Strategic design lead jobs in Manchester

Do you seek to champion a culture where innovation, learning and cross-organisational collaboration become the norm? Connecting insight with action to reduce inequalities and strengthen community connection?

Involve believes that everyone, regardless of the challenges they face, should have the opportunity to thrive. Using both strategic influence and service leadership, as the Head of Adult Services you will lead the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of high-quality, evidence-driven adult adult services rooted in lived experience, community voice and meaningful partnership.

See the vacancies page on our website for full job and person specification. 

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. 

10GM is a partnership that supports the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector right across Greater Manchester. It brings together four local infrastructure organisations — Action Together, Bolton CVS, Manchester Community Central and Salford CVS — who work closely together to champion local voluntary and community action and social enterprise, helping communities thrive across the city‑region.

While this role is based at Action Together, you’ll be working as part of the wider 10GM team, contributing to work that has a Greater Manchester–wide focus and impact across all ten boroughs

GM Head of Programme- Spaces of Hope and Connection 

The role

Thanks to National Lottery players, 10GM, on behalf of Greater Manchester Live Well, will receive £16.5 million over four years from The National Lottery Community Fund, the UK’s largest community funder.

This investment in Live Well Spaces of Hope and Connection will create a network of 100+ inclusive, community-led and owned spaces across Greater Manchester where people can meet, belong and find everyday support.

The Head of Programme will lead and oversee delivery of this large-scale, multi-partner strategic lottery programme, ensuring delivery through funded partners is aligned to the programme’s mission, vision and values, while maintaining strong programme management, compliance and delivery of agreed outcomes.

Working in close partnership with the Strategic Director of 10GM, this role provides senior operational leadership—translating mission, vision and values into clear delivery plans, pace, coordination and assurance across the full programme lifecycle.

The ideal candidate

We are looking for a values‑driven programme leader with experience delivering complex, large-scale programmes through partnerships and/or multi‑stakeholder delivery models. You can translate strategic priorities into clear, accountable delivery plans that balance funder requirements with flexible, community‑led approaches. You will bring strong governance, budget and risk management skills, and are confident working across the VCSE, public sector and communities.

Equity and social justice are central to how you work. You will have experience embedding inclusive, community‑led approaches, using evidence and learning to reduce inequalities and improve impact. Comfortable with complexity and ambiguity, you can communicate clearly, build trusted relationships, and lead teams with a learning‑led, collaborative mindset.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Action Together we value diversity, promote equity and challenge discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.

In order to ensure that our workforce reflects our communities across all levels of seniority, Action Together is offering a guaranteed interview to any candidate who meets the essential criteria listed in the person specification and who is also:

• A disabled person and/or
• A member of a community experiencing racial inequality 

Action Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees to demonstrate this commitment.

Right to work

We do not hold a Sponsor License and are unable to accept applications which require sponsorship to work in the UK

Please note, the successful candidates will be required to undertake a basic Disclosure and barring Service (DBS) check. A positive Disclosure of Offences will not automatically bar an applicant from being appointed and suitable applicants will not be refused employment because of offences that are not relevant.

Location: Flexible with home working option. Regular travel to London. 

Grade: Grade 6 - £44,323.14 pa

Contract: 12 months fixed contract

Hours: 35 (flexible working considered) 

Closing date: Thursday 7th May 2026 at 11:30pm

Do you have proven experience of developing products to take to market, possibly in a fundraising environment, plus great leadership skills and a real appetite for innovation? Then join Shelter as a Innovation Lead and you could soon be playing a key role within our Product Development & Innovation team.

About the role

The role will involve leading the development and continuous improvement of an audience-led innovation framework, designed to grow committed giving and drive income. You will act as the subject matter expert, partnering with senior leaders across Income Generation teams to deliver best in class products aligned with strategic goals, while leading horizon scanning and deliver test and learn trials to establish the potential for innovation projects.

You’ll champion a collaborative matrix working culture within Fundraising and across the organisation and co-create KPI frameworks that enable rapid learning and scaling and use data-driven insights to shape inclusive, high impact products. Alongside overseeing budgets, building robust business cases and supporting long-term financial planning. You will also guide team performance and embed a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across the organisation. 

About you

We’re looking for a confident and adaptable leader who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment and brings strong management experience with the ability to motivate and develop others. You’ll have a proven track record of taking products to market (ideally within fundraising), combined with excellent collaboration, influencing and negotiation skills. Comfortable working in a matrix structure, you’ll be skilled at leading and embedding change, taking calculated risks, and staying ahead of emerging trends through proactive horizon scanning. Above all, you’ll bring a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement, helping drive innovation and high performance across teams.

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

Benefits

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

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

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

About the team

The Product Development & Innovation Team sits within Fundraising Enablement, the function that connects and accelerates all income-generating activity across the organisation. Acting as both strategic partners and innovation drivers, the team works closely with income generation teams to ensure products are insight-led, audience-focused and aligned to strategic priorities, while also leading a forward-thinking innovation agenda that explores new income streams and develops high-value opportunities beyond the existing portfolio.

How to apply 

Please click ‘Apply for Job’ below. You are required to submit your work history and a supporting statement. Please provide specific examples of how you meet the criteria in the 'About you' section of this advert, following the STAR format, and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviours below throughout your responses:

• We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset
• We enable decision-making
• We create change aligned to our strategy

Any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.

