Social development research officer jobs

At Ambitious about Autism, we are looking for a Programme Director – Service Development to join our team. You'll develop Ambitious about Autism's and the Trust's education and care services for autistic children and young people.

You'll lead on key strategic projects to extend existing or develop new education and care services for autistic children and young people, providing strong project leadership, strategic integration and managing project-related governance. You'll identify and pursue new business opportunities to drive growth and expansion of our educational settings, including school bids.

You'll be involved in new service development, conducting thorough assessment to identify gaps and opportunities for new provisions or products, whilst developing innovative concepts for new services and seeking approval through business cases. You'll also provide leadership to the Service Development team, with line management of 3 direct reports, whilst upholding Ambitious about Autism's core values.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Extensive business development and project planning knowledge
• Working knowledge of the education, health or social care of children/young people with SEND
• Working knowledge of: The social, policy, regulatory issues affecting children and young people with special educational needs or Commissioning and service delivery for children, young people and their families
• Proven experience of leading the development and delivery of new services for children, young people and/or adults with special educational needs or disabilities either from a third sector, educational, health or local authority background
• Experience of developing strategic and business plans

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.

This role represents an opportunity to make a real difference to anti-poverty work at QSA and in the UK more broadly. Communications are increasingly central to developing our impact, and our intention is to generate more high quality, moving content that showcases:

• The deep impact of the support provided by QSA to people living on a low income or experiencing homelessness. Our services are created to fill ‘niches’ – the support people tell us that they need and is not being provided elsewhere. We aim to help people find dignity, comfort, connection and peace.

• The support provided by 4in10, London’s child poverty network hosted by QSA, and the impact of its collective action.

• Our campaigning and research work – and the changes it can bring about in policy and practice, with the goal of reducing poverty and alleviating its effects.

You will be helping thousands of people to access QSA’s life-changing services; to find resonance and community in our communications; to support life-changing anti-poverty work; to get involved in campaigns that move the needle; and more.

At QSA our values guide us to deliver services with compassion and dignity, and they also guide us in our workplace. Our small team is mutually supportive, conscientious and deeply committed to the aims of our work.

This role will involve building relationships with an extremely broad range of people, with a very strong focus on the people who participate in our services. An ethical storytelling approach is at the heart of QSA’s communications. Putting this into practice will involve bringing stories forward in deep collaboration with storytellers; with empathy, integrity, authenticity, and a commitment to amplifying voices that can go unheard. We want people to feel in control of how their stories are shared, as much as we want people to be moved by content that engages and inspires.

The communications officer role also involves many of the ‘bread and butter’ tasks of an effective communications function: content production, analytics, social media management and so on. We are currently in the midst of a full-scale overhaul of the QSA website.

More important than coming with experience in every part of these duties, however, is a curiosity and enthusiasm to learn and take on healthy challenges (in which we aim to give you the support you need); as well as a flair for getting to the heart of the story – not only in the content itself, but also in understanding the bigger picture of our communications and our direction of travel together.

Purpose of role

To develop the communications output of QSA across all platforms, supporting delivery of the aims of QSA’s organisational and fundraising & communications strategies. To centre QSA’s communications work in an ethical storytelling approach.

Duties & responsibilities

1. To contribute to a plan and timetable for QSA’s communications work. 
2. To uphold clear protocols on how we gather and share stories and impact, to hold ourselves to the highest standards around ethics and wellbeing.
3. To work in the community and across all QSA’s services, to get to know the people who access them, sensitively inviting people to share their stories or consent to photos. 
4. To compile and share ethical and compelling storytelling content across a range of media. 
5. To co-manage all of QSA’s communications platforms including social media (including community management), email marketing and website. 
6. To generate and publish regular digital communications and fundraising content (including video, audio and copy), across our owned and shared platforms, and printed materials. 
7. To pull together content into regular email briefings for QSA’s supporters and donors. 
8. To provide communications support to the wider QSA team. 
9. To engage with other QSA teams about website content, being responsible for adding in this content, liaising with our web agency as required.
10. To follow a GEO-first approach to QSA’s web development, to promote growth in traffic and engagement. 
11. To actively drive growth and engagement across QSA’s social media, website and email marketing. 
12. To work within QSA brand guidelines to provide recognisable and reliable content, while also keeping content fresh and engaging.
13. To work with third party suppliers or freelancers as required, eg. for graphic design or other communications assets.
14. To undertake event marketing of QSA’s fundraising events. 
15. To track analytics to evaluate the impact of the content we produce and promote across all our platforms. 
16. To plan and create content for individual giving campaigns and digital fundraising. 
17. To maintain an up-to-date awareness of best and emerging practice in non-profit communications, and to share new ideas for growth. 
18. To work within, and actively promote, the policies and procedures of QSA. 
19. Any other duties, as appropriate to the role, as agreed by the QSA director. 

