Senior research officer jobs

At over 200 acres, Crystal Palace Park is far larger than most urban parks. Beloved as a ‘back garden’ to many people in the surrounding neighbourhoods, it is also of national and international significance due to its design as the grounds to the Victorian architectural masterpiece, The Crystal Palace, and its rich unique heritage including the 170-year-old world-famous dinosaurs. Today, circa one million people visit the park every year; to relax and meet friends and family, take part in sports and physical exercise, enjoy world-class acts during summer festivals, or simply have a moment of peace and enjoyment of nature.

The Senior Communications & Marketing Officer role offers the opportunity to join a young and growing registered charity at an exciting point in its evolution, and to help establish Crystal Palace Park as an exemplar in urban park management, community-led regeneration and cultural and heritage programming whilst restoring its position as one of the UK’s leading visitor attractions.

We are looking for a creative, organised and audience-focused marketing and communications professional to join the Trust. Reporting to the Senior Communications & Marketing Manager, you will work with the whole team identifying the best ways to use our different channels to share our unique and inspiring stories and develop our profile at local, national and international levels. 

You will have experience of coordinating marketing and communications activity, ideally in a visitor-facing venue. 

You will have oversight of the website, social media platforms, e-newsletter and audience research programme and will support with press enquiries, PR and content development. If you are an ambitious self-starter looking to develop your skills across a wide marketing, communications and digital remit in a unique cultural and heritage landscape, then look no further!

How to apply
Applications must be received by 9 June 2025 @ 10am

First round interviews will be held w/c 16 June 2025

Second round interviews to be confirmed.

All applicants must submit an Equal Opportunities Form

For over 50 years, Age UK York has been here to support local older people, and those around them. We are looking for a new leader to join our team and help us realise our strategy and ensure we continue to make a difference tomorrow and beyond.

We are delighted to be introducing the exciting new role of Deputy Chief Executive at Age UK York as we implement and work to realise our new strategy. It comes at a time our local York based charity is needed as much as ever in supporting Older People in tackling the daily challenges increasingly faced by us all as we age and realising the opportunities too in preparing for and enjoying later life.

As Deputy CEO you will work closely with our Chief Executive Officer (CEO), deputising for them where necessary, and will have responsibilities across the breadth of our charity including leadership, input to strategy development and its implementation, ensuring operational effectiveness, implementation of income generation initiatives, and effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. You will also be part of our Senior Leadership Team and working with our Board of Trustees.

You will be responsible for leading our range of community focussed services which together make a vital difference to the lives of thousands of older people in York each year as part of realising our vision and our role in tackling the challenges faced by too many older people, and those around them, each day across York.

Whether it is campaigning to ensure older people’s voices are heard, delivering care to someone in their own home, or making sure a loved pet is cared for while their owner is in hospital, at Age UK York we always start with the unique rights, aspirations, strengths and person led needs of the person themselves. Our Deputy CEO will play a pivotal and valued role in driving forward our shared goals and our commitments into the future.

Key Responsibilities:

We are looking for a thoughtful, positive and responsive leader who is as ambitious as we are at strengthening our charity and the difference we can together make in supporting older people  and communities.

We recognise this is a broad-ranging role, and you may not have experienced all aspects of it before, but if you:

• Have experience in providing leadership within an organisation and an eye for detail in strengthening working practices.
• Have a track record of building and maintained successful partnerships;
• Are experienced in leading teams in successfully delivering person-led services
• Can transfer your existing experiences and skills to a new challenge;
• Understand your strengths and weaknesses and proactively build your knowledge and skills

