Senior special events manager jobs in birmingham

Join Our Team as a Trusts and Foundations Manager 

Location:

Remote working with some travel to SeeAbility homes. 

Salary:

£48,000 per annum plus benefits 

Hours:

Full time, 37.5 hours per week

Contract:

Permanent

SeeAbility is seeking a Trusts and Foundations Fundraising Manager to join our Innovation and Social Impact team. Could this be you?

We have a rich history as pioneering charity working alongside, and for, people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss to make inclusion a reality. Over the last 5 years, fundraising from Trusts and Foundations has enabled our charity to have big impact on the lives of people we support by creating opportunities to develop digital skills, secure employment, benefit from better eye care and speak out against social injustices.

Your role will play an equally important part in our latest strategy. Your talent will enable SeeAbility to launch new and inclusive programmes, co-produced by people with lived experience and in partnership with funders, so that we can continue our vital work of building inclusive communities where everyone can live as equal citizens.

If you’re excited by this role and are looking to take your next step with a successful, supportive, and friendly fundraising team – we’d love to hear from you today.

Your role

To lead on trust fundraising at SeeAbility and to grow and diversify trust and foundation income in line with SeeAbility’s aspirations.

Your responsibilities

• Lead on the development and delivery of a trusts strategy, overseeing the whole trusts portfolio, to generate agreed annual targets for SeeAbility.
• Be the charity’s expert in trust fundraising, adopting a data-driven approach, keeping abreast of sector developments and making the business case for change where appropriate.
• Develop and enhance relationships with existing trusts, delivering first-class stewardship, making appropriate and timely applications to secure agreed annual budget and ensuring that all reporting is completed in line with guidelines.
• Focus on new business and lead on creative, inspiring and professional proposals to trust and statutory funders that operate within the charity’s values and ethical policy.
• Manage, support and mentor the Trusts Fundraiser to secure funds from trusts and statutory sources of income. To lead any further expansion of the trust team in the future if the opportunity arises.
• Implement the systems, tools and procedures to proactively identify new funders that align with SeeAbility’s strategy and ethical policy.
• Work across the organisation to generate new and innovative ways to package up SeeAbility’s work to secure funding.
• To be responsible for setting, monitoring and reporting on income and expenditure budgets and key performance indicators
• To be responsible for developing and delivering the annual work plan for trusts fundraising
• Engage staff across the organisation in trust fundraising to support proposal development, reporting and stewardship and to grow the fundraising culture.
• Ensure all trust records are kept up-do-date on the database.
• Work closely with fundraising colleagues to cultivate a supportive and collaborative fundraising team.

**Please check the Job description for extensive details

**Please kindly upload a cover letter along with your CV for us to consider your application

Our Benefits

Why work for us?

Your development and appreciation 

• Annual excellence awards 

• Long service awards every 5 years and recognition 

• Development Discussions: Opportunity to discuss your progress and your future 

• Leadership development academy for the next steps in your career 

Your work-life balance 

• 33 days holiday (incl. bank holidays), increasing to 41 days with long service (1 extra day for each year of service) 

• Life events: Time off when you need it most 

• 2 weeks Organisational Sick Pay after 6 months service, increasing to 12 weeks over your first 3 years 

• Enhanced Family-Friendly Pay 

• Paid Fertility Leave 

• Carers Leave available 

• Flexible Working: We are up for anything that works for your team and the wider organisation 

Your money goes further 

• £500 monthly bonus scheme for two lucky colleagues 

• Enhanced overtime rates for working bank holidays and weekends 

• Eligible for Blue Light Card discounts 

• Discounts and cashback at hundreds of shops, restaurants and activities 

• Access to Tickets for Good 

• Pay reviews and commitment to pay competitive rates 

• Employer contributory pension scheme: Support and tools to help you make the right decisions about your future

• Refer a friend and receive £600 

• Paid DBS and renewals 

• Season ticket loans 

• Advance Pay scheme using Wagestream when you need it the most 

Your wellbeing counts 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Life assurance of 2x annual salary 

• Free 24/7 employee assistance programme for advice and support 

• Free eye test

• Discounted Gym Membership 

• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Coach for your team 

Safer Recruitment

SeeAbility is committed to safe and fair recruitment practices, safeguarding and protecting those who we support. It is a condition of employment that perspective employees will be subject to the following:

• A criminal background check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (where appropriate).
• Documentary evidence to confirm your identity, current address, and the right to work in the UK.
• Health Declaration to ensure that you are medically suitable for the role you have been offered. 
• References will be obtained to ensure satisfactory evidence of conduct in current or previous employment concerned with the provision of services relating to (a) health or social care, or (b) children or vulnerable adults. 

These checks will be carried out and completed prior offering a date to start employment at SeeAbility’ s expense.

Diversity

SeeAbility is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all identities, including those from underrepresented groups and those who have a disability or neurodivergent condition.

We believe a diverse workforce drives innovation, creativity, and success. Everyone’s unique experiences and views are appreciated, and their opinion valued. We are happy to offer any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process or the role itself to ensure a fair and equitable experience for all candidates.

In exceptional circumstances, the exempt from the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Part 1) which provides for the application of a genuine occupational requirement.

Job Title: Philanthropy Manager

Reports to: Senior Philanthropy Manager

Location: Hybrid work with 40% from Breaking Barriers’ offices in Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow

Salary:  £33,000 - £39,000

Hours: 5 days per week (37.5 hours) but open to part-time (30 hours minimum), and flexible working arrangements

Contract: Permanent

Overall purpose

The Philanthropy Manager will manage and steward a portfolio of funders and donors – across trusts and foundations, statutory sources and major donors – to secure annual and multi-year gifts in support of Breaking Barriers’ vision. As well as managing relationships with our existing donors there will be a focus on creating new relationships through proactive prospecting and developing a long-term strategic approach to stewardship and relationship development.

You will be an ambitious, enthusiastic, energetic, and autonomous fundraiser with a demonstrable passion for supporting people from a refugee background. You will have a strong track record of high-value relationship management and fundraising, ideally specialising in Trusts, Statutory, Major Donor fundraising or a related area. We are looking for someone who can successfully secure and steward gifts of 5 figures and above – so evidence of stewarding high-value relationships and high-quality written skills are key.  You will collaborate with additional fundraisers across Trusts, Statutory, Corporate and Major Gifts to coordinate approaches and maximise opportunities across all functions.

We welcome applicants with relevant transferable skills from other sectors and other areas of fundraising but a strong knowledge of the fundamentals of grant fundraising is essential. We are looking for a passionate individual who can get people excited about the work we do and who wants to make a difference in the lives of individuals from a refugee background. You will share our energy and determination, and will be attracted by the idea of working in a team with big ambitions, and in which you will have the opportunity to grow and develop. We encourage creative thinking and new ideas so a proactive individual who is able to spot opportunities and take the initiative would thrive in this role.

To view the full job description and person specification, as well as details on our accessible recruitment process, please view the attached recruitment pack.

Other considerations

• As part of our safeguarding commitment to our clients, we carry out pre-employment checks to ensure that successful applicants are suitable to work with adults at risk. These include basic DBS checks, obtaining references and verifying a candidate’s identity and right to work in the UK.   
• We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief.

How to apply

If you are looking for a role where you can make a real difference, we want to hear from you. To apply, please submit a CV and statement (up to approximately 500 words/1 A4 page) outlining:

• Why you are interested in the role
• What skills you would bring to be successful in this role
• Any experience you would like to highlight
• Any reasonable adjustments you require for the interview process
• Disclosure of disabilities if you wish to do so (as a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role)

Please note that applications without a covering letter will not be considered.

Closing date for applications is 11:30pm on Wednesday 06 August. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We belong to the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative, which advocates and supports organisations to employ more people from a refugee background. With this in mind, we particularly welcome applicants with experience of seeking asylum and/or a refugee background. 

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network. Please reach out to HR Manager Rebecca Hughes for further details (we are unable to include email addresses in this advert, but you can find contact details on the final page of the attached recruitment pack).

At Children’s University Trust, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive through learning beyond the classroom. We’re a small, passionate team with bold ambitions to expand our impact – and we’re looking for an equally ambitious Business Development and Community Partnership Manager to lead the way.

This is more than just a development role. It's about building sustainable growth strategies, forging powerful partnerships, and shaping a future where opportunity is no longer defined by postcode or circumstance.

As our Business Development and Community Partnership Manager, you will take the lead in shaping and implementing visionary, data-driven growth strategies across three vital areas:

• Place-based memberships with schools, universities, councils’ departments, and third sector organisations.
• Individual “at home” subscriptions for children in areas without direct Children’s University provision or those who do not engage with traditional education.
• Strategic business partnerships with corporates and SMEs, securing vital funding and in-kind support.

