Strategic partnership manager jobs

What you’ll be doing 

• Leading a high performing team, providing organisational leadership and working with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we achieve our shared aims.

• Setting the strategic direction for our content and channel activity ensuring it aligns with organisational priorities and audience needs. 

• Driving digital channel performance and optimisation, including paid advertising, to maximise reach, engagement and conversion. 

• Leading innovation across digital channels by identifying and adopting emerging technologies, techniques and industry standard best practice. 

Who we’re looking for  

• A technical and analytical expert with knowledge of successfully developing and measuring digital marketing and channel strategies, that drive reach, engagement and conversion. 

• An outstanding creative with a deep understanding of UX and accessibility principles.

• A team leader and team player with excellent communication skills who thrives on working with teams across the organisation to achieve shared goals.

What we offer  

• Hybrid working between home and Chelsea with occasional travel to Sutton. 

• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm 

• 27 days annual leave rising with length of service 

• Up to 6% employer contributions subject to matched contribution from you (increasing with length of service) 

• Training, support and development opportunities 

• Access to the blue light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities 

• Access to subsidised staff restaurants, on-site yoga and wellbeing classes, staff choir and much more 

• Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes.

Inclusion matters  

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and walks of life. 

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you. 

Job Title: Operations Manager – Neighbourhood Services
Reporting to: Head of Neighbourhood Services
Direct Reports: Housing Officers, Assistant Housing Officers, Housing Administrators, Tenancy Sustainment Officers
Location: Hybrid (UK-based)
Contract Type: Permanent Hours: Full-time (flexibility required, including occasional evening/weekend work)

About the Organisation We are a large social housing provider managing a diverse portfolio of general-needs homes across multiple communities. Our mission is to provide safe, secure, and affordable homes while building sustainable, thriving neighbourhoods. We are data-led, resident-focused, and committed to continuous improvement and partnership working.

Role Purpose As Operations Manager – Neighbourhood Services, you will lead the day-to-day delivery of tenancy and neighbourhood management services across designated geographical patches. You will manage and develop a multi-disciplinary team, using performance data and resident insight to drive service improvements, enhance resident satisfaction, and create safe, cohesive communities.

Working closely with the Head of Neighbourhood Services and a range of internal and external stakeholders, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering the strategic plan for neighbourhood services, with safeguarding, compliance, and resident-centred outcomes at the core.

Key Responsibilities

Service Delivery & Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and performance-manage a team of housing professionals to deliver a visible, consistent, and high-quality housing management service.
• Ensure effective tenancy management, estate inspections, enforcement action, and resolution of anti-social behaviour in line with organisational standards and regulatory requirements.
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, police, support agencies, and community organisations to keep neighbourhoods safe and support vulnerable residents.
• Prepare performance reports and contribute to governance/board-level reporting as required.

Data-Driven Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Use data, trend analysis, and resident insight to monitor performance, identify risks early, and implement improvement plans.
• Embed a culture of evidence-based decision-making across the team.
• Support the development and delivery of service transformation and digital innovation projects.

Customer Focus & Tenancy Sustainment

• Ensure services are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to diverse resident needs.
• Proactively identify residents at risk of tenancy failure and coordinate early intervention with internal and external support services to prevent homelessness.
• Lead or support the development and annual review of tenancy management policies and processes.
• Oversee the resolution of complex complaints, ensuring learning is embedded into service improvements.

Neighbourhood & Estate Management

• Implement a robust estate inspection framework to maintain clean, safe, and well-maintained neighbourhoods.
• Promote community cohesion through resident engagement initiatives, events, and partnership projects.
• Identify opportunities to leverage social value and external funding for community-benefit projects.

Compliance & Risk

• Ensure full compliance with relevant housing legislation, regulatory consumer standards, data protection, and health & safety requirements.
• Identify and manage safeguarding risks, escalating appropriately and working with specialist agencies.
• Maintain operational risk registers and contribute to business-continuity planning.

Budget & Resource Management

• Manage delegated operational budgets, delivering value for money and aligning spend with strategic priorities.

Corporate & Collaborative Working

• Actively contribute to organisation-wide objectives as part of the wider management team.
• Break down silos, share best practice, and foster a “one-team” culture.