Person specification

Experience 

1. Experience of working for or volunteering for a charity, especially if UK-based and community focussed, is highly desirable. 
2. Experience of communications work, in a paid or voluntary capacity, is highly desirable. 

Ability 

1. Excellent people-facing skills, able to confidently build rapport with people, and sensitively approach difficult topics.
2. Ability to build collaborative working relationships across a wide range of people, including team members, colleagues, and QSA donors.
3. Ability to confidently produce and share content online, such as stories, images, videos. 
4. Ability to produce engaging content for social media platforms, email marketing and web.
5. Ability to track and understand digital marketing analytics. 
6. Ability to be flexible and adapt and respond to new challenges/opportunities while maintaining attention to detail. 

Knowledge 

1. Knowledge of social media platforms and their different audiences, and how to tailor content appropriate to each.
2. Knowledge of poverty on families, households and communities in the UK and an understanding of/empathy for the impact of living on a low income.

Other 

1. Curiosity and enthusiasm for digital and offline communications.
2. Commitment to and understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 
3. A willingness to work within a Quaker ethos, as per the mission of QSA.

N.B. Please refer to the attached job pack for full details of this role.

Thank you for your interest.

Our Communications Officer will play an essential role at a key moment for IVAR, with communications at the heart of our new strategy. Charities are facing mounting pressures and ongoing complexities, and IVAR’s work has potential for the greatest impact. We are looking for someone who will help us meet this potential: working together with the Director of Communications to make our research clear, accessible and compelling; with the aim of sparking conversations; inspiring action; and strengthening movements like our Open and Trusting network. We expect you to bring creativity, energy and curiosity to how we tell stories, explore new tools and formats, and connect more people with IVAR’s mission.

This is a hands-on role in a small but mighty team. If you thrive on combining creativity with delivery, enjoy working collaboratively, and are motivated by strengthening the voluntary sector, we’d love to hear from you.

Women’s Work is a National Award Winning Charity founded in 2003. We aim to deliver a holistic, person centred support service to vulnerable and disadvantaged women with complex health and social needs. We do this by ensuring they can access support, education and information to raise self-esteem and confidence, empowering them to make positive life choices resulting in improved health and wellbeing.

We are seeking a talented, motivated and highly organised Business Development Manager to join our Senior Management Team and play a key role in supporting the organisation’s growth, sustainability and financial resilience.

The Role

This is predominantly an office-based role working closely with the Finance Manager and under the guidance of the CEO, with a strong focus on:

• Bid writing, tender submissions, commissioning applications and grant funding
• Identifying, securing and managing new funding opportunities
• Supporting financial planning, allocation to funded projects
• Fundraising and promoting the charity in the local community

You will lead on the development and continuation of the project-specific funding, ensuring bids and applications align with Women’s Work’s strategic objectives and future expansion plans.

Working collaboratively with the Finance Manager, you will review funding streams, develop robust applications and contribute to the effective financial management of funded activities. You will liaise with businesses, statutory bodies, organisations, community groups and charities to identify and secure new income opportunities, partnerships and sponsorships.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, identify and secure new funding opportunities, grants and tenders
• Lead and co-ordinate high-quality bid writing, commissioning and tender submissions
• Support the Finance Manager with funding reviews, budgets and financial monitoring
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with funders, partners and stakeholders
• Contribute to organisational planning, sustainability and income diversification
• Ensure funding requirements, reporting and compliance are met
• Event planning/identify and co-ordinate fundraising opportunities

About You

The successful applicant will be self-motivated, detail-focused and high organized, with strong project management and communication skills. You will be able to work collaboratively while also managing competing priorities independently.