About Shelter

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

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

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

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

Safeguarding statement

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

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

Reports toDirector of External Relations

Hours37.5 hours per week 

Salary£56,959.05 - £63,886.54

ContractFixed Term Contract - 12 Months

LocationRemote (with occasional travel across UK) 

BenefitsA generous package including 25 days holiday per year plus public holidays, employee pension scheme with 4% employer contribution, Cycle2Work scheme, 365 days a year Employee Assistance Programme 

About SafeLives

We are SafeLives, the UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone, for good.

We work with organisations across the UK to transform the response to domestic abuse. We want what you would want for your best friend. We listen to survivors, putting their voices at the heart of our thinking. We look at the whole picture for each individual and family to get the right help at the right time to make families everywhere safe and well. And we challenge perpetrators to change, asking ‘why doesn’t he stop?’ rather than ‘why doesn’t she leave?’ This applies whatever the gender of the victim or perpetrator and whatever the nature of their relationship.

Last year alone, we delivered more than 700 sessions to over 15,000 learners across the UK in policing, health, housing, justice, education and the specialist sector. And we have reached 90,000 adult and 100,000 child survivors through programmes designed and delivered with partners.

In the last 9 years, close to 7,000 perpetrators have been challenged and supported to change through flagship interventions developed by our Drive Partnership and the programme continues to expand year on year.

Together we can end domestic abuse. Forever. For everyone.

Description

You will provide strong and steady leadership for SafeLives’ communications, marketing and public affairs work over the next year, communicating our Whole Picture Strategy, finding what works and helping it happen to end domestic abuse for everyone for good.

You will shape and deliver strategic communications and influencing work to reach decision-makers, strengthen public trust, and support our mission to drive real change in the UK’s domestic abuse response.

You will be able bring to together robust data, the voice of survivors, and the view of practice experts to position SafeLives at the centre of the conversation with professionals, key policy and decision makers and influencers as a credible and trusted voice.

You’ll lead a cross-functional team of comms, marketing and public affairs colleagues to:

• Strengthen core messaging and consistency around our Whole Picture strategy and the WP Framework, to support delivery and impact
• maintain our communications and marketing and our brand
• provide oversight of our influencing through policy and public affairs, working with senior colleagues where escalation is required
• support income generation through targeted marketing, and support for fundraising
• ensure we are sharing evidence, data and research in support of our strategy

You will connect reactive work with long-term strategic priorities, ensuring our external engagement supports our strategic priorities, policy goals, and income generation ambitions. And you will lead high-quality responses to breaking news and emerging issues, providing clear strategic advice to the Senior Leadership Team and acting as a trusted lead on reputational risk.

You will ensure SafeLives is visible, authoritative and survivor-centred in public and policy conversations, with timely responses, briefings and support, ensuring our communications and influencing are clear, consistent and drive impact.

You will work with our training, practice, and fundraising teams to drive our business development and income generation, as well as helping us to understand all our audiences and better meet their needs.

And as part of the Operational Management Team (OMT), you’ll work closely with colleagues to ensure an inclusive and supportive organisational culture, role modelling our values.

Undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required.

Responsibilities

1. Leadership

·Provide calm, structured and values-led leadership across the Comms, Marketing and Public Affairs team.

·Ensure reliable systems, processes and workflows for communications, marketing and public affairs.

·Set expectations, priorities and working rhythms that bring stability and clarity to the team.

·Promote a supportive, inclusive and collaborative culture with clear communication channels.

2. Core Narrative, Messaging and Evidence Sharing

·Lead the development of SafeLives’ core messages, ensuring they are used consistently across all teams, and the development of our influencing asks.

·Translate SafeLives’ research, data and evidence into accessible, impactful content for external audiences, including practitioners, policy and decision makers.

·Ensure all outputs are survivor‑centred, values‑aligned and evidence‑led

·Develop our brand to reflect our approach to equity, equality, diversity and inclusion and in line with our values - human, rigorous, brave and inclusive.

·Oversee production of communications, marketing and policy materials that help to amplify our Whole Picture strategy and our related priorities.

3. Communications and Media Leadership

·Lead SafeLives’ overall communications strategy and activity.

·Oversee media relations, with strong focus on clear messaging and reputational resilience.

·Implement rapid-response and crisis‑comms protocols with clear escalation to Directors.

·Lead the development and management of our website, digital channels and content strategy.

·Ensure SafeLives is timely, authoritative and survivor‑centred in its external interventions.

4. Marketing and Audience Engagement

·Lead marketing strategy to support:

·Statutory and voluntary income generation

·Training uptake

·Consultancy and practice development

·Fundraising and supporter engagement

·Strengthen audience insight, segmentation and targeting.

·Oversee campaigns that bring SafeLives’ strategy and evidence to life and drive measurable action.

·Ensure that communication and marketing resources are used effectively to support business development.

5. Public Affairs and Policy

·Provide strategic alignment between SafeLives’ core messaging and evidence sharing and our influencing work

·Ensure public affairs activities and outputs (briefings, consultations, correspondence) are clear, accurate and consistent with SafeLives’ communications approach.

·Maintain awareness of political and policy developments relevant to SafeLives’ mission, advising Directors on risks and opportunities for influencing, working with colleagues across the organisation to develop policy.