We would love to hear from you.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Demonstrates strong leadership and people management skills, with experience of leading and delivering against a strategy and business plans.
• Skilled, including an excellent communicator, in building and maintaining successful relationships across a wide range of stakeholders;
• Successful in leading teams and delivering high quality, responsive and accessible services meeting need and meeting performance requirements.
• Adept in developing agility in an organisation by applying the principles of co-design in evolving working approaches alongside clients and wider stakeholders.
• highly organised, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment;
• Strong in attention to detail and inquisitiveness qualities, and able to apply to organisational challenges and opportunities in continually strengthening our organisational practices to help us realise our vision and priorities.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Excellent communication and presentation skills through a range of methods and across a diverse range of audiences.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage conflicting demands and effectively prioritise and delegate.
• Experience led understanding of working with older people including building on a strengths-based approach and prevention-based services.
• Strong interpersonal skills and personal credibility, with the ability to quickly gain the confidence of and build relationships across stakeholders, including managers, staff, partners and service users.
• Experience of successful contract management including collaboration with stakeholders and delivery to requirements.
• Experience and expertise in supporting effective change management and providing leadership during such periods and uncertainty.
• Experience of working in support of an organisation to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and drive success.
• Sets high standards for self, team and organisation. Motivates and inspires others to achieve these.
• Decision making – ability to make decisions based on an analysis of data and insights, including financial, performance and needs based data.

Salary and Benefits:

• £44,000 (FTE) per year
• A genuinely friendly and supportive environment
• Generous holidays – 26.5 days plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time employees). Additional leave – an extra day of long service.
• Birthday day off
• Enhanced sick pay after 6 months of service
• Flexible work schedule 
• Potential for funding towards professional qualifications 
• Employee discounts
• Free eye test 
• Free flu jab 
• Free DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service)

How to Apply:

For an informal discussion please contact Simon Holmes, 

Application Deadline: Monday 16 June at 10am

Interviews: Applications close on Monday 16 June 2025 at 10am.

Should your application be successful, you will be invited to an initial interview during the week commencing 30 June 2025. Final interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 7 July 2025.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are inclusive and welcome everyone – we want applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

The Organisation

The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable. We are a small, growing charity delivering many school leadership programmes, with a growing research and policy arm. We have had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and campaign to lower exclusions across England.

The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Communications and Events Officer you will:

• play a crucial role in influencing change-makers

• work across the whole organisation to deliver high-impact content

• support the delivery of our annual inclusion conference

• support the delivery of smaller events including publication launches and symposiums

• lead our social media content to drive sales of our programme and influence change-makers

• produce engaging graphics, posts, and persuasive story telling social media content, working across the team and with external partners to produce blogs and other content

Our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role for you!
 

The Candidate
We are seeking a combination of the following skills, aptitude and experience:

• Experience of producing and monitoring a broad range of communication and marketing functions

• Skilled written communicator with a creative flair for storytelling

• Experience in planning and executing successful events

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team

• Passion for The Difference's mission and improving the lives of vulnerable children

You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have either/both:

• Experience giving strategic and tactical political advice to senior leadership on how to create change in the educational sector

• Lived experience of the school experiences of marginalised young people, including those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, and racism

Do you have a good understanding of social and/or economic policy issues and a proven ability to undertake policy development or campaigning work on specific issues in a wider context? Then join Shelter Scotland as a Senior Advocacy Officer and you could soon be playing a vital role in helping us to deliver positive change for those affected by the housing emergency in Scotland.

About the role

Your main focus will be to lead Shelter Scotland in effectively advocating for the structural policy changes required to end the housing emergency, driving forward our strategic goals to secure more social homes, strengthen housing rights, and build a lasting movement for change. You’ll develop and communicate clear, evidence-based policy recommendations – drawing on research, lived experience, and sector insight – to influence key stakeholders across government, parliament, and beyond. You’ll commission and manage external research, lead stakeholder events, and work collaboratively across teams to ensure our policy work supports public affairs, media, and operational activity. You’ll also line manage an Advocacy Officer, supporting their development and overseeing their performance. 