You’ll be a key figure in our next phase of growth — identifying new opportunities, building meaningful relationships, and helping us scale our reach across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive new business activity and revenue growth across all three strategic areas.
• Build a strong, inclusive pipeline of potential members, partners, and funders.
• Manage and nurture relationships from first contact through to long-term collaboration.
• Use data and insight to shape decision-making and report progress to the board.
• Be a passionate ambassador for Children’s University at events, conferences, and online.

We’re Looking for Someone Who:

• Has a proven track record in income generation, partnerships or sales – all sector’s welcome!
• Is passionate about improving the lives of children and young people.
• Is a strategic thinker with the energy of a new business developer.
• Has the confidence to influence senior stakeholders and the empathy to build trust.
• Brings a creative, collaborative, and resilient mindset.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, flexible, remote-first environment.

Why Join Us?

• A unique chance to shape a growing national charity’s development strategy.
• A collaborative, driven team that values innovation and purpose.
• Flexible working, with one day a week in Manchester.
• An opportunity to truly change lives through education and opportunity.

If you’re excited by the chance to lead sustainable growth with purpose, and you want your work to matter, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and be part of a team creating a brighter future for children across the UK.

Director of Development (Part time)

£70K FTE, 2 year fixed-term contract, 1 day per week 

We are looking for a senior philanthropy professional with a strong interest in music and a proven track record in growing and building high level funding relationships, to work part time to build and engage a committed network of major individual donors to fund the long-term sustainability of La Nuova Musica (LNM) and fulfilment of its creative vision. 

Welcome from the CEO

La Nuova Musica is a leading ensemble in its chosen field of music from the 17th and 18th centuries with a focus on the voice. This is a unique opportunity to shape future opportunities for LNM. You will be joining us at a pivotal time as the orchestra builds on its current success with a board that is fully engaged and eager to establish a professional, strategic approach to philanthropy. LNM deeply values the role of philanthropy, particularly as public funding is highly constrained.

You will have the full backing of the CEO, the Board and the Artistic Director who are ready to work closely with you to build and steward transformative philanthropic relationships that align with our artistic and strategic ambitions.

You will also have access to an influential network and be introduced to and collaborate with our most senior philanthropic supporters. While the number of supporters is currently small, they are among the most respected and well-connected individuals in the arts. 

We believe that this is a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact and, while our philanthropic foundations are still developing, they are promising. The Board understands that meaningful, long-term philanthropic growth requires time, trust, and strategic investment—and they are committed to supporting you on that journey.

About La Nuova Musica

La Nuova Musica is an early music ensemble led by its founder and Artistic Director, David Bates, and known for spirited performances that receive widespread acclaim from audiences and five-star reviews from the press. 

“If anyone can be relied on to make Baroque music sound newly hatched, it’s the aptly named La Nuova Musica. They dust out the tiniest corners of phrasing and embellish the music so that it sounds more dizzy with life than you’ve ever heard before”. The Times

LNM appears regularly at the Wigmore Hall, St Martin in the Fields, the London Handel Festival as well as festivals around the UK. They made their BBC Proms debut in 2022 with a performance of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas described as “a superbly evocative night” in The Times and “a musical tour de force” in Opera Today. In 2024 they appeared for the first time at the Grange Festival in a series of performances of Monteverdi’s opera, The Coronation of Poppea, hailed by Opera Today as “truly a five-star production, and easily one of the best interpretations of Monteverdi or a Baroque opera I have seen.'

LNM has also appeared in concert halls and festivals across Europe including the Handel Festival Halle, La Seine Musicale Paris, the Göttingen International Handel Festival, the Salzburg Festival, the Innsbruck Festival of Early Music, and the Steffani Festival in Hanover.

Their reputation is enhanced by a series of award-winning recordings for Pentatone and Harmonia Mundi. Their latest recording of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas was selected as one of two opera recordings for the prestigious Abbiata award in Italy, alongside a recording of Katya Kabanova conducted by Simon Rattle with the LSO.  It was one of Gramophone’s recordings of the year and BBC R3’s CD Review chose it as their Recording of the Week. “the way it zings off the page bristling with dramatic life and energy from the first bars, and with a range of voices and imaginative instrumental accompaniment, fills it with incident and colour”.BBC Radio 3.

An earlier release, Handel’s Unsung Heroes, was selected by BBC Music Magazine as their Recording of the Month and awarded 5 stars as “a stunning collection of Handel opera numbers. For originality, risk-taking and erudition, it towers above its predecessors. The project is a heroic achievement for all involved.” 

