Strategic communications manager jobs in Manchester

Description

Help tackle child food insecurity by working directly with schools, building relationships, capturing impact, and supporting community fundraising that drives real change.

This is an opportunity to join a growing charity at a pivotal moment and play a key role in expanding a national programme supporting children and families across the UK. This is one of the charity’s first two hires and is a hands-on role in a small team.

MCKS Charitable Foundation works with schools to provide pantry and breakfast support to families experiencing food insecurity. We currently support over 180 schools and are now scaling our work towards 500+ schools nationally.

We’re looking for a Schools, Community & Impact Manager to help us strengthen our relationships with schools, understand how our support is being used, and capture the stories and data that allow us to grow our impact.

This is a varied, outward-facing role where you’ll work directly with schools, build trusted relationships, and ensure we are delivering support in the most effective way possible.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll sit at the centre of the programme, working across schools, impact and community engagement.

You will:

• Build strong relationships with schools and act as their main point of contact
• Support new schools joining the programme and help them get set up effectively
• Work with schools to understand how many pupils and families are being supported
• Identify what’s working well across schools and share best practice
• Gather impact data, case studies and stories to support fundraising and reporting
• Help develop a fair and effective funding model based on need
• Encourage schools to run simple fundraising activities within their communities
• Support wider fundraising activity by providing insight, stories and engagement

Why this role matters

This role is critical to how the charity grows.

The insights, relationships and impact evidence you build will directly support fundraising—helping us secure the funding needed to reach more children and families.

Put simply:
without strong school relationships and clear impact, we can’t grow.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A natural relationship builder, confident working with schools and communities
• Curious and analytical, with the ability to understand patterns and identify insights
• A strong communicator, particularly when writing case studies and reports
• Organised and able to manage multiple relationships at once
• Proactive and comfortable working independently in a small team

You may have experience in schools, charities, community work, or partnership-based roles—but just as important is your ability to build trust and understand people.

Why join us

• Be part of a growing charity making a real difference to children and families
• Play a key role in shaping a programme that is scaling nationally
• Work flexibly within a small, supportive team
• Opportunity to influence how impact is measured and communicated

Safeguarding

This role will involve working with schools and may include visits where children are present. A DBS check will be required.

Additional Information”

• Remote UK-based role with travel to schools nationally
• Full-time role (flexibility may be considered for strong candidates)
• Due to volume of interest, we are unable to offer pre-application calls

We are looking for a strategic and values-driven Communications Manager (maternity cover) to amplify Birthrights’ work to transform UK maternity care at a pivotal moment for the organisation. Working closely with our Policy and Campaigns Lead and wider team, you will develop and deliver strategic, integrated communications that increase our reach, strengthen our influence, and inspire action from policymakers and stakeholders in maternity care.

A strong commitment to racial justice, reproductive justice and human rights is essential, alongside the ability to centre the experiences of Black, Brown and marginalised women and birthing people.

If you are passionate about using communications to drive systems change in maternity care, we would love to hear from you.

Apply for our Communications Manager (maternity cover) role by: 12pm on the 6th April.

Introduction

the3million is the largest grassroots organisation for EU citizens* in the UK, formed after the 2016 referendum to protect the rights of people who have made the UK their home. 

Our work ranges from organising EU citizens’ communities and informing people about their rights, to holding the Government to account on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and advocating for social justice.

We are looking for an experienced, values-driven and thoughtful Communications Manager to help shape and strengthen the3million’s public voice. The role focuses on sharing our work as widely and effectively as possible, through social media, supporter communications and news media. You will act as a spokesperson for the3million, write and develop communications materials, and help grow our supporters and donors base through lived-experience focused communications.

The ideal candidate is a passionate communicator, motivated by social justice and passionate about amplifying the voices of EU citizens and other migrant communities. You are as comfortable shaping strategy as you are delivering high-quality content, and you are committed to challenging injustice and influencing decision-makers.

