equality.

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of areas of activity and responsibility and will be amended in light of the changing needs of the organisation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes

• 5+ years’ experience working in policy and public affairs, preferably in the charity sector.
• Proven ability to build influence with politicians, advisors, and senior stakeholders.
• A proven record of influencing public affairs and policy change
• Evidence of building strategic relationships to further a cause and/or systems change
• Evidence of strong collaborative working and proven ability to build relationships with a range of stakeholders to effect change
• Evidence of excellent analytical (primary and secondary sources of evidence) and writing skills, including experience of drafting briefings for high level meetings, writing research and/or policy reports for external audiences
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, including the ability to draft briefings and present at public events.
• Experience of involving people with lived experience in policy and/or parliamentary affairs
• Comfortable representing an organisation externally and building relationships with partners, policy makers and influencers
• Understanding of methods to interact with political entities.
• Proficient in utilising social media for engagement purposes.
• Understanding of Ireland's political institutions and policy processes.
• Organisational and strategic thinking skills to manage multiple priorities and respond quickly to emerging issues.
• A commitment to involving people with lived experience in policymaking.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and excellent time management skills to deliver on competing priorities
• Flexible and positive can-do work attitude
• Able to work independently and show initiative
• High level of diplomacy, personal integrity and empathy for others
• Willingness and ability to travel as required for the role including occasional evenings and weekends

Desirable Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes

• Knowledge and understanding of RLSS UK
• Policy and Public affairs qualification
• Experience of reporting to funders and/or supporting the development of potential fundraising bids
• Experience of project management, and/or line management
• Experience of using a CRM or similar monitoring/evaluation tools

WHAT RLSS UK CAN OFFER YOU

RLSS UK is a national Charity based in Worcester, and we offer great staff benefits including -

• Annual Leave based on 27 days + Bank Holidays + a discretionary day off for your birthday
• Private Medical Scheme*
• Enhanced Society Sick Pay*
• Eye Care*
• Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Howdens Sports Benefits/Perks at Work
• Free RLSS UK Membership
• Free tea and coffee when working from HQ, including access to our wonderful Coffee Machine
• Free on-site parking when working from HQ
• Company Events and more!

*Subject to eligibility criteria

YOUR APPLICATION

Please send your CV along with a Cover Letter outlining why you should be our next Policy and Public Affairs Manager

Closing Date – 11.59pm, Wednesday 8th October 2025

Interview Date – TBC, at our Worcester Head Office

Should you wish to discuss the role, any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process, or have any questions, please get in touch where a member of the RLSS UK HR Department will be happy to help.

RLSS UK are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and an INclusive Worcestershire Leader.

About Bright Futures UK

Bright Futures UK supports children and young people aged 5 to 24 whose education has been disrupted due to serious long-term physical or mental health conditions. We offer online one-to-one tutoring, befriending, and mentoring programmes, as well as group programmes including hospital workshops, industry events, and advocacy initiatives. Working in close partnership with hospitals, families, and other services, we ensure that children and young people experiencing health-related challenges are not left behind.

Role Overview

The Trusts and Foundations Manager will play a central role in driving sustainable income for Bright Futures UK by securing funding from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies. This role will focus on developing high-quality funding applications, managing relationships with key funders, and ensuring timely reporting and stewardship.

Working closely with colleagues across Programmes and Finance, you will translate Bright Futures UK’s impact into compelling cases for support, while identifying new funding opportunities to grow and diversify income.

Key Responsibilities

Income Generation

• Research and identify trusts, foundations, and statutory funding opportunities aligned with Bright Futures UK’s mission.
• Develop and deliver a pipeline of high-quality funding applications to meet agreed income targets.
• Write compelling, tailored funding proposals and grant applications, drawing on organisational impact data and stories.
• Prepare accurate budgets in collaboration with the Finance Team to accompany applications.

Fundraising Strategy & Pipeline Management

• Maintain an active funding pipeline, ensuring applications and reports are submitted on time.
• Track progress against targets and provide regular updates to the Chief Executive and senior leadership.
• Contribute to the development of the charity’s wider fundraising strategy, ensuring trusts and foundations income complements individual giving, corporate partnerships, and community events.

Funder Stewardship & Reporting

• Build and maintain excellent relationships with funders, ensuring effective stewardship at all stages.
• Produce high-quality, timely grant reports that demonstrate impact and accountability.
• Arrange funder visits, meetings, and briefings as required.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Administration

• Work with the Programmes Team to gather impact data, case studies, and evidence to strengthen proposals and reports.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date records of applications, grants, and funder communications in the CRM system.
• Monitor sector trends and share insights on funding opportunities and best practice.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven track record of securing significant multi-year grants from trusts, foundations, or statutory funders.
• Strong bid-writing skills with the ability to produce clear, persuasive, and tailored proposals.
• Excellent relationship management skills, with experience engaging funders or external stakeholders.
• Strong numeracy and experience in preparing budgets for funders.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Commitment to Bright Futures UK’s mission and values.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the education, health, or youth sectors.
• Experience working in a small or growing charity.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and fundraising databases.
• Awareness of trends and challenges in the trusts and foundations funding landscape.