You will also be able to demonstrate:

• Proven experience in bid writing, tenders and/or commissioning
• A track record of pro-active business development, ideally within the charity or voluntary sector
• Strong relationship-building skills across multiple sectors
• Empathy and a clear commitment to Women’s Work values, aims and objectives

Additional Information
An Enhanced DBS check will be required.
Ref: BDM

Shape how an entire sector communicates

At Norfolk Care Association (NorCA), we represent adult social care providers across Norfolk and Waveney, ensuring their voices are heard across the NHS, local authorities, and wider system.

We’re looking for a Marketing & Communications Officer to take ownership of our communications, grow our membership, and deliver events that connect and influence the sector.

Why this role matters

This isn’t just a marketing job. You’ll play a key role in:

• How an entire sector hears critical information
• How providers connect, collaborate, and feel supported
• How NorCA grows its membership, sponsors and influence

If you enjoy creating content with a social purpose, and want to continuously improve, test what works, and engage a range of different audiences, this is an opportunity to shape how an entire sector communicates.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading multi-channel communications (email, social, website)
• Create compelling content – from policy briefings to awards campaigns
• Grow membership and sponsorship income
• Plan and deliver events (both online & in-person)
• Use data and insights to improve engagement and reach

What we’re looking for

• Experience in marketing, communications, or content roles
• Strong copywriting skills and ability to adapt tone for different audiences
• Experience using data/analytics to improve performance
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a small team

Why join NorCA?

• Play a visible role in shaping how adult social care is represented locally
• Work directly with senior leaders across the NHS and local authorities
• Take real ownership in a small team where your work has immediate impact
• Develop a broad skillset across communications, engagement, and delivery
• Flexible, supportive hybrid working

Deliver hands-on advice, outreach, training and mentoring as part of a new countywide partnership programme.

This four-year role, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, sits at the heart of the Small and Mighty (SaM) infrastructure support programme, delivered by a partnership of Community First Oxfordshire, OCVA, Oxford Community Action, Charity Mentors and Volunteer Link-Up, working directly with grassroots voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups. You’ll help organisations navigate challenges, build capacity and connect with others through outreach clinics, tailored training and collaborative spaces. Alongside staff within partner organisations and the existing CFO and OCVA team, you’ll play a key role in strengthening Oxfordshire’s community sector for the long term.

Job-share will be considered.

Research Funding Officer (Operations)

18-month Fixed-Term Contract

Salary: £28,000 - £30,000 per annum, plus benefits

London N1

Full time – 37.5 hours a week 

We're a hybrid working employer, meaning you're required to come into the office at least 2 days per week currently Tuesday, and Wednesday or Thursday.

Closing date: 17:00, 15th April 2026

Interviews (in-person): w/c 27th April 2026

Second interviews: w/c 4th May 2026

Preventing cancer, saving lives

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to contribute to international research funding programmes and gain insight into how cancer prevention research is supported and delivered?

We are seeking a Research Funding Officer (Operations) to support the delivery of our research funding programmes, with a particular focus on the integration of the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) grant programme into the WCRF International portfolio. This is a fixed-term role for 18 months.

In this role, you will support the operational delivery of WCRF International’s grant programmes across both pre-award and post-award activities. You will contribute to the administration of grant calls, respond to applicant queries, process applications, support peer review and Panel meetings, and help maintain and develop our grant management system. You will also track research outputs, maintain grant records and contribute to internal reporting and analysis. 