Key responsibilities

1. Communications strategy & leadership 

• Lead the development, delivery and evaluation of the communications strategy of the3million, working closely with the3million’s CEO, Head of Policy and Advocacy and Organising team to deliver timely strategic communications support
• Growing and safeguarding the3million’s brand identity, integrity and strategic positioning across all our external channels, networks and audiences
• Develop new initiatives to expand and improve the reach and engagement of the3million’s communications
• Regularly reviewing the effectiveness of campaigns and responding to opportunities that arise
• Use analytics tools to evaluate performance and inform strategic decisions
• Support the3million’s sustainability through effective fundraising messages and campaigns
• Maintain positive and productive relationships with partner organisations, working on shared campaigns and promoting strategic collaborations, opportunities for engagement and projects

2. Content and digital communications 

• Build the3million’s public messages, using the most effective frames to communicate complex issues clearly to targeted audiences, with lived experience underpinning these messages
• Take overall responsibility for developing the3million’s website content, creating written and visual content
• Oversee and manage the3million’s online presence, engaging with relevant online platforms
• Produce regular newsletters, with clear and effective calls to action 
• Develop effective fundraising content to disseminate to supporters 
• Manage the3million’s social media channels, leading on creating engaging social media content (written and visual), developing and expanding the3million’s social media presence using relevant up to date digital tools 
• Support EU citizens in having their stories heard, sourcing and writing compelling stories, ensuring safeguarding and consent policies are followed

3. Media relations 

• Monitor media outlets for issues related to our campaigns, respond to developments in an appropriate and timely fashion
• Write and disseminate press releases, opinion pieces and articles
• Manage press enquiries, liaising with journalists and other media contacts
• Proactively pitch, develop and maintain relationships with relevant media stakeholders, developing our contacts list
• Support people with lived experience in working with journalists to have their stories heard
• Develop key messaging and briefings for staff and spokespeople to ensure consistency across communications, as needed
• Lead on crisis communications and rapid response messaging in reaction to political or media developments 

4. Campaign communications & messaging 

• Work closely with the policy and advocacy team to translate complex issues into compelling narratives 
• Work with the Community Organising team to ensure lived-experience led storytelling is embedded in the community organising strategy
• Support with the development of published materials (in print and online) such as leaflets and reports. Lead on the visual design of published materials
• Support people with lived experience (including community leaders) to be effective spokespeople for the3million, delivering relevant communications training and support their leadership development (working closely with the Organising team)

5. General: 

• Maintain relationships with relevant funders of the3million’s communications activities, providing regular reports and updates 
• Represent the views of the3million at events, conferences and in the media
• Provide assistance in other areas of the3million’s work as and when deemed necessary by the CEO

Person specifications

Knowledge and experience: 

• Demonstrable experience (minimum 2 years) in managing communications for a charity or an NGO in the UK
• Strong understanding of the UK media landscape, including experience securing media coverage and managing press relationships 
• Experience managing digital communications channels (website, email, social media) and growing engagement 
• Experience supporting or working alongside people with lived experience in communications, storytelling or campaigns 
• Experience using data and analytics to evaluate communications performance and inform strategy

Skills:

• Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to adapt tone for different audiences and channels 
• Ability to identify and quickly respond to external opportunities and risks, including fast-moving political or media developments 
• Strong media relation skills, including pitching stories and handling press enquiries 
• Digital communications skills, including social media management, email campaigns (eg using Mailchimp or Action Network) and website content management 
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Ability to develop clear, compelling messaging and narratives grounded in lived experience
• Confidence in supporting and briefing spokespeople, including people with lived experience
• Good design and visual content skills (including using Canva for content production)

Personal attributes:

• Passionate about EU citizens’ rights and committed to supporting and advancing the rights of all migrants, irrespective of nationality, immigration status, or other matters
• Strong understanding of power, inequity and intersectionality
• Ability to work independently, managing competing priorities and thrive in a fast-paced environment
• A positive, proactive and solutions-oriented attitude, able to take initiative
• Willingness to occasionally travel across the UK

Desirable: 

• Experience with campaigning or political communications 
• Knowledge and experience in fundraising communications (donor messaging, appeals)
• Knowledge of migrants rights or the EU Settlement Scheme
• Experience delivering media or communications training 

Before you apply

One of the3million’s core values is equity - we are people led, we value diversity and are enriched by differences. We strive to listen to, engage with and represent the broadest range of people. 