Role specifics

You’ll bring strong experience in crafting high-impact communications that influence decision-makers and persuade key stakeholders. With a solid understanding of Scotland’s political landscape and public policy processes – particularly within the Scottish Government and Parliament – you’ll have a proven track record of driving change through effective advocacy and relationship-building at a senior level. You’ll be proactive in spotting opportunities to influence policy, responding strategically to external developments. Alongside this, you’ll have experience managing externally funded projects, including budgeting and reporting, and will be confident leading and motivating a team to achieve shared goals.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society. 

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme. 

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About the team

The Advocacy Team is part of Shelter Scotland’s Communications and Advocacy Department and is responsible for developing the charity’s policy positions, research plan, and public affairs and professional stakeholder engagement.

The Advocacy team works closely with colleagues in Community Advice and our Telephone and Online Advice services to capture evidence of how Scotland’s broken and biased housing system is impacting communities, and colleagues in Communications and Engagement to translate this evidence into compelling public campaigns and fundraising appeals. The team have led the organisation on developing an anti-racism evidence base, the economic and social benefits of social housing investment and the case for a human rights-based approach to meeting housing need.

About Shelter Scotland 

Shelter Scotland is Scotland’s national housing and homelessness charity. Our vision is of a home for everyone in Scotland. For over 50 years, the way we drive change has remained the same. We advise and support people in housing need today and use the insight we gain to inform our campaigns to change tomorrow. We also raise professional standards for those working in Scotland’s housing and homelessness sector by offering a broad range of training courses. 

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday thousands of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter Scotland. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement 

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter Scotland is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies. 

Shelter Scotland does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them. 

Title Senior Trusts and Foundations Fundraising Manager 

Reporting To Director of Income 

Location Hybrid, with a minimum of one day per week in the office, and flexibility to attend more often if required. Our office is based in Shepherd’s Bush, London.

Salary £45,000 - £48,000 per annum 

Hours of Work 40 hours per week (inclusive of a one hour paid daily lunch break)

Contract Permanent

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave per year, plus public holidays;
• Company electronic devices;
• Enhanced pension;
• Private health insurance after completion of probation;
• Eligibility for a Blue Light discount card 

Closing Date: 30th May 2025, 5pm 

Job Summary

To contribute to our Income Team's purpose by implementing the Philanthropic income strategy, and working to secure new six figure trusts and foundations through high quality applications and reporting.

Main Responsibilities 

• To manage the Philanthropy Officer role, and plan a rolling programme of prospect research for new major donors and trusts and foundations at all levels of funding across the year.
• Developing high quality applications and proposals for potential donors and funders, utilising your strong writing skills.
• Working with the Data Insight Team and Clinical Team to utilise Shout insight and clinical research to develop a strong narrative for MHI services
• Providing effective and successful stewardship and relationship management to a portfolio of high value funders, including annual funder reports and inputting to quarterly funder newsletters and communications.
• Work with other voluntary organisations to maximise joint fundraising when appropriate opportunities arise
• To work with the CEO and Director of Income on the identification, cultivation and stewardship of high value and potential high values supporters across income streams
• As the Senior Fundraising Manager sits within the Income team, the role will build relationships with all members of the team, providing regular updates, working with the Director of Income to share information to the wider organisation and meeting the professional standards of representing MHI to external parties.
• To work with the Philanthropy Officer to continuously improve stewardship processes, working to re-pledge funding, whilst assisting one another in strengthening applications to new potential funders
• To coordinate and maintain relationships with multiple high value funders and assist the Director of Income in creating and maintaining an efficient process for this.
• To work with the Director of Income to coordinate and maintain all contractual relationships. Working with the data team to calendar reporting requirements to ensure proactive stewardship and relationship management.
• To work with Income Team members to ensure all internal reporting is highlighted and processed on a regular basis. This will include updating the organisational CRM for reporting purposes.
• To work closely with the Director of Income and Marketing Team to provide regular communications to funder portfolio
• To undertake regular prospect research to continue to grow the pool of high value major donor and trust and foundation prospects
• To use strong written skills to complete applications for new trust and foundation funding opportunities
• To use strong written and verbal skills to provide written reporting to current funders, whilst organising face to face/virtual meetings for funding updates alongside the Director of Income or CEO
• To develop, review and maintain an efficient and effective record keeping system, including current and archived files and files of a confidential nature, using appropriate paper and electronic systems. 