You will have a relevant scientific background (e.g. nutrition, public health, cancer biology or a related discipline), with experience working in a research or administrative environment (ideally within academia or research management).You will have a strong analytical mindset and be comfortable working with data, systems and tracking processes, and be highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Strong communication skills and confidence interacting with a range of stakeholders is key as is being proactive, adaptable and able to work as part of a small, collaborative team.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone with strong organisational and analytical skills who enjoys working with data and complex processes. The postholder will gain a unique insight into the full research funding lifecycle, supporting both the pre-award and post-award stages of international grant programmes. Working closely with experienced colleagues across the Research Funding team, the successful candidate will develop a strong understanding of how research funding programmes are designed, delivered and monitored, while applying their scientific knowledge to real-world research projects. The role provides valuable experience in grant management, research administration and data analysis, offering a strong foundation for a future career in research funding and management, the charity or policy sector, or academic research.

Application Details:
If you are interested in this role and feel you possess the necessary requirements, please submit a current CV and covering letter (maximum 2 pages) by the closing date. You must have current right to work in the UK.

Please note: Your cover letter should highlight how your skills and experience will benefit WCRF International and equip you for the role.Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to provide feedback to shortlisted candidates. If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. 

This role offers the chance to work with a global NGO, providing valuable experience in tackling key global development challenges, along with hands-on involvement with project and partnership management systems, grant tracking processes, and an opportunity to contribute to the development of impactful programmes. It provides deep exposure to the operations of an International NGO, invested in community-led holistic solutions to some of the most pressing problems of our times. You would enhance your knowledge and experience of the charity sector funding landscape in the UK and internationally. You would significantly expand your practical knowledge of project delivery and monitoring in diverse areas of international development such as water and sanitation, prevention of violence against women, food security and nutrition, rural livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, community disaster resilience, to name a few. You would have opportunity for creative writing about our projects for funding applications and project reports, and with scope to develop the role you might find yourself writing blog posts, newsletters and so on. You would have the chance to network with other NGOs and funders at events and international development conferences. You may have the opportunity to travel to south Asia or Africa for project evaluation or conferences / networking, subject to funding. As you gain experience, there may be scope for you to contribute to project design. 

You will be working in a friendly, professional environment in a building that acts as a hub for social justice organisations, with many opportunities to participate in activities offered by the building’s community. 

Role description / person specification:

You would undertake research to identify new potential funding partners, write grant applications, and manage successful partnerships. You would write project funding proposals primarily to trusts and foundations, corporate foundations, and statutory sources. Some charity-sector fundraising experience is desirable. Experience in fundraising from trusts / foundations in particular would be an advantage. The ability to draft inspiring narratives for different audiences is a crucial aspect of this role. You must also be comfortable using spreadsheets and have strong attention to detail, as you would be working with project budgets. You would research and attend relevant events and identify other such opportunities to promote Pragya’s work, to network, and to learn about the latest research and trends in international development. You would contribute to Pragya’s social media posts and campaigns. A basic level of knowledge about video editing and media tools like Canva would be an advantage.

The UK branch of Pragya is a small team, and so you must be capable of using your initiative and managing your own workload. You would need to prioritise your commitments and work to deadlines as needed. You would contribute to the charity’s administrative needs.

This is a role that demands commitment and offers strong career development in the international development sector. Those passionate about working in international development are encouraged to apply. We are looking for candidates who would anticipate being able to make at least a two-year commitment. 

Key specifications:

Essential

·A degree qualification with at least 2:1 or equivalent

·Fluent English with excellent writing skills

·Strong verbal communication and ability to represent Pragya at public events

·Basic knowledge of on-line communication platforms and media tools 

·Proactive approach, ability to manage own workload, happy to work alone

·Excellent organisational skills and strong attention to detail

·Competent in the use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and good internet research skills

·Demonstrable interest in International Development

·Work experience of two years.

Desirable

·A degree in a relevant, essay-based discipline

·Fundraising experience from trusts / foundations / corporates

·Exposure to foundations and trusts based in the UK and in Europe, mainly Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland.