Leadership Expectations

• Inspire and motivate teams to deliver excellence, providing clarity, support, and constructive challenge.
• Champion equality, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in all areas of work.
• Role-model resilience, accountability, and a solutions-focused approach.
• Coach and develop team members, building capability and future leadership talent.

Product Manager – HOSTHub Lead  

Reports to: Operations Director (Head of Delivery)  
Contract: 0.6  
Location: Remote (UK or International (GMT +3/-3)  

Interview Process: Will commence in the New Year 

Role Purpose  

As Product Manager  HOSTHub Lead, you will drive the vision, design, and delivery of HOSTHub, HOST’s secure digital platform for global civil society operations.  

HOSTHub is the central nervous system of HOST - connecting partners, funders, and internal teams across finance, legal, and operations. You will lead the platform’s development and optimisation, ensuring every user journey is clear, intuitive, and aligned with HOST’s empowering, expert, and empathetic values.  

Working closely with the Partnerships and Engagement teams, along with our development contractors, you’ll translate user needs into product strategy, coordinate with the external development team, and deliver tools that make life easier for changemakers, funders, and the HOST team.  

This is a strategic, high-impact role for someone who can think systemically, act decisively, and balance big-picture design with hands-on delivery.  

Core Responsibilities  

1. Product Vision and Strategy  

Lead on the design, roadmap, and vision of HOSTHub as HOST’s flagship digital platform.  

Translate HOST’s organisational goals into a clear, scalable, and user-focused product strategy.  

Define and own product milestones, prioritising features that improve efficiency, visibility, and impact.  

Ensure HOSTHub reflects HOST’s values secure, transparent, intuitive, and empowering.  

Reporting cadence: Monthly progress and roadmap update to Operations Director and Leadership Team.  

2. User Journey and Experience Design  

Lead on designing the end-to-end user experience for hosted partners, funders, and staff.  

Map user journeys across onboarding, finance, compliance, and reporting workflows, identifying pain points and opportunities for improvement.  

Collaborate with the Partnerships and Community Support teams to align HOSTHub with the Hosted Partner and Funder Journeys.  

Work with the Communications Team to ensure all user-facing content is accessible, clear, and on-brand.  

Reporting cadence: Quarterly user feedback and UX improvement report.  

3. Development Oversight  

Oversee product design and development process, in coordination with the development team.  

Attend demo and planning sessions each sprint, provide clear prioritisation of activities and ensure that development is rolled out as required.   

Ensure that all Hosted Partner and HOST team voices are included and prioritised into the platform development, acting as central focal point for all HOSThub needs.  

Reporting cadence: Bi-weekly sprint updates; monthly development report.  

4. Data, Systems, and Integration  

Work with the Data Analyst to ensure HOSTHub captures accurate, useful data for reporting and impact measurement.  

Integrate Data and Impact measurement needs into the Product Roadmap prioritisation  

Support automation of key workflows across the Delivery and Partnerships Circles, improving speed and reducing manual processes.  

Maintain robust documentation of system architecture and data flows.  

Reporting cadence: Monthly systems performance and data accuracy review.  

5. Security, Compliance, and Risk  

Lead on platform security and data protection in collaboration with the Legal Lead.  

Ensure HOSTHub adheres to global data privacy and security standards (GDPR, AML/CTF, etc.). Prioritise required actions within roadmap.  

Conduct regular digital risk assessments and prioritise required actions within roadmap mitigation strategies.  

Lead the incident response process for digital issues or breaches, maintaining transparent communication with leadership.  

Reporting cadence: Quarterly security and compliance review.  

6. Cross-Team Collaboration and Capacity Building  

Work across HOST’s teams to ensure HOSTHub serves all service areas - Project Hosting, Hosted Grantmaking, and Capacity Building.  

Develop and deliver internal training sessions to build staff confidence and skills in using HOSTHub.  

Create and maintain onboarding resources, FAQs, and user guides.  

Partner with the Training Lead to embed digital literacy across the organisation and hosted partner community.  

Reporting cadence: Quarterly internal training and adoption report.  

7. Continuous Improvement and Innovation  

Monitor emerging technologies and sector best practices to inform HOSTHub’s evolution.  

Evaluate and test new features, integrations, and user needs to maintain product relevance.  

Lead user feedback sessions and platform reviews to ensure HOSTHub grows with HOST’s global operations.  