We recognise our team is not currently representative of communities that experience racism and that our own ways of working may replicate wider societal oppression and injustices. We are actively working towards becoming an anti-oppressive organisation, including taking steps to create a more inclusive recruitment process.

You may not have worked in an organisation whose focus is campaigning for migrants’ rights. Or you may have experience in a grassroots setting which is not formalised. Please still consider applying as many other settings offer transferable skills.

If you are from a background that is underrepresented in the migration sector - for example you are from a community that experiences racism, or you have lived experience of migration, or you are a disabled person, or you did not go to University or had free school meals as a child - we strongly encourage you to apply.

We believe our work will be stronger with greater diversity. the3million welcomes the whole person to work, and we understand that each of us brings our experiences, our backgrounds and our own unique lens to what we do.

About applying 

Apply by submitting an up to date CV and cover letter through CharityJobs, detailing your motivations for applying for this post and how your skills, knowledge and experience fit the person specifications of the role. Please note we will not be reviewing applications which do not include a detailed cover letter.

Working conditions 

Position: Full time 
Duration: one year contract, with possibility of extension, subject to funding 
Salary: £35,000
Location: Remote, UK. Home working. Occasional travel required - within the UK (all travel expenses covered)
Benefits: 28 days holiday + bank holidays, contributory pension scheme, flexible working patterns.
Reporting to: CEO

Closing date: 21st April 2026. Please note we are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and this vacancy may be closed early if we find a suitable candidate.

We are looking for a warm, organised and proactive Membership and Individual Giving Manager to help us deepen relationships with our members and supporters. This role is central to building a sustainable income base that allows EDS UK to continue providing vital support, information and advocacy for people living with EDS and HSD.

As part of a small team, you’ll enjoy a varied role that blends hands-on delivery with strategic thinking. You’ll lead our membership scheme, grow regular giving, and ensure every supporter feels valued, understood and connected to our mission. You’ll bring empathy, clarity and creativity to supporter communications, recognising the diverse needs of our community.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to make a tangible difference every day and help shape the future of EDS UK’s supporter experience.

As our Operations Manager, you will play a key role in building the strong foundations that enable Birthrights to deliver impactful work across the UK. Working closely with the CEO and wider team, you will oversee core organisational functions, from HR and governance to finance processes and digital systems, ensuring our internal structures support our mission to transform maternity care through a human rights lens.

We are looking for someone with experience managing organisational operations in a charity or values-led organisation. You will be highly organised, proactive and collaborative, with strong project management and problem-solving skills. A commitment to racial justice, equity and anti-oppressive practice is essential.

If you are passionate about building resilient organisations and supporting a movement for rights-based maternity care, we would love to hear from you.

Download the full job pack below for more details, including the job description, person specification and how to apply.

Apply for our Operations Manager role by: 12pm (noon) on 13th April.

We are looking for an inspiring Support Services Manager to lead our supported housing schemes, ensuring high‑quality, person‑centred support for women and children across our services.

If you are passionate about transforming lives, improving service quality and leading dedicated teams — we’d love to hear from you.

About the Role

As Support Services Manager, you will:

Lead and develop high‑quality support services

• Provide operational leadership across supported housing schemes
• Ensure trauma‑informed, person‑centred support plans and risk assessments
• Monitor KPIs, contractual compliance and service performance
• Drive service improvement and co‑production with clients

Manage, motivate and develop staff

• Line manage Support Workers and Volunteers
• Ensure supervision, training and performance management
• Support recruitment and staff development across the region
• Build a strong, motivated and skilled team

Champion safeguarding & risk management

• Act as a safeguarding champion across supported housing
• Ensure robust risk assessments, incident reporting and GDPR‑compliant records
• Support staff to maintain the highest safeguarding standards

Ensure housing & compliance excellence

• Work closely with Estates teams to maintain safe, compliant accommodation
• Support quality improvements across physical properties and service delivery

Build impactful partnerships

• Liaise with local authorities, commissioners, health partners and referral agencies
• Represent Life at case conferences, multi‑agency meetings and contract reviews
• Identify and respond to new referral opportunities

Drive quality, governance & reporting

• Produce performance reports and maintain audit readiness
• Support strategic growth and contribute to the department’s business plan
• Promote Life Charity within local communities and public forums

Manage budgets & resources

• Monitor expenditure and support resource planning
• Support with funding bids and service redesign
• Work with finance teams to ensure clients receive appropriate financial support

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

Essential experience & skills

• Experience managing or delivering support and/or care services
• Understanding of supported housing and estates management
• Strong knowledge of support planning, risk assessment and safeguarding
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage at all levels
• Strong organisational, leadership and problem‑solving abilities
• Ability to work independently, handle pressure and prioritise workloads
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable

• Relevant housing qualification (e.g., CIH Level 4)
• Experience working in a charity environment
• Experience in troubleshooting or service improvement roles
• Good strategic awareness

About Life: 

Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish. 

Our services include:  

• Supported housing and community support   
• Counselling and skilled listening   
• Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies  

Our values :

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values: 

• Humanity – All people are special and equal 
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you 
• Community – We’re better together 
• Charity – Doing good for one another 
• Common good – Building a better world 

Information about the role: 

For further information, please see the attached job description. 

Salary: £34,000 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week over 5 days

Location: Home Based with Extensive Travel across the Midlands and South East England

Benefits:  

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:  

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours) 
• Birthday Leave  (applicable after 1 years service)
• Additional annual leave for long term service  
• Company Pension Scheme  
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge 

Safeguarding and Equality: 

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.   

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.  

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.  

We are seeking an experienced and committed Youth Work Programme Manager to join The Kite Trust. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and develop impactful programmes that support and empower LGBTQ+ young people. The successful candidate will provide strategic oversight of our youth work provision, manage and support a dedicated team, and work collaboratively with partners to ensure our services remain inclusive, responsive, and effective. If you are a thoughtful and motivated leader with a strong commitment to high-quality youth work and creating safe, supportive spaces for young people, we would welcome your application.

This is a remote position but will require travel across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, and the surrounding areas.

Contract Type: This is a full-time permanent position, working 32 hours within a 4-day working week. We are happy to discuss and explore flexible options and job share opportunities.

Salary: £34,936 – £40,311 depending on experience.

To find out more about the role, please review the application pack detailing the job description and person specification and apply via the link on our website.

Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to providing specialised nursing care and support for young people aged 13–24 with cancer. Every day, seven young people in the UK hear the words “you have cancer”, and Teenage Cancer Trust ensures they do not face it alone.

The charity funds specialist nurses and youth support teams in hospitals across the UK and provides vital emotional, practical and psychological support for young people and their families during and after treatment.

Regional fundraising is a core income stream for Teenage Cancer Trust, generating income through a combination of community and corporate fundraising. Supporters are often personally connected to the cause, including young people, families and communities directly impacted by cancer, making this a highly emotive and rewarding fundraising environment.

Teenage Cancer Trust is now seeking a Regional Fundraising Manager (North) to lead and grow income across a significant and high-potential region. With an income target of c.£750k and ambitions for further growth, this role will play a key part in shaping and delivering a more proactive, strategic approach to regional fundraising.

The Regional Fundraising Manager is a senior role responsible for leading fundraising across the North of England, managing a team of four fundraisers and contributing to the wider regional fundraising strategy. The role combines strategic leadership, team development and operational delivery, ensuring sustainable income growth across both community and corporate fundraising.