Person Specification 

Essential

• Highly developed interpersonal and verbal communication skills in order to deal effectively, efficiently and appropriately with internal and external stakeholders.
• Highly organised to manage a wider portfolio of funders requiring differing reporting and communication
• Highly developed ability to write in a clear and concise manner for external funders and partners
• Well developed ability to collect data from various sources, analyse findings and present them clearly in a way that meets desired outcomes
• Well developed ability to organise and plan own work, identifying conflicting demands and establishing clear priorities in order to meet agreed objectives.
• Well developed ability to undertake primary and secondary research on potential funders, trusts and foundations
• Well developed ability to work with others as part of a team, providing support as required, and building and maintaining effective working relationships with individuals in order to achieve objectives.
• Well developed eye for detail when completing applications and reports for new and current funders 
• Ability to work at speed and accuracy with a number of concurrent priorities.
• Ability to deal with confidential information sensitively and appropriately. 
• Experience of developing, maintaining and reviewing paper and electronic administrative systems and information systems.  
• Commitment to apply MHIs values and behaviours to all aspects of work.

Desirable 

• Experience of successfully undertaking a role working with high value philanthropic funders and stakeholders and maintaining professional relationships
• Experience of both face to face and virtual stakeholder meetings with high value philanthropic funders
• Experience of managing a trust and foundation team

This role is subject to eligibility to work in the UK, plus satisfactory right to work and reference checks. We will be interviewing on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close the job advert early if we receive a high number of applicants.

Sepsis Research, FEAT is a dynamic and ambitious charity dedicated to combating sepsis through awareness, innovative research, and community support. Founded in 2013 by a sepsis survivor, Sepsis Research FEAT is dedicated to combating sepsis through awareness, innovative research, and community support. The charity funds world-leading research to improve sepsis outcomes, runs public awareness campaigns, and engages with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals. Recent achievements include identifying top research priorities with the James Lind Alliance and delivering educational initiatives across the UK. Their vision is to #stopsepsisnow and make significant strides against this 'hidden killer'. We are currently seeking a visionary and strategic leader to join our team as CEO (Freelance), with the goal of scaling our operations and increasing our annual turnover from £300k to £1M by 2030.

Key Responsibilities:

· Advocacy and Representation: Act as the public face of the charity, representing its interests at events, in the media, and with policymakers.

· Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive growth strategy to achieve the charity's financial goals.

· Fundraising and Development: Lead fundraising initiatives, including donor engagement, grant applications, and corporate partnerships.

· Financial Management: Oversee the charity's financial health, ensuring effective budgeting, financial planning, and reporting.

· Team Management: Inspire, mentor, and manage a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

· Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, and the community.

· Operational Oversight: Ensure the efficient and effective operation of the charity, including program delivery, compliance, and risk management.

Qualifications and Experience:

· Proven experience in a senior leadership role, preferably within the non-profit sector.

· Demonstrated success in fundraising and revenue generation.

· Strong financial acumen and experience in financial management.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to think strategically and drive organizational growth.

· Passion for the charity's mission and values.

Personal Attributes:

· Visionary and strategic thinker

· Inspirational and motivational leader

· Strong ethical standards and integrity

· Collaborative and team-oriented

· Resilient and adaptable

We’re looking for a talented science and research communications professional to join our team.

Every year, The Brain Tumour Charity invests 50% of our income on funding research to find a cure for brain tumours. 

Using your science communications experience and expertise, you’ll develop a deep understanding of this research portfolio and support colleagues across the organisation to communicate our research to different audiences.

As the key link between the research and marketing teams, you’ll create communications plans featuring inspiring, scientifically sound stories that engage our warm and cold audiences.