·Senior level engagement will be led by Directors, as needed, with this role and the public affairs team leading stakeholder engagement and supporting preparation, messaging and follow‑up.

6. Planning, Governance and Performance

·Lead forward planning for all communications, marketing and public affairs activity.

·Set realistic, measurable KPIs that support the delivery of our comms and influencing strategy and our income generation.

·Embed continuous improvement processes and ensure compliance with GDPR and data protection.

·Oversee budgets for communications, marketing and public affairs, ensuring value for money and resource prioritisation.

7. Authentic Voice

·Ensure that the voices, experiences and priorities of survivors remain at the heart of all external communications.

·Support colleagues and Pioneers who use lived experience in SafeLives’ work in a trauma‑informed and respectful way.

Person Specification

Experience

·Strategic communications, including influencing, brand/profile raising, media relations and reputation management in complex, high profile environments (E)

·Media relations, including securing high quality coverage and rapid-response experience (E)

·Developing and delivering effective communications and marketing cmapaigns, including support for fundraising and income generation (E)

·Digital communications across owned, earned and paid media (E)

·Experience using data, research and evidence to inform communications, influencing and storytelling (E)

·Understanding of public affairs or policy environments within the social sector (D/E)

·Leadership and people development, ideally across multi-disciplinary teams (E)

·Influencing professional and policy audiences through clear, impactful communications, information and guidance (E)

·Working with people affected by domestic abuse to support storytelling and influence change (D)

Skills

·Confident in providing strategic communications advice aligned with organisational strategy and policy priorities (E)

·Exceptional written, oral and influencing skills, including excellent writing and editing ability (E)

·Strong political and media awareness

·Excellent judgement under pressure, making sound, values‑led decisions at pace (E)

·Ability to turn complex and fast‑moving information into clear messaging for different audiences, particularly professional and policy maker audiences (E)

·Strong issue and risk management in sensitive public contexts (E)

·Excellent digital and social media skills (E)

·Strong analytical skills to design and deliver campaigns (E)

·Numerate, with experience preparing and managing budgets (E)

·Strong planning, prioritisation and ability to meet multiple deadlines (E)

·Able to identify problems early and propose solutions (E)

·Commitment to equity, equality, diversity and inclusion (E)

·Commitment to ending domestic abuse (E)

Competencies

Leadership, organisational and strategic awareness 

·Inspires trust and confidence in others 

·Commitment to SafeLives’ values – Human, Rigorous, Inclusive and Brave - underpins all actions and decisions 

·Remains calm, decisive and collaborative in fast-moving situations, while maintaining message clarity, survivor focus and organisational credibility

·Demonstrates an understanding of how your own role contributes to achieving SafeLives’ goals 

·Is responsive to change which helps achieve goals

·Pursues tasks/goals with energy, drive and need for completion 

Teamwork & collaboration 

·Fosters an inclusive working environment so that others can contribute effectively 

·Supports colleagues in demanding situations, recognises the importance of well-being in self and others, accepts help and support from other team members 

·Listens to the views of others and shows flexibility in working with collective decisions 

People management and decision making 

·Ability to lead and manage effective teams and create an inventive, responsible and generous team culture 

·Strong focus on quality, performance and impact 

·Coaches staff to reach their full potential 

·Makes effective decisions on a timely basis 

·Judgement and problem solving is based on identifying outcomes and victim focus 

Communications and relationship management 

·Communicate with energy and direction 

·Ability to build strong and effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders 

·Promote and contribute to cross team working 

·Speaks and writes clearly and effectively and in a timely manner, tailoring communication to suit the audience 

·Maintains confidentiality 

Delivering quality 

·Self-starter with the ability to use initiative and judgement to identify problems and propose solutions 

·Excellent organisational skills including the ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines 

·Takes responsibility for own workload, acts on own initiative, seeks feedback from others, evaluates own performance and then acts upon it 

·Tries out new ideas and ways of working and identifies and shares learning 

Influence 

·Inspires confidence and trust– demonstrating high standards of integrity, honesty and fairness 

·Actively engages the knowledge, ideas and contributions of others 

·Uses appropriate techniques to influence others 

For more than 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has helped the military community succeed beyond service – building careers, shaping futures, and living with purpose. Last year, we provided dedicated and specialist employment and justice support to over 23,000 people to create careers and long-term stability.

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Are you a passionate leader with a commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community? We’re looking for an experienced and driven individual to lead and shape our national employment support service, helping veterans and their families build meaningful and sustainable careers.

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This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-performing team, influence strategy, and make a real difference across the UK.

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Brief role description

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The Programme Manager plays a pivotal leadership role in delivering the Forces Employment Charity’s Ex-Forces Employment Charity Programme. This programme provides regionally-based, comprehensive employment support to all who have served in HM Armed Forces, ensuring personal and locally informed guidance for veterans seeking employment or career change.

Working closely with the Director of Veterans and Families Employment, the Programme Manager drives operational excellence, strengthens service consistency across the UK, and represents the charity’s employment offer in the devolved nations. They ensure that our national network of Advisors is supported, empowered, and aligned to strategic goals, enabling the very best outcomes for the veteran community.

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It’s essential that they have experience managing multi-site or national teams, alongside a strong understanding of employment support or careers guidance. They will be confident working with a range of stakeholders, able to use data to inform decisions, and an excellent communicator. Strong IT skills and a genuine commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community are also key.

