Strategic communications manager jobs in manchester
Head of Programmes
United Way UK
Home-based with frequent national and international travel and overnight stays around 2-3 times a month. The ideal candidate will be based close to good transport links and able to get to London easily, with access to a car and/or a full clean driving licence
Salary £42,000 - £45,000 based on experience
12-month contract with potential for extension
Full-time, with flexible working
Excellent benefits including annual leave of 25 days per year plus bank holidays, increasing by a day annually for each year of service up to 30 days and 6% employer pension contribution
Charity People are delighted to be partnering with the United Way UK, a charity which believes that all individuals should be empowered through opportunity and resources to reach their true potential, to recruit a Head of Programmes.
United Way is a global organisation that supports local communities around the world in more than 40 different countries. Communities all over the world face similar challenges, but each one requires a unique approach to solving them. United Way UK was established in 2014 and harnessing experience and learnings from United Way Worldwide, UWUK uses local knowledge and global expertise to implement the very best programmes for communities across the UK and is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the times.
Driven by the local community, UWUK works with charity partners, businesses and individuals to provide everything a community needs to thrive (education, financial stability and health), providing support in the form of funds, time and expertise. UWUK funding is privately sourced so that the charity is driving new revenue to the voluntary sector.
The Head of Programmes leads UWUK's talented delivery team and works closely with the CEO on relationship development and strategic planning. As part of a small team (UWUK is currently five staff members), the Head of Programmes will be a strong team player and problem solver, with initiative, reliability and high emotional intelligence.
Key responsibilities
* Programme design, delivery and growth: You ensure the successful delivery of programmes, monitor and report on impact, oversee the budget and ensure compliance with safeguarding, data protection and charity regulations. You will support the growth of programmes by creating, developing and writing proposals, and travel throughout the UK to support project delivery.
* Partnership development: You will scope, develop and secure partnerships across sectors, building and maintaining strong relationships with funders, partners, schools and charities across the UK and support the organisation of fundraising events, campaigns and other fundraising activities.
* Line management: You will line manage the programmes team (x 2 posts), supporting professional development, conducting performance reviews, and promoting strong team moral and wellbeing.
* Operations and strategy: You will support reporting to United Way UK Board of Trustees, United Way Worldwide and UK regulators, as well as work closely with the CEO on strategic planning and implementation.
What we're looking for
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following essential skills and experience:
* Experience in programme management, stakeholder engagement and partnership building, with strong relationship skills combined and a natural ability to cultivate positive relationships with internal stakeholders, charity partners, prospects, funders, corporates, volunteers and internal partners
* Strong project management skills with ability to manage diverse tasks and priorities with attention to detail and accuracy.
* Experience of monitoring and evaluation to collect feedback from stakeholders and continually improve and learn from programmes and report to funders.
* Solid communication skills, in both written and oral English, with the ability to present to stakeholders and write compelling project proposals.
* Experience working in the charity sector or within corporate social responsibility.
* Experience managing staff, including supporting professional development, conducting performance reviews, and promoting strong team moral and wellbeing.
* Experience in volunteering, either working with, or leading volunteer programmes, or being a volunteer.
* Experience either leading or supporting proposal writing for programme delivery.
* Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
* Full driving license.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following personal attributes:
* Self-motivated and results-driven
* Proactive and responsive
* Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
* Collaborative work style and positive team player.
* Commitment to the core mission, values and work of UWUK.
As UWUK is a small organisation, the ideal successful candidate may also have fundraising experience although this is not essential.
The UWUK team are passionate about their mission and delivering results and have a caring, trusting, collaborative and close-knit culture, based on shared values and respect. This role is home-based, but you will be able to travel regularly across the UK, at least 2-3 times a month and be willing and able to easily attend meetings in London on a regular basis. Travel is covered but you will need to be able to be based with easy access to a major transport hub.
How to apply
If you would like to apply, please upload your CV using the link below in the first instance. Jen D'Souza from Charity People will be in touch with the full details about the job and how to apply. The deadline is 9am Tuesday 11 November. The interviews will take place online w/c 24 November. The ideal candidate will be able to start in December and at the latest in mid-January. We will be hosting a webinar on Friday 7 November at 1pm for candidates interested in the role (this will be recorded and shared if you are unable to attend).
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.
Thank you!
Family Support Worker - Greater Manchester
£24,000 pa + Company Car and benefits (including 25 days annual leave, reward scheme and pension)
Greater Manchester region
Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is going through an exciting time where we are growing, with the aim of reaching more families in need.
About the role:
We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker on a full-time basis (35 hours per week), funded by Kentown Support as part of a developing programme delivering high quality wrap-around care and high-quality family support service as part of our Greater Manchester Care Team.
Reporting to the Family Support Manager of the Greater Manchester Care Team and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness.
Having worked in a demanding and emotional environment you have a genuine interest in building supportive relationships and helping people; and having provided bereavement support to families, you understand processes of grief, loss and change - and how best to help others deal with its impact.
What we’re looking for:
· An experienced child health, education or social care professional - applications will be particularly welcome from those who have worked in a community environment and those with a recognised qualification in education, health or social care
· A warm, inclusive approach to achieving goals quickly and correctly
· Practiced in child protection, information sharing and the rules around data protection - you lead by example, drawing on your own professional experience and working within established guidelines
· Practical and people-oriented - you will thrive working at a fast pace whilst maintaining accuracy and be a confident user of IT (including MSOffice)
· A persuasive and open communicator - you will work collaboratively with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service and support fundraising colleagues by writing case studies and family updates
· A practical knowledge of diversity issues affecting children, young people and their families – aware that being responsive to others needs and concerns, is essential.
What we offer:
We are a Best Companies Two-Star rated organisation, an outstanding place to work! We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, including:
· Flexible working hours to balance home and working life
· Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand
· Company car for front line care posts
· 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 years to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)
· Time off in Lieu
· Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts
· Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes
· A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme
· Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year
· Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%
· The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping
· Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth
As part of our learning and development Anne Harris Skills Development Programme, we aim to provide a high level of training and development opportunities for all staff, so you are able to perform to the best of your ability, achieve individual and team objectives aligned to Rainbow Trusts strategic plan, supporting staff to be their best and feel a valued member of a high performing organisation.
Our Family Support Teams are given the opportunity to complete a number of diverse training courses in their first 12 months, including but not limited to: Mental Health First Aid, Makaton, introduction to play, drawing and talking training.
The programme aims to provide a building block for you to individually tailor your own learning and development needs.
About us:
Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.
How to apply:
Please visit our website and apply online.
Please disclose on your application form if you have used AI for any part of your job application.
Interviews will take place at our Greater Manchester Care Team office with the dates to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful. If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know.
There will be a requirement for flexible working and a full current driver’s licence to accommodate team and family need. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.
Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.
Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Thank you!
Together for Short Lives is a charity that makes sure seriously ill children and their families get the care they need, especially at the end of life. We work closely with families, care professionals, and services to improve children’s palliative care. We also speak up to government leaders and decision-makers to help make sure families have access to the best support when they need it.
Please note this a remote role with regular travel across Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria
About the Role
As a Kentown Family Service Coordinator, you will be the first point of contact for families referred into the Kentown programme, helping them navigate health, social care, and voluntary sector services. You will:
- Carry out family needs assessments and co-develop personalised support plans with families.
- Build strong local relationships with health, education, and community services to ensure families can access the help they need.
- Promote the work of the Kentown Programme and Together for Short Lives and raise awareness of children’s palliative care in the region.
- Support family engagement events, training opportunities, and ongoing evaluation of the programme’s impact.
- Work collaboratively with the Kentown team, sharing learning and best practice across regions.
- This is a home-based role with travel across Lancashire, Cumbria, and Manchester.
About You
We’re looking for someone with experience in health, social care, or education who is passionate about supporting families. You will bring:
- Experience working directly with children, young people, or families with complex needs.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills with families and professionals.
- The ability to assess needs, coordinate support, and signpost families to the right services.
- Confidence in collecting feedback and supporting events or activities for families.
- A proactive, compassionate, and organised approach, with good IT and record-keeping skills.
- A full driving licence and willingness to travel are essential.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
We exist to ensure every seriously ill child and their family gets the high-quality children’s palliative and end of life care
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
The role
We are seeking a proactive and technically skilled IT Systems Administrator.
As the IT System Administrator, you will be responsible for the development, administration and optimisation of Cruse’s Microsoft 365 environment and wider IT cloud infrastructure.
