Student Engagement Officer Jobs

Description:

• Closing Date: Thursday 2nd May
• Salary: £26,400
• Working Pattern: Full-time
• Contract: Permanent
• Job Location: Greenwich
• Interview date: Thursday 9th May
• Start date: ASAP
• Reporting to: Programme Manager

About the organisation

We believe that every young person should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and make the most of their education. We’re passionate about reducing the educational barriers our students face, helping them to pursue a career in their chosen field and follow their dreams.

Our mission is to support students from under resourced backgrounds to access top universities, through a unique combination of tuition and in-school mentoring. We work with them to make good applications, get the grades and transition to university.

The programme combats educational inequality and improves social mobility by raising students’ grades and supporting them to understand the pathway to a top university. Students who receive support from our programme are more than twice as likely to attend top universities as statistically similar students, according to UCAS.

Why work at The Access Project

People who work at The Access Project are motivated by the desire to create a fairer society. We all play an active part in achieving the mission to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds access top universities. At The Access Project, we’re a friendly, collaborative, supportive and inclusive team, with passionate people working together in Programmes, Strategy & Impact, Volunteering, Fundraising & Communications and Operations to achieve our mission.

The vision of our people strategy is to enable and inspire all employees to achieve, grow, succeed and thrive. We regularly have opportunities for people to share their ideas in various working groups, generating strong teamwork across the organisation.

In the last year we engaged with staff across our organisation and co-created an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion vision and strategic objectives. Our work on this will develop throughout 2024 to ensure The Access Project can foster an equitable place to work.

We value every individual who works at The Access Project and we have a wide range of benefits that make this a rewarding place to work. In our last staff engagement survey, 90% said they’re proud to tell people they work at The Access Project.

Our values

Empowerment

We support students and our people to develop the skills and knowledge to accomplish their goals.

Courage

We encourage our students and our people to be authentic, innovative and ambitious in order to reach their full potential and deliver our mission.

Impact

We evolve our programmes through an evidence-led approach, supporting our students to achieve their best outcomes.

Inclusion

We respect and value individuality and engage diverse voices to achieve our mission.

Ownership

We hold ourselves accountable in all our actions and efforts. We ask “What can I do to improve my results?”

About the role

This vacancy is for a University Access Officer to work across two schools in Greenwich, London. Our schools are shown on a map The Access Project schools on our website.

The University Access Officer works with school staff at all levels, volunteer tutors, and with the rest of The Access Project’s team to ensure that the delivery of the programme is optimised.

Role responsibilities

• Engage with students in school and enrol them onto the programme

• Match students with volunteer tutors

• Monitor student attendance to tutorials and devise innovative solutions to encourage attendance

• Assess student progress towards being able to make successful university applications

• Upload information onto the Salesforce database (training is provided)

• Monitor the impact of tutorials, and intervene as appropriate

• Build and manage relationships with volunteer tutors to ensure they have a positive experience of the programme

• Manage tutor relationships and attendance to tutorials through weekly monitoring of systems, emailing and making phone calls.

• Work with school staff to ensure their cooperation and timely completion of activities contributing to the smooth running of the programme

• Chair and present at termly school meetings with Senior Management to report on programme progress.

• University Access Officers support the volunteering team by helping to deliver tutor training sessions, and attending university site visits, which take place on occasional Saturdays and weekday evenings (paid time off is provided).

• Any other responsibilities reasonably deemed necessary by The Access Project’s Programme Managers or Director

Person specification

● Able to deliver projects and manage administration accurately

● Able to communicate and influence with impact at all levels

● Able to effectively time manage

● Able to lead and manage change to embed the programme in school

● Resilient and adaptable

● Skilled in building and maintaining excellent relationships

Training and Development

You will be provided with regular monthly training so that you can develop your skills and succeed in the role. There is support from your line manager (Programme Manager), as well as guidance from a Senior University Access Officer and the wider University Access Officer team across The Access Project. There are opportunities for progression, including several additional responsibility roles which are available for UAOs to apply for once they have completed their probationary period successfully.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave p.a. (pro rata) plus Bank Holidays and Christmas closure.

• PerkBox – offering nationwide shopping discounts, gym memberships, holidays, learning and much more.

• Employee Assistance Programme, a 24-hour helpline for staff

• Online Medical assistance – access 24/7 to a qualified GP within minutes, with referrals and prescriptions available same-day.

• Interest-free travelcard loans

• Cyclescheme loans

• 3 paid Volunteering Days

• Employer’s pensions contributions (3%)

• CPD options

• The Access Project welcomes requests for flexible working arrangements

Safeguarding Statement

The Access Project is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Equal Opportunities Statement

The Access Project is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We are working towards improvements with equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Disclosure of a Criminal Record

The Rehabilitation of Offenders 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) Order 1986 applies to posts where there is access to children. This means that applicants for employment that involves working with children and young people must disclose anything listed in their criminal record, with the exception of protected cautions and convictions. All Disclosures are carried out in the strictest confidence and are made only in connection with your application for employment and for no other purpose. The application for a DBS check at a level appropriate to the job role will be activated before your first day of work. Members of staff who are not eligible for a standard or enhanced DBS check are required to undertake a basic DBS check only in line with legal requirements. If you are selected for appointment to the role, you will be subject to this procedure.

Present or most recent employment

It is important to give full information, including the organisation you work in, or most recent employment if not currently working, full dates, address and explanation of any gaps in employment.

References

All appointments are subject to verification of employment and suitability of the candidate for the post applied for. We reserve the right to approach any previous employer for a reference and to verify their identity but will request your permission before doing so. If you have experience of working with children, please include this as one of your references.

Education, Qualifications and Training:

● Ensure you give all the information requested, including dates, establishment where you studied and make clear the level of any examinations e.g., GCSE, GCE 'O' Level or 'A' Level or equivalents etc. and the grades you obtained. Also include any skills training you have had. You will be required to produce original documentary evidence of any qualifications relevant to the job, and these will be detailed on the person specification.

● Proof of qualification is required before the appointment is confirmed.

UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD - Senior Fundraising Executive, Humanities

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

We are looking for a new senior fundraiser to join our energetic team to raise major gifts for a range of posts, scholarships and other priorities across the Humanities.  Oxford is the world’s leading university for humanities teaching and research. The University’s scholarship in languages, literature, history, philosophy, religion & the arts – from the earliest civilisation to the present day – enriches our understanding of humankind, and informs how we engage with historic issues and contemporary concerns.

About the Role

This fundraiser will work closely with senior academics in the Humanities Division. The post will focus primarily on funding for posts, scholarships and access and outreach in the academic faculties as well as securing support for the activities of the Cultural Programme and Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. An interest and appreciation for the arts and humanities is essential.

To Be Successful You’ll Need:

• To be an experienced development professional with a strong track record of securing major gifts and the ability to secure gifts in the range of £100k-£1m+
• Confidence to work with people from a range of backgrounds, both internally and externally
• The ability to think creatively in prospecting, cultivation and stewardship

What We Offer

As an employer, we value the wellbeing and development of all our employees. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• 38 days annual leave (including public holidays)
• Hybrid working arrangements for a healthy work-life balance
• Extensive personal and professional development opportunities
• Membership to CASE to support your professional development as an educational advancement professional
• Supportive childcare services and other family-friendly leave schemes for working parents, guardians and those with caring responsibilities
• Generous family leave for maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Excellent contributory pension scheme for your financial future
• Salary sacrifice scheme for additional savings
• Subsidised sports centre membership to promote well-being
• Cycle loan scheme to encourage sustainable commuting
• Discounted bus and transit travel

In addition, you will have access to a vibrant community with social groups and sports clubs fostering an inclusive atmosphere.

Application process:

• Click the link to ‘Apply’ and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be taken to our online Applicant portal.
• Applications should consist of a full CV and a letter of application in your own words, in PDF format (maximum of 2 pages) outlining your motivations to apply for this role, your relevant experience and how you meet the criteria of the person specification.

Only applications received before 12.00 noon on 2 May 2024 can be considered.

Interviews are currently scheduled to take place week commencing 10 May 2024, in person in Oxford.

Development and Alumni Engagement is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.

Are you looking for a fulfilling role where you can make a real difference? Are you organised and people orientated? We have an exciting opportunity at our Birmingham Centre to support us in connecting with our local community. Thrive is a national charity that uses gardening to change lives. We’re looking for a Community Engagement Officer who will strengthen our links within the local community, such that more people know about Thrive, understand what we do and access our programs.

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’re looking to significantly build on our fantastic work in Birmingham over the next two years. Working as a key part of the team at Thrive in Birmingham, the Community Engagement Officer will increase participation and strengthen our referral pathways through productive relationships. Such that engagement with our services is representative of the diversity within our locality. The successful candidate will have strong communication and organisational skills. We’re looking for a relational operator who can confidently facilitate visitors and work independently with a range of external partners.

to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check.  Thrive complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice.  Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an individual from working for Thrive.

Closing date for applications: 17.00 on the 2nd May 2024. We will be reviewing applications as they come in, so early application is recommended.

Job Description

The Head of Advocacy and Policy will be responsible for developing an excellent Advice Service and Retention Team to support and advise students effectively to enable excellent student experience and satisfaction.

This role will lead on the development of effective insights, representation and support initiatives/campaigns for students, across our three campuses at Greenwich, Avery Hill and Medway.

This role will enhance work with the diverse student population of the University of Greenwich and lead a dynamic team to ensure students have consistent and accessible services that contribute to positive student experience.

This role sits within the wider Membership Services department, together with other key areas consisting of; Activities, Sport, Academic Communities, Representation and Democracy, we provide a high-quality service for students, that they can shape, steer and be at the heart of.

This postholder will be part of the GSU Senior Leadership Team and will be expected to contribute to department and organisation wide strategic development.

The post holder will:

• Have expert knowledge in areas of in relation to Advice and Retention and policies and legislation relating to such activity
• Support and develop strong student-led communities and campaigns in areas of: Advice, wellbeing and retention so that members can thrive
• Provide line management support to staff so that the team have up to date, specialist advice skills, knowledge and understanding of University regulations, policies and procedures that may affect the work of the Advice service and oversee engagement across Greenwich’s 3 campuses
• Undertake casework and provide expert advice for the team on all aspects of Advice
• Lead on the project management of wellbeing/health promotion campaigns and initiatives throughout the year, as well as any external bids through bodies such as OfS
• Oversee the Retention and Wellbeing Project work, and other relevant projects with external partners
• Lead on insights work relating to retention, wellbeing and support
• Lead on responses to external consultation and enquiry responses, including but not limited to OfS, Department for Education, OIA and Universities UK
• Support elected officers to deliver on campaigning priorities
• Ensure the Advice service has the skills and is equipped to support the diverse needs of students at Greenwich and Kent at Medway.
• Provide regular insights and reports on the GSU Membership to inform our strategy and service provision
• Work with other Heads to develop relevant and modern Front of House services for each GSU campus ensuring ease of access and consistency for all members.

Key Areas

• Be an engaged and active member of the Senior Leadership team, contributing regularly and working collaboratively with peers
• Provide leadership, strategic direction and day to day operational management to the Advocacy and Policy: recruiting and inducting members of staff, motivating, supporting and developing team members to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge for their roles as well as manage performance
• Develop a proactive results driven culture within the team, ensuring agreed objectives and targets are delivered, whilst promoting a collaborative approach to working with internal departments
• Develop succession plans and identify training and development opportunities within the team
• Be accountable for the quality of outputs of the team
• Provide support to the Officer team helping and equipping them, particularly in their roles as representatives and providing pastoral support and guidance.
• Ensure the whole organisation is aware of and understands the work of the Advocacy and Policy Team and its contribution to our strategic objectives
• To maintain expert and up-to-date knowledge on sector policies and regulations relating to advice, retention and student success, providing relevant guidance to officers and staff as required.
• Develop and promote a culture of continuous improvement across the team to ensure we can adapt to changing students’ needs and priorities, as well as building on successes and preparing for the future.

Strategic Development

• Contribute to the strategic objectives of GSU, with a particular focus on advice, support and wellbeing in relation to the student experience
• Develop and oversee a new and innovative approach to proactive health and wellbeing campaigns that empower students to look after themselves and each other, as well as seeking support
• Lead on Access and Participation Plan Engagement, acting as the key contact on this area with the University.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with relevant senior UoG staff and departments including Student Academic Services, Faculties and our partners at Kent Unio
• Develop and oversee the Advice service to support advocacy initiatives at multiple levels within the University, ensuring both students and University stakeholders view GSU as a credible and reliable source of information on the needs of students.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Develop and oversee a structured approach to gathering, analysing and reporting on data relating to engagement of students with our services and to student views on key issues relating to retention and success
• Develop and oversee processes of collecting quantitative and qualitative data from casework to analyse trends and inform feedback for the SU and university
• Ensure evaluation mechanism are embedded in the teams working practises and that findings are shared and used to implement learnings with the goal of improving services
• Support Officers by preparing information, statistics and trends about key services to be shared within the University committee cycle
• Be responsible for the implementation of service standards for the Advocacy and Policy Team and to monitor and report on adherence to these standards
• Prepare materials to apply for any relevant quality mark accreditations for the service.

Budget and Financial Management

• Manage a budget relating to Advocacy and Policy including any restricted funds.
• Be responsible for the teams resources, ensuring these are effectively allocated, managed and controlled
• Review and establish processes, systems, polices and where appropriate standard procedures to maximise efficiency ensure deadlines are met and a positive return on investment
• Review and provide narrative for scrutiny at monthly management meetings with the Finance Team

Stakeholder management

• Collaborate with GSU colleagues, particularly the Student Voice and Engagement Teams to ensure we have a consistent approach to how we work with and support students
• Work with students through our representative structures and forums to ensure we shape services students want and need, taking into consideration the varying campus priorities
• Maintain strong relationships with key university staff to develop, deliver and evaluate collaborative projects and interventions supporting advice and retention
• Attend meetings relating to Advocacy and Policy as well as associated areas at both GSU, the University and externally, included, but not limited to regional networks
• Identify opportunities to share best practice and represent the work of GSU and your team to the wider HE community, through conferences and publication.

Personal Specification

Essential Experience

• Line management experience
• Relevant experience working in the youth, education, students’ union or other membership or advisory organisation
• Experience of leading a multi-functional team
• Experience of mentoring coaching staff/elected officers
• Experience of developing operational policies and procedures
• Experience of budget management, project management, and operational management
• Experience of working with a range of stakeholders and partnership working or strategic networking

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work with and lead a high performing team
• Ability to troubleshoot difficult situations, and deal with them calmly, efficiently and effectively
• Ability to produce confident, clear written reports and be able to write succinct documents on complex areas
• IT skills at a level that supports membership CRM systems, Advice Pro and other platforms
• Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to manage others to reach deadlines, within agreed budgets and to a consistently high standard
• Ability to write strategies and be able to effectively communicate vision and mission
• Ability to stay focused and efficient in the face on changing priorities
• Track record of successfully developing and implementing projects and operational change
• Able to draft policies and procures with an eye for detail and accuracy

Essential Knowledge

• Awareness of current issues within the higher education sector
• Knowledge of relevant external bodies and organisations including Advice UK, NUS, Citizens Advice, OIA, Ofs, Student Minds
• Knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation
• Knowledge of Safeguarding, advice legislation, risk assessments and GDPR
• Knowledge of providing 121 support

Education/Training

• No one specific qualification is required, but evidence of recent continuing professional development in a professional area relevant to the post is required. For example: ILM, City &Guilds etc.

Personal Attributes and other requirements

• Able to travel within the Borough and Region.
• Able to work some evenings and weekends and stay overnight where necessary.
• Works well in a team with a flexible approach to work
• Be eligible for a DBS check if needed
• A commitment to the principles and practices of equality and diversity
• An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.
• Commitment to the values and ethos of GSU.

Desirable other requirements

• Visionary, creative, and innovative strategist
• A positive, solution focused leader – able to make ‘tough’ decisions; determined and resilient in order to cope with the demands of the role
• Empowering, authentic leader with high levels of emotional intelligence

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO?

We are the UK’s student mental health charity. We challenge the higher education sector, health sector, and government to work with students when making decisions that impact them, and make them accountable for prioritising student mental health. In collaboration with students, we show sector professionals what effective student mental health looks like, and bridge the gap between students and the communities around them to ensure their voices are always heard. 

By creating and curating resources, stories and tools, we empower students to build their own mental health toolkit to support themselves and their peers through university life and beyond. We want to empower and inspire students to use their voice to share their stories and advocate for themselves. 

ROLE PURPOSE
The Programme Support Officer (full-time, fixed-term contract for 18 months, with possibility to extend) will join the expanding Sector Improvement Team. They will provide vital logistical, financial and administrative support and coordination required to successfully run and deliver the University Mental Health Charter Programme and Award, achieve the Sector Improvement Team’s key objectives, and contribute to the whole charity’s mission and goals. This is an exciting opportunity to help the team scale the University Mental Health Charter, with the potential to impact 2.5 million staff and students across the UK.

From booking travel and accommodation, holding responsibility for the planning and administration of the Purchase Order sheets, to liaising with the many stakeholders involved in the assessment and programme processes, you will have an opportunity to be involved in an interesting, fast paced and exciting role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Logistical support

• Provide effective logistical and administrative support to the Sector Improvement Programme(s), working closely with the Sector Improvement Lead and Programme Managers to ensure the successful delivery of the programmes
• Support the the planning and delivery of key Sector Improvement Programme activities including online and in-person events, handling the administrative and logistical tasks e.g. venue booking and travel arrangements
• Support the Charter Award Process by managing logistics for assessors during Award site visits and handling related bookings
• Use of our Project Management tools to set and receive work, manage deadlines and workflows alongside colleagues to complete projects and Programmes in a timely manner, ensuring high quality of work

Financial support

• Assist in onboarding the University Mental Health Charter Programme by managing administrative tasks such as purchase orders and processing documents (e.g. MOUs, new supplier forms etc.) and outstanding payments
• Administer finances for our Sector Improvement programmes; issuing purchase orders and ensuring timely payments
• Work with finance colleagues to ensure correct processes and procedures are followed accurately and compliant with finance requirements, and identify areas for process improvement
• Act as a cardholder for the team, making online purchases such as accommodation and travel bookings and following policies, procedures and guidance in the correct and responsible use of the Student Minds card

Data and process administration

• Administer data processes for the University Mental Health Charter Programme and Award process, in line with Data Protection Guidelines
• Collate and analyse evaluation data from Sector Improvement events (online and in person), generating timely reports and make recommendations for programme improvement
• Create essential documents requested by the Sector Improvement Programme team to support programme delivery and scalability
• Provide support to the Sector Improvement Team and Award Managers to enable efficient Award Assessment accreditation processes
• Maintain key working relationships with our network of Assessors and University Award Leads, addressing queries, scheduling and minuting award panels, sharing actions with the team

Working together

• Work closely with the Programme Liaison Officer to successfully deliver all aspects of the role, including managing university relationships, ensuring tasks are picked between roles and when required
• Attend programme-related meetings, and maintain communications with programme participants and key stakeholders through maintaining and use of up-to-date database(s)
• Actively participate in the testing and embedding of new digital systems to improve programme efficiency and engagement
• Stay updated on developments in Higher Education and gather insights from sector partners to feed into team decisions
• Look for opportunities to develop systems and processes to improve ways of working and participate in discussions on the Sector Improvement Team development and improvement

Other duties

• Such other duties as may be reasonably prescribed by the organisation, appropriate to the grade and responsibilities of this post
• Attend regular team meetings with the Student Minds team and colleagues throughout the year as required
• Ensure compliance with Student Minds’ internal procedures and all external legal requirements
• Undertake training and attend conferences in a support capacity when Student Minds is delivering, and attend external conferences as a delegate where required
• Engage with and provide feedback on projects and strategic reports developed by other members of the team
• Work flexibly and undertake tasks to support Student Minds colleagues as needed

BENEFITS

• Generous annual leave allowance - 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus a 2-week winter closure
• Flexible working - we encourage all employees to reflect on when and where they work best and how they need to fit work around caring or other commitments.
• Wellbeing is at the heart of what we do - we support staff to implement Wellness Action Plans and offer 10% of weekly working hours for you to invest in your wellbeing.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme - we also offer wellbeing support through an Employee Assistance Programme which provides a wide range of resources as well as confidential counselling.
• For other benefits and more information please see our website.

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO?

We are the UK’s student mental health charity. We challenge the higher education sector, health sector, and government to work with students when making decisions that impact them, and make them accountable for prioritising student mental health. In collaboration with students, we show sector professionals what effective student mental health looks like, and bridge the gap between students and the communities around them to ensure their voices are always heard. 

By creating and curating resources, stories and tools, we empower students to build their own mental health toolkit to support themselves and their peers through university life and beyond. We want to empower and inspire students to use their voice to share their stories and advocate for themselves. 

ROLE PURPOSE
The Programme Liaison Officer (full-time, fixed-term contract for 18 months, with possibility to extend) will join the expanding Sector Improvement Team. They will provide vital administration, communication and digital liaison and support required to successfully run and deliver the University Mental Health Charter Programme and Award, achieve the Sector Improvement Team’s key objectives, and contribute to the whole charity’s mission and goals.  This is an exciting opportunity to help the team scale the University Mental Health Charter, with the potential to impact 2.5 million staff and students across the UK.

This role will include responding to queries, liaising with assessors, universities and general enquiries. The post holder will be responsible for working with the team to develop and monitor our HUB and digital platforms, for developing regular newsletters and working with colleagues to liaise with the many stakeholders involved in the assessment and programme processes.

Key responsibilities 

Liaison support

• Provide effective liaison and administrative support to the Sector Improvement Programme(s), working closely with the Sector Improvement Lead and Programme Managers to ensure thesuccessful delivery of the programmes
• Support the planning and delivery of key Sector Improvement Programme activities such as the Winter Panel and the recruitment of the Award Assessors, CPD training and responding togeneral enquiries
• Act as the first point of contact for key stakeholders’ inquiries through the Charter Inbox and Student Minds’ Hub

Digital and resources support

• Utilise project management tools to manage work, deadlines and workflows alongside relevant colleagues to ensure timely and quality programme delivery
• Support the development of resources and documents for the charter, including newsletters, HUB announcements, Charter Handbook etc.
• Work closely with the Comms and Digital Team internally to develop and communicate clear timelines and resources needed throughout the year
• Support the annual onboarding of the Charter Programme, supporting the administrative tasks for the process, including some financial support. Lead on bringing together and distributing key documents such as welcome packs, Charter Framework documents etc.
• Support the coordinator (Programme and HUB) to onboard universities and Assessors to the HUB, and develop and grow the platform for members
• Update and oversee the Sector Improvement annual calendar of events and key activities/deliverables and share with the wider Student Minds team, identifying where dates may need to be moved
• Actively participate in the testing and embedding of new digital systems being led by the Digital
• Product Manager to increase efficiency and engagement for the Sector Improvement Programme and organisation as a whole for example collating product requirements

Financial support

• Work with the Programme Support Officer and finance colleagues to ensure correct processes and procedures are followed accurately and compliant with finance requirements
• Act as a secondary card holder for the team, making online purchases such as accommodation and travel bookings and following policies, procedures and guidance in the correct and responsible use of the Student Minds card

Data and process administration

• Administer data princesses for the University Mental Health Charter Programme and Award process, in line with Data Protection Guidelines
• Collate evaluation data from Sector Improvement events (online and in person)
• Create essential documents requested by the Sector Improvement Programme team, to support programme delivery and scalability
• Use our database(s) to manage relationships and communications with programme participants and key stakeholders, ensuring it is always up-to-date
• Support the Sector Improvement Team and Award Managers to enable efficient Award
• Assessment accreditation processes
• Maintain key working relationships with our network of Assessors and University Award Leads, addressing queries, scheduling and minuting award panels, sharing actions with the team

Working together

• Work closely with the Programme Support Officer to successfully deliver all aspects of the role, including managing the relationships with universities and logistical aspects (e.g. bookings, finances), ensuring tasks are picked between roles and when required
• Work closely with colleagues in the Student Space team and Training teams to embed cross- programme working within Student Minds.
• Attend various programme-related meetings, actively contributing ideas to continually develop our Programmes
• Stay updated on developments in Higher Education and gather insights from sector partners to feed into team decisions
• Look for opportunities to develop systems and processes to improve ways of working and participate in discussions on the Sector Improvement Team development and improvement

BENEFITS

• Generous annual leave allowance - 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus a 2-week winter closure
• Flexible working - we encourage all employees to reflect on when and where they work best and how they need to fit work around caring or other commitments.
• Wellbeing is at the heart of what we do - we support staff to implement Wellness Action Plans and offer 10% of weekly working hours for you to invest in your wellbeing.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme - we also offer wellbeing support through an Employee Assistance Programme which provides a wide range of resources as well as confidential counselling.
• For other benefits and more information please see our website.

About TASO

The Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO) is an affiliate What Works Centre, and part of the UK Government’s What Works Movement. Our vision is to eliminate equality gaps in higher education (HE). Our mission is to improve lives through evidence-informed practice.

TASO was set up in 2019 and became an independent charity in April 2021. Our work focuses on the generation, synthesis and dissemination of high-quality evidence about effective practice in widening participation and student outcomes. We primarily focus on developing and disseminating causal evidence. 

The Role

The Head of Communications and Engagement will lead TASO’s communications and engagement work plan to raise the profile of the organisation. They will also lead on TASO’s evidence mobilisation work plan, working with the Chief Executive, to ensure TASO’s research and evaluation outputs are effectively disseminated. 

This will involve ensuring a strategic approach to all communications activities, leading on the delivery of external-facing materials and publications, overseeing a vibrant social media presence and events programme. The role will have overall responsibility for a website redevelopment project over the next year. 

• Ensure a strategic and effective approach to communications, dissemination and stakeholder engagement.

• Lead on the design, branding and dissemination of innovative and engaging communications – both print and online, including oversight of the editorial and publication process for all TASO research reports and resources. 

• Lead on TASO’s evidence mobilisation plan, working with the Chief Executive and Research and Evaluation Team to ensure research outputs are effectively disseminated and achieve impact.

• Support the Chief Executive on delivering TASO’s policy aims. Lead on engagement with and monitoring of Westminster activities (e.g. select committees, reports, consultations) and liaise with key communications and policy stakeholders in the Department for Education, Office for Students and other relevant bodies.

• Take overall responsibility for TASO’s online and social media presence. This will involve overseeing a critical website redevelopment project over the next year and also includes oversight of the creation, upkeep and management of digital channels and content.

• Lead on TASO’s media relations, producing high quality press releases and news stories for the website, liaising with journalists, as appropriate.

• Lead on the delivery of a programme of stakeholder engagement events for a wide range of audiences. The events will range from small training sessions to larger events including publication launches and an annual conference.

• Provide line management for communications staff who will support all activities – including two direct reports and overseeing a team of three. 

• Undertake projects and duties as required or requested by the Chief Executive or broader team.

Job Title: Project Officer

Position Type: Paid/Full time

Reports to: Programme Manager

Based at: School Food Matters, The Bridge, 7b Parkshot, London TW9 2RD

Working Hours: 5 days a week, 9am-5pm (some flexibility required to attend breakfast and after school clubs) 

Salary: £29,656 FTE

Holiday: 31 days including bank holidays that fall on working days. Holidays must be taken during school holidays

Pension: School Food Matters matches pension contributions at 5% of pensionable earnings

Contract: Temporary – 18 months

Background to School Food Matters

School Food Matters (SFM) exists to teach children about food and to improve children’s access to healthy, sustainable food during their time at school. We provide fully funded food education programmes to schools. Our experience delivering these programmes informs and strengthens our campaigns, bringing the voices of children, parents and teachers to government policy.

Healthy Zones programme

Healthy Zones supports primary, secondary and special schools to create a food environment that puts young people's health centre stage. We are working with schools to develop food policies and to improve the food served in their breakfast and after school clubs. The programme uses a whole school approach through hands-on engagement with students, staff, kitchen teams, governors and parents.

Job Purpose

· To promote, develop and deliver the Healthy Zones programme across schools in Southwark and Lambeth

· Support with the expansion of the Healthy Zones programme across other regions in England

Key Tasks include:

•  Recruit schools to take part in Healthy Zones
• Complete food audits in schools looking across the whole school day (training provided)
• Develop and deliver healthy after school club and breakfast club modules (convene working groups in schools, run simple food preparation engagement sessions (training provided), empower student voice, build relationships with the after-school club staff)
• Develop food policy improvements in schools in our six key areas by building relationships with staff, and engaging students, parents and governors
• Build relationships and work closely / maintain relationships with teachers, teaching assistants, cooks and senior leaders in primary and secondary schools in Lambeth and Southwark to improve the food they offer their students
• Build and support relationships with contacts in partner organisations/LAs, and deliver training where necessary
• Collecting data and maintaining accurate records relating to the programme in Airtable
• Work closely with our Evaluation Manager to complete all monitoring and evaluation
• Gather content for our website and social media platforms
• Keep Programme Manager fully updated on progress

• Keeping up to date with safeguarding requirements and reporting procedures

• Contribute to the smooth-running of SFM at this time of growth
• Maintaining the ethos of the charity and positively promoting our work at all times
• The Project Officer will also undertake any other tasks relevant to the affairs of SFM that may arise from time to time.  Therefore, being flexible and approaching the job with an open and positive mindset is essential!

 Person specification

 Essential  

· Excellent administrative and organisational skills with great attention to detail

· Excellent IT skills including excel, word and email

· Experience of building relationships with partner organisations and individuals 

· Comfortable engaging with variety of audiences (students, school staff and parents), incl. writing and responding to email, conducting telephone, virtual and face to face meetings, and running workshops 

· Ability to work in a team, and seek help when needed

· Self-motivated and optimistic with a can-do attitude

Desirable  

·Experience of working for a charity or not for profit organisation

·Experience of working in education

·       An interest in food education and children’s health

We’re looking for a creative and confident Content & Communications Coordinator to join our busy Marketing & Communications Team at Imperial College Union. This new role will be key in strengthening our online presence and improving student engagement with the Union. The successful candidate will manage our social media channels and content to drive two-way conversations, to increase awareness of the Union’s work, and help us better understand what they care about.

You will be our in-house journalist; planning and delivering content that speaks to our varied audiences. You’ll build strong relationships across the Union and College, writing creative copy and curating innovative social media content. Using your in-depth knowledge of social media, you will be aware of emerging trends across all platforms and create content that attracts and retains the interest and attention of our members. You will work closely with colleagues across the Union, including our elected Officer Trustees, to support them to reach more students and deliver key messages. This role is integral to supporting the diverse work the Union does – everything from Activities

Our ideal candidate will have a flair for creative writing for a variety of topics and channels, with a strong passion for social media and help develop and embed the Union’s personality and brand. If you’re creative, confident, and self-motivated, this is a great opportunity to make a role your own!

Duties and responsibilities

Content Planning

• To assist in the creation of communications and content plans to support the Marketing & Engagement Manager in the delivery of key Union marketing activity, such as Welcome Week and election.
• In partnership with the Marketing & Engagement Manager devise a social schedule to ensure regular, timely and impactful content across these channels
• Build networks with student groups, the Union’s newspaper (Felix) and external partners to develop opportunities for content collaboration
• Utilise student feedback and engagement with Union content to continue to improve and develop our output and channels
• Work with the Student Officer team to promote their public profiles and provide support on their campaigns.
• Stay up to date with what’s happening across the Union, College, the city and wider student movement to stay current and spot positive PR opportunities and content.

Content Creation & Curation

• Ensure timely, relevant and engaging content for Union channels & platforms, including blogs, website, social media and news
• Write, proof and edit a variety of digital communications across the organisation, such as blogs and web content to ensure brand and tone of voice is consistent and correct
• Attend student events to capture photos and videos content to use for marketing purposes and provide live social media coverage to a high standard
• Work with Designer to turn copy into engaging, high quality assets
• Have your finger on the pulse for all latest trends for the student audience and evaluate their feasibility without audiences and available resources
• Be aware of shareable, engaging content, sourcing content from external channels to build an engaged following and boost our content on social media
• Establish and work with student and staff social ambassadors in gathering stories and content

General

• Regularly monitor and report on content to inform improvements and innovations
• Monitor and moderate social posts and comments and respond or escalate in line with the Union’s Crisis Comms plan
• Support key events throughout the year, including Welcome Week and Elections, when necessary
• Proactively work to ensure the Union’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is expressed in all outputs

Essential requirements

• Experience of developing and delivering communications plans campaigns with clear metrics of success
• Solid knowledge of website analytics tools to help monitor and generate useful reports and insights
• Experience in managing content calendars
• Experience of, or strong understanding of, producing web content and an organisation’s social media presence
• Writing copy, editing, and proofreading for online media, demonstrating excellent attention to detail 
• Monitoring the effectiveness of communications activity and able to present appropriate recommendations for improvement and innovation
• Good software knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop)
• Strong understanding of social media channels and their tools
• A passion for social media and keen to learn about new technologies and innovations
• Excellent planning and organisation abilities
• A keen eye for detail, layout and visual styles and experience of working according to brand guidelines
• An engaging writing style and the ability to convey complex messages to a variety of audiences
• Confident working to deadlines and keeping colleagues on top of deadline
• Ability to ensure high standards of work and excellent attention to detail

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closing date: 28 April 2024

Interviews expected to take place 8th and 9th May 2024.

Should you require any further details on the role please contact the People Team.

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

UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD - Senior Fundraising Executive 
known at Oxford as 'Senior Development Executive - Medical Sciences (Neuroscience)'.

We are looking for an experienced fundraiser, to lead on Neuroscience related fundraising for the Departments of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences as part of the friendly team working across the Medical Sciences Division at the University of Oxford.

The Medical Sciences Division at Oxford has been ranked number one in the world for the last twelve years in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for clinical, pre-clinical and health sciences. Recent accomplishments of the Medical Sciences Division include its research into the COVID-19 pandemic, most notably through the delivery of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine, which is estimated to have saved over 6 million lives.

About the role:

This fundraiser will work closely with the Heads of Departments and academics in the Departments of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. The post will focus primarily on funding for research, academic posts, scholarships and infrastructure related to Neuroscience which includes Mental Health and neurological disease (e.g. Motor Neurone Disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s, Stroke and Epilepsy). The fundraiser will work on special projects including the possible major capital redevelopment of the Warneford site. While an interest in medical research and neuroscience is essential, you do not need to be a sciences graduate, just an enthusiast for knowledge.

About you:

You are an experienced development professional with a strong track record of securing major gifts, a confident approach and the ability to think creatively. You will lead on major gift fundraising (£100k-£1m+) working with a range of donors (corporates, trusts and individuals). 

What We Offer:

As an employer, we value the wellbeing and development of all our employees. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• 38 days annual leave (including public holidays)
• Hybrid working arrangements for a healthy work-life balance
• Extensive personal and professional development opportunities
• Membership to CASE to support your professional development as an educational advancement professional
• Supportive childcare services and other family-friendly leave schemes for working parents, guardians and those with caring responsibilities
• Generous family leave for maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Excellent contributory pension scheme for your financial future
• Salary sacrifice scheme for additional savings
• Subsidised sports centre membership to promote well-being
• Cycle loan scheme to encourage sustainable commuting
• Discounted bus and transit travel

In addition, you will have access to a vibrant community with social groups and sports clubs fostering an inclusive atmosphere.

Application process:

• Click the link to ‘Apply’ and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be taken to our online Applicant portal.
• Applications should consist of a full CV and a letter of application in your own words (maximum of 2 pages; no AI-written applications, please), in PDF format, outlining your motivations to apply for this role, your relevant experience and how you meet the criteria of the person specification.

Only applications received before 12.00 noon on 30 April 2024 can be considered.

Interviews are currently scheduled to take place on Friday 10 May 2024, in person in Oxford.

Development and Alumni Engagement is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.

Senior Business Operations Officer

Job id: 086765

Salary: £37,332 - £42,099 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance

Business unit: King's Business School

Department: KBS Faculty Office

Location: Strand Campus

Category: Professional & Support Services

King’s Business School (KBS) asks challenging questions of business and wider society like: What is the meaning of work? Should business be more ethical? How can we measure productivity? What is modern slavery? Are AI and big data the future of finance? 

KBS contributes towards answering these questions, changing the way business works whilst tackling the world’s major challenges for the good of the economy, the environment, society, and businesses everywhere.

The Faculty incorporates seven departments as well as several vibrant institutes and centres with broad ranging programmes of activity across research, education, impact and engagement, thought leadership, and knowledge transfer.

This new role as Senior Business Operations Officer will play a key part in the day-to-day operation of finance and resource management, procurement, professional services HR, faculty estates and space, health and safety, and other defined project management.  Reporting to the Business Operations Manager, the post-holder will be a member of the Faculty’s Business Support Team who will support and coordinate delivery of business operations in accordance with the College’s and the Faculty’s priorities, timeline and policies.  The role will also provide a high level of customer support in collaboration with key stakeholders in the Faculty and central service teams.

The post-holder is expected to be well-versed in the systems and processes underpinning business operations, and has a positive and systematic approach to work, with strong communication and numeracy skills.  They will also engage in collaborative teamwork, promote new ideas and initiatives for more effective and efficient delivery of services through a “one team” Faculty and College approach. 

This is currently offered as a hybrid role, and the role holder will be eligible to spend part of their working week on campus and part of the week working remotely. 

King’s Business School embraces equality, diversity and inclusion. We attract students and staff from across the world, from many different backgrounds, with a variety of ethnicities, religions, and sexual and gender identities. We promote flexible working as a key enabler of inclusion. We particularly encourage and welcome applications from women, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, and from candidates who are LGBTQ+ and/or have a disability.

Benefits of working at King’s College London:

King’s College London (KCL) provide an extensive and varied range of career-focussed training and on-the-job learning as follows: 

· We support staff to maintain a work/life balance

· Flexible working, parental leave opportunities, and subsidised childcare costs for under threes

· Reduced membership rates for staff at gyms at three of our campuses

· Employee Assistance Programme providing free, confidential advice on both home and work concerns

· 30 days annual leave (plus UK bank holidays and four additional concessionary closure days over Christmas)

· Occupational pension scheme with generous employer contributions, and opt-in additional personal contributions 

· Season ticket loans and  cycle to work scheme

· Free coffee / fruit scheme from King’s College Food outlets (restrictions apply)

· Membership of My King’s Discounts offering preferential rates to wide range of groceries, holidays, entertainment, home, health and beauty and fashion

This post will be offered on an indefinite contract.

This is a full-time or part-time post – requiring a minimum of 80% (0.8 FTE). We would also consider applications for job-sharing and flexible working requests.

Closing date: 28 April 2024

To apply, please click “Apply Now”.

Reports to: Head of Inclusive Leadership Course

Start date: ASAP or mid-August 2024

Location: London / Hybrid - minimum 3 days per week in office (The Difference’s office in Bethnal Green). Willingness to travel for programme delivery across the North East, North West, and the Midlands 3 days per half term.

Contract: Permanent, full time/flexible working considered

Salary: £55k - £65k per annum (+6% employer pension contribution and sector-leading parental leave policy shared with all applicants) 

Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 21st April 23:59

Person Specification 

The Difference is  seeking an outstanding school leader to take on the role of Programme Lead through an exciting period of growth and development, with a particular focus on developing our People and Practice work. The successful candidate will be instrumental in the delivery of our various programmes, actively engaging in their implementation and with valuable insights for continuous improvement. This role offers a distinct chance to make a significant impact on The Difference's overarching strategic goals. As the Programme Lead, you'll have the opportunity to shape our programmes, ensuring they align with our mission and vision. Your contributions will not only drive tangible outcomes but will also shape the future direction of our organisation. You will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the outcomes for children who experience vulnerability and disadvantage by working closely with school leaders to develop school practice and systems. 

You will have real ownership over your area of work, be happiest in a flexible and ambitious environment, and enjoy testing out new ideas. You will have experience in professional development design, delivery, project management and supporting school staff and leaders through professional coaching . 

Essential knowledge, experience and skills

• Demonstrated Alignment with The Difference’s values: a history of actions and decisions that align with The Difference's values, showcasing a personal commitment to the mission of improving life outcomes for vulnerable children.

• Credibility as a proven school leader of inclusion: as a Trust middle leader, Headteacher, Deputy or Assistant Headteacher in a Primary or Secondary setting in contexts of high disadvantage and vulnerability.

• A record of impact for children experiencing vulnerability: including designing and delivering work that led to reduced harmful behaviours, repeat suspension or persistent absence.

• A record of empowering work with children and families. 

• Evidence of designing and delivering impactful professional development: high quality learning sessions, fostering sustained staff development and contributing to a culture of continuous learning.

• Understanding of Relational Practice within Education: A track record of utilising or implementing practice aligned with the relational approaches to deliver improved student outcomes.

• Aiming high and holding people accountable through visionary leadership: Ability to articulate an ambitious vision, inspiring and motivating others to meet high standards. A proven ability to hold individuals accountable for their contributions.

• Flexibility and a willingness to travel: including overnight stays, particularly within London,and across the North East, North West, and the Midlands. A likely travel pattern of 2-3 days travel per fortnight.

Desired knowledge, experience and skills

• Stakeholder management & relationship-building: proven experience in managing relationships with various stakeholders, including navigating HR processes and demonstrating effective stakeholder engagement skills. Experience of sales and a business to business sales process would be advantageous.

• Adaptability: track record of prioritising and creating clarity in ambiguous, challenging, or fast-paced situations. Experience in working directly with colleagues, implementing strategies such as coaching and structured reflection to establish clear and effective plans.

• Research Engagement: engagement with research and evidence-based strategies for school improvement. Demonstrable quantifiable impact using evidence-informed approaches.

• Contextual Awareness: varied experience in different schools, showcasing an understanding of how contextual factors impact schools and teachers, and an awareness of the wider educational landscape.

• Teaching Qualification: possession of Qualified Teacher Status, demonstrating the foundational qualification for the role.

Why Work for The Difference?

Schooling isn’t working for the children who need it most. Every week in England 109 children – equivalent to three full classrooms – are permanently excluded. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Since the pandemic, school suspensions have risen significantly, as has persistent absenteeism. 1 in 5 children are missing more than 10% of their time in school. Children who are excluded or persistently absent are much more likely to already be experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage. They are more likely to live in poverty, have additional learning needs, suffer mental health challenges, or experience a lack of safety outside school. Certain ethnicities are also disproportionately affected, notably Gypsy Roma Traveller and black Caribbean children. 

Exclusion and high rates of absence can have a dramatic effect on life chances. These young people are more likely to drop out of education or employment, become vulnerable to long-term mental ill health, or be at risk of criminal exploitation. The Difference believes that children and young people deserve better and that the education system has to change.

Our Organisation 

The Difference is a young education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning.  By 2030, we want rates of exclusion and absence to be falling nationally and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, including those who may be vulnerable. The Difference was born out of a year of research into school exclusions with think-tank IPPR. This research identified a lack of inclusion expertise in schools and proposed a new leadership development programme to fill this gap. In 2018, Difference founder Kiran hired the team who took this idea from concept to reality, beginning work with our first schools.

The Difference is now a 22-strong team delivering multiple school leadership programmes, alongside a growing research and policy arm. The team is supported by our Youth Advisory Board, made up of young people who have experienced exclusion and who provide their expertise and insights on how school inclusion work should be done. This work is needed more than ever. Effects of COVID-19, coupled with the spiralling cost of living, have substantially increased levels of vulnerability. Schools serving excluded pupils face under-funding. The Difference has had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to scale this impact through our programmes, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and grow our capacity to lower exclusions across England.

The Task Ahead: Programme Lead

In 2019 The Difference launched our programmes working with 22 school leaders in London. Since then we have worked with 447 school leaders nationally. We want to continue to scale our programmes and reach more school leaders to help shape their schools practice and systems to improve pupil wellbeing, safety and belonging. We intend to further develop our programmes to improve inclusion in schools and successfully change the story for students currently struggling in school. 

Key tasks for this role include:

• Deliver The Difference’s Inclusive Leadership Course to senior leaders from a range of school settings. This takes place in venues across the country including but not limited to London, the North East, North West, and the Midlands. Confidence and passion to deliver the course to the high standards required.

• In-school support for The DIfference’s School Partnership (DSP). Delivering across a variety of schools including mainstream secondary, mainstream primary and Alternative Provision settings. Supporting the implementation of key themes and content from The Difference’s Inclusive Leadership Course.

• Working closely with The Differences Research, Impact & Influencing team to capture case studies, research and impact metrics that demonstrate the impact of the Difference’s programmatic work.

• Input to the evolution and development of the Difference’s programmatic offer using insight from delivery and feedback from programme participants

• Working closely with the The Difference’s Partnership and Sales team to support the reach and impact of the programmatic work.

Our Values

• High Expectations - We are ambitious for excellence from young people, colleagues and ourselves.  We don’t believe in writing off someone’s potential because of their identity or experience of crisis. 

• Strong Relationships - We prioritise genuine relationships over transactional interactions, and know that this requires deliberate relational practice. We see colleagues and partners as people first and their roles second; and know this greater trust allows us to take more risks, gain more feedback and have greater impact.

• Internalised Locus of Control - We work hard to reframe difficult situations to discover what we have within our power in terms of solutions. We take it upon ourselves to walk towards challenges and can take a high level of ownership and agency in our work/

• Pragmatism - We believe leadership means recognising current limitations and striving for improvements within and beyond them.  We develop consensus and chart new ways forward, challenging false and extreme positions like “zero exclusions” or “no excuses”.

• Scientific approach - We take a diagnostic approach to unpicking causes of problems. We are loud and proud of our failures, recognising failing fast and often is key to finding the best solutions. We test solutions and are willing to use data and feedback to make adjustments and choose new directions. 

• Not Squeamish about Structural Inequality - We believe patterns of inequality can and should be disrupted. We strive to be clear-eyed about these inequalities, and both the individual practice and system-changes required to address them. We push ourselves to overcome awkwardness in talking about this; and begin by acknowledging our own biases and blind spots.

• Asset-based - We work hard to avoid deficit thinking and aim to start with what’s strong, not what’s wrong. We are careful not to frame our colleagues and stakeholders - particularly young people and families – as victims but instead to recognise their agency.

• Wise selves - To both enjoy work and do their best, we want to make decisions and work with others in our “wise” - or regulated - selves. We also want to bring our compassionate self to those we work with, externally and internally, to support one another through challenging times. 

How To Apply 

To apply, please complete all sections of the application form by midnight on Sunday 21st April.

First round interviews will be held during the week beginning 6th May, over video call. Please indicate if you would not be available to attend an interview during this week.

If successful in this stage, second round interviews (including a task to be completed the same day) will take place on the week beginning 13th May, at our office in Bethnal Green. 

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector such as people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the care system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates. 

Please note that we're not able to sponsor work visas for this role and can only move forward with candidates who are eligible to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and any protected characteristics redacted. 

Recommended Reading 

If you’d like to understand more about The Difference and what we are trying to achieve, we would recommend the following:

• The research which underpins our organisation.

Our latest Impact Report, sharing our work in 2023

Introducing Harington 

Harington is an Ofsted registered specialist college based in North London rated good, working with around 52 young people with learning differences aged 16-25. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment, that delivers outstanding personalised education, learning, and support, which leads to further education, employment opportunities, and a fulfilling life for each of our students.  

We specialise in horticulture, retail and general employability. Our students undertake individualised learning programmes and supported internships that lead to vocational qualifications and achieving other aims. We support the wellbeing of our young people through providing mentoring, counselling, enrichment and other one-to-one support.

Our charity has two learning centres in Highgate and Hornsey. We also operate a gardening business and two charity shops, providing income for our charity, work experience placements for our students and employment for 14 young people. We work with local employers and partners to provide work experience and other opportunities for our students. 

The Role 

We’re looking for a senior fundraiser who is a skilled writer, a strong partnership builder and someone with a passion to improve the outcomes of young people with learning differences. This is a new post and you will have an opportunity to shape the role.  

You will be supported by a welcoming, talented and diverse community of staff, volunteers and students, as you help shape and resource our future. We will invest in your professional development and personal growth. We will support your wellbeing. You’ll experience first-hand the impact your work makes in our college. 

The person 

The role will suit someone who has had some prior experience in successfully raising funds ideally from trusts and foundations and/or from community fundraising. You are IT savvy and know how to use social media to grow an audience and design materials to effectively communicate a good cause. You are open to learning and to sharing your creativity and skills with others. 

Essential skills 

You will have:-

• 18-24 months of prior fundraising experience 

• Experience of successfully prospecting for, preparing and managing fundraising bids and stewarding funder/commissioner relationship 

• Knowledge of the charity sector, funders and funding environment 

• Excellent communication skills with an ability to present complex information in a clear and compelling narrative 

• Great organisational skills 

Our benefits  

In addition to excellent staff training, our employees are also rewarded with various other benefits offered as part of your employment:  

• Confidential employee assistance programme   

• Cycle to Work Scheme   

• Fully paid for DBS   

• Contributory pension scheme    

• Hybrid working with a minimum of two days a week working from home 

• Flexible working. We will consider 4 days a week or compressed hours. 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion  

We value diversity and positively welcome applications from all backgrounds. This will help ensure our workforce better reflects the diverse wider community we support. Applicants who declare a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview.

Safeguarding  

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing and safety of our students and our staff.  We expect everybody working for the Harington to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service for applications of employment as part of our safeguarding procedures.    

Some of our positions involve regulated activity relevant to vulnerable children, adults and young people. It is a criminal offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with that particular group. Our vacancies are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.   

How can you apply?   

To apply please send us your CV, fill in the Equality and Diversity Form and show how us how you meet all of the essential criteria in the person specification by writing a personal statement which is a maximum of 1000 words. 

The closing date is 9am on Wednesday 1st May 2024.Please note that interviews will take place on Wednesday 8th May 2024.  

All offers are conditional and subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks and references including an enhanced DBS check. The salary range advertised is based on the full-time equivalent and appointment on the scale is dependent on the role, qualifications and experience.   

Executive Director of Philanthropy & Alumni Relations

Job id: 085145

Salary: Competitive

Closing date: 22 April 2024

Business unit: Fundraising & Supporter Development

Department: Fundraising & Supporter Dev Office

Contact details: King's Search Team 

Location: Strand Campus

Category: Professional & Support Services

King’s College London

Are you an experienced fundraiser interested in being part of our vision to make the world a better place?

We are searching for our next Executive Director to lead Philanthropy and Alumni Relations at King’s College London, an internationally renowned university delivering exceptional education and world-leading research to over 40,000 students (including more than 19,000 postgraduates) from some 150 countries.

As one of England’s oldest universities, based in the heart of London, philanthropy has been a critical element in King’s success to date, raising £68 million in philanthropic income for King’s and its Health partners last year, and will continue to play a fundamental role in delivering our strategic ambitions.

The King’s Fundraising and Supporter Development Team (F&SD), as it has been traditionally called, brings together fundraising activity across the following areas: major and principal gifts; trusts & foundations; legacies; corporