Student brand manager jobs

First Give

First Give is a national charity that partners with secondary schools to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to drive change. Through our structured programmes, students explore social issues, connect with charities, and take tangible steps to improve their community.

Empowering and equipping young people to meaningfully contribute to their community is a first step to addressing many of the challenges we face at this time of social disconnection and division. Our vision is of a more generous society where everyone is willing and able to give their time, money and skills to the causes they care about.

The Route to a Million Campaign

This is an exciting time for First Give, as we seek to expand and diversify our fundraising streams into Corporate and HNWI. To support this, we are launching the Route to A Million campaign in March, aiming to raise an additional £1.5 million over the next 3 years on top of our forecast income. The campaign is supported by a newly recruited campaign board, and the new Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships will spearhead the work required to achieve this target.

Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic and entrepreneurial Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships to supercharge First Give’s next phase of income growth. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our mission, offering the opportunity to shape and deliver a multi‑year fundraising strategy that fuels real, measurable impact for young people and society as a whole. First Give is a small charity, with a growing fundraising team and big ambitions. You will therefore be someone who thrives in a start-up environment, brings new ideas to the table and is comfortable leading a brand-new team.

As the senior leader for all income streams, you will own and drive our major donor programme; unlock new philanthropic partnerships; and build a talented team across other income streams to achieve ambitious goals. Working closely with the Director and our emerging Campaign Board, you will play critical role in growing our £1m+ annual income, deepening donor engagement and building the culture, systems and relationships that will propel First Give into its next phase of expansion.

This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional fundraiser who thrives in a values‑driven, high‑ambition environment and wants to make a lasting contribution to a fast‑growing education charity.

Contract: Full time (35 hours per week), Permanent

Salary: £60K (+£2K London weighting if applicable)

Location: This is a hybrid contract. The successful candidate will be expected to work from our London office or attend in-person meetings and host donors at school Final events as required. The remainder of the week can typically be worked remotely, with flexibility as required.

The students we work with come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and so do we.  We want to foster a diverse and inclusive culture, to empower our teams to achieve our vision drawing on the broadest possible range of experiences. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates from minoritised groups currently underrepresented on our executive team, particularly black and minority ethnic and disabled candidates.

Please download the candidate pack for more details, and don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like a chat about the role or any reasonable adjustments we can make before applying: contact details provided in the candidate pack.

Spear is partnering with HTB St Francis Community Church, to deliver the Spear Programme in North Kensington!

At HTB Social Transformation, their mission is to prioritise those who are marginalised within society, creating safe spaces where people are known, are loved and feel that they belong.

The Spear Programme is delivered in Spear North Kensington which offers young people professionally recognised coaching, for free, to support them into sustainable work or education. They leave Spear equipped to thrive in work and life.  
Key Information

Location: North Kensington, office-based

Salary: from £29,000

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Hours: Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 5.30pm with some out-of-hours work needed for events such as our Spear Celebrations

Closing date: Monday 23rd February (We are interviewing on a rolling basis and might close the application early if we find the right candidate)

Assessment Day: Thursday 5th March

For more information please read through our Work With Us Information Pack and Job Specification.

If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Role Responsibilities

Delivery of the Spear Programme – Group and 1:1 coaching

• Preparing and coaching Spear Foundation sessions and 1-1s, ensuring that young people are engaged, retained and work-ready by the end of this initial phase of the programme.
• Building relationships with young people on the programme and managing culture and attitudes in the training room.
• Adapting the Spear coaching material according to the needs of the Trainees and managing behaviour effectively.

Delivery of Spear Career

• Delivering weekly Spear Career sessions (including running workshops with past Trainees), maintaining records and reporting on statistics, and creatively developing ongoing relationships with Spear Trainees.

Training the Assistant Coach

• Contributing towards the training and developing of the Assistant Coach by modelling excellent coaching and giving regular feedback.

Trainee Recruitment 

• Developing relationships with Job Centres and local referral agencies to ensure that the maximum number of Spear Trainees are enrolled on each programme. This involves liaising with referral agencies, active face-to-face recruitment and monitoring recruitment statistics.