Working closely with the Head of IT, and the wider Digital Services team of 5 staff, you will ensure our systems are secure, reliable, and aligned with the needs of our staff and volunteers.
Cruse operates a cloud IT infrastructure providing IT services to staff and volunteers based across the UK and Northern Ireland. Microsoft 365 is the main IT service, but there will also be other IT systems you will need to become familiar with in this role.
Cruse makes use of a managed services IT support provider and numerous application and service provider support teams; you will be required to work with these teams making sure our issues are resolved quickly and with minimum disruption.
As part of your role, you will be involved in BAU and project work and be comfortable with competing priorities and pressures.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting to advance their technical skills and experience. Where they will have input into the development of the IT systems, working with an experienced and dedicated Head of IT and digital team, for a charity that is investing in its digital strategy and services.
How to apply
Your application must consist of a CV and covering letter, which outlines your suitability for the role with reference to the Job Description and Person Specification and should be no longer than two pages.
The closing date for applications is Friday 7th November. We reserve the right to close the advert early, as interviews will be held as suitable candidates apply.
Please be advised that if you do not hear from us by 24th November, unfortunately on this occasion you have not been shortlisted.
Cruse welcomes and encourages applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.
Criminal Record Checks
All staff are required to complete a Criminal Record check. Staff working directly with clients will be required to complete an enhanced check. We comply with the relevant codes of practice, and they can be viewed online:
· Applicants in England and Wales: DBS Code of Practice
· Applicants in Northern Ireland: AccessNI Code of Practice
Previous convictions will not prevent full consideration of your application to work with Cruse. Our Recruitment of Ex-offenders' Policy & Handling Criminal Record Check Data Policy are available on request by email.
We comply with all relevant data protection legislation and process your data fairly.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
About the opportunity
As an Assurance Officer, you'll work in partnership with colleagues across Alzheimer's Society to deliver professional, credible, and valued assurance and counter fraud services. This is a role where your technical skills directly contribute to strengthening the Society's governance, risk management, and control processes, enabling better decision-making and ultimately the successful achievement of our objectives.
You'll be part of our Finance & Assurance directorate, working alongside the Assurance & Counter Fraud Manager to complete risk-based, value-adding assurance work. From conducting internal audit engagements and evaluating the effectiveness of controls to supporting our counter fraud framework and keeping abreast of sector best practices, you'll play a vital role in helping the Society operate safely, legally, and ethically.
This is an opportunity to use your internal audit experience in a mission-driven environment where partnership, collaboration, and continuous improvement are valued. You'll work with stakeholders across the organisation, providing pragmatic recommendations that enhance our operations and reputation while contributing to a year-end audit opinion.
About you:
You're a part-qualified internal auditor or CCAB accountant with proven experience of successfully delivering assurance projects. You understand internal audit methodologies, risk assessment, and control frameworks, and you can plan, test, and document assurance work to deliver credible and timely audit opinions. You're skilled at drafting professional, clear reports that provide real value to stakeholders.
You'll have:
- Part-qualified status as an internal auditor or CCAB accountant.
- Proven experience delivering internal audits, including planning, testing, documentation, and writing reports that stakeholders find genuinely useful.
- Solid understanding of audit methodologies, risk frameworks, and control environments.
- Strong communication skills that balance assertiveness with building relationships and influencing colleagues at all levels.
- Uncompromising integrity and professionalism.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with a critical thinking mindset that spots opportunities for improvement.
- Genuine commitment to developing yourself and supporting others' growth.
What you’ll focus on:
- Delivering professional internal audit arrangements that reflect the organisation's risk profile.
- Helping develop and embed the strategic direction of internal audit, including new ways of working and conformance with professional standards.
- Working on internal audit engagements in line with the audit plan, contributing to the year-end audit opinion.
- Evaluating and providing assurance that internal processes and controls are designed and operating effectively to mitigate risks.
- Providing solution-focused, pragmatic recommendations for improvement.
- Ensuring audit recommendations are tracked and implemented.
- Supporting the maintenance of an effective counter fraud framework and culture.
- Helping maintain a log of fraudulent incidents and supporting investigation work where required.
- Promoting continuous improvement within the Assurance team.
- Keeping abreast of sector best practices and emerging trends in assurance and fraud.