Reporting to the Head of Regional Fundraising, you will be responsible for delivering regional income targets, developing effective fundraising strategies and ensuring strong pipeline development across the region. You will also play a key role in embedding a more proactive approach to community engagement, strengthening volunteer involvement and maximising opportunities across local communities and corporate partners.

As Regional Fundraising Manager, you will:

• Lead community and corporate fundraising across the North region, supporting long-term partnerships
• Lead and deliver regional fundraising strategy in line with national objectives
• Manage and develop a team of four fundraisers
• Develop and implement regional plans to grow sustainable income
• Drive proactive community fundraising, engaging groups, clubs and local networks
• Identify and develop new income opportunities across community and corporate audiences
• Ensure strong pipeline development, income forecasting and performance management
• Work collaboratively across fundraising teams to maximise supporter engagement
• Lead key projects and initiatives to improve fundraising effectiveness
• Support the wider regional fundraising function as part of the management team

Essential skills and experience:

• Strong experience in community fundraising or relationship fundraising
• Experience managing and motivating teams to deliver high performance
• Experience developing and implementing fundraising plans and strategies
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
• Proven track record of delivering income against targets
• Experience leading projects or initiatives that drive change or improvement
• Ability to analyse data and use insight to inform decision making
• Excellent communication and influencing skills

Desirable:

• Experience working across both community and corporate fundraising
• Experience managing geographically dispersed teams
• Experience working in emotionally sensitive cause areas
• Experience supporting teams through change or organisational development

Employee benefits include: 

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing by 1 day with each year of service, up to 30 days annual leave
• End of year closure: when we can, we offer 3-4 extra paid days off over Christmas for a relaxing or time with family and friends. This is decided year by year.
• Up to 5% employer pension contribution
• Annual salary review
• Flexible bank holidays (except 25th and 26th December and 1st January or any substitute bank holidays for these dates)
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave benefits
• Income Protection and Life Assurance
• Health Cash Plan plus free telephone access to a GP whenever you need it
• Gym discount

Charity People is delighted to be partnering with the Social Research Association to recruit a permanent Communications Manager.

An educational charity and membership body, the Social Research Association aims to drive excellence in the conduct, development and application of social research to deliver lasting benefits to the social research profession and the wider public good. With around 1600 members who work in government, academic, the voluntary and private sector or as freelancers, the organisation's key activities include training, events, ethics reviews and regular publications.

You'll be joining the small, supportive team at an exciting time following a period of investment in its membership offering and in the lead up to its 50th anniversary in 2028.

Contract: Permanent role, offered on either a full time or part time, four day per week basis, with flexible working options offered and fully supported
Salary: £38,000 to £43,000 per annum
Location: Home based role with occasional travel required for events or Team Days, anticipated at around 10 days per year with travel reimbursed
Closing date for applications: 9am on Thursday 2nd April
Interviews: Interviews will be held on Friday 24th April

The incoming Communications Manager will have real ownership of the communications output for the organisation as well as strategic influence, while retaining day to day responsibility for the delivery of messaging.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who has been leading communications projects or channels and is now ready to lead strategy - someone who wants more autonomy, broader responsibility, and the chance to shape the voice of a respected membership organisation.

Core responsibilities within the role will include:

• Deliver and evolve the SRA's communications strategy across all platforms increasing the visibility of the SRA and engagement the wider social research community
• Advise senior leadership and trustees on messaging, brand positioning, and audience engagement
• Shape how the organisation communicates with members, stakeholders, and the wider research community
• Monitor and evaluate communications impact using analytics and insights
• Produce and manage engaging content for newsletters, blogs, social media, email campaigns, the website, the membership hub, press releases, and promotional campaigns
• Lead communications around SRA publications to raise profile and reach
• Oversee editorial calendars and ensure timely, high-quality delivery
• Keep up to date with digital and social media trends and platform developments
• Create and maintain effective systems and workflows for communications outputs
• Support clear, inclusive internal communications for staff, trustees, and volunteers
• Develop materials for impact reporting and organisational updates
• Build positive relationships with partner organisations, research funders, editors, freelancers, and other stakeholders

This position is perfect for someone ready to take a step up to take on more strategic responsibility, or someone already working at Manager level.
You'll thrive at the Social Research Association if you enjoy combining hands-on delivery with bigger-picture thinking, and if you're excited by the idea of shaping an organisation's communications approach.