You’ll also be a creative thinker - able to find new ways to tell stories and new outlets to tell them in while conveying the urgent need for scientific progress.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

Passionate about science and research communications, you’ll be valued for your ability to interpret complex information and communicate it in a simple and impactful way. You’ll have exceptional writing skills and can build strong relationships across the charity as well as with journalists, scientists, partner institutions and those personally affected by the disease.

Calm under pressure, a natural problem solver, and a strategic thinker, you’ll share our commitment to being evidence-based and community-focused in everything we do. You’ll have excellent attention to detail and be keen to join a bold and collaborative organisation looking to showcase the research it’s funding, as we work to ensure everyone affected by brain tumours lives longer and better.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Reporting to and supported by the PR Manager, develop an expert and up-to-date understanding of our research portfolio and grants timelines.
• Through cross-team collaboration, become the key link between the research directorate and external facing teams such as marketing, fundraising and policy.
• Develop strategic research communication plans that feature scientifically sound stories to demonstrate the impact of our work to a range of different audiences.
• Play an integral role in the delivery of a 24/7 press office to raise The Brain Tumour Charity’s profile and maximise our ability to respond to ad-hoc requests from journalists.
• Support spokespeople representing the organisation to build their confidence and ensure they deliver accurate, impactful interviews and quotes
• Ensure the scientific accuracy of internal and external communications around the research portfolio
• Produce engaging, tailored research communications to support stewardship of the community by fundraising, support and policy
• Work with the marketing team to shape The Charity’s research communications to a wide audience including but not limited to social media, webpages and printed materials
• Work with the Stories Officer and PR Manager to identify people whose stories can help demonstrate the impact of our research.
• Work with the internal communications officer and Research Engagement Manager to support charity staff understanding and engagement with The Brain Tumour Charity’s research.
• Develop and maintain expertise in issues related to brain tumours and the latest research

Flexible home working, with requirement for travel to BDA Office Birmingham twice a month.

Salary £50,755 per annum - full time 36 hours per week (job share will be considered)

Benefits include: 30 days holiday, working flexibly policy, non-contributory healthcare benefits and a company pension scheme.

Deadline for applications:    Friday 23rd May 2025

Interview Date:  Thursday 5th June 2025

We are the British Dietetic Association (BDA). We are an award-winning not-for-profit organisation, based in Birmingham, employing dedicated, dynamic and professional staff who deliver services for our membership of more than 12,000 dietetic professionals.

We are the leading organisation of nutrition professionals in the UK; representing the entire nutrition and dietetic workforce across all sectors. Our vision is to improve the health of the UK population by protecting and improving health and care services, developing health and social care policy, improving the impact of dietetics and promoting positive discussion on food, nutrition, wellbeing and health.

Role details:

The BDA is seeking a new Research Manager to work as part of the Education and Professional Practice Team, leading on the research and impact activities of professional dietetic practice. The role will also provide line management within the team.

The role will support the BDA’s Strategic Plan 2024-34 and lead the growth and delivery of the annual Research Symposium. The role will suit a candidate with a sound understanding and experience of the breadth of dietetic practice and research, and the factors that influence it. Working innovatively the post holder will develop and progress research within dietetic practice, building confidence in the dietetic workforce to be research active.  

 Ideal candidate:

We are looking for somebody who is an expert in research methodologies, and appraisal and is comfortable setting and influencing research strategy.  Ideally we would like somebody who has or is studying for their doctorate in dietetics and experience working in a practice setting would be advantageous. This is a senior internal and external facing role working alongside the Director of Education Practice and Research, and the Education and Practice Managers. The candidate will enjoy supporting colleagues and members to engage and deliver research related projects, and demonstrate impact through evidence-based practice.

In return, we offer exciting opportunities to raise the profile of research, innovate, and build purposeful external stakeholder relationships. The BDA have a collection of small departments who all work closely together and have a ‘one team’ ethos. The role will require somebody who enjoys the challenges that come with delivering and reporting on strategic targets and measuring impact.