Could your assurance expertise help protect a charity that's changing lives every single day? Are you ready to apply your technical skills in an environment where governance, risk management, and control aren't just compliance exercises - but essential foundations that enable us to deliver help and hope to families facing dementia?
Important Dates
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 9th November.
Interviews will take place virtually on 19th/20th November.
About Alzheimer's Society
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.
At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re the UK’s leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.
Together with our supporters, we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.
Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.
Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.
We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society.
Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee forum and Employee Lived Experience network groups help us promote inclusion and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people.
Our hiring process
During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best. We are working hard to ensure our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible, so please do inform us of your experience and anything you think we could do better by completing our candidate survey when you apply. Please also contact Alzheimer’s Society Talent Acquisition Team via [email protected] for application support or any adjustments you might need.
To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value it truly adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to showcase them in your own voice.
We try to avoid closing roles early where possible, however if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close earlier than the advertised closing date. Should this occur, we will aim to provide you with at least 48 hours' notice.
We are committed to safer recruitment and ensuring the welfare of those we work with, due to the nature of some of our roles, we might need to carry out a DBS check at the relevant level.
Giving back to you
Our employees work hard every day to make a true difference in people's lives. We are proud to support them with a range of benefits, recognition and many options for working agilely, all contributing to a strong work life balance. We also have various learning programmes to support you in your development and help you grow to realise your potential and shape a career with Alzheimer's Society.
You can also visit our Working for Us pages, which give you more information about what it’s like to be an employee at the Society.
Thank you!
About the opportunity
As Treasury and Accounts Receivable Officer within our Finance & Assurance directorate, you'll be at the heart of our financial operations. Ensuring we have the cash flow, systems, and processes that keep the Society running smoothly. This isn't a back-office role; you'll be a highly visible partner working across directorates, building relationships that drive better financial practice and performance throughout the organisation.
You'll lead our Accounts Receivable function and manage our treasury operations. From invoice generation and debt recovery to cash flow forecasting and banking relationships. Using data and metrics as your tools, you'll drive performance improvements while developing our Accounts Assistants team. Your ability to balance rigorous financial control with collaborative partnership will be essential as you help the Society maintain the financial health needed to end the devastation of dementia.
About you:
You're an experienced finance professional who understands that efficient financial transactions are the foundation that allows a charity to maximise its impact. You're passionate about using metrics and data to drive performance, and you can translate complex financial information into clear, practical guidance for diverse audiences. You thrive on continuous improvement and bring fresh thinking to everything you do.
You'll have:
- Experience developing and motivating teams, particularly those early in their careers or undertaking professional qualifications, using a high challenge, high support approach.
- Proven track record in end-to-end financial transactional processes in a large, complex organisation.
- Experience driving quality and performance improvement through data analysis, engaging multiple teams to achieve results.
- Good communication and influencing skills, with proven ability to build effective cross-departmental relationships with budget holders and business partners.
- Experience maintaining fastidious financial records and reports, identifying issues, and developing effective solutions.
- Proficiency in MS Office (particularly Excel) with strong ability to analyse, interpret and present data effectively.
- Understanding of financial accounting systems and how they integrate.
- Training and support to achieve professional qualifications may be offered to the successful candidate. As such, no formal qualifications are essential.
What you’ll focus on:
- Leading and developing our Accounts Assistants, creating a culture of high challenge, high support, and continuous improvement.
- Managing end-to-end accounts receivable processes - from invoice generation and account reconciliation to debt recovery and customer service.
- Owning and reporting on key AR and treasury performance metrics, using data to drive improvements across the Society.
- Monitoring cash position, forecasting cash flow, and managing relationships with financial institutions to support strategic decision-making.
- Streamlining processes and strengthening controls, proactively identifying risks, inefficiencies, and solutions.
Are you ready to drive performance and partnership in financial transactions that enables our teams to focus on ending the devastation of dementia? Can you bring both technical precision and collaborative energy to ensure our financial operations are robust, efficient, and genuinely enabling?
Important Dates
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 2nd November 2025.
Interviews will begin on week commencing 10th November 2025 and will take place virtually.
About Alzheimer's Society
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.
At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re the UK’s leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.
Together with our supporters, we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.
Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.
Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.
We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society.
Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee forum and Employee Lived Experience network groups help us promote inclusion and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people.