Key experience and skills required for the role are as follows:

• Experience in communications, journalism, media, or a related field
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills
• Experience managing communications projects or channels, especially LinkedIn content
• Ability to tailor messaging for different audiences and platforms
• Strong organisational skills and confidence managing multiple deadlines
• Analytical mindset, with the ability to interpret engagement data and adapt strategy
• Creative, proactive, and eager to grow into a more strategic role
• Commitment to equity, accessibility, and inclusive practice

If you're interested in hearing more about this opportunity, please send your CV to Alice at Charity People in the first instance. Alice can be reached by using 'apply now' button on the advert.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement. 

You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.

By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).

You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

Strategic Leadership:  

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities 

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required 

Comms & Marketing:

• Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources 

• Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience

• Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice. 

Influencing & Public Affairs:  

• Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful 

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities

• Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:  

• Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact 

• Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do 

• Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries

Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:  

• Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels

• Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector. 

Membership, Events & Communities:  

• By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).

• Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications

• Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth 

• Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach

• Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity

General Responsibilities 

• Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity

• Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend

• Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group

• Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities

• Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group

• Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design

• Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies

• Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required. 

Personal Development  

• Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing

• Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions

• Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession

• Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.

Organisational Responsibilities: 

• Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.  

• Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.  

• Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.  

• Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.  

• Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.  

• Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.  

• Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.  

• Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.  

• Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.  

This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.  

Person Specification  

Job Title 

Director of External Relations 

• Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills

• Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships

• The ability to work effectively within a small team

• Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload

• A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work

• A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative 

• A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity

• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post

• Fit to undertake the duties of the post. 

Experience/Skills/Competencies 

Essential 

• Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success

• PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR

• Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback

• Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development

• Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making

• Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making

• Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT 

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders

• Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms

• Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.

• Experience managing budgets and associated reporting

• Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events

• Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team

• Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity

• Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment

• Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications

• Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)

• Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events. 

• Experience supporting and manging a remote team

Education and Qualifications: 

Other Requirements: 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  

• Regular travel to attend meetings and events. 

• Occasional evening meetings.  

Legal requirements: 

• Enhanced DBS check. 

Role Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to shape Shine’s strategic direction while managing the operational delivery of our services for children, young people, and families aged 0–25. Building on the success of our Little Stars/Ser Bach programme for members aged 0–12 and the development and extension of the FIRE (Friendship, Independence, Resilience, Empowerment) programme for those aged 13–25, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our support for children, young people and their families.

Working across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you will lead the delivery of an established, evidence-based programme that improves health, social, and emotional outcomes for those living with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and associated conditions.

You’ll lead a passionate team and work closely with Shine’s Adult Services Team (25+), Health Team, Wales and Northern Ireland Managers and wider colleagues across the organisation to ensure work is coordinated, complementary, and beneficial to members. At the same time, you’ll forge strong partnerships with NHS professionals, statutory services, and voluntary organisations—driving collaboration that will support our vision of providing consistent, high-quality support for children, young people and families nationwide.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Team Management
• Programme Development & Delivery
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
• Member Support & Engagement

Please see the full Job Description & Person Specification below and on our website. 

Benefits to working at Shine:

• Competitive salary: Review due April 2027
• Regular working hours, and no shift work (some very occasional weekends or evenings)  
• 3% pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional discretionary leave between Christmas and New Year
• Additional annual leave awarded for ‘long service’
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• Broadband allowance for home-based roles
• Life insurance after 12 months’ employment  
• Access to our Employee Support Programme and Mental Health First Aiders 
• Support to learn and develop 

How to apply 

Shine is a Disability Confident employer and will offer guaranteed interviews if a disabled applicant meets the minimum criteria for the job. 

If you would like to discuss the role with our Deputy CEO, Gill Valentine, please contact Shine to arrange a convenient time for a call. 

To apply please submit your CV and supporting statement, which should outline your interest and explain how you meet the role criteria. 

We understand that you may wish to use AI tools to help you with some aspects of your application but we do expect tailored applications which are personalised to your experiences and not generic applications which are completely AI generated. We encourage candidates to be transparent about AI usage in their applications. 

*Please note applications without a supporting statement will not be accepted* 

Closing date: Thursday 16th April 2026 at 11pm 

Interviews:  Monday 27th April 2026  

Please note: we reserve the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date, therefore we encourage applications as soon as possible. 

Do you have a track record of delivering outstanding fundraising results? Do you have the drive, passion and commitment to develop and lead fundraising campaigns that ultimately help young people succeed? We are looking for a fundraising professional to lead the alumni and fundraising activities at the BRGS Fundraising Trust, a charity connected to Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School.

About Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School

Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School is a mixed secondary grammar school and sixth form for 11 to 18 year olds in Waterfoot, Lancashire. We joined Star Academies in 2023 and, like all Star schools, we have a leadership specialism.

We provide a knowledge-based academic curriculum alongside a rich and diverse leadership programme that grows character and inspires charitable and social action. Our pursuit of educational excellence is based upon our fundamental belief that every pupil has the capacity to become a successful and inspirational leader.

Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School has a charitable foundation, the BRGS Fundraising Trust, that raises and distributes funding to support Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School pupils. It exists to expand opportunities and improve outcomes for all pupils at the school, with a particular focus on supporting those with additional barriers to success, such as pupils from lower‑income families.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for a talented individual to lead the development of fundraising and alumni engagement for the BRGS Fundraising Trust. Your expertise will secure the support of our community to continue to provide an outstanding learning environment for our young people.

The successful candidate will be a proactive leader with strong fundraising knowledge and skills. You will have extensive experience of delivering fundraising projects and campaigns, preferably in education contexts, with proven ability to develop relationships with alumni, parents and other donors.

The successful candidate will be employed by Star Academies and will deliver the fundraising strategy for the school and charity.

You will have:

• A degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in fundraising through individual giving and major donors.
• Experience cultivating and stewarding major donors and senior stakeholders.
• Understanding of effective fundraising practice and donor stewardship.
• Knowledge of alumni relations and community engagement strategies.

About Star Academies

Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person’s future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.

Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level.

We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.

Find out more

This role is full time, however we are open to requests for part-time working, with a minimum of 3 days a week.

At least 50% of the role will be on site at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, with the remaining proportion undertaken remotely if preferred by the postholder.

Please download the job description and person specification below for further information about the role. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact the school.

Key Dates

Closing Date: Sunday, 12 April 2026 at midnight.

Interview Date: Thursday, 30 April 2026.

Proposed Start Date: Monday, 1 June 2026.

Application Process

To apply for this vacancy please use the 'Apply for job' link below. You should ensure your application form and supporting statement address all elements of the person specification. We will only consider candidates who meet the vast majority of the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.

Our Commitment

Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks.

We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.

The Mason Foundation is a national charity supporting neurodivergent young people into meaningful employment through our Propel mentorship programme. We work across England and Scotland, partnering with schools, colleges, community youth settings and employers to champion neuroinclusion and create opportunities for young people to thrive.

75% of our staff are neurodivergent, and we're proud to create an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can succeed.

The Opportunity

We are at an exciting growth phase with ambitions to scale nationally. To achieve this, we need to capture and share the positive impact we have on people's lives.

As the Impact and Fundraising Manager, you will work hands on with our delivery team to design data collection systems that feel manageable and purposeful, not burdensome. You understand that different people think, process, and work in different ways, so you will create multiple methods for collecting the same data to suit different styles.