Person Specification

• An active Christian, dedicated to representing the values and ethos of Spear and HTB St Francis Community Church.
• You have demonstrable experience as a coach, or a background in youth work or teaching, and are keen to develop these skills further.
• You have a heart for young people and releasing their potential, no matter what challenging circumstances they are facing.
• Effective interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence with a sense of humour and fun.
• You are great at building relationships, with solid communication skills.
• Good administrative and organisational skills, working well under pressure with the ability to prioritise workload.

Help improve the life chances of young people through physics education. We’re looking for an experienced, creative Marketing and Communications Manager to raise awareness of our work, strengthen our brand, and inspire engagement across schools, teachers, industry partners, and supporters.

Physics Partners is a charity dedicated to improving young people’s life chances through high-quality physics teaching. We work with schools, teachers, and industry partners to make physics accessible for every student, helping to build the skilled workforce the UK needs for the future.

As our Marketing and Communications Manager, you’ll lead campaigns that tell our story, grow our reach, and celebrate the impact of our programmes. You’ll manage content across digital, print, and social media, shape our online presence, and develop creative materials that connect with diverse audiences.

We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with hands-on creativity - confident in digital communications, content creation, and stakeholder engagement. You’ll join a small, collaborative team where your ideas will make a real difference.

Key details

• Hours: 14 hours per week (0.4 FTE) – flexible working arrangements available

• Contract: 6-month initial term, with potential to become permanent

• Salary: £35,000 FTE (negotiable depending on experience and contract type)

• Reports to: Chief Executive

• Location: Home-based, with occasional travel

• Contract type: Employment or freelance considered

Essential skills and experience

• Proven experience in developing, planning, and executing marketing communications campaigns.
• Strong digital communications skills (CMS, SEO, email marketing, social media, Google Analytics).
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling ability with a strong eye for design and detail.
• Track record of managing external agencies and multiple stakeholders.
• Creative and proactive mindset
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• A genuine commitment to diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and Physics Partners’ mission.

Application process

The full role description is available to download.

Submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

• Deadline: 5:00 pm, Sunday 1 March 2026

• First interviews: Online on 9 and 10 March 2026

Physics Partners is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

This is an exciting role in a unique organisation.  Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience for all UCL students and to be one of the best students’ unions in the UK and the world.  We aim to build a vibrant and empowered student community with real influence in UCL and beyond, that enables students to enjoy their time at university; pursue their interests and passions; see the world in new ways; and develop the skills and experience to change the world for the better.

We are a registered charity employing over 150 career staff and 300 student staff, delivering a wide range of services and representative functions for UCL students. We have the widest portfolio of services of any student organisation in the country, managing UCL’s extracurricular programmes for sport, music, drama, dance, media, volunteering, academic societies and intercultural engagement; providing a wide range of fantastic social spaces; leading on student democracy and representation across UCL; and offering excellent student support services.

It's an exciting time to join our growing organisation as we lead the delivery of UCL’s groundbreaking new Student Life Strategy. This is enabling us to build more programmes to improve students’ mental and physical wellbeing, promote genuine equity for all, build students’ skills and confidence, develop their international connections and intercultural skills, and make a real contribution to our local community.

We support hybrid working. Excellent benefits including defined benefit pension scheme and generous holiday entitlement. We are proud of high levels of staff engagement and pride ourselves on being a great place to work. We will consider applications to work on a flexible and job share basis wherever possible. 

The role is full-time and permanent. This role is based at our Bloomsbury campus with flexibility to work from home on a 40/60 basis (40% working from the office).

We are looking for a Sports Development Coordinator (Community and Workforce) to deliver a number of key areas of growth and development from the UCL Student Life Strategy. Key work areas include overseeing the delivery in our existing and future Focus Sports and coordinating TeamUCL Playmakers, our sports leadership and volunteering programme

Do you have experience in sports development and community engagement? Do you want to develop and upskill students through sport? If the answer is yes, then we want to hear from you.

We’re looking for an Events Manager to lead the delivery of a diverse and strategically focused events portfolio at Leeds Beckett University. This is a key role within the Stakeholder Engagement and Events team, responsible for ensuring events are purpose-driven, high quality and aligned with the university’s brand, reputation and student recruitment objectives.

In this role, you will plan, manage and deliver a broad programme of events that support the university’s strategic priorities. This includes responsibility for large-scale, high-profile events such as graduation ceremonies, alongside a varied portfolio of stakeholder, partnership and engagement events. You will ensure each event is designed to tell the university’s story, showcase its strengths and create positive, memorable experiences for prospective students, students, partners, staff and wider audiences.

You will provide leadership and direction to event and partnership officers, project teams and external suppliers, overseeing event planning, logistics, budgets, risk management and evaluation. Strong project management skills are essential, as you will manage multiple events simultaneously, often to tight deadlines, in a fast-paced environment.

Working closely with colleagues across marketing, communications, recruitment and academic services, you will ensure events are effectively promoted, consistently branded and clearly aligned with audience needs and strategic outcomes. You will use insight and feedback to evaluate impact, improve delivery and demonstrate the value of events in enhancing brand reputation, strengthening relationships and supporting recruitment.

At Leeds Beckett, we value diverse perspectives and offer generous annual leave and strong support for professional development. Join a collaborative team committed to delivering outstanding events that bring the university’s strategy to life and create lasting impact.

We're looking for a Communications and Social Media Manager to lead social media, creative and digital communications at Leeds Beckett University.

This is a pivotal management role in the communications and campaigns team. You will work with colleagues across our service and the wider university to develop and deliver the social media, brand and digital strategy. Your skills will support campaign development and delivery, built around creative content designed to connect with our audiences and strengthen the university brand.

In this role you will plan, manage and deliver a broad programme of creative, digital and social content supporting the university’s strategic priorities. Working with colleagues across communications, marketing, academic schools, alumni and events, you will ensure that our integrated campaigns and stories are aligned with audience needs, with a focus on students, colleagues, alumni and partners. You will use insight and feedback to evaluate impact, improve delivery and demonstrate the value of our content in enhancing brand reputation, strengthening relationships and supporting recruitment.

It’s a hands-on position in a busy, creative and supportive team where your skills will support high-profile campaigns, celebrate student successes, promote research and drive engagement. Strong project management skills are essential, as you will manage multiple projects simultaneously, often to tight deadlines, in a fast-paced environment.

At Leeds Beckett, we value diverse perspectives and offer generous holidays and strong support for professional development. Join a collaborative team committed to meaningful communications that make a difference.

Birmingham Hospice supports people living with life-limiting illness across the city, helping them live well and with dignity.

QuarterFive are delighted to be partnering with Birmingham Hospice on this search for an Events Manager to lead their passionate and growing events function. You’ll shape an ambitious programme designed to reach new audiences, grow participation and deliver significant fundraising income — all while creating outstanding supporter experiences.

With an expanding portfolio and clear growth ambitions, this is a chance to make a visible impact while developing a diverse programme of mass participation, third-party challenges and gala dinners.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of a high-profile events programme at a time of growth. You’ll have the chance to shape strategy, lead a dedicated team, and directly support the care Birmingham Hospice provides across the city. If you’re passionate about events, motivated by impact, and ready to step into a visible leadership
role, this could be the perfect next move.

About the role

As Events Manager, you’ll lead Birmingham Hospice’s events programme end-to-end, combining strategic planning with hands-on delivery. You’ll work closely with the Senior Fundraising Project Manager to shape an ambitious events programme that strengthens Birmingham Hospice’s brand while delivering real financial impact.

You will:

• Act as the events lead within the Income Generation team, sharing insight and supporting colleagues across the charity
• Lead the development and delivery of the annual events plan, creating a dynamic, costeffective programme that inspires supporters and drives income
• Line manage two Events Officers, providing regular 1:1s, development support and inspirational leadership
• Manage a varied portfolio including mass participation, third-party challenges, adrenaline events and special events
• Deliver against agreed income and expenditure budgets, contributing to an overall events income target of around £250k, including a £50k headline event
• Track income and expenditure day-to-day, produce post-event evaluations, and use learning to continuously improve future activity
• Identify new growth opportunities, using market insight and sector trends to expand participation and reach new audiences
• Build strong internal relationships across clinical, retail and corporate teams to promote events and maximise engagement
• Ensure all events meet high standards of health & safety, compliance and supporter care
• Oversee volunteers, apprentices and placements, ensuring a positive and professional experience for everyone involved

About you

You’ll be a confident, motivated events professional with charity sector experience and a strong track record of delivering successful fundraising events. You’ll bring:

• Proven experience delivering fundraising events, ideally including mass participation and third-party challenges
• Experience working in the charity sector
• Experience of line managing one or two staff, with a supportive, confident leadership style
• Strong event delivery skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines
• Experience managing budgets and contributing to income targets
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with a collaborative approach
• A proactive mindset, keen to test new ideas and grow audiences
• Emotional intelligence and resilience, with sensitivity to the nature of hospice work

Employee benefits

The role is Birmingham-based, primarily at Selly Park, with regular working from Erdington. The team typically spends at least two days per week onsite, alongside event delivery. Hybrid working is available but not contractually formalised, and compressed hours are supported. Please ask if you have any questions around flexible working.

Employee benefits include:

• 27 days per annum annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years’ service (pro-rata for those working part-time hours) Previous service with the NHS is taken into account when calculating annual leave entitlements if you move to the hospice direct from the NHS
• Enhanced special leave, includes enhanced compassionate leave and enhanced parental and bereavement leave
• 5.93% employer pension contribution
• Optional healthcare scheme, providing financial support for a range of healthcare costs such as dental, optical, hospital stays and others
• Health Service Discount Scheme and Blue Light Card

Senior Programme Manager (maternity cover)

Hours:  35 hours per week

Contract: 9 to 12 months maternity cover

Salary: £37,800 + 7% pension contribution

Location: mainly remote, with in-person working from a central London location as required

Reports to:  Interim CEO 

Direct report: line managing a small team of 2 to 3

Is this you? If so, this job may be for you…

• Do you want to make a mark in the first year of a brand new programme?

• Do you have a passion for supporting young people to access professional careers?

• Do you have experience leading learning sessions and events for young people, both online and in person?

• Are you adaptable, capable of transitioning between direct engagement with young people, and focusing on the project management and administrative aspects of the role?

About The Brokerage

The Brokerage is an award-winning, social mobility charity. For 30 years, we have supported over 87k less-advantaged young people to fulfil their potential through improved awareness and access to professional career opportunities.  Together with our talented young people and top UK companies, we are breaking down barriers to a more diverse and talented workforce.

Our mission is twofold - to empower working-class and ethnically diverse young people (16-25) to recognise their strengths, gain skills, and access opportunities to reach their career potential. We are also building a dynamic alliance with forward-thinking employers to support them in accessing and retaining this talent. Together, we develop an inclusive and equitable workforce, one that authentically mirrors the rich diversity of our society.

The Team

The Brokerage is starting a new chapter with our Next Gen Talent Career Programme, embarking on a renewed journey that will see us work with our young people and partners in a deeper and more impactful way.

We are an interconnected, diverse, mission-led team that truly lives our values. As such, we are bold and dynamic in our approach to our work whilst fostering a trust-based environment that provides freedom, flexibility and autonomy. We take a people-centred approach when it comes to our team, young people and corporate partners and we make decisions and develop programmes that are insight-led. 

Our Programme

This is an exciting time to join The Brokerage and play a vital role in rolling out our brand new Next Gen Talent Programme. The programme is a two-stage career progression initiative designed to equip working-class young people with the employability skills and guidance necessary for success in the corporate world, with the ultimate aim of supporting our young people to secure and sustain a professional career. 

Role purpose and main responsibilities

To lead our work on the Next Gen Talent Career Programme and support our other programmes helping young people (aged 16 to 25) access careers in professional services, banking, insurance and property. 

Through our programmes, we help to develop young people so that they are equipped with the professional insights and skills needed for the workplace. We do this via a high-quality curriculum of events, including masterclasses, bootcamps, career coaching  and mentoring that involve our corporate volunteers.

The Senior Programme Manager will take the lead on delivering the programme and outcomes across the Next Gen Talent Career Programme; whilst working in a highly collaborative and flexible way alongside our other senior programme managers, career coach and the volunteering and events manager.

Main Responsibilities

• Project manage the Next Gen Talent Career Programme to ensure that participants develop the skills and knowledge needed to access professional careers in Engineering.

• Manage the recruitment process for the Next Gen Talent Career Programme, including advertising the programme to our existing pool of students and wider stakeholders, managing the application and interview process. 

• Work with young people, corporates, funders and consortium delivery partners to develop and enhance programme delivery.

• Manage the promotion and delivery of high-quality in-person and online events; facilitating sessions where necessary, working with the career coach, volunteering and events manager and freelance staff.

• Develop engaging programme collateral to maintain relevance and quality, working alongside the communications team and incorporating participant feedback and sector insights

• Manage relationships, communications and briefings for funders, corporate partners and volunteers.

• Oversee and deliver one-to-one guidance for candidates, working with the career coach to ensure their engagement with the programme and to support placement applications. 

• Contribute to the retention of all corporate partners by overseeing the creation of engaging, responsive and cost–effective project plans, working alongside the partnerships team

• Set, track and monitor targets and KPIs, working with the interim CEO to ensure programme deliverables are monitored and achieved. 

• Provide regular information reports and updates for The Brokerage Senior Management Team, Board of Trustees, funders and consortium delivery partners.

• Play an active role in the planning and delivery of The Brokerage’s strategic objectives and participate in events and activities for The Brokerage as required.

• Maintain up-to-date records on our CRM system (Salesforce).

• Contribute to the development and implementation of our employer products working closely with the Interim CEO,  and relevant team members.

• Line Management of a small team of 2 to 3.

• Lead on discrete tasks outside of day to day job as appropriate. 

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience working with young people and building relationships with a range of stakeholders. 

• A strong understanding of early careers recruitment/application processes.

• A dynamic personality with strong written and verbal communication, combined with empathy and patience, to effectively engage with diverse individuals.

• Highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities, including administrative aspects. 

• The ability to balance firmness with sensitivity when necessary, particularly in managing relationships and safeguarding the well-being of young people.

• Relevant lived and/or professional experience (i.e. experience of the challenges faced by those from less-advantaged backgrounds)

• A growth mindset, open to feedback, learning and development 

• Excellent IT skills, including demonstrable usage of  CRM databases (e.g. Salesforce or equivalent) and other tech tools.

If you think that you are the right candidate for this role but don’t quite meet 100% of the criteria, be bold, apply anyway!

Other benefits: 

• 28 days’ paid annual leave (3 to be taken at Christmas) plus Bank Holidays plus one day birthday leave

• Employee Assistance Programme

• A collaborative, diverse, mission-led team that works within a flexible,  trust-based environment

How to apply: 

Please complete the application form along with an upload of your CV.

Closing date: Friday 13th February 2026 at 12 noon. 

Please note that interviews will be taking place on a rolling basis, and vacancies may be filled prior to the closing date if we find the right candidate.

Interview process: We will conduct a two-stage interview process that will include competency and scenario-based questions, alongside practical skills-based assessments. 

If you would like to find out more about this role, please get in touch!

The Brokerage is committed to providing equal opportunities to prospective and current employees. It is the policy of The Brokerage to ensure that access to employment, training and career progression is determined solely by the application of objective and legitimate criteria and individual merit. If you require specific adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know, and we will do our best to support you. 

Are you a major gifts fundraiser ready for a new and exciting opportunity? If so, read on!

Associate Director of Advancement, UK & Europe
Employer: Arizona State University Foundation
Salary: Up to £75,000
Location: Hybrid working – London and Home + Travel

Arizona State University is a new model for higher education – demonstrating excellence at scale with access. Today, ASU is the largest public university in the United States and has been recognised for eleven years as the most innovative university in the US. We believe that learning is for everyone.

We are recruiting a new Associate Director of Advancement to help shape the future of ASU in the UK and Europe.  As Associate Director, you will have the opportunity to engage with a unique, vibrant, and fast-growing global community who are deeply dedicated to inclusion and global impact, seeking solutions to some of our world’s most pressing problems. You will be fundraising for dynamic priorities such as scholarships, centres and professorships, while also having the opportunity to co-create projects with donors, across the full spectrum of ASU’s schools and centres.

A key member of a small but crucial team in the UK, you will work remotely with teams of skilled and dynamic colleagues based predominantly in Phoenix, Arizona, as well as others around the world. You will also have the opportunity to travel across the U.K. and Europe to build relationships with HNWIs, trusts and foundations and corporate partners.

This is a chance to be part of an institution that is multicultural, diverse and inclusive, and whose alumni and friends are genuinely changemakers.  You will be working for a truly global organisation with an outstanding reputation and almost limitless potential. 

Closing date: No later than Midnight on Sunday 15 February 2026.
N.B The right is reserved to change the deadline so please submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

The ASU Foundation has retained Constellate, an executive search firm, to assist with this search. Candidate review will continue until the position is filled.

Interested?

Please familiarise yourself with the attached Candidate Pack.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter.

Diversity and Inclusivity ASU Enterprise Partners proudly stands beside ASU and commits to building a more inclusive culture that supports diverse identities.  We are working to recognise and address our shortcomings and hold ourselves accountable for setting and achieving thoughtful goals, initiatives and metrics.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons, and all appointments will be made on merit. Should you require reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please let us know.

No agencies please

We’re looking for a Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Events to provide strategic leadership for a broad and high-profile portfolio of stakeholder engagement and events activity at Leeds Beckett University. This is a senior role within the Communications and Marketing service, responsible for setting direction, leading teams and ensuring engagement and events activity supports the university’s strategic priorities, brand reputation and student recruitment ambitions.

In this role, you will lead the development and delivery of an integrated stakeholder engagement and events strategy that strengthens the university’s relationships with key audiences, including civic partners, industry, employers, alumni, and internal stakeholders. You will ensure that activity is purposeful, impactful and aligned with marketing, communications and recruitment objectives.

You will have oversight of a complex portfolio of events and engagement activity, from high-profile external events and partnerships to internal engagement programmes. You will use insight, evaluation and audience understanding to shape activity that enhances the university’s reputation, supports student recruitment and contributes to regional, national and international profile-building.

As a senior leader, you will provide clear direction and leadership to managers and teams, fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture. You will be responsible for strategic planning, resource allocation, budget oversight and performance management, ensuring activity delivers value and measurable impact.

You will work closely with senior colleagues across the university, providing expert advice on stakeholder engagement and events, influencing decision-making and representing the university externally. Excellent communication skills, strong judgement and the ability to operate confidently in a complex, fast-paced environment are essential.

At Leeds Beckett, we value diverse perspectives and offer generous annual leave and strong support for professional development. Join a senior leadership team committed to delivering engagement and events activity that enhances the university’s reputation, strengthens partnerships and supports future growth.

Founded in 1927, the University of Hull has a long and proud history. Through our teaching, research and civic engagement, we are helping to shape and deliver the future prosperity of our region and far beyond. 

Leading the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team, the Director will drive the design and implementation of the University’s inaugural comprehensive fundraising campaign, launching it at the culmination of our centenary celebrations in summer 2028. Building on progress made to date, the Director will leverage the centenary to elevate the roles of philanthropy and alumni engagement in support of the University’s future ambitions. 

Person specification: 
- Extensive knowledge of philanthropy, preferably within higher education, including fundraising best practice
- Extensive knowledge of alumni engagement and its role in building connections and supporting wider institutional priorities
- Demonstrable track record of building relationships and working with prospects to secure gifts at the six-figure level and above
- Experience of leading philanthropic campaigns and exceeding fundraising targets
- Experience of leading and managing teams carrying out philanthropic and/or engagement activities 
- Experience of strategic and data-driven operational planning and performance management

Dixon Walter is leading the candidate search on behalf of the University. For more information and details of how to apply by 15 February, please see the candidate brief.

#Director
#DirectorPhilanthropyandAlumniEngagement
#UniversityofHull

The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.

Leading national policy strategy

As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will work closely with the CEO to develop and execute a four-year influencing plan.  Together we’ll aim to shift local and national incentives on inclusion by 2030, which see the national trend of rising suspension and absence begin to fall. 

You will hold relationships with the Department for Education and Ofsted and advise on policy priorities ahead, such as:

• Widening the definition of inclusion beyond special needs, recognising the needs of those young people historically or currently interacting with social services

• Reducing perverse incentives for schools to alter their school roll through admissions and pupil exits

• Expectations for multi-academy trusts in capturing and analysing data on lost learning, including how it disproportionately affects different groups

• Improving local alternative provision eco-systems, to improve outcomes for young people

• National standards for inclusive school practice, at a universal and targeted level

• Professional development standards for school inclusion

Developing implementation expertise in the middle tier

In your first six months, you will advise on the internal development of a new programme for middle tier policy actors: multi-academy trust and local authority leaders.  You will support the Programme team in its design, to plan strategically for the recruitment of trusts and local authorities, and you will plan the research and influencing work which will seek to share their success nationally.

Building the evidence base

In your second six months, you will work with the CEO to build out our research function. Your influencing plan will include how The Difference can learn from the work across our multi-academy trust, local authority and internal AP pioneer partners over the next four years, to develop influential publications. Research work ahead will include publishing sector-facing publications of The Difference’s own research, carried out by our research lead and associates; alongside managing external contractors and internal colleagues to bid for and deliver aligned research disseminating our ideas.

Raising your voice

This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to inclusive policy change. The Difference has always punched above our weight in national and sector press reach. In post,  you will publish blogs and comment pieces, disseminating our shared ideas.  You will be a prominent voice on inclusion.

The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!

The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will: 

Design and execute an impactful influencing plan 

• Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones. 

• Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.

• Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks. 

• Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.

Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation

• Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives. 

• Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert. 

• Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability. 

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:

• Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic. 

• Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change. 

• Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.

• Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus. 

• Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact. 

• Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference. 

• Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time. 

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following: 

• Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice. 

• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).

We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply. 
We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.

OVERVIEW OF ROLE

Beacon is seeking a creative, organised, and digitally savvy Digital Content and Communications Officer, whose role will focus on two main areas: delivering day-to-day communications and supporting digital projects.

At the heart of this role is driving engagement with Beacon’s events and projects, strengthening our community connections, and communicating our impact clearly and effectively. You will coordinate content across multiple channels - including social media, email, newsletters, and the Beacon website - and monitor the effectiveness of these communications. This includes writing copy, creating graphics and video content, scheduling and publishing materials, and engaging with the rare disease community on behalf of Beacon. You will also drive promotional and outreach activity, helping connect with patient groups, partners, and wider networks to amplify Beacon’s work.

You will support The Resources Hub (our e-learning platform) by assisting with uploading, formatting, publishing, and updating content. As you grow in the role and depending on your skills and capacity, there may be opportunities to contribute to content development, coordinate volunteers and external partners, or assist with other digital projects, such as podcast production, video series, or multimedia content.

While the focus and direction of your work will stem from ongoing events, projects, and organisational priorities, you will have the opportunity to take ownership of your work and play a key role in driving communications forward. You will collaborate closely with the Digital Resources Manager, COO, and wider Beacon team to gather information, shape messaging, and ensure content is accurate, timely, and aligned with organisational goals.

Working at Beacon

Beacon is a small, close-knit team of 10 people. We are friendly, supportive, and highly collaborative, and we value working closely together. At the same time, in a small organisation, everyone is expected to take responsibility for their work, demonstrate initiative, and confidently manage their day-to-day tasks.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working independently, is proactive in keeping work moving, and takes pride in following tasks through to completion, whilst collaborating effectively with colleagues and knowing when to seek input or support.

Training and support will be provided across all of Beacon’s platforms and software, making this an excellent opportunity for someone seeking a junior or early-stage role in digital content in the charity sector.

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MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Gather information, insights, and key messages from colleagues across the organisation to guide content priorities for communications.
• Draft and schedule social media posts across Beacon’s channels (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook) using Hootsuite, ensuring a consistent flow of content.
• Engage with the rare disease community on social media, responding to comments, shares, and messages in Beacon’s voice, and actively interacting with posts from patient groups, partners, and other relevant organisations.
• Facilitate the bi-weekly newsletters on Mailchimp and LinkedIn, including drafting copy, formatting content, and scheduling.
• Liaise with colleagues across the organisation and, where necessary, coordinate input from team members to ensure communications tasks are delivered effectively.
• Support website updates in WordPress and Divi, including uploading news posts, blogs, homepage banners, and other routine page updates, as well as drafting copy as needed.
• Assist with maintaining The Resources Hub by uploading, formatting, publishing, and updating content.
• Create graphics and simple videos using Photoshop/Premier Elements and Canva, using templates initially and gradually developing skills to produce original content, ensuring all visual material aligns with Beacon’s branding guidelines.
• Support promotional and outreach activities, connecting with patient groups, partners, and wider networks to amplify Beacon’s work.
• Monitor the impact of communications on engagement with Beacon’s activities.
• Capture content and provide live updates at key events, including social posts, photos, testimonials, and short videos to engage the community in real time.
• Assist with the preparation of materials in the lead-up to major events and support on-the-day event delivery alongside other team members.
• Provide ad hoc support to projects as required, in line with capacity.
• Attend and represent Beacon at external events.

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PERSON SPECIFICATION

This is a junior or early-stage role in digital content and communications, offering the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across multiple channels in a small, supportive team. We’re looking for someone enthusiastic, proactive, and eager to develop their skills whilst making a real difference at Beacon.

Essential

• Strong written communication skills, with an excellent understanding of the English language, and a keen eye for clear, engaging copy.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and deadlines.
• Proactive and self-motivated, with the initiative to keep work moving and see tasks through to completion.
• Eager and enthusiastic to learn new software, systems, and digital tools, and willing to develop skills in innovative digital content creation.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in producing high-quality work, with a focus on accuracy, consistency, and fine design elements.
• Adaptable, with the ability to stay focused, resourceful, and effective in a dynamic environment.
• Proficient in internal communication, able to work collaboratively with colleagues and peers.
• Ability to reflect on work, identify opportunities for improvement and enhance processes and outcomes. 
• Positive attitude and commitment to contributing to a small team environment where every individual makes a real difference.
• Collaborative and open, engaging in constructive feedback to drive personal and team development.
• A commitment to Beacon’s mission and desire to represent the charity with professionalism and integrity.

Desirable

• Experience in digital content creation (copywriting, graphics, or video production) through work, volunteering, or student societies.
• Experience posting or engaging on social media or drafting written content for different audiences.
• Familiarity with charity or not-for-profit environments.
• An understanding of rare diseases, medical science, health charities, or small-organisation dynamics.

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FLEXIBLE WORKING

We offer flexible working practices to support a healthy balance between personal and professional life, including hybrid working and flexible hours. Our hybrid working policy requires staff to be office-based for at least 50% of their working time.

Given the high level of cross-team collaboration involved in the Digital Content and Communications Officer role, regular in-person working is particularly important. Following an initial in-person onboarding period, our preference is for this role to be based in the office for at least three days per week on average, to support effective communication and smooth day-to-day working.

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SEE OUR JOB DESCRIPTION FOR A FULL OVERVIEW AND FURTHER INFORMATION ON OUR BENEFITS 

Lead Something That Matters — Shape a New Sports‑Led Youth Provision in West Thurrock
If you’re the kind of youth worker who wants to build, create, and genuinely shape a community offer, this is the role you’ve been waiting for. At Riverview, sport isn’t an add‑on — it’s the heartbeat of how we engage young people. As our Senior Youth Worker (Sports), you’ll have the rare chance to help design a brand‑new youth provision from the ground up, bringing your ideas, energy, and passion straight into a community that’s ready for something fresh.

You won’t be boxed in. You’ll lead sessions your way, influence how the programme grows, and work in a close‑knit team where your voice actually matters. With over 100 young people already engaging weekly across our sites, you’ll step into a role where relationships are real, creativity is encouraged, and your leadership directly shapes young people’s confidence, wellbeing, and opportunities.
If you want to make sport the spark that changes lives — this is your space.

Our Mission 

Riverview Charitable Trust supports families, children, and young people in the community to thrive. Through services and initiatives, we empower individuals, strengthen family relationships, and create opportunities for young people to grow, learn, and succeed. 

We are expanding our youth provision into West Thurrock, and we’re looking for an experienced, energetic Senior Youth Worker with a Sports background to help us put sport at the heart of what we do. This is a hands-on role for someone who loves working with young people, thrives in active environments, and can confidently lead day‑to‑day delivery across multiple sites.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead delivery on our sports programmes across two vibrant sites, creating sessions that young people genuinely want to show up for.
• Play a key role in Riverview’s expansion into West Thurrock, helping us build something new, exciting, and community‑driven from the ground up.
• Take sport into the streets and into young people’s spaces, using outreach, pop‑ups, and creative engagement to connect with those who need us most.

Please see attached JD for full job description