·Experience of using cloud-based donor management software (Salesforce, Oracle, CRM)

·Understanding of the issues Pragya works to address

·Prior travel to any of Pragya’s project-delivery countries 

CEO

• Salary for FTE: £62,000 - £75,000 dependant on experience
• 38 hours a week over 5 days (flexibility for right candidate)
• Home-based with travel for events and meetings

Reporting into the Board of Trustees, we are seeking an inspirational CEO for the PDA Society, who can lead with humility and curiosity, empowering and supporting our staff along the journey. They will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the charity and its staff and volunteers, and will oversee the development of our training products, research and support services, whilst ensuring sustainable growth in impact and income.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a trusted enterprise within the PDA community with a strong mission and a committed, values driven team. The successful candidate will be passionate about improving the lives of PDAers and their families. You will be energetic, creative and bring new ideas for enhancing the charity’s reputation, through nurturing existing relationships and developing new ones to achieve the charities goals. Our ideal candidate will have lived experience of autism, PDA or other neurodivergence although this is not essential.

Closing date for applications: Midnight on 22nd April 2026

Interviews with Trustees:  April / May 2026

For over 30 years, we’ve pioneered the use of beekeeping as a sustainable development tool, helping communities across Africa escape poverty while protecting biodiversity. Now we’re ready to scale our impact significantly — growing from £900K to £1.4M income within three years and expanding to new locations using our proven model.

The Opportunity:
This is a rare chance to lead a mission-driven organisation with huge potential. You’ll work with influential patrons including The Queen, Monty Don, Martha Kearney, Kate Humble, and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, all ready to actively support our ambitious goals. You’ll manage a talented team of seven and work alongside seven committed trustees.

What we’re looking for:
We need a leader who

• Is genuinely passionate about environmental sustainability and poverty alleviation
• Can develop and execute ambitious fundraising strategies, including corporate partnerships and major donor relationships
• Brings financial acumen and strategic planning experience
• Enjoys managing and developing people—our small team is excellent and is keen to welcome great leadership
• Thrives on networking and relationship-building, actively seeking opportunities
• Is comfortable being the external face of the organisation with donors, corporates, and partners
• Has senior leadership experience (ideally in the third sector, though we welcome strong leaders from any sector)

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic planning and organisational growth in partnership with the Board
• Act as chief fundraiser and spokesperson, personally engaging with high-level donors
• Develop corporate partnerships and ESG opportunities
• Manage and inspire our team of seven, fostering a culture of excellence
• Oversee a ~£1M+ budget and ensure strong financial management
• Deepen relationships with international partners in Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda and beyond
• Build BfD’s profile and brand visibility

What we offer:

• Salary of £65,000-£70,000 (negotiable based on experience)
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension (flexible package)
• Hybrid working possible with minimum 3 days in our Monmouth office (important for team collaboration and partner engagement)
• The chance to lead a respected organisation through an exciting growth phase
• Opportunity to make a real difference to communities and biodiversity worldwide

Timeline:
Application deadline: 13th April 2026

Bees for Development is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace.

Be the link between frontline care and system change

Behind every care provider is a story: challenges, pressures, innovation, and resilience.

At Norfolk Care Association (NorCA), we turn those real experiences into insight that influences decisions across the health and care system.

We’re looking for an Engagement & Projects Officer to build relationships, gather intelligence, and deliver projects that make a difference.

Why this role matters

This role sits at the heart of NorCA’s impact. You’ll play a key role in:

• Building trusted relationships with providers across the region
• Turning real-world experiences into evidence that shapes decisions
• Delivering projects that respond directly to sector needs

If you are passionate about engagement and have the skills to make things happen, this is an opportunity to turn insight into real change by leading projects, and ensuring the voices of providers are heard where it matters.

What you’ll be doing

• Building relationships with care providers across our area
• Leading engagement activity (interviews, surveys, focus groups)
• Turning insight into clear reports and briefings
• Delivering projects from planning through to evaluation
• Working with a wide variety of stakeholder at all levels

What we’re looking for

• Experience in engagement, outreach, or stakeholder roles
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Ability to gather and analyse qualitative/quantitative insight
• Experience managing projects or coordinating delivery

Why join NorCA?