You take a methodical approach to understanding what data we need to showcase impact, then build the frameworks and provide the practical support to make collection happen across multiple methods. You empower the team to grow their confidence in impact measurement through training, clear guidance, and being there alongside them.

You will translate the data we collect into compelling, heartfelt stories that position The Mason Foundation as best practice. You will engage with traditional media and sector publications to showcase our work and support the COO with fundraising by providing the impact evidence that inspires funders and commissioners to collaborate with us.

What We're Looking For

• Methodical approach to collecting data across multiple different methods, understanding what needs to be collected to showcase impact without being burdensome

• Hands on experience supporting frontline teams with data and impact collection, building their confidence and skills

• Ability to design multiple ways of collecting a uniform dataset, recognizing different thinking, processing, and working styles

• Strong storyteller who can make data heartfelt and human whilst maintaining evidence-based rigour

• Experience with traditional media engagement (press releases, media relations) and writing for sector publications

• Understanding of neuroinclusion, community development, or social impact landscapes

• Experience working with CRM systems and ability to lead exploration of accessible data tools

• Empathetic, supportive, highly organised, and self-motivated with ability to work part time hours efficiently in a remote environment

Why Join Us

In return, you get to work for an ambitious, values driven charity making a real difference in the lives of neurodivergent young people. You will have the flexibility of remote working with a flexible working pattern, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata), opportunities to shape our impact story and professional development, and the chance to be part of a neuroinclusive workplace culture where everyone's contributions matter.

Brake is the national, acclaimed charity tackling the daily, horrific carnage of deaths, injuries, and air pollution on roads. Traffic is the biggest killer of young people worldwide, poisoning our lungs and contributing hugely to the climate emergency. Brake’s vision is that people get around in safe and healthy ways. Our values require us to be evidence-based, aim high, and work collaboratively. We have a 30+ year reputation for shouting out for positive change, advising government, encouraging action in communities, and delivering the UK’s National Road Victim Service for bereaved and injured families. We work with schools and families, communities and companies to champion the cause of road safety and raise awareness of key road safety issues.

We are looking for an experienced and ambitious fundraising manager and team leader, with a strong track record across all aspects of community fundraising. You excel in designing and delivering donor journeys that generate six‑figure income and strengthen our campaign voice through collaborative work with a wide range of stakeholders.

Reporting to the Chief operating officer, this role will take responsibility for leading the charity’s Fundraising function, which sits as part of our Income generation team. This role will include delivering toward your own individual targets as well as line management of two team members (Community relationship fundraiser and Events and fundraising officer) to cover all income linked to fundraising (such as community fundraising, company fundraising, Brake led fundraising events, and fundraising attached to Brake campaigns and projects such as Road Safety Week) and may include working with the Corporate partnerships team lead to support other income generating activity.

What we offer

· A generous 35 days of annual leave (including bank holidays and 3-day shutdown period between  Christmas and New Year, pro-rata for part-time working patterns)

· Birthday day off (taken any time)

· Enhanced sick pay and compassionate leave

· Death in service benefit

· Pension

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Flexible working

· A rewarding role with purpose

· Be part of a skilled, friendly team with an engaged Board of Trustees

At Brake, we are committed to creating a truly inclusive workplace where all colleagues feel valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and life experiences, and particularly encourage candidates from the global majority, LGBTQIA+ community, and people with disabilities to apply.

We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our work and enable us to deliver the best possible support to individuals and families affected by road trauma. As a proud Disability Confident employer, we don’t want you to ‘fit’ our culture, we want you to enrich it.

If you are passionate about making a difference and share our vision for a world where no one is killed on our roads, we want to hear from you.

Please note: Due to the nature of our work we can't accept applications from traffic offenders with offences that are unspent. Candidates will be asked to disclose whether they have any unspent points on their licence at interview.

Take a look at our comprehensive job description for more details of this exciting role.

Join us today and be part of the solution!