For full details of the role, please download and refer to the Job Description.

We would strongly encourage any dietitian interested in the role to contact the BDA for an informal, confidential discussion about this post and opportunities for flexible working. Please refer to our website for contact details.

The job advert is shown on the BDA website, and for discussion about the role, please telephone the Birmingham office number and ask for Najia.

Please note: Only applicants who submit a covering letter will be shortlisted for interview.

The Society of Chemical Industry (SCI), a registered charity, is an international forum where science meets business. Established in 1881 SCI’s main charitable objective is to accelerate science out of the laboratory to address the key societal challenges facing society today. SCI does this by facilitating open innovation, identifying and promoting emerging technologies in the areas of climate and planet and health and wellness, and by providing support for the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Core to delivery of the Society’s mission is a growing portfolio of research journals that publish applied research across a broad range of sciences: from Agriculture to Energy and Material Science to Biotechnology.

The Role:

SCI is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Press Officer to lead on its external and social media engagement strategy. 

You will lead SCI’s engagement with media outlets – including national papers, trade publications and broadcast – to increase our public profile, promote our work and build support for our campaign to accelerate the commercialisation of the UK’s science base. 

You will manage SCI’s press office on a day-to-day basis – scanning the media and political landscape to find opportunities for SCI to leverage its unique expertise and perspective as an organisation at the intersection of science and business.  Part of the role will include public affairs (20%) where you will also support SCI’s Head of External Affairs with political engagement as required – coordinating and facilitating SCI’s engagement with key politicians and political contacts. 

This role is suited to someone with at least 3 years of professional experience in communications, with an excellent news sense and a solid contact book of journalist contacts. 

Responsibilities:

• Closely monitor the news agenda, seeking out opportunities for SCI to comment on fast-moving events and raise the profile of our policy positions and significant research into the potential of the UK’s science base.

• Develop and build national, trade and regional media contacts, hosting journalists at SCI offices in Belgravia.

• Establish KPIs for SCI’s media engagement and monitor and demonstrate progress in meeting them.

• Work with the Social Media team to develop and draft content related to our policy priorities for our social media channels.

• Support the wider team on other ad hoc tasks such as political monitoring and public affairs support.

Knowledge, skills and experience required for this position

• A demonstrable passion for and understanding of science, its purpose for the economy and society, and communicating that to public and political audiences.

• Minimum of 3-5 years in a press office or media-related environment.

• Confident in working in a fast-paced environment and ability to be quick and agile in responding to news opportunities as they arise. 

• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills. Able to quickly establish rapport and build strong collaborative relationships. 

• Excellent time management skills: ability to work to tight deadlines and prioritise workload.

• A strong team player who is also a self-starter who can work independently and confidently. An attitude that actively seeks continuous self-development and ways of doing things better.

• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to condense complicated subject matter into succinct, accessible copy. 

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £45-50,000 pa (FTE), 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays.

• Market leading pension plan.

• Opportunities for career growth and advancement.

• Dynamic and collaborative hybrid work environment (office days Tues-Thursday).

The Food Foundation is an award winning charity with a vision of a sustainable food system which delivers health and well-being for all. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every team member feels valued and empowered. We believe that embracing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is fundamental to our success and the positive impact we make.

An exciting opportunity has arisen at The Food Foundation. This position will expand the capacity of Food Foundation Communications Team, delivering engaging, high-impact external communications. The focus will be on brand and design and managing the development of creative content to enhance our digital presence, visual storytelling and brand awareness.

The role requires a creative thinker with a strategic approach to content who will promote our key messaging across a range of platforms and mediums. The role will entail preparing and delivering innovative and compelling content in both written, visual and video production formats, which showcase the work of the Charity and its collaborators. Using platforms such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva and Flourish, this role will help tell the important stories which emanate from the work of the Food Foundation. This could include publicising events, communicating report findings and raising awareness and addressing interesting topics that are relevant to the work of the charity. The role will be responsible for overseeing the creation and execution of design deliverables such as marketing materials, briefing documents, social media assets and webpages.