Drive HOSTHub’s role in enabling a distributed, digital-first delivery model.  

Reporting cadence: Annual product review and roadmap refresh.  

Key Relationships  

Internal: Operations Director, Finance Team, Legal Lead, Partnerships Director, Community Support Team, Data Analyst, and Training Lead.  
External: Developers, technical service providers, hosted partners, funders, and contractors.  

Performance Indicators  

HOSTHub roadmap milestones delivered on time and within scope.  

90%+ user satisfaction in feedback surveys.  

All major integrations operational and maintained.  

Demonstrated improvements in efficiency and automation across service areas.  

100% compliance with digital security and privacy standards.  

Required Experience  

5–8 years’ experience in product management, digital platform delivery, or systems development - ideally within SaaS, fintech, social enterprise, or digital infrastructure contexts.  

Proven track record of delivering complex, multi-stakeholder digital products from concept to launch and iteration.  

Strong understanding of user experience (UX) and user journey design, with practical experience mapping and optimising workflows for multiple user groups.  

Experience managing or coordinating external developers, digital agencies, or tech contractors in remote environments.  

Demonstrated ability to translate user needs into technical requirements, prioritising effectively across competing demands.  

Familiarity with API integrations, database systems, and workflow automation tools (e.g. Zapier, Airtable, or custom integrations).  

Proven success integrating digital tools with finance, CRM, or data systems (e.g. Sage, Salesforce, ClickUp, Zendesk).  

Strong data skills, including experience designing or using dashboards and analytics for performance and reporting.  

Knowledge of security, privacy, and compliance frameworks (e.g. GDPR, ISO, AML/CTF) as they apply to digital systems.  

Excellent project management, prioritisation, and communication skills - able to bridge technical and non-technical audiences.  

Fundraising Development Manager
Salary: £36,000 - £40,000
Contract: Permanent
Location: Hybrid (3 days per week in London office)
Closing date: 9^th January
Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and flexible working options
We have a great opportunity for a Fundraising Development Manager working for a world-class performing arts organisation that pushes boundaries and champions creativity. This organisation is dedicated to inspiring audiences and communities through bold, innovative work and inclusive engagement programmes.
This is an exciting role for someone who wants to play a pivotal part in strengthening donor relationships, driving income growth, and supporting ambitious fundraising goals. You’ll join a collaborative team that values creativity, inclusion, and impact, with opportunities to shape donor communications and lead on stewardship initiatives.
As part of this exciting role, you will lead donor communications and engagement across multiple channels, ensuring compelling messaging and tailored experiences for supporters. You will manage mid-level giving programmes, oversee cultivation and stewardship events, and coordinate the organisation-wide fundraising pipeline to support accurate forecasting and strategic growth. Acting as a key link between fundraising strategy and delivery, you will also support corporate partnerships, develop proposals, and foster cross-team collaboration to ensure consistency and impact across all development activities.
To be successful as the Fundraising Development Manager you will need:

• Experience working in fundraising, development or a related field.
• Strong written communication skills and experience delivering donor or stakeholder communications.
• Excellent organisational and project-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

If you would like to discuss this role with us, please email your CV to [email protected] or contact us and quote the reference 2798EI.
Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency, passionate about improving equality across the sector. You can read more about our commitment to diversity here.
If enough applications are received, the charity reserves the right to end the application period sooner.

 

The Ogden Trust is a family charitable trust which supports the teaching and learning of physics. The Trust delivers professional development programmes for teachers of physics across England, supports schools and multi-academy trusts to improve their physics provision and works with universities to support high-quality physics enrichment.

Job scope

Head of Teacher Support leads a team delivering professional development for teachers of physics across England. The team manages a range of professional development programmes covering Early Years to Key Stage 5. The postholder will have specific responsibility for the strategic leadership and management of the team as well as managing delivery of external funding contracts.

Remote working and other flexible working arrangements will be considered.

We are looking for a Development Manager to lead the growth of a corporate partnerships programme, securing new business and developing high-value, long-term relationships that generate income and enhance brand visibility.

This is a hybrid role with 1 - 2 days a week in the London office.

The Charity
An incredible health charity devoted to supporting families with the resources to be together at truly crucial times. Youd be joining a passionate team, offering some fantastic benefits including but not limited to, family friendly policies, 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off and a bonus day in December, season ticket loan and a commitment to development and training.