La Nuova Musica’s strategic goals

We are bursting with ideas and feel we have so much more that we want to achieve. We perform regularly at the Wigmore Hall in London and are in the process of establishing a presence in Salisbury (David Bates’ hometown) and in Oxford, where we are working with an excellent chamber choir of young amateur singers, Schola Cantorum.  By giving the same concert in all these cities, we make best use of our artistic and financial resources at the same time as broadening our reach.

We also aim to deliver new strands of activity. One is relaxed concerts for anyone who needs an informal setting to enjoy our performances. The other offers high quality professional experience to singers and players from the modern instrument world in understanding baroque and early classical music. This is important for several reasons, not least to build and strengthen the UK pool of musicians for the future to preserve this repertoire. 

We receive no public funding and are only able to continue thanks to the support of generous individuals who love what we do and want us to do more. As is the case in our sector, ticket sales do not cover the cost of performances. We also need to pay our administrative team for any activity to take place at all. We currently operate thanks to a small but highly experienced and committed team who work remotely, at significantly reduced rates, because of their belief in David Bates and La Nuova Musica. To achieve our vision, we need to secure ongoing funding for core running costs (approximately £120k per year) as well as additional funding for specific artistic projects and other activity (approximately £120k per year, though this will vary from year to year).

Thanks to the fantastic support of generous individuals, LNM can engage with some ambitious projects such as Handel’s Giustino, our first co-production with the Royal Ballet and Opera which takes place in October 2025. We have successfully raised the money required for this and can now put in place some important and ambitious projects for the next three years. 

These include:

·Promoting two concerts each year in St Martin in the Fields, which entails risk on a larger scale than the Wigmore Hall where we are engaged (paid) to perform. (£15k p.a.)

·Developing further our work in Salisbury with two annual concerts which feed off our regular series in the Wigmore Hall and St Martin in the Fields. (£12k p.a.)

·Developing our relationships in Oxford along the lines of Salisbury (see above) (12k p.a.) 

·Developing a relaxed concert strand where performances are specially prepared and delivered to suit anyone who needs an informal setting to enjoy our performances.  (10k per run of events)

·Grow existing strands of work which provide experience for amateur singers, young professional singers and players in informed baroque and early classical performances. (15k per run of events)

·Recording some of our best work to act as a calling card with promoters and the public. (£40- 50k per recording)

·Build on our existing work to make and keep early music relevant, thus protecting its cultural heritage, by commissioning new work for the ensemble which combines the sounds and techniques of early music with that of living composers. (£15-20k per commission)

The Role

Role Dimensions

·To deliver excellence in supporter stewardship, building commitment and increasing funding and support from current LNM major individual supporters

·To research and lead a prospect pipeline for new five and six figure multi-year commitments

·To design and execute special high-level events for prospect/donor cultivation and development

·To develop and write compelling propositions for key trusts and foundations

·To ensure all fundraising is conducted as per the Codes of Fundraising Practice and other regulatory guidelines

Essential Experience and Skills

oProven delivery performance at a significant giving level, both individually and leading others to achieve (including Trustees and senior leadership)

oAbility to build long term HNW relationships, alongside several personal skills including being persuasive, receptive, inquisitive, dynamic, politically savvy and inspirational

oProven experience of building and leading excellent donor stewardship programmes at a senior level, including high level implementation of special events, and proposition development for trust and foundations

oUnderstanding and knowledge of key fundraising regulations with experience of implementing process and systems required to deliver best practice.

Reporting Structures 

The Director of Development is a member of the senior management team and will report to the CEO John Summers, whilst working closely with the Artistic Director, David Bates, and Finance Director, Val Hawkin.

The entire team work remotely and meet up on-line and in person when required.

The Director of Development line manages a part time administrator (Job Description available on request)

We are seeking a compassionate, visionary, and strategic Chief Executive Officer to lead Mermaids through the next stage of its evolution, dedicated to improving the lives of gender-diverse children and young people, and those who are important to them. As CEO, you will be responsible for driving the charity’s mission, shaping its strategic direction, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, affirming support services. You will act as a visible and credible advocate for trans and 
gender-diverse youth, build strong relationships with stakeholders, and influence public policy and sector practice. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will oversee a small committed team, ensure robust financial management with the Chief Operating Officer, and lead fundraising efforts to secure a sustainable future. This is a unique opportunity for a values-driven leader who brings both strategic acumen and a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and lived 
experience. 
Service Delivery:
• Provide strategic and operational leadership across all service delivery areas, including support line services, group work,  advocacy, external communications, and policy.
• Ensure services are high quality, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of trans and gender-diverse children, young people and the special people in their lives.
• Lead the continuous improvement and development of service delivery models, ensuring impact, effectiveness, and alignment with the charity’s mission.
• Champion a culture of safeguarding, accountability, and young person-centred practice throughout all service delivery. 
• Act as the organisation’s Safeguarding Lead, with oversight of on-call, safeguarding training, and ensuring appropriate escalation mechanisms are in place.
• Oversee the design and implementation of advocacy and policy activities, ensuring the charity’s voice is informed by lived 
experience and is impactful at local and national levels.
• Act as a visible and hands-on leader for frontline teams, providing support, supervision, and inspiration to staff and 
volunteers.
• Monitor performance, outcomes, and feedback to ensure services are meeting objectives and delivering positive change 
for beneficiaries.

Governance:
• In partnership with the board of trustees, set and articulate our vision, mission and strategy, and keep this under continual 
review.
• Lead the development and implementation of Mermaid’s strategic plan, ensuring sustainability and growth.
• Liaise with the board of trustees to ensure the charity’s governance, structure, policies and procedures are appropriate 
and effective, taking remedial measures and implementing change as necessary. This includes supporting board 
development.
• Work closely with the Chair and Board of Trustees to support strong governance and informed decision-making.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting on organisational performance, risks, and impact.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory guidance and legislation, including the Charity Commission and the Fundraising 

Finance & Fundraising:
• Working with the Chief Operating Officer and the Board of Trustees, ensure Mermaids has robust, deliverable fundraising 
and finance strategies in place, and subsequent action plans are embedded throughout the organisation to support their 
delivery.
• In partnership with the Chief Operating Officer, ensure Mermaids has robust finance, HR, IT, data privacy and governance processes and procedures are embedded.

People and Culture:
• Line manage senior staff including the COO and service delivery managers.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, inclusive internal culture that values lived experience and wellbeing.
• Continue work to embed a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion across the organisation, as well as a focus on accessibility.
• Work to define and drive trans-centred leadership across the organisation, including ensuring that the organisation is a trans-positive, supportive employer.

External Engagement and Advocacy:
• Represent Mermaids publicly, including acting as the key spokesperson and strategic policy stakeholder, ensuring 
organisational awareness of the external landscape and the changing needs of trans children, young people and their 
families, and advocating for these needs to be met.
• Lead communications strategy, and lead press engagement by responding to media inquiries, interviews, press conferences and media events.
• Lead on stakeholder engagement, including with funders, supporters, community partners, and policy influencers.
• Advocate for the rights and needs of trans and gender-diverse children, young people and the significant others in their lives at a national level.
 

Job Title: Head of Fundraising (Maternity Cover)

Salary: £52,000 - £55,000

Contract Type: 9 month fixed term contract with potential to extend

Hours: 35 hours per week for full time position, we are open to flexibility too

Location: Can be primarily remote based with occasional travel to Hammersmith head office and regular attendance at events

This post is open to female applicants only as this is deemed a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010. Advance is committed to equality and diversity and strongly encourages applications from women with diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities, BAME and LBT communities.

Job Summary

The role will be focused on both existing and new funding, raising income from trusts, corporations, individuals and foundations, including managing a pipeline of existing and new opportunities for the organisation's service portfolio. As the Head of Fundraising, you will steward all grant funding and deliver thorough and impactful reports to the Board and funders. You will bring a solid understanding of the UK fundraising environment, regulation, best practice, client management systems, and confidence in senior stakeholder relationship management.

Working closely with the Director of Development and Insights and Service Directors, you will support financial resilience, ensuring sustainability and growth. With a proven track record of securing and managing funds between five and six figure levels, this role requires a candidate who is able to showcase their knowledge, methodologies and of breadth of philanthropy & fundraising from commercial, private, government donors and securing funds from HNWI’s.

How to apply: 

Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered. 

• Closing Date for Applications: Sunday the 10th of August 

• Interviews are taking place w/c 25th August 

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits: 

• A 35-hour working week 

• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!) 

• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home 

• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take ad-vantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more 

• Pension scheme 

• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision 

• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme 

• Employee eye-care scheme 

• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles 

• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation 

• Organisation wide away days 

• Thorough induction and training 

• Career development pathways 

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Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please contact us and the Talent Acquisition Team will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.  

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups un-derrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe.  We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks.  We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.