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Ideally, they will bring experience from the veterans or employability sector, along with some understanding of devolved nation policy or frameworks such as safeguarding or vocational training.

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This role requires an Enhanced DBS check.

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Interested? Want to know more about the Charity? Check our website.

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Eager to know more the role? Have a look at the Job Description.

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What’s in it for you? Check out our Benefits.

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Have we convinced you to apply? If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by closing date Wednesday, 6 May 2026.

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Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made The People Team aware before applying.

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We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop, and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

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We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

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#LI-DNI

Government and Multi-Lateral Funding Manager

12-month Fixed Term Contract. Full Time. Hybrid working (2 days per week in the office)

Location: This role can be based in any of our UK offices - Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Warrington

Salary: £48,576 per year for Cardiff, Edinburgh, Warrington. £53,459 per year for London (including London allowance)

If we receive a high volume of applications, we reserve the right to close the advert before the scheduled closing date. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to apply at their earliest convenience. 

About us

Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We are a global movement of people, churches and local organisations who passionately champion dignity, equality and justice worldwide. We are the changemakers, the peacemakers, the mighty of heart.

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and recognise the value this brings in forming strong, creative and high performing teams. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, and from those with experience from outside of the voluntary sector. And no, you don’t have to be Christian to work here – we encourage people of all faiths and none to apply. We just ask that everyone lives out our values of dignity, equality, justice and love. We value a good work-life balance, so we’re open to part-time and flexible working. We also offer hybrid working for our office-based colleagues.

About the role

Reporting in to the partnership and and Business Development Lead, the Government and Multi-lateral Funding Manager will drive substantial growth in income and impact outcomes by actively engaging and cultivating strong relationships with existing and new Institutional funding partners, cocreating and bidding with our Multi-Country Clusters (MCC’s) and Global Programmes teams.

The post-holder co-leads and delivers on the government and multilateral funding strategy for Christian Aid positioning Christian Aid and its partners to secure multi-million awards to maximise impact.

Some of the main responsibilities of the Government and Multi-lateral Funding Manager includes:

• Working with Partnerships and Business Development Lead and Heads of Impact to implement an ambitious strategic framework to enhance engagement and build strong partnerships with agreed Government and Multilateral Funding Partners (including Global Climate Funds, UN, World Bank, Regional Development Banks, Bilateral donors including UK and devolved Governments, European and other Governments) setting clear objectives and key areas for collaboration, ensuring alignment with organisational
  goals to drive impactful results.
• Acquire, develop and retain key agreed Government and Multi-lateral donor relationships and strategic partnerships by building a wide network of contacts and funding relationships across Government Departments.
• Build and maintain a forward opportunity pipeline for Christian Aid’s institutional funding, collaborating closely with CA Ireland to maximise funding growth.
• Oversee agreed Supplier Framework Agreements working with MCC Business Development Managers in taking forward pipeline opportunities.
• Collaborate across the Partnerships and Business Development Team and MCC BD Team on tenders and grants, leading bid preparation and ensuring alignment with funding requirements.
• Collaborate with Impact colleagues to onboard new programs, including with MCC Contracts and Portfolio Managers.
• Develop and proactively pitch new strategic Signature Programmes in agreement with Directors and MCCs.
• This level role may include line management responsibilities of an advisor level role.

About you

Who we are looking for:

Essential:

• Highly developed communication, networking, consulting and relationship-building skills, including but not limited to Government Departments, INGOs, NGOs and Private Sector and country missions
• Highly developed interpersonal skills at senior levels with advanced negotiation and conflict resolution abilities.
• Highly developed research skills for identifying strategic funding and partnership opportunities.
• Highly developed organisational, planning, and prioritisation abilities.
• Substantial knowledge and experience of humanitarian programming and humanitarian donor funding modalities with UN, EU and bilateral donors and/or international climate funding architecture, Global Climate Funds, donor accreditation and management modalities.
• Developed skills and experience in strategy development, decision-making, and managing high-pressure situations.
• Substantial experience and a proven track record of securing multiple multi-million-pound grants.
• Substantial experience with project design, as well as monitoring and evaluation tools.
• Substantial experience in developing, writing, and budgeting technical grant and service contract bids, and strong excel and budgeting skills.
• Detailed understanding and knowledge of institutional donor programming and partnership models, especially with Governments and Multilateral donors.

Desirable:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education.
• Developed in synthesising complex information.
• Demonstrable experience in line management and managing teams remotely and providing coaching support.
• Medium level proficiency in speaking and writing in French or Spanish.
• Understanding in negotiating government grant and supplier contracts, including compliance agreements.

Further information

At Christian Aid we strive to be an inclusive and diverse employer and recognise the value that this brings in helping to build strong, creative and high performing teams.

We are actively encouraging racialised minorities, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, returning parents or carers who are re-entering work after a career break, people with caring responsibilities, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, women, and older workers to apply. This is because these groups are under-represented within our teams, especially at senior level, and we recognise and value the contributions members of these groups make to strong, creative and high performing teams. 

We have a strong Christian ethos and we encourage applications from all faiths. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of and sympathy with Christian Aid’s faith identity. 