The Role
Corporate Fundraising and New Business Development
- Develop and implement a strategy to grow corporate income, focusing on new business and long-term high-value partnership opportunities.
- Produce high-quality, pitch-ready proposals, presentations and decks, collaborating with the Communications and
Marketing Team.

Relationship Management and Stewardship
- Collaborate with the Senior Partnerships Officer to ensure excellent account management of mid-level corporate partners.
- Support with cultivating key individuals (e.g. major donors, trustees, senior volunteers Fundraising Development Board Members) who can make introductions or influence support.

Management and Reporting
-Line manage, coach and support the Senior Corporate Partnerships Officer and the P/T Corporate Officer.

The Candidate
Proven track record of personally securing new five and six-figure corporate partnerships or equivalent high-value business
development deals within the last 1-2 years.

Proven experience in writing and designing compelling, tailored funding proposals and pitch decks that have secured high-value
donations and Charity of the Year partnerships of 50,000 and above.

Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with both corporate and philanthropic audiences.

Proven experience in working with and stewarding major donors, using a tailored, strategic approach to secure high-level income

IMPORTANT NOTE

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you havent been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful, but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.

We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.

Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.

Barnet Mencap is a very well-established local charity which provides services and support for people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and their family carers, while also campaigning alongside them to improve their lives. The organisation aims to create a world where people with learning disabilities are valued equally, have their voices heard and are included in the community. 

We are looking to appoint a new CEO to lead the organisation and ensure it continues to provide its much-valued services.

The successful candidate will have: 

• Experience in a senior role in a relevant service i.e. Learning Disabilities, Children or Adult Services

• Experience of developing a strategy and monitoring framework in a similar environment 

• Experience of effective partnership working at a strategic and practical level 

• Proven track record of income generation and financial management 

• Knowledge of charity governance, regulation for a medium size charity, and working effectively with a board of trustees.

• Knowledge of the Health and Social Care environment, including key policies and legislation 

• Understanding of Health and Safety and Safeguarding in a service delivery environment 

• Understanding of the Social Model of Disability and how to apply it to deliver empowering person-centred projects and services 

Please read the full Job Description, Person Specification and Recruitment Pack for further information on the role. 

To apply, please send your CV alongside a covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service application in line with Section 115 of The Police Act 1997.   

 Closing Date: 16th of January 2026 

Interview dates are planned for the 10th and 11th of February 2026.  

Home-Merton is seeking an inspiring and strategic Director to lead our trusted local charity through its next stage of growth and innovation. 

This is a rare opportunity to make a tangible difference for children and families — by strengthening our community presence, driving income generation, and ensuring every child gets the best possible start in life. 

 About Home-Start Merton – Making a difference to young families

We believe strong families make strong communities. 
Our trained volunteers provide emotional and practical support to parents of young children, helping them navigate the challenges of early childhood and family life. 

Operating across London borough of Merton, we are a small but vibrant, values-driven charity and part of the wider Home-Start network — one of the UK’s leading family support movements. 

Our Charity Director Role

As Director, you’ll be both strategic leader and hands-on advocate, driving our fundraising and partnership agenda while overseeing operational excellence. 

You’ll lead our talented team of employees, work closely with trustees, and represent our charity with energy and passion — ensuring we remain a visible and trusted voice for families across Merton. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead and inspire staff and volunteers to deliver high-impact family support services. 
• Oversee service delivery, safeguarding, and operational compliance. 

• Develop and implement a bold, diversified fundraising and income generation strategy. 

• Build and nurture relationships with funders, corporates, philanthropists, and community partners. 

• Act as a confident ambassador, raising the organisation’s profile locally and regionally. 

• Work closely with the Board of Trustees on governance, strategy, and long-term sustainability. 

About You 

You are: 

• Experienced in charity governance, financial management, and service delivery. 
• A proven fundraiser and relationship builder who can secure sustainable income across multiple sources. 

• A confident and inclusive leader who inspires and empowers teams. 

• Skilled in partnership development and community engagement. 

• Deeply committed to safeguarding, equality, and family wellbeing. 

Why Join Us? 

• Lead one of London’s most respected family charities. 