• Play a visible role in shaping how adult social care is represented locally
• Work directly with senior leaders across the NHS and local authorities
• Take real ownership in a small team where your work has immediate impact
• Develop a broad skillset across communications, engagement, and delivery
• Flexible, supportive hybrid working

Policy Officer

Bowel Cancer UK is the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.

We currently have employees working across four nations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to deliver our ambitious new strategy, On a Mission. There are huge challenges facing bowel cancer patients across the UK and our community needs us now more than ever. We’re building a strong and united team to bring us closer to a world where nobody dies of bowel cancer.

Job Sumnmary for Policy Officer 

We are looking for a Policy Officer to join our Policy and Influencing team. You will build on your policy experience, responding to and shaping policy to ensure it drives real change for people affected by bowel cancer. You will turn complex issues into clear, actionable insight for colleagues, partners, and decision-makers, and contribute to evidence-informed positions that support the charity in influencing health policy. You will also lead on your own policy areas and work closely with our bowel cancer community to ensure their experiences inform and shape our work.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience

• We welcome applicants from a broad range of experience and background, specifically spanning policy, science or health
• Some direct experience of working on policy issues in health, or a relevant sector, and a willingness to develop these skills further, alongside an interest in those issues affecting bowel cancer patients.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Good verbal, written communications and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively and adapt style to different audiences. Including the ability to explain information clearly and encourage colleagues to understand different points of view
• Proven ability of strong analytical and research skills to identify and solve a range of problems
• Good interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skills
• Understanding of the health policy and political environment
• Excellent organisational, time and project management skills with the ability to prioritise work, handle conflicting demands and meet tight deadlines on defined work areas
• Proven ability to support the day-to-day management of specified projects, proving some technical input in the project planning stage.
• Knowledge of the health service and health service policy issues. Awareness of cancer issues and bowel cancer in particular is desirable

Please refer to the Job Description for further details. 

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and at Bowel Cancer UK we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful candidates may be subject to either a satisfactory basic, standard or enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dependent upon the role.

Deliver hands-on advice, outreach, training and mentoring as part of a countywide partnership programme.

This four-year role, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, sits at the heart of the Small and Mighty (SaM) infrastructure support programme, delivered by a partnership of Community First Oxfordshire, OCVA, Oxford Community Action, Charity Mentors and Volunteer Link-Up, working directly with grassroots voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups. You’ll help organisations navigate challenges, build capacity and connect with others through outreach clinics, tailored training and collaborative spaces. Alongside staff within partner organisations and the existing CFO and OCVA teams, you’ll play a key role in strengthening Oxfordshire’s community sector for the long term.

Polka Theatre in Wimbledon seeks a Development & Events Manager to join our successful and welcoming team.

This is the role for you, if you:

· Would like to work for a pioneering national theatre for children.

· Enjoy planning and delivering fundraising events, which leverage immediate and ongoing support for the charity.

· Want to help a charity inspire supporters and build quality relationships with them, by telling the story of our impact.

· Are creative, personable, dynamic and great at communicating.

Polka is seeking a Development and Events Manager to coordinate Polka’s regular giving programmes, manage an established programme of events and oversee a committed portfolio of corporate supporters. As a key member of the Development Team, this is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to help shape Polka's future as a leading children's theatre. 

The Development and Events Manager will help donors feel inspired, appreciated, and compelled to support Polka. You will do this through high-quality communications and events for Polka’s donors, potential donors and corporate partners. The postholder will devise and coordinate a varied annual programme of stewardship and cultivation events and take a proactive role in attracting new supporters.

This is a permanent, full-time role. More details are in the recruitment pack on our website.

This role will suit candidates with fundraising experience, particularly with individual giving and events. We also welcome applications from people with transferable skills who can draw on their experience in other sectors. 

The role is primarily on site at Polka Theatre in Wimbledon, with up to 2 days working from home per week.

Polka's commitment as an equal opportunities employer means we are keen to encourage applications from people from the Global Majority, people across the gender spectrum and people who self-identify as disabled, who are underrepresented in our sector.

Polka is funded by Arts Council England, London, registered charity number 256979.