All successful candidates will require a DBS/police check appropriate to the role and location and a Counter Terrorism Sanction check as part of your clearance for commencing your role with us. We also participate in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  In line with this Scheme, we will request information as part of the referencing process from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

This role requires applicants to have the right to live and work in the country where this position is based and undertake the role that you have been offered. If you are successful and we make you an offer for the role, we will be required to conduct a right to work check on your immigration status in the UK. We will contact you regarding the documentation you will need to provide to evidence this. 

Little Village makes a big difference to families with babies and young children living in poverty across London. Via its network of baby banks and partners such as Family Hubs, community organisations and all of London’s maternity units, the charity passes on pre-loved goods from one family to another – clothes, toys and equipment – so that many more children have the essential things they need to thrive.

Families are supported through welcoming hubs or home deliveries, and connected into a wider network of support in community settings, while Little Village also raises its voice to highlight the realities of child poverty.

Little Village is entering an exciting new phase as it approaches its 10-year milestone and prepares to launch its next strategy. QuarterFive are partneruing with Little Villag to find a Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications to play a central role in shaping its future – leading how the organisation grows income, strengthens its brand and amplifies its voice. Sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead a newly integrated fundraising, marketing and communications department, driving a cohesive, high-performing function and building on strong foundations to deliver a more strategic, scalable and insight-led approach.

With an income base with high potential for growth and particular strength in high-value fundraising, there is significant opportunity to grow and diversify income further, while also increasing visibility and influence at a time when public awareness of child poverty is rising.

We are looking for a strategic and hands-on leader with a track record in delivering income growth. You will be motivated by impact and excited to help drive Little Village’s next phase, strengthening long-term income and increasing its influence.

This role is home-based with regular travel to Little Village hubs across London. Core hours: 09:30-15:00. Weekly or fortnightly team and SLT meetings in London plus other meetings as needed.

As Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications, you will:

• Lead and deliver an integrated fundraising, marketing and communications strategy aligned to organisational priorities
• Set and achieve ambitious income targets across multiple streams, including high-value philanthropy and partnerships
• Develop a more structured, data-informed approach to fundraising, including pipelines, forecasting and performance management
• Oversee brand and communications, ensuring a clear, compelling and consistent narrative
• Build and steward relationships with major donors, partners and senior stakeholders
• Act as a senior ambassador, raising Little Village’s profile and influence
• Lead and develop a high-performing, collaborative team

Essential skills and experience:

• A strong track record of developing and delivering successful multi-stream fundraising strategies, weighted towards high value income streams including major donors, corporates, and trusts and foundations
• Proven success in securing significant and multi-year funding
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Exposure to or interest in mass fundraising
• Strong financial, forecasting and pipeline management skills
• Expertise in working with senior stakeholders/volunteers, ideally including reporting to Committees and Trustee boards
• A successful track record of involvement in launching, managing, and evaluating campaigns
• Strong understanding of brand management, digital engagement, and integrated campaigns across multiple channels
• Understanding of digital transformation, including CRM/data integration, marketing automation, and analytics
• A data-informed approach, with experience using insight and systems to drive performance
• Excellent influencing, relationship-building and storytelling skills

Desirable:

• Experience leading an integrated fundraising and communications function within a frontline charity
• Experience of using Beacon CRM
• Lived or personal experience of the issues faced by the families Little Village supports

Diversity and Inclusion:

Little Village operates in London, one of the most diverse cities in the world. The charity are working towards a goal where their team fully reflects that diversity and difference in lived experiences and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups including: people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with lived experience of poverty either personally or through family, experience of the care system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates. As part of their commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed without names and any protected characteristics.

As part of our commitment to increasing representation of people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, we are piloting a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for this role, as a new approach to make our recruitment more equitable. If you identify as Black, Asian or other Minority Ethnic backgrounds and meet the essential criteria for the role, you can choose to opt in to the GIS. We will be aiming to offer everyone who opts into the scheme and meets the essential criteria a first stage interview/ assessment. See the applicant pack for further details.

Employee benefits include:

• 25 days per year annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for those working fewer than 35 hours per week)
• Team members are usually given time off between Christmas and New Year, which doesn’t come off your allowance
• Pension contributions matched by 3%
• A period of sick leave at full pay regardless of length of service
• Enhanced family friendly policies including Maternity, Paternity, Shared Parental Leave and Adoption pay, with a Fertility Policy designed to support employees during fertility investigations and treatment
• Death in Service benefit (x3 annual salary)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Rewards Gateway and Tickets for Good

Research Grants Manager

We’re looking for a Research Grants Manager to join the team.

Applications from individuals who are seeking flexible working options, including reduced hours or job shares are welcomed.

Position: CE401 Research Grants Manager

Location: Home-based, UK nationwide however, occasional travel will be required as part of this role (may include team meetings or other work-related meetings)

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week

Salary: Circa £47,000 per annum (inner London weighting £3,950 per annum or outer London weighting £2,475 per annum may be applied in accordance to where you live)

Contract: Permanent

Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (this will increase with service up to 30 days, full time equivalent) cashback and discount scheme, employee assistance programme, learning and development, pension scheme, Life Assurance, Eye Care vouchers, Long Service Award, Tax-free childcare, Health Cash Plan, Working Pattern Agreement, flexible working opportunities available.

Closing Date: 8 May 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

Interview Date: 20 May 2026

The Role

The Research Grants Manager leads the design, delivery and governance of the Association’s research funding portfolio. The role ensures that all Association funded research schemes, including fellowships and project grants, are strategically configured, rigorously governed and effectively delivered in line with the Association’s Research Strategy.

