Student brand manager jobs

WHO WE ARE

We're FIRST UK, an EdTech charity making STEM more diverse – using robots, industry mentors, and epic competitions to drive a skills-equipped, workforce-ready talent pipeline.

It’s an exciting time to join the charity as we move from start-up to scaling mode with a brand new strategy backed by government investment alongside some of the world’s leading tech-enabled businesses, including Arm, Bloomberg, Qualcomm, and many more.

As BBC Broadcaster Spencer Kelly summarised.

“It’s easy to see why competitions like this really do help students develop the skills they’re going to need for the rest of their lives. Honestly, I wish I had something like this when I was at school.”

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

A programme manager with a flair for engaging people. Someone who can help grow the UK’s most ambitious student robotics movement through:

• Outreach - increasing uptake amongst schools and youth groups
• Support - ensuring a high-quality experience for partcipants and teachers
• Events – supporting delivery of epic robotics tournaments
• Volunteering - recruiting, upskilling and stewarding event staff and mentors
• Partnerships – fostering a local community of STEM champions and partners

You’re an all-rounder, motivated by working with young people, educators, and industry to engineer better futures. Reporting to our Head of Delivery (that’s Vicky on our website), you’ll be instrumental in scaling our impact regionally. 

WHAT YOU'LL GET

Responsibility. Ownership. Sense of purpose. You’ll be working in a small (9 merry folk), dynamic organisation which is agile and collaborative. We have a strong value proposition and refreshing brand. Our case for support is built on three decades of evidence. Well before pandemics, we were working flexibly and remotely – it’s embedded in our culture.

• £32,000 - £39,000 per annum dependent upon experience
• 25 days holiday, plus 8 bank holidays, and a Christmas gift
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Super-flexible, hybrid role with lots of responsibility

I like the sound of this. Is there more I need to know?

Yep - check out the full role profile on our website.

What's the process?

• Submit CV and optional cover letter
• Answer three simple screening questions
• Role closes 23:59 on Sun 28 Jun

Young Creatives Programme Manager
Salary: £33,000, per annum, pro rata (£26,400 per annum actual for 4 days per week)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part-time, 4 days per week (0.8 FTE) with regular Wednesdays, Thursdays, and one Saturday per month.
Location: Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP

About Us

Modern Art Oxford is one of the UK’s leading contemporary art spaces with an international reputation for innovation and ambition. The gallery presents a programme of changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art each year, coupled with an extensive programme of education, events and performance projects involving several thousand people of all ages and backgrounds.

About You and The Role

The Young Creatives Programme Manager is responsible for the research and project management of Modern Art Oxford’s Young Creatives projects which includes the delivery of the Young Creatives Collective, Socials, and school visits. Modern Art Oxford’s Young Creatives programme includes a diverse offer of studio sessions and professional development opportunities throughout the year for young people aged 16-21, including support and mentoring for sixth form students and undergraduates which form part of our university partnerships.

The Young Creatives Programme Manager takes a lead role in collaboratively developing programme ideas with young people to ensure that all Young Creatives projects are inclusive and reflect the ideas and interests of the group. This includes the development of public events with young people each year.

The role combines research, delivery, and project management with a core focus on co-curating with young people to develop Modern Art Oxford’s new three-year strategy, Changing Geographies (2027-2030) which aims to develop new regional partnerships and commission opportunities with 45 young people each year. Working as part of the Communities, Practice & Participation team, the Young Creatives Programme Manager is responsible for the day-to-day administration and co-ordination of visiting schools and colleges while working alongside the Curator of Communities, Practice & Participation to build and sustain new relationships with young people, charities, and grassroots organisations, across Oxfordshire.

The Young Creatives programme regularly engages more than 800 young people each year through our regular sessions for visiting schools, colleges, and socials, with a focussed collective of 15 young people who meet monthly.

Key Responsibilities

• Programme and Workshop Delivery
• Project Management and Co-ordination

The successful candidate will have a strong interest in contemporary art and visual culture, a minimum of three years’ experience working with young people (16-21) in a contemporary arts organisation, and a strong understanding of pedagogy and inclusive practices with young people

They will have experience of delivering projects and workshops in art galleries and museums, working with artists, facilitators, or creative practitioners, managing multiple projects, partnerships, and delivery as well as experience of working with diverse materials and media.

They will have excellent communication and relationship building skills, experience of working collaboratively with teachers and schools, the ability to prioritise workloads effectively and good IT, administrative and organisational skills.

Benefits

An auto-enrolment pension scheme is in place with Legal & General. Under pension auto enrolment legislation, the employee will pay 5% (before tax relief) and the employer will pay 3% of qualifying earnings to the Legal and General plan. A salary sacrifice scheme is available after 3 months employment.

Employees are entitled to a staff discount in the Modern Art Oxford Shop and Café.
There is an Employee Assistance Programme through Gemelli, and a series of discounts and salary sacrifice schemes through BHN Extras.

Applications must be received by 9.00am Monday 29 June 2026
Initial interviews planned for 14, 15, and 16 July 2026
Ideal start date in the w/c 24 August 2026

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Modern Art Oxford is committed to creating equality of opportunity for all and we value diversity in our team. As part of our Anti-racism Action Plan, we welcome applications from people from the Global Majority who are under-represented in the workforce in our sector.

No agencies please.

Skillway (part of the Warehouse Christian Trust) is dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people by providing them with essential life skills through hands-on training in metalwork, woodworking and crafts. The charity aims to develop both practical vocational skills and personal growth, fostering self-confidence, resilience, and employability in a safe, supportive environment.

Job Purpose:

The Head of Operations at Skillway oversees all operational aspects of this arm of the charity, ensuring the successful delivery of all our educational programmes. This role requires strong leadership, strategic vision, and day-to-day management, including student recruitment and retention, staff oversight, fundraising, and partnership management. The ideal candidate will be passionate about social impact and committed to improving the lives of vulnerable young people.

Key Responsibilities:

1.  Management and Delivery

• Oversee the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of training in woodwork, metalwork and other crafts.

• Ensure the training meets the educational and personal development needs of vulnerable young people.

• Monitor student progress, providing support to overcome barriers and ensuring high-quality, impactful learning experiences.

• Develop new initiatives and adapt the existing training programmes to meet the evolving needs of students, schools and the community.

• Develop a long-term strategy for the growth of Skillway.

• Set and model high standards for the staff team, volunteers and students.

• Site housekeeping and management of Skillway’s woodland site.

2.  Leadership and Staff Management

• Lead, motivate, and manage a team of staff and volunteers.

• Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture, fostering professional development and ensuring that all staff members are supported.

• Manage recruitment, training, and performance of staff and volunteers.

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all participants and staff including responsibility for risk assessments.

• Develop and apply our safeguarding policy as Designated Safeguarding Lead.

3.  Strategic Planning and Development

• With the Board of Trustees, develop and execute the charity's strategic goals.

• Develop and manage the charity’s budget and resources to ensure financial sustainability and impact.

• Identify and pursue new opportunities for growth, including partnerships, new funding streams, and relationships with local schools, businesses and other community organisations.

• Maintain effective and safe digital organisation of key data.

• Support the other arm of our charity - The Camino Café - as and when required.

4.  Fundraising and Financial Oversight

• Lead fundraising efforts to secure funding from diverse sources, including grants, donations, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising events.

• Oversee the preparation of funding applications and reports for donors and grant-making bodies.

• Maintain financial oversight, ensuring effective use of resources, monitoring expenses and reporting financial performance to the Board using Quickbooks as the primary accounting and reporting tool.

• Improve branding and awareness of Skillway and its aims and purpose.

5.  Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including local authorities, schools, community groups, donors, and business partners.

• Represent the charity in public and at events, advocating for the charity's mission and the importance of vocational education for vulnerable young people.

• Ensure the charity’s work is widely known and respected in the community.

6.  Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Implement systems for monitoring and evaluating the impact of Skillway’s work.

• Gather feedback from participants, staff, and stakeholders to assess programme effectiveness and make improvements.

• Provide regular updates and reports to the Board of Trustees, funders, and other stakeholders on the charity’s impact and outcomes.

Qualifications and Experience:

Essential:

• Proven experience in a management role, ideally within the charity or education sector.

• Background in vocational education, youth work, or a related field, with a focus on supporting vulnerable young people.

• Experience in leading and managing a diverse team, with the ability to inspire, support, and develop staff.

• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities effectively.

• Demonstrated ability in fundraising, securing grants, and building donor relationships.

• Knowledge of financial management, budgeting, and reporting.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and build relationships with a variety of stakeholders.

• A commitment to the mission and values of the charity.

Desirable:

• Experience in working with metalwork, woodworking, or a related technical skill.

• Familiarity with the challenges faced by vulnerable young people and the ability to create a supportive and empowering learning environment.

• Experience working with boards of trustees or governance bodies.

Personal Attributes:

• Innovative and proactive, with the ability to think creatively and solve problems.

• Empathetic and understanding, with a genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals.

• Strategic thinker, able to balance day-to-day operations with long-term planning and development.

About The Clink Charity

The Clink Charity, founded in 2009, aims to prevent and reduce reoffending through training, reintegration, and support. We deliver hospitality and horticulture training behind the prison walls and in the community by creating an environment where our students are supported to gain the skills, confidence and qualifications they need to rebuild their lives.

Since that time, we have trained approximately 5,000 people in prison and delivered 2,600 City & Guilds qualifications in a variety of hospitality and food courses.

What makes The Clink so unique is our post-release support and mentoring programme that reintegrates an offender back into society through assistance with health and mental health issues, housing, employment, family connections and friendships.

The charity operates an award-winning fine-dining restaurant open to the public inside HMP Brixton, training kitchens in the prison estate, horticulture projects at HMP Send and HMP Erlestoke, a commercial bakery in Brixton, and a bespoke delivery service, Catered by Clink.

Additionally, Clink Events is our social enterprise catering business with food produced by the women in HMP Downview and also in an additional kitchen at Herne Hill and then served by alumni on front of house at some of the best venues in London including: the Guildhall, the Science Museum, Cutty Sark, Kew Gardens and the Camden Roundhouse. In 2025, across 239 events, The Clink fed 43,000 people.

More information can be found on our website and social media channels.

About The Role

Working pattern: Full time, 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, 3-4 days in the office, or on site at projects in prison or in the community.

Location: Our Head Office is in Herne Hill, SE24 London (7 min walk from Herne Hill station)

Our Head of Fundraising & Brand is a vital leadership role within The Clink Charity, responsible for securing the income, profile and partnerships needed to sustain and grow our life-changing work.

This is a broad and influential role, providing strategic leadership across fundraising, communications, marketing and brand. Working within our portfolio of prison and community-based projects, the postholder will help ensure that The Clink's impact is communicated in a compelling and consistent way to funders, supporters, partners and the wider public, while developing sustainable income streams to support our long-term ambitions.

Building on The Clink's strong reputation and proven impact, the Head of Fundraising & Brand will lead the development and delivery of a fundraising and communications strategy that extends beyond grants to encompass major donors, corporate partnerships, individual giving, events and other income opportunities. Through powerful storytelling, audience growth and brand development, they will increase awareness of our work, strengthen engagement with key stakeholders and create new opportunities for fundraising, partnerships and commercial income generation.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, Director of Finance & Resources and senior leadership team, the postholder will lead and develop a talented fundraising and marketing team, cultivate strategic relationships and identify new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

As The Clink continues to expand its reintegration, training and employment programmes, this role will play a central part in securing the resources needed to support that growth, strengthen our brand and increase engagement with our mission to reduce reoffending.

If you are a strategic and ambitious fundraising leader with a track record of generating income, building partnerships and inspiring teams, and are passionate about creating meaningful social change, we would love to hear from you.

A Little About You

You could be a great fit for our Head of Fundraising & Brand role if you are an ambitious and strategic leader with experience of developing fundraising strategies, growing income and building organisational profile. Perhaps you've led fundraising within a charity, developed successful partnerships, secured major grants, or overseen marketing and communications activity that has strengthened a brand, increased audience engagement and generated growth in income through fundraising, commercial activity or the sale of products and services.

You may have built your career in fundraising, communications, marketing or business development, but you'll have a strong understanding of how these disciplines work together to generate support, attract funding, grow audiences and drive sustainable income. You'll be comfortable developing strategy, building relationships and translating organisational impact into compelling stories that inspire funders, partners, customers and supporters.

We welcome applications from experienced professionals who are ready to lead a talented team, shape the future direction of fundraising and brand development at The Clink Charity, and play a key role in our continued growth. Most importantly, you'll be passionate about our mission and motivated by the opportunity to transform lives, reduce reoffending and create second chances

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Income Generation

· Develop and deliver a multi-stream fundraising strategy that supports The Clink Charity's growth and long-term sustainability.

· Use brand identity to drive sales.

· Lead income generation activity across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, events and other fundraising streams.

· Use communications to create income from marketing of our commercial products and services e.g. bakery, restaurant, café, events.

· Build and manage a strong fundraising pipeline, identifying and securing new funding opportunities and strategic partnerships

· Monitor fundraising performance, ensuring targets are achieved and opportunities and risks are proactively managed.

Brand, Marketing and Communications

· Lead the development and delivery of a compelling brand and communications strategy.

· Ensure The Clink's impact, mission and outcomes are communicated effectively to supporters, funders, partners and the wider public.

· Oversee marketing campaigns, digital engagement and communications activity that strengthen the charity's profile and support income generation.

· Champion a consistent and impactful organisational brand across all channels.

Leadership and Team Development

· Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing fundraising, marketing and communications team.

· Create a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

· Support the development of fundraising and marketing capability across the wider organisation.

Strategic Leadership

· Contribute to the strategic direction and future development of The Clink Charity.

· Work closely with colleagues across operational and support functions to align fundraising and brand activity with organisational priorities.

· Represent the charity externally with funders, partners, supporters and other key stakeholders.

· Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations, best practice and organisational policies.

 Person Specification

Essential

· Significant experience in fundraising, income generation and fundraising strategy development.

· A proven track record of delivering sustainable income growth across multiple fundraising streams.

· Experience of developing and implementing successful fundraising plans, campaigns and income-generation initiatives.

· Experience of leading or overseeing brand, marketing and communications activity, including the development of organisational messaging and audience engagement strategies

· Strong understanding of how fundraising, brand, marketing and communications can work together to increase income, profile and supporter engagement.

· Experience of leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams.

· Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and inspire a wide range of audiences.

· Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling cases for support and communicate organisational impact effectively.

· Strong planning, organisational and project management skills.

· Experience of using data, insight and performance metrics to inform decision-making and drive improvement.

· A commitment to the mission, values and objectives of The Clink Charity.

Desirable

· Experience within the charity, social enterprise or not-for-profit sector

· Experience of working with senior leadership teams, trustees or boards.

· Experience of corporate partnership development, major donor fundraising or philanthropy.

· Experience of managing digital marketing, audience development or supporter engagement activity.

· Understanding of rehabilitation, employability, education or the criminal justice sector.

· Membership of a relevant professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Fundraising or the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Personal Attributes

· Demonstrable belief in The Clink’s mission and passion for our work.

· High levels of self-awareness, humility and flexibility, as well as an open and collaborative leadership style.

· Personal integrity, kindness, warmth and sound judgement.

· Good communicator: orally and in writing.

· Proactive, adaptable and can use initiative and find solutions to problems.

· Positive, entrepreneurial, energising and adopts a “can do” mentality.

· Values driven and promotes inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA).

Reporting Lines & Management Expectations

You will report to our Director of Finance and Resources and will initially have two team members reporting to you.

General clink charity information

All staff are expected to:

· Comply with all current legislation

· Comply with all prison operational policies

· Comply with The Clink Staff Handbook

· Undertake such other duties within the scope of the post as may be requested by your Manager

Benefits:

28 days holiday plus bank holiday

Company pension scheme

Free meal on duty at Head Office or in the Restaurant

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to apply for this post, please send your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 2 sides of A4) to Lizann Barnwell (HR Consultant) via this job site.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. The closing date is Monday 22nd June, 9am.

In your supporting statement you should ensure that you try to address the desirable criteria set out in the person specification for the role. Make sure you give evidence which shows how you meet the criteria, not just telling us that you did it.

Interviews will be arranged on a rolling basis for this role, so early applications are encouraged. The deadline for applications is Monday 22nd June 2026, 9am.

We do not send individual acknowledgment of applications due to the high volume we receive, and we will only contact candidates who are shortlisted for an interview. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, your application has not been successful on this occasion.

If you would like an informal chat about this role, we can offer a call with a member of The Clink Team. Even if you feel you do not meet some of the criteria listed above, we would still welcome applications from passionate candidates who are keen to make a difference.

Appointment Process

Applicants who have demonstrated that they meet the desirable criteria set out in the person specification will be contacted and interviews arranged on a rolling basis.

Interview

If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be invited to a selection process. A panel of two or more, including the recruiting manager conducts all interviews. If there are any special arrangements associated with the selection process e.g. tests or presentations, you will be informed accordingly.

Interview Outcome

If you are invited to attend an interview, you will be informed either verbally or in writing of the outcome. The successful candidate will have the decision confirmed in writing as an offer of employment. Unsuccessful candidates will be offered the opportunity for feedback.

What does it take to lead the national voice for special schools at a time of real change?

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – National Association of Special Schools (NASS)

National – home-based, with regular travel across England and Wales, particularly London

£90,000–£110,000 per annum

Full-time, permanent.

About NASS 

The National Association of Special Schools (NASS) is the membership association for special schools in England and Wales. We bring together independent special schools, non-maintained special schools, special academies, maintained special schools and multi-academy trusts with specialist provision.

We exist to inform, support and represent our members, helping specialist schools improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND and secure the place of specialist provision within the wider education system. NASS is known for being accessible, responsive and personal, combining national influence with practical support that members value as timely, human and trustworthy.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. In February this year, the Department for Education published a major white paper on SEND reform which will require NASS to both influence national policy on behalf of our members and children and young people, as well as support them to navigate the changes. Our new CEO will need to review our strategy while building on our strong platform and momentum to further deepen our influence and strengthen our internal capacity.

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Lead NASS through a period of policy and structural change, ensuring the organisation remains clear on purpose, responsive to members and influential in the SEND landscape.
• Governance & Finance: Work closely with the Board of Trustees to provide strong governance, prudent financial stewardship, robust risk management and clear strategic oversight.
• Operational Leadership: Provide confident leadership to a small, remote team, strengthening collaboration, accountability, resilience and a positive, high-trust culture.
• Income Generation: Oversee budgeting, planning and reporting while developing thoughtful opportunities to diversify income through membership, partnerships, events and related activity.
• Community & Partnerships: Build and sustain trusted relationships with government, parliament, regulators, sector bodies and member schools, ensuring NASS remains relevant and well connected.
• Member Services: Protect and enhance the practical offer to members, from briefings and special interest groups to conferences, webinars, training and peer-to-peer learning.
• Brand & Profile: Act as a credible public ambassador for NASS, helping to modernise communications and broaden the organisation’s voice beyond a founder-shaped model.
• Future Growth: Shape a distributed leadership profile and support a more varied, accessible and engaging approach to membership, advocacy and communications.
• A seasoned senior leader with experience in a charity, membership body, education or public sector setting, and a clear track record of leading through change.
• A strong strategic thinker, able to absorb complex information quickly and translate it into clear, practical direction.
• A confident communicator with the gravitas to represent NASS with members, staff, trustees, MPs, peers, media and national partners.
• A politically astute relationship-builder, comfortable navigating a complex and fast-moving external environment.
• Experienced in governance, with a sound understanding of working with boards or trustees and supporting effective decision-making.
• Numerate and commercially minded, with experience of budgets, financial planning, income generation or partnership development.
• Credible, approachable and resilient, with the emotional intelligence to lead well in a high-profile, remote and sometimes uncertain context.
• Direct SEND experience would be a significant advantage, alongside understanding of specialist education or similarly complex stakeholder environments.

Why NASS?

• This is a chance to lead a respected, member-led organisation with a strong national reputation and a clear public purpose.
• You will help shape the future of specialist education at a time when SEND reform is high on the agenda.
• NASS has a loyal, experienced and collegiate remote staff team, supported by an active Board of Trustees.
• The organisation offers a genuinely influential platform, with strong connections across the sector and with government.

Application

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 8th June 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

QuarterFive are delighted to be supporting STEM Learning, a leading educational charity that believes every young person deserves access to high-quality education and career support, regardless of their background. 

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, and as a member of the Senior Management Team, you will lead the organisation's fundraising strategy and team to secure significant, multi-year income from major donors, trusts and foundations and corporates. You’ll be responsible for expanding their funding base, deepening key relationships, and ensuring the organisation has the partnerships and resources to achieve its mission.

Fundraising has developed rapidly in recent years, with investment, board-level commitment and a growing team driving success. With strong foundations in place and a portfolio of high-value partnerships, there is an exciting opportunity to scale their strategic influence and deepen their impact.

We’re looking for a relationship-driven leader who will take an entrepreneurial approach to identifying opportunities for new funds and develop long-term, high-impact partnerships.

This is a hybrid but mostly home-based role, with monthly team meetings and occasional overnight stays at the N.England headquarters, and fortnightly attendance at the London office. All travel costs covered.

As Head of Fundraising, you will:

• Lead on fundraising strategy with major donors, trusts and foundations and corporates, focusing on driving  new funder engagement and developing long-term, high-impact partnerships
• Secure high-value, multi-year funding partnerships with major donors, trusts and foundations and corporates, achieving six-figure and above income targets
• Manage, develop and inspire a team of five, fostering a proactive, collaborative, innovative and high-performing culture
• Build and maintain a strong, diversified pipeline of new and repeat funders aligned to organisational priorities and ethical fundraising principles
• Engage senior stakeholders including the CEO, Chair, Trustees and senior partners to unlock networks and open opportunities
• Work closely with programme and delivery teams to create compelling funding propositions and ensure excellent stewardship and impactful reporting
• Represent the organisation at senior-level networking events, conferences and sector forums, influencing decision-makers and strengthening brand positioning

Essential skills and experience:

• Success in securing and growing income from a range of sources, including HNWIs and trusts and foundations — delivering six-figure and multi-year partnerships
• Skilled relationship builder with experience developing and stewarding complex, multifaceted partnerships that deliver mutual value and long-term impact
• Strong managerial skills to empower teams and support their professional development and enjoyment in their role
• Strategic business developer with the ability to build and maintain a strong pipeline of funding opportunities, identifying, cultivating, and converting prospects to meet fundraising targets
• Entrepreneurial and proactive, with a strong sense of ownership and the confidence to identify, shape, and present compelling cases for support
• Collaborative and influential, experienced in working across matrix structures and with remote or cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals, ensuring alignment and effective delivery
• Highly skilled communicator, comfortable presenting to diverse audiences and tailoring messages to inspire and engage at all levels
• Strong networker, eager to represent the organisation at events and conferences, identifying new opportunities, and staying informed on market trends and developments in the philanthropic and corporate partnership landscape

Desirable, but not essential:

• An understanding and general knowledge of the education landscape in the UK
• Experience of establishing or maintaining a Fellowship programme

Employee benefits include:

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Up to 15% employer pension contributions 
• Private health care via Benenden Health plus Healthcare Cash Plan and Dental Plan
• Annual salary review
• Electric Car Benefit Scheme

About us

The Economist Educational Foundation is a fast-growing charity on a mission to ensure that every child is empowered to think critically and communicate effectively about the world’s most complex current issues. Last year, 10,800 teachers downloaded Topical Talk lessons, reaching 532,000 children in over 86 countries. We are on track to double this number, reaching over 1 million school children by the end of 2026.

Topical Talk helps children join inspiring discussions about the news by providing weekly lessons for classroom discussions, international prizes and teacher training partnerships. Our programme has received international recognition, including from UNESCO and the Global Media and Information Literacy Awards. High-quality graphic design is central to what we do; our teachers love our resources because they are beautifully presented, designed to enhance student learning and to inspire a lifelong curiosity about the world around them. 

The role

We are seeking a creative, agile and ambitious Graphic Designer to lead the visual identity of our flagship educational programme, Topical Talk Headlines.

Working three days a week, this role offers an extraordinary amount of creative freedom. Every week brings a brand-new global news story, and it will be up to you to establish its unique look and feel. From choosing typography and vibrant colour palettes to deciding between illustration and photography, you will have the autonomy to design resources that make complex, intimidating global issues accessible and engaging for young people aged 10-16 around the world.

Reporting to the Director of Programmes and working closely with our experienced in-house Designer, you will be embedded in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. You will partner with our expert team of ex-teacher content creators to brainstorm, iterate and deliver world-class classroom resources on tight, overlapping deadlines. While your primary focus will be Topical Talk Headlines, you will also support wider brand and marketing projects across the charity as time allows. 

Responsibilities

Visual identity and resource creation:

• Own the weekly design of Topical Talk Headlines: translate complex global topics into beautiful, clear and practical learning resources, from worksheets and posters to interactive slides and educational games
• Design for global accessibility: use clear information hierarchy, considered layouts and colour-signposting to support teachers and ensure students, including those learning in a non-native language, can seamlessly navigate nuanced concepts
• Uphold our brand standard: deliver high-quality, polished designs that our teachers expect and that reflect the premium reputation of The Economist Educational Foundation
• Design for modern youth experiences: create contemporary, vibrant visuals that reflect and respect how young people engage with the world
• Source impactful imagery: curate and adapt photography and illustration using stock libraries as a base, applying our specific brand guidelines to pick authentic, non-cliché visuals that resonate with children and enhance global stories

Collaboration and production management:

• Work in tandem with Educational Content Leads: engage in rapid, collaborative feedback loops to edit and refine resources, ensuring perfect alignment between the text and visual design
• Manage overlapping production schedules: stay highly organised across a quick, 2.5-week production cycle from initial brainstorming to final digital publication
• Maintain strict quality control: catch typos, spot alignment issues and make sure layouts stay clean and consistent from page to page

Innovation and process improvement:

• Proactively suggest process improvements: identify new tools, templates or workflows to optimise our internal production and feedback loops
• Champion student engagement: stay curious about modern design trends. Gather visual inspiration to introduce interactive digital formats or fresh aesthetic approaches to our lessons

Skills and behaviours

You are a creative self-starter who is passionate about global current affairs and believes that great design can change how young people understand the world. You possess the following:

• A portfolio of inspiring design: proven experience delivering highly visual layouts that synthesise complex information beautifully and cleanly
• Speed, agility and decisiveness: the ability to work efficiently within a 3-day week, making confident design decisions and implementing editorial feedback rapidly
• Flawless attention to detail: ensuring final resources are completely error-free
• A deeply collaborative spirit: you love brainstorming, co-creating and working side-by-side with content writers to elevate concepts
• Technical mastery: highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) as well as PowerPoint and Google Slides. Comfort using or upskilling in tools like Canva and Vimeo is a plus.

Experience

You have...

• A degree in graphic design, illustration, visual communication or a related discipline – or equivalent professional portfolio experience
• Mid-weight industry experience working in-house, within an agency or as an established freelancer
• Extensive experience designing multi-page documents, slide decks or interactive educational/informational assets
• Experience managing tight, cyclical production deadlines independently

You might also have (desirable but not essential):

• Data visualisation: experience interpreting data to create clear, accurate charts, graphs and infographics
• UX/UI web design: basic experience or an understanding of user experience design to help shape how teachers interact with our resources online
• Video editing/animation: experience creating or editing short-form video and motion graphics, on Premiere Pro, After Effects or Canva

We’re particularly keen for you to apply if you are from a community under-represented in the charity sector or have lived experience of facing extra barriers because of your background. 

About us

Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement (P&A) raises philanthropic funds in support of King’s College London and engages with the university’s worldwide alumni community. We are proud to enable the work of colleagues across the university and its health partners, helping them serve society through world-leading education, research and healthcare. Our activity includes a partnership with the Maudsley Charity in support of children’s mental health and initiatives between the university’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and the South London & Maudsley NHS Trust.  

We are entering an exciting period as a team. Our work is identified as a key enabler of the new King’s Strategy 2030, with associated ambitions that include preparing for our next major philanthropic and engagement campaign. This will accelerate and energise our work in support of the University’s mission to be ‘in service to society through academic excellence’ – be that through exceptional, impact-led research; ensuring our students are supported to thrive during their time at King’s and beyond; or by helping the university to invest over the long-term into its people, ideas and infrastructure. We plan to deepen and scale engagement with our global alumni community, donors and other supporters, mobilising them behind these shared priorities. We are strongly values-driven with a focus on sustaining a strong and supportive culture, which we see as key to creating a successful team that can realise these ambitions.

More on King’s College London 

For almost 200 years, King’s has been a place where ideas turn into action. From revealing the structure of DNA to reimagining nursing, from advances in medicine, law and the study of war and peace to shaping culture and public debate, our work has always been guided by a belief that knowledge should serve society. Over our history, King’s has been home to 14 Nobel Prize winners, and to scholars whose ideas and leadership have shaped thinking, policy and practice around the world. King’s has always been a place where knowledge is put to work for the benefit of others. King’s College London is a world-renowned university that delivers exceptional education and world-leading research. We're committed to creating positive and sustainable change in our local and global communities through outstanding education, impactful research, and genuine service to society.

King’s Strategy 2030 sets out how we take that purpose forward, with four key priorities including student success in and beyond university, investment in research and education excellence that responds to the changing world, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and delivering sustainable finances for a secure future.

As we prepare to launch our ambitious Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement campaign in Spring 2027, this is a unique opportunity to play a key role at a defining moment for our team. You’ll be part of a high-profile, organisation-wide effort, helping to bring inspiring stories, creative ideas and impactful communications to life as we engage alumni and supporters in bold new ways.

This is an exciting, cross-team role offering the chance to collaborate on a wide range of projects and creative formats. Supporting both fundraising and alumni engagement communications, this position is ideal for a creatively driven individual who enjoys working across the full breadth of a modern communications function.

You’ll bring strong design experience across multiple channels and feel confident creating engaging content for fundraising, research, volunteer recruitment and events. We’re looking for someone who is curious, adaptable and energised by variety - someone who can translate ideas into compelling visual and written content.

In this role, you will tailor content for diverse audiences across a range of platforms, so excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and build strong relationships will be key to your success.

As a core member of the team, you will help shape the external voice and personality of the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (P&A) team, working within clear brand guidelines while bringing fresh thinking and creativity. You’ll be joining a friendly, highly skilled and supportive team during an especially exciting period of growth and activity.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an fixed term contract for a period of 18 months from the start date. P&A has a hybrid working approach, with a minimum of 40% of time in the office. Typically, this equates to two days per week, but we’re very happy for colleagues to be in more frequently if they so wish.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. Experience of translating organisational activity into engaging and clear content.
2. Understanding of communicating with different audiences and understanding their need/interests.
3. Active professional interest in content trends and innovations as a means of driving engagement.
4. Significant experience of creating video and other image based content, using design software Photoshop and InDesign.
5. Experience of the UK charity sector or university philanthropy and alumni engagement.
6. Proactive in spotting opportunities and able to work independently.
7. Organised and diligent; able to work on multiple projects, prioritising effectively to manage competing deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
8. Confident attending events to capture content and engage with attendees.

Desirable criteria

1. Experience of reporting on email or social media campaigns.
2. Experience with Contensis website CMS or Dynamics Marketing App
3. Experience of managing and moderating social media comments.
4. Experience of working on a major fundraising or engagement campaign

Further Information

At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university.

The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension.

We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.

When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day.

We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application.

In P&A we want to build a diverse team, which represents the communities served by the organisations we support. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented.

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements, including part-time, compressed hours and/or job shares, as appropriate and in the context of the business needs associated with the role.

We offer the opportunity of an “Ask Us Anything” Teams call at 12.30pm on 2 June. During this call you will be able to ask any questions you might have about the role, the selection process, our department, our core values and work culture, our current hybrid work policy, or simply listen to others’ questions.

Closing date: 7 June 2026.

This role will have two interview stages, a standard skills-based interview followed (for up to two appointable candidates) by a Core Values interview.  

First stage interviews are due to be held on 19th June. Core Values interviews are due to be held on 25th June.

We are seeking an Assistant Director – Digital and Innovation to play a central role in shaping how Villiers Park delivers and develops its programmes at a pivotal point in the implementation of our 2025-30 strategy. This role represents an exciting opportunity to lead on the development of our digital education offer and innovation work, ensuring it enhances both the reach and depth of our programmes for young people across the UK.

Villiers Park is a national social mobility charity with a strong track record of delivering impactful programmes that support young people from under-represented backgrounds to fulfil their potential. As we continue to grow, digital provision and innovation are increasingly important in enabling us to reach more students, and to do so in engaging and inclusive ways.

Digital learning and programme innovation will be critical to the next phase in our strategy, building on the foundations we have already established, including the development of our learning platform and programme model. Alongside this, Leadership Challenge continues to expand as a key national outreach and social action programme, and this role will be instrumental in ensuring its quality and impact.

Our work is possible because of a brilliant team of staff, trustees and volunteers and committed funders and partners who believe in what we do and want to make the greatest possible difference. The Assistant Director – Digital and Innovation will work closely with colleagues across programmes, partnerships, communications and fundraising, as well as external partners, to ensure our digital and programme offer is coherent, forward-thinking and aligned with our mission.

This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership with practical delivery, helping to translate ambition into impact for the young people we serve.

Sarah Chick

Head of Programmes 

Job purpose

The Assistant Director - Digital and Innovation leads the development, implementation and ongoing improvement of Villiers Park’s digital education provision. This includes the design and delivery of online learning experiences, the development of digital and physical resources for use across programmes, and ensuring that digital delivery is accessible, safeguarded and aligned with the organisation’s mission.

The role also provides strategic and operational leadership for Leadership Challenge, Villiers Park’s national student outreach and social action programme. This includes programme design, partner engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and ensuring the programme is effectively resourced and financially sustainable.

Working closely with the Head of Programmes, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Communications and Fundraising teams, and external partners, the postholder supports the development of digital innovation, programme resourcing and Leadership Challenge activity to enhance reach, impact and quality. 

Key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Villiers Park’s digital education provision, ensuring alignment with our Theory of Change, priorities and values
• Lead the design and evolution of high-quality digital learning experiences, content and pathways for students, schools, parents/carers and volunteers
• Oversee the adoption and integration of digital platforms and tools, ensuring accessibility, safeguarding, GDPR compliance and scalability
• Drive innovation in digital delivery by monitoring sector trends and embedding relevant approaches to enhance reach and impact
• Ensure digital provision complements and strengthens face-to-face delivery across programmes, working closely with the Head of Programmes and Assistant Directors
• Provide strategic oversight of the use of AI within programmes, ensuring its application enhances learning experiences while maintaining safeguarding and ethical standards
• Provide strategic oversight of the development and ongoing review of physical resources, ensuring consistency, quality and alignment across programmes
• Ensure all resources are inclusive, engaging, curriculum-aligned and reflect organisational standards and brand expectations
• Maintain a coherent approach to resource development, ensuring materials support programme delivery and learning outcomes effectively
• Lead the strategic and operational development of the Leadership Challenge programme, ensuring it is high-quality, sustainable and aligned with organisational priorities
• In collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team, develop and strengthen partnerships with charities, corporates and universities to support programme growth and delivery
• Oversee the development of an appropriate recognition or award framework for participants
• Establish and oversee robust quality assurance and evaluation processes for digital and physical content and delivery
• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contribute to strategic planning, budgeting and risk management, and provide quarterly updates to the Board of Trustees.
• Work collaboratively with Fundraising and Communications teams to support income generation, bid development and programme promotion

This list is not exhaustive, and the post-holder will be required to undertake other tasks relevant to the role and within their capability.

Skills and experience:

• Significant leadership experience in education, youth or social mobility sectors
• Knowledge of school and college curricula and the needs of learners aged 13–19
• Proven experience in designing and/or delivering digital learning
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, digital accessibility standards and inclusive design
• Experience developing high‑quality educational resources (digital and physical)
• Ability to lead programmes, manage projects and deliver to deadlines
• Ability to build relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders to further organisational aims and fundraising objectives

Personal attributes:

• A genuine commitment to and care for social mobility and young people’s futures
• Organised and proactive, effectively, prioritising workload and delivering outcomes independently
• Strategic and forward-thinking, with an ability to see the bigger picture
• Collaborative and able to work effectively with colleagues, partners and stakeholders across different functions
• Willingness to learn and develop your own practice and experience

Additional Information:

• The postholder will be required to travel regularly to schools, events and partner organisations
• An enhanced DBS check will be required
• The postholder will hold responsibility to be one of the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads
• The postholder will require a full UK driving licence
• Evening work and overnight stays may be required
• Hybrid – location local to our Cambridge office or near to one of our Regional Hubs

Employee Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rated) and additional leave over Christmas.
• A dedicated wellbeing day for you to take at any time and three days (pro-rated) paid leave for volunteering or study each year.
• Training and professional development, including termly staff development days.
• Support from our wellbeing working group and access to an employee assistance programme.
• Opportunity to join working groups with other colleagues from across the organisation as well as wider networks such as the Fair Education Alliance.
• Flexibility in working hours.
• Additional sick pay and compassionate leave policies. 

Safeguarding

Villiers Park Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and to providing a safe and supportive environment, which secures the well-being and best outcomes for the young people with whom we work.

Safeguarding is embedded in all aspects of Villiers Park's work and integral to the commitment we make to our schools, partners and the young people and communities we serve and work with. All employees and volunteers are expected to share this commitment by adhering to our organisational safeguarding procedures, attending regular in-house training and keeping up to date with developments in policies and legislation.

All employees and volunteers will also agree to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check and successfully complete our mandatory online training courses including NSPCC Safeguarding in Schools and PREVENT training.