• Shape our strategy for growth and sustainability. 

• Join a passionate, values-led team and supportive board. 

• Enjoy flexible, hybrid working. 

How to Apply 

If you meet most but not all of our criteria and are passionate about giving children the best start in life we'd still like to hear from you.

Apply via CharityJob or reach out to our Chair for an informal conversation. 

Closing Date: Friday 12 December 2025

Home-Start Merton is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. 

Are you passionate about creating unforgettable experiences that make a real difference? Join the Orpheus Centre, a charity dedicated to promoting personal development through the arts, as our Special Events Coordinator. This is your chance to combine creativity, organisation, and purpose in a role that truly matters.

Location: The Orpheus Centre, Godstone, Surrey
Salary: £34,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week

About Us

At Orpheus, our core values—joyful, bold, inclusive, resilient, and determined—shape everything we do. We believe in empowering individuals through the arts and fostering a vibrant, supportive community.

What You’ll Do

• As Special Events Coordinator, you’ll be the driving force behind our fundraising and engagement events. From concept to completion, you’ll:
• Plan and deliver impactful events such as galas, community activities, and corporate functions.
• Manage budgets and targets, ensuring every event delivers value and supports our mission.
• Coordinate logistics, marketing, and build strong relationships with stakeholders, volunteers and partners to create seamless experiences.
• Champion our cause, engaging staff, volunteers, and supporters to amplify our impact.

What We’re Looking For

• At least 2 years’ experience in event planning and coordination.
• Strong organisational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage budgets, negotiate contracts and work under pressure.
• A creative thinker who thrives on delivering exceptional experiences.
• A proactive, positive attitude and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a car.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a passionate team that celebrates creativity and makes a tangible impact on people’s lives.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities, and the chance to work on events that truly matter
• A supportive, inclusive workplace where your ideas matter.

Join us in making a lasting difference in the lives of young disabled people through the power of the arts.

Orpheus is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory references. This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

As part of our safer recruitment process and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, online searches may be undertaken as part of due diligence.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

In order to be considered you must be eligible to work in the UK.

The Orpheus Centre is proud to be a disability confident employer.

We have made a positive commitment to employing disabled people. Reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment procedure as required in consultation with the applicant to ensure no-one is disadvantaged because of their disability. If a disabled person is selected for a position, reasonable adjustments will be made to the workplace, including premises and equipment, work duties and practices or policies, as appropriate. All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role as set out in the role profile and person specification will be considered for interview.

 As a Disability Confident Employer, we are:

• Challenging attitudes towards disability
• Increasing understanding of disability
• Removing barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions
• Ensuring that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspiration

No agencies please.

Thank you for taking the time to explore the role of Marketing and Communications Manager at the Family Holiday Charity. We're here to help families facing some of life's toughest challenges to experience the anticipation, joy and impact of a break from the day to day. Can you help us spread the word?

This role is an important one to help us build brand and awareness around our mission and goals  - in simple terms, helping more families to get away and ensuring that every family has the chance to go on holiday.

At its heart, this role is about storytelling and our ability to tell stories that capture hearts and minds. Taking ownership of the full story capture and storytelling process, you'll use this output to help build our brand, fundraise and tell our advocacy story. What's new for us in this role is PR - it's just not something we've done before, so you'll build relationships, networks and opportunities with earned media. You'll work with talented fundraisers, partnership builders and operational delivery colleagues to ensure we're sharing a cohesive and coherent message that supports all our audience goals and targets. And you'll get to work with a talented Comms Officer who delivers on our social, email and web activities. 

This role is key to helping us make sure we're doing our best for families and putting our best foot forward every time. 

It's a varied and fast-paced role (Comms roles are, right!?) that means you'll be involved in planning, creating and managing activities, so you'll need to have some awesome planning skills and be good with interpersonal relationships.

We're a small but flexible team - just like our approach to work. This is a hybird role, and you'll need to come into the office periodically (but none of that performative days a week nonsense!).

It's vital that you're happy and confident in making your next career move, so let's take the time to chat if you'd like to!

£30,305 - £33,145 | Full-time 35 hours per week (part time at four days per week will be considered) | Based at our offices in Clapham, near Settle, with a mix of office and home working.

Are you an experienced and self-motivated fundraiser who wants to make a difference to people, landscape and wildlife in the Yorkshire Dales?

We’re looking for a Development/Fundraising Officer to join our Corporate Partnerships team, helping to develop and grow our income in this vital area.

This is an exciting time to join YDMT, with a new strategy in place and ambitious vision to increase the impact of our work.

About Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust 

We are a charity doing big things to help to support people, landscape and wildlife in the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas.

We deliver diverse and inspirational projects, helping to plant 1.6 million trees and securing the future of more than 850 hectares of wildflower hay meadows, creating habitats for our wildlife and combatting climate change. We are passionate about inspiring disadvantaged groups and future generations to care for this special area.

About the role

The focus of this role is to develop and grow income from corporate partnerships, helping us build on our award-winning approach to this area of fundraising.

This will involve working closely with our Development Manager to ensure excellent stewardship of existing partners, helping us to develop long term strategic partnerships tailored to a company’s CSR or ESG objectives. You will also help with the planning and delivery of an exciting volunteering programme geared around hands-on habitat creation and management work in the Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale and Forest of Bowland.

To support our growth plans, you'll play an important role in our business development activity, helping to increase corporate income. This will involve prospect research, helping with the planning and delivery of corporate engagement events and cultivating opportunities for additional funding from existing partners.

We offer a working environment where everyone is valued and empowered to make a difference. As a member of a relatively small and supportive team, there will be plenty of opportunity for you to expand your skills, supporting our wider fundraising efforts and project delivery work.  

About you

We’re looking for a self-motivated, organised and creative fundraiser or sales person with proven experience in relationship management.

You will have excellent people skills and an ability to develop strong relationships with corporate partners as well as colleagues and supporters. You will also have good written skills, with experience of creating compelling and engaging communications that inspire and engage your target audience.

Delivering exceptional volunteering events is key to the success of our corporate partnerships, so experience in the planning and execution of engaging in person events will be of real value.

A key part of the role will be to support our business development activity, which will require strong research skills and an ability to identify prospects that share our passion for delivering positive social and environmental impact. Experience using a CRM system to cultivate new business will be a key asset in this role.

Underpinning all of this is your ability to work within our culture – which means sharing our values of being creative, caring, honest and enabling.

The deadline for applications is 11.59pm, Sunday 4th Janaury 2026.

Interviews will take place w/c 12th Janauary 2026.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.

As Director of Policy & Research, you will:

• Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
• Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
• Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
• Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
• Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
• Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
• Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
• Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
• Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
• Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:

• Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
• Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
• Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
• Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
• Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and visionary thinker.
• Collaborative and inclusive leader.
• Politically astute and intellectually curious.
• Practical, focused, and reliable.
• Committed to personal and professional development.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• 3% pension contribution
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.

About the role

We are currently looking for an impassioned and self-driven individual to join our activities team to deliver exceptional service to our students, through engaging with the 350+ student groups, which deliver an incredible range of world-class opportunities to their members.

You will coordinate the creation of new student groups and manage funding opportunities as well as lead on the onboarding for new committee members and oversee administration for the minibus fleet. You will review, advise on, and approve society event/trip budgets and finance, in collaboration with the Activities (Events) Team. You will also support clubs and societies to effectively manage their finances, and  review Society sponsorship contracts to make sure they are in-line with College and Union policies, that directly benefit and enhance the student experience.

A significant part of the role will be to deliver our annual budgeting process in line with Imperial College Union's grant allocation and financial policy, as well as supporting student-led groups to plan budgets effectively.

The role sits within the Directorate of Membership Services and the post will have a cross-departmental focus to ensure our training package, volunteer support and all processes are equitable and effective for all student groups.

What you would be doing

The Activities Coordinator (Operations) is a critical role in delivering the Students’ Union’s strategic objective of fun and inclusive communities through support, development and empowerment of student-led groups. The role is responsible for supporting the:

• Delivery of training relating to financial processes
• Processing financial documentation that enables diverse activity for student groups
• Coordination of finances associated with club and society activity, annual and event budgeting in conjunction with colleagues in the finance team.

Alongside the Activities Manager, elected Officer Trustees, and the wider Activities Team, the role will support the delivering of a high-quality support service for student-led groups.

Please see Job Description for full list of duties and responsibilities.

What we are looking for

The successful candidate will use their skills and knowledge to empower student leaders and bring experience in supporting financial administration. The role demands strong organisational ability, a methodical approach to managing information, and refined interpersonal skills. Ideally, you will have worked with financial systems, delivered excellent customer care, and supported student or youth leadership. You should be able to work independently while effectively balancing competing priorities. 

Please see Person Specification in the Job Description for full list.

What we can offer you

Please note this role is with the Students’ Union. We’re a registered charity in our right, with our own governance, systems, processes and objectives. However, we work extremely closely with Imperial College London, so you’ll also be joining a wider community of staff working within higher education. If you’ve never worked in a students’ union, or are unsure why it’s different, we urge you to get in contact. It’s a brilliant place to work.

As an employee of Imperial College, you will be part of lively community and work in a friendly and relaxed environment. Our aim is to provide to all our employees an encouraging and relaxed working environment with an emphasis on personal development and work-life balance. Based on that we offer:

• flexible working hours
• generous pension scheme
• 25 days holiday (plus 6/7 extra days per year for College Christmas and Easter closures)
• bicycle loan scheme
• season ticket loan
• health benefits
• excellent professional development opportunities and many more.

More information can be found on the Imperial College Benefits page.

Further information

To apply for the role please complete the online application form.

We are running a characteristic anonymised application process for this recruitment as part of the College’s commitment to equal opportunities and eliminating discrimination. Applicants will be assigned an application reference number and applicants’ names will not be visible to recruiting managers until the interview stage. You will not be required to attach a CV. Please also refrain from including your name in your supporting statement.

Closing date: 11 January 2026

Should you require any further details on the role please contact the People team listed on the website.

Interviews (In-Person) will be expected to take place on 22 and 23 January 2026.

We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, or disability. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and other racial minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. If there are any reasonable adjustments needed through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, every role within Imperial College Union contributes to our environmental and social goals. This includes actively participating in initiatives to reduce waste, conserve energy, and promote eco-friendly practices within every department.

Join a movement transforming how communities create lasting change. This isn't a typical charity role—it's a chance to shape the future of place-based working across the UK and help lead a growing organisation.

Place Matters is a small, entrepreneurial charity punching above its weight. We work at the intersection of communities, public services, funders, and policymakers to tackle the root causes of inequality and create changes that communities want to see. Our approach? Empower communities to lead change in their own places, learn from what works, and influence the systems that hold them back.

Why this role matters

This is a senior position on our Executive team, reporting directly to a co-CEO. You'll play a leadership role in developing our organisation—shaping strategy, building our team, and deepening partnerships. We're looking for someone colleagues and Trustees trust to make sound decisions on behalf of our mission.

Learning and practice development is at the heart of everything we do. You'll design and lead learning partnerships that build the capabilities of communities and organisations to work differently. You'll capture insights from the ground and turn them into accessible tools, frameworks, and resources that make place-based working more effective for everyone.

You need to be a team player, confident and with strong opinions, but low ego and collegiate

What you'll do

• Lead the development and delivery of Learning and Practice Development Partnerships
• Initiate, convene and participate in ‘field-building’ efforts that aim to influence the broader place-based change sector, bringing together community organisations, public sector organisations, policy makers, foundations and businesses to build broader support for community centred place-based change
• Develop Place Matters thought and practice leadership
• Draw together the themes and patterns from learning into regular blogs and publications to make the learning as widely accessible as possible and influence key policy makers and funders
• Initiate and convene field-building efforts to influence the broader place-based change sector
• Build a wide network of place-based practitioners from all sectors
• Play a key role in business development, securing new partnerships, fundraising, and improving organisational efficiency

See job description (JD) for full details

What makes this role special

• Executive leadership: Part of the leadership team shaping organisational direction
• Real autonomy: Lead your own projects, design new partnerships, represent Place Matters externally
• Learning culture: We practice what we preach—continuous learning and innovation are built in
• Flexible working: Hybrid arrangement, negotiable location, with UK travel (up to 50 days annually)
• Competitive salary: £65,000-£75,000 (negotiable based on experience)

Practical details

Ideally 37.5 hours per week (flexible) but we'll consider part-time. UK travel required, including occasional overnight stays and some evening/weekend work.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from disabled people and people from diverse backgrounds.

We'll conduct interviews on 19th and 21st January.