The role will ensure that research funding schemes are aligned with external research developments and designed to maximise long-term impact. The role includes formal accountability for embedding high-quality, inclusive and structured lived experience participation within research funding processes.

The Research Grants Manager is the organisational lead for research funding operations, ensuring the Association maintains a sector-leading, transparent and strategically focused funding programme.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Lead the design and operational delivery of Association research funding, including fellowships and project grant schemes.
• Accountable for the governance of funding mechanisms, ensuring fairness, compliance with governance standards and integration within existing research management systems.
• Management of expert review and award decision processes, ensuring robust scientific assessment, transparent decision-making and strategic alignment with organisational priorities.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality and inclusive lived experience involvement within research funding processes.
• Provide authoritative insight about Association funded research to communications, fundraising, policy and service development colleagues to assist with media and fundraising opportunities.
• Contribute to effective financial planning and budget monitoring across all funding schemes, including forecasting, risk management and reporting.

About You

You will:

• Be educated to post graduate level in a science, health, social science or related discipline
• Have experience of research management in a life science setting, including management of research funding award cycles

To fulfil the role, you must be a resident of the UK and have the right to work in the UK

Please state any preferences for flexible options in your covering letter.

Finding strength through support

The organisation is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. Providing tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke. 

They are here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life.

It’s only thanks to the generosity of supporters and donors that they can provide vital support. 

The Association is driven by an ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means they’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by an approach to solving inequity in stroke, the team are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across the charity.

The charity are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Association and are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how the organisation work.

A Disability Confident employer, the organisation is making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work.

You may also have experience in areas such as Research and Grants Manager, Research Manager, Grants Manager, Scientific Research, Health, Social Science, Social Science Research.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy levels amongst people in the criminal justice system?

We’ve made substantial progress in recent years, with improvements and expansions to our delivery model and significant growth in our staff team. In Spring 2026, we will launch our refreshed organisational strategy, which will shape our work over the next three years and beyond. To support this growth, we are recruiting for a full time National Director of Operations to lead our delivery across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and emerging community settings, with an ambition to reach Scotland. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in scaling our impact and strengthening our presence across the criminal justice system and beyond.

As National Director of Operations, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for our learning programmes in prisons and community settings. You will ensure high‑quality, consistent and accessible delivery, overseeing a team of six Regional Managers and a wider workforce of around 65 staff, volunteers and over 2,000 peer mentors trained each year.

Working closely with senior colleagues, partner organisations and national bodies such as HMPPS, you will drive programme excellence, innovation and partnership working. You will also play a key role in new business development, operational strategy, contractual delivery and ensuring we can reliably demonstrate the impact of our work.

The role requires an experienced operational leader with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for people facing disadvantage. You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience in a complex, multi‑site environment.
• A track record of delivering large-scale programmes and leading distributed teams.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem‑solving and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience working with statutory bodies or large public-sector partners (e.g. HMPPS).
• Excellent judgement, communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels.
• Understanding of the criminal justice system, safeguarding, or alternative education environments (desirable).
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style aligned with Shannon Trust’s values.

We want to hear from applicants who are as committed to the cause as we are.

This is a home-based role but will require travel around the UK including overnight stays. This role is 5 days per week (35 hours) with working days/hours to be mutually agreed in line with business needs.

Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. This role does require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Interviews, which will be held online, are planned for the w/c 18th May.

Communications Manager 

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Communications Manager to help bring our mission and impact to life.

Reporting to the Head of Communications & Transformation, you’ll lead on high-quality, engaging communications that support our programmes, partnerships and organisational goals.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering social media content and managing day-to-day channels
• Producing compelling written, visual and video content, including impact case studies
• Copywriting for our website, email campaigns and publications
• Delivering internal communications to support colleague engagement
• Supporting stakeholder communications and marketing campaigns
• Developing and implementing brand assets 

About you

You’ll be an experienced communications professional, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple priorities. You’ll bring creativity, strong organisational skills and a passion for social impact.

Essential experience includes:

• Experince of working in an internal communications-based role
• Excellent planning and project management skills
• Strong writing, editing and visual content skills
• Experience managing social media channels
• Video editing skills (Adobe Premiere Pro)
• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Experience with email platforms such as Campaign Monitor (or similar)

For full details of the role and our rewards and benefits package, please view the candidate pack.

How to apply

Please apply via CharityJob with your CV and a cover letter.

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 5 May at 9am
Interviews: Interviews are intended to take place week commencing 18 May

We are Gingerbread. We’re here to fight for single parents and their families.

We campaign against the injustices that single parents face every single day, and we challenge the stigmas around being a single parent. We provide information to support all single parents so that they have the tools to support their children and themselves. And we provide a support network so that, with Gingerbread, no single parent is ever alone.

Join us today. Together, we can create a world where all single parents and their children don’t just survive but thrive.

Why join Gingerbread?

The work we do has a real impact. We make a difference in the lives of single parents. We do this through collaborative, focused working. We care passionately about the work we do, and we care for each other.

Overview of Job

The Fundraising Manager will play a key role in developing and delivering Gingerbread’s fundraising plans. The role leads our trusts and grants programme, producing strong, well‑evidenced proposals, building positive relationships with funders and ensuring our reporting clearly reflects our impact. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, they will help ensure fundraising is embedded in our work and aligned with Gingerbread’s strategic goals.

For more information about the role, please see the Advert Pack.

Key information

Location: Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle, Nottingham, or London

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full time)

Start date: ASAP (we are happy to work with notice periods)

Duration: Permanent

Salary: £41,905 - £45,090 per annum if based in London. £39,255 - £42,440 per annum if based in Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle or Nottingham, plus a £312 yearly tax-free work from home allowance.

Application deadline: Monday 11th May 2026

This application process will consist of 3 stages: Written application, Telephone interview and Assessment Centre (interview & presentation).

Role Summary

As a Senior Partnerships Manager at upReach, you will play a strategic leadership role in shaping the growth, quality, and impact of our partnerships at upReach.

Reporting to the Head of Partnerships within the Income Generation and External Engagement team, you will take strategic ownership of a portfolio of high-value partnerships (5, 6, and 7-figure) within the Tech and STEM sectors, alongside building crucial new partnerships in the sector. Moreover, you will have responsibility for delegated projects that strengthen our partnership strategy and visibility, you will line-manage members of the partnerships team, providing coaching, direction, and support to ensure the team consistently delivers high standards of stewardship, innovation, and income generation.

You’ll act as a senior representative of upReach, cultivating relationships with high-level external stakeholders, championing collaboration across internal teams and identifying new opportunities to raise the visibility and influence of upReach to help drive our mission.

Core Responsibilities

You will play a critical leadership role in advancing upReach’s mission by shaping and scaling high-impact, income-generating partnerships with top employers committed to social mobility. You will lead on delegated strategy projects, mentor and manage members of the partnerships team, and play a key role in upReach’s organisational growth and influence.

Your work will directly support the charity’s strategic partnership priorities: driving sustainable income growth, enhancing partnership impact, and increasing our brand visibility. This role offers scope to lead complex partnerships, influence internal strategy, and champion innovation in partnership delivery. While not exhaustive, your key areas of responsibility include:

Leadership of Employer Partnerships

• Lead the strategic management and growth of a portfolio of high-value, multi-year partnerships in Tech and STEM, ensuring strong alignment with upReach’s mission and priorities.

• Oversee the quality and consistency of partnership engagement across the team, including partnership health reviews, ensuring best-in-class stewardship and measurable partner outcomes aligned with the Partnerships team's OKRs.

• Identify opportunities to deepen relationships, co-create new initiatives, and embed partners in long-term collaboration with upReach.

• Working closely with upReach’s Programme teams to ensure partnerships and programmes are delivered to a high standard.

Develop and Secure New Partnerships

• Proactively identify, cultivate, and convert a pipeline of four-seven figure prospective partnerships aligned with upReach’s mission and strategic goals.

• Lead high-quality prospecting and relationship-building activity, targeting income-generating partnerships that also deliver high-impact opportunities for Associates.

• Build strong relationships with key contacts at potential partners, including senior stakeholders within your sectors, through regular in-person and virtual meetings.

• Deliver compelling, insight-driven proposals and presentations tailored to organisational priorities and demonstrating mutual value.

Strategic Development

• Support the Head of Partnerships in setting partnership strategy and income targets, and contribute to organisational planning and forecasting.

• Analyse market trends to identify emerging opportunities and inform the evolution of upReach’s partnership offer.

• Contribute to the design and implementation of new strategic initiatives that enhance income diversification and partnership sustainability.

• Work cross-functionally to ensure partnership activity is evidence-led, data-informed, and aligned to organisational objectives.

Management within the Partnerships Team

• Line manage a Junior Partnerships Manager, supporting their professional development and building team capabilities.

• Provide leadership and guidance in managing complex partnerships, offer escalation support, and ensure strategic consistency.

• Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture that values innovation, accountability, and shared success.

• Champion continuous improvement across the team, ensuring processes, tools, and resources support efficiency and growth.

Stakeholder Representation and Engagement

• Deputise, where required, for the Head of Partnerships as a senior representative of upReach at external meetings, conferences, and industry events, building influence and credibility across the social mobility landscape.

• Develop relationships with senior external stakeholders, including executive sponsors, industry leaders, and cross-sector collaborators.

• Serve as an ambassador for upReach’s mission, promoting our partnership approach and outcomes to new and existing audiences.

• Use insight from partner feedback to inform organisational strategy and continuous improvement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Innovation

• Collaborate with Programme, Finance, Marketing, and Impact teams to ensure partnership activities are well-integrated, efficient, and mission-aligned.

• Support the continuous improvement of internal systems (CRM, contracting, invoicing, and reporting) to enable effective delivery and forecasting.

• Partner with Marketing & Communications to design and deliver strategic campaigns, thought leadership, and storytelling that elevate upReach’s employer partnerships nationally.

• Lead or contribute to cross-organisational projects that enhance income generation, innovation, or partnership experience.

• Uphold upReach’s legal, ethical, and data protection responsibilities in all partnership activity.

Skills and Experience

• The ideal candidate for the Senior Partnerships Manager should display these behavioural skills:

• Exceptional organisational and project management skills, with the ability to lead complex projects and manage multiple strategic priorities autonomously.

• Confident and pragmatic decision-maker who exercises sound judgment and provides strategic direction in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience leading employer engagement, account management, new business development, or fundraising activity within a purpose-driven, education, or social mobility context.

• Proven ability to design and deliver partnership growth strategies that deepen engagement, generate mutual value, and contribute to organisational goals.

• Skilled communicator and influencer, capable of articulating complex ideas clearly and persuasively through written reports, presentations, and external representation.

• Collaborative leader with experience guiding and supporting colleagues across teams and functions to deliver shared objectives and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

• Proficient in using CRM or data management systems to oversee pipelines, generate insights, and inform strategic decision-making.

Desirable

• Strong understanding of ED&I, CSR, or early careers recruitment priorities and how they inform partnership strategy.
• Experience collaborating with marketing and communications teams to create strategic campaigns or content that enhances employer visibility and engagement.
• Experience in management or mentoring others to develop partnership capability and performance.

Team Culture & Benefits: 

We offer: 

• Flexible and hybrid working.

• Statutory Holiday Entitlement of 25 days and bank holidays. This increases to 2 additional days after 2.5 years and then to 3 additional days after 5 years of working with us. 

• Birthday leave and Volunteering leave

• Enhanced Parental Leave beyond statutory requirements for all team members. 

• 3% Pension Contribution, which increased to 5% after 5 years of working with us. 

• Cycle-to-work scheme.

• Monthly socials and annual wellbeing days

• Dedication to Staff Wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aid Training. 

• Personal Development Budget, activated after 6 months in the role.

• The opportunity to participate in our fantastic staff networks: 

  • Disability and Inclusion Network

  • Diverse Roots Network 

  • Green Network 

  • LGBTQ+ Network

  • Mindfulness Network

  • Parents and Carers Network

  • (Im)Migrants Network 

Ready to apply?

We are committed to making our recruitment process inclusive. All applications will be blind screened, and our job packs are available in Braille, large text or another format upon request. We can provide reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment application process and on the job, and we'll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible.

Applications close on Monday 11th May at 12pm.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

At upReach, we are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate in employment matters on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, social background or any other protected class. We celebrate and value the diverse perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our team. We are passionate about creating a workplace that is inclusive and reflects the diversity of communities across the UK. Diversity in the workplace creates dynamic and effective organisations and we are actively working to build a more inclusive workforce by continuously improving our recruitment, retention, and development practices. We  encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, those with disabilities , those who are care-experienced, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and those who are LGBTQIA+.

Location: United Kingdom, homebased with regular travel for meetings 
Contract: 1-year fixed term, Full-Time 35 hours position
Salary: Circa £45,000 per annum dependent on experience 
Excellent benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 28 days after 2 years, 30 days after 5 years. Enhanced maternity and paternity leave, employee assistance programme.  New joiners are also given access to personalised coaching through More Happi to support your transition into your new role. 

About us: 

Since 1958 International Cat Care (iCatCare) has been advancing the care of cats worldwide by sharing evidence-based expertise, as well as inspiring individuals and communities to drive change in the understanding, treatment and respect of cats. 

We have achieved this by providing cat caregivers, veterinary professionals and those working with unowned cats, with evidence-based, practical information, and the guidance and support they need to improve cat welfare. With better understanding of the species and their individual needs, we believe we can change the lives of millions of cats globally. 

About the role: 

We’re looking for an Accreditation & Licensing Advisor to support the review and development of iCatCare’s Cat Friendly accreditation and licensing schemes (Cat Friendly Clinic, Cat Friendly Homing, Easy to Give and Cat Friendly Approved) This role plays a key part in ensuring our programmes are strategically aligned, operationally effective, and deliver measurable impact for cat welfare. 

You’ll work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to strengthen standards, improve processes, and help ensure our schemes are sustainable, robust, and internationally relevant. 

Key responsibilities 

• Contribute to the review and development of accreditation and licensing schemes, from application through to assessment and renewal 

• Monitor emerging global standards, legislation, and research relevant to animal welfare accreditation 

• Conduct competitor and sector analysis to inform scheme development 

• Support the creation of clear policies, procedures, guidance, and implementation plans 

• Work with data and digital teams to improve systems, reporting, and efficiency 

• Coordinate timelines, manage budgets, and identify risks and opportunities 

• Support stakeholder engagement, including scheme participants, sponsors, and partners 

• Gather, analyse, and report on data for accreditation submissions, performance monitoring, and impact measurement 

• Support financial modelling, reporting dashboards, and impact reports 

• Contribute to funding and sponsorship development alongside fundraising colleagues 

About You: 

You’ll bring experience in accreditation, licensing, quality management, compliance, or a related field, with a strong appreciation of the challenges involved in operating international accreditation and/or licensing programmes. You’ll be highly organised, comfortable managing multiple priorities, and confident working independently as well as collaboratively. 

You’ll communicate clearly and thoughtfully, build positive working relationships, and feel confident using data and digital tools to support decision making and reporting. Above all, you’ll be motivated by purpose and shared values, with a genuine commitment to improving cat welfare. 

This is a meaningful opportunity to play a part in improving the lives of cats worldwide, within a supportive, values driven charity where collaboration, learning, and impact matter. 

Closing Date: midnight 30th April
Face to face Interviews: 12th/13th May location TBC

iCatCare actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. Our application process is non-bias. 

We match charity needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of 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.