This role will also play a part in putting together content strategies, posting across our social media channels and supporting with the running of the busy press office when needed. They will ensure there is a vibrant, creative and relevant tone across all platforms and mediums. Working closely with the Senior Communications Manager, this person will be responsible for providing creative direction and guidance for design projects, ensuring they align with brand guidelines and the charity’s goals.

For further information please view our full job pack which you can find attached. 

The Executive Assistant will manage the CEO's diary, emails, coordinate meetings, handle key communications, and lead the CEO's office. The Executive Assistant will also support the CEO in strategic planning and liaise with stakeholders on the CEO's behalf.

Experience:

• Thrives in a fast-paced environment: Colleagues can be surprised by the fast pace we operate at. The Difference is an agile organisation and the candidate will need to adapt quickly to shifting priorities on a frequent basis.
• Works with high autonomy: Staff who thrive at The Difference have a demonstrated ability to take full ownership of tasks, proactively anticipate challenges and take initiative without constant direction to ensure seamless support and operational success.
• Ability to take ownership over self-development: This role promises insight into how a start up organisation grows and is run, with opportunity for the candidate to grow in areas of interest.
• Strong communicator: A clear communication style which is concise and effective - both verbally & written - as well as strong interpersonal skills.
• Stakeholder management: Evidence of having established, developed and managed effective relationships with a range of senior stakeholders.
• Organisation & project management: A track record of coordinating projects to tight timelines and a high standard, communicating proactively if timelines need to shift; as well as sharp attention to detail and thorough approach to organisation and project management.
• Agility in problem-solving: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment, comfortable with making decisions in ambiguous contexts and rapidly diagnosing any need to reprioritise and change course; ability to think creatively/laterally and strategically to find the most effective solution.
• Values: A career or personal experience which evidences shared values with The Difference (see above) and a person

About Us

We're the UK's leading charity for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

A diagnosis of Crohn’s or Colitis is life-changing. Over 500,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong disease many people have never heard of, and for which there is no known cure.

Crohn’s & Colitis UK funds research, provides award winning information and support and raises vital awareness by increasing the public’s understanding of the conditions, and what it means to live with debilitating symptoms. But we need to do more. We need to be a louder voice in the marketplace. Our ambitious plans for 2025, will help to make a real difference to every supporter’s journey with us. If this excites you - join us!

Role Overview

The successful candidate will be involved in leading and co-ordinating the delivery of Crohn’s & Colitis UK’s research strategy including our programme of grants, and our work to support increased patient and public involvement in research.  They will work with the Director of Services & Evidence and Head of Evidence & Research to support the charity’s involvement with external research bodies and contribute to the leadership, planning and delivery of cross-team projects, helping to influence and meet our strategic objectives.

About You

We are looking for someone who has proven experience of delivering successful research funding and patient and public involvement research activities.  The successful candidate must be adept at establishing and maintaining effective relationships with external stakeholders and comfortable working with operational performance metrics, and implementing strategies and objectives for the organisation.  Ideally your background will be in health care or working in a medical charity and you’ll be educated to degree level or equivalent.  Given this role will involve managing and providing leadership to the Research team, prior management experience would be an advantage. Whilst not essential, a knowledge of the needs of people affected by Crohn’s and Colitis would be beneficial also.

Please see our Recruitment Pack for details of our full Job Description and Person Specification.

Our Location

We are based in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, so we are easily accessible by road and rail. In this role, there is plenty of scope for working from home, although there will be times when you will need to travel to events/conferences. You will be required to attend two Directorate days each year and occasional face-to-face meetings with your team or our partner agencies. In addition, the charity meets four times annually at its office in Hatfield (or a location in London) for its’ ‘All Staff Together’ days, at which attendance is mandatory.

Benefits

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing one day per year up to 30 days
• Salary Sacrifice Pension scheme
• Flexible working options
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Wellbeing programme
• Interest free loan for season tickets
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free parking and secure bike locks
• Training and development financial support and/or study leave
• Performance review and development scheme

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to the applicant residing in the UK and a valid right to work in the UK being provided.

Are you a wizard with numbers? A maestro of budgets? The kind of person who hears the word “reconciliation” and feels excited? Well then, you might just be the magical human we need.

We’re seeking a strategic, and financially-savvy senior finance manager or director to lead and oversee all aspects of charity financial management. This role works closely with the CEO, is a Senior Leadership Team member, and focuses on securing the resources we need to realise our bold vision for children and families.

About us

Welcome to the Institute of Imagination (iOi), where we believe imagination is the superpower of the 21st Century. We collaborate with children, parents, teachers, academics, and community leaders on research and designing and delivering creative learning experiences across STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

Our mission focuses on supporting children from underserved communities by breaking down barriers, empowering their voices, and giving them access to transformative opportunities and essential skills for whatever their future holds. We believe every child can imagine and achieve their fullest potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and cash flow.
• Develop and implement financial policies, controls, and compliance frameworks aligned with UK charity and tax legislation.
• Prepare annual budgets, forecasts, management reports, and statutory accounts.
• Work closely with the CEO on commercial deal-making and closing partnerships.
• Lead business modelling and strategic financial planning.
• Support internal reporting to the Board and Finance Committee.
• Oversee risk management including insurance, data protection, IT systems, and the risk register.
• Collaborate with bookkeeper and oversee financial record-keeping.
• Liaise on client and partnership contracts and ensure strong governance in financial matters.
• Annual Audit and Annual Report (submission to Companies House and The Charity Commission)

Key Internal Relationships

• Chief Executive
• Bookkeeper
• Senior Leadership Team
• Chair and Vice-Chair
• Chair of Finance Committee

Key External Relationships

• Auditors, lawyers, accountants, and Coutts (bank)
• HMRC, Charities Commission, Fundraising Regulator
• Donors and commercial partners
• Professional membership bodies

Person Specification

We’re looking for someone who aligns with the values and mission of iOi and brings a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on operational experience. This role may suit someone with a portfolio career, working across charity, consultancy, or social enterprise sectors.

• Proven experience managing the finances of an SME (charity or commercial), including reporting and advising senior leadership.
• Track record in income generation and developing enterprise strategies.
• Strong background in business planning, modelling and commercial viability assessment.
• Experience of managing organisational risk, contracts and supplier relationships.
• Skilled at working with Boards, Trustees, or Non-Executive Directors.
• Able to operate comfortably at both strategic and operational levels.
• Knowledge of charity financial management and regulatory reporting.
• Understanding of commercial trading within a charitable context.
• Experience in scaling or supporting start-up or early-stage organisations.

Position: Senior Philanthropy Officer
Type: Full-time (35 hours a week), permanent
Location: Office-based in London with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: £33,044* per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 2, Charity 

*You will start at our entry point salary of £33,044 per annum, increasing to £35,109 after 6 months service and satisfactory performance and to £37,174 after a further 6 months.

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

The Philanthropy team is part of the Philanthropy and Partnerships department, whose primary goal is to engage high value supporters and fundraise for the Stop MS Appeal.

As Philanthropy Officer, you will work closely with the Philanthropy manager, raising income for the MS Society from philanthropy fundraising activities as per the agreed objectives and targets.

You will identify, engage and steward philanthropy prospects through events and other appropriate fundraising activities, generating income to achieve ambitious targets and delivering a first class supporter experience.

You will ensure the provision of excellent individual care to ensure long term commitment, contributing to the overall implementation of our Philanthropy team’s objectives.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 am Friday 23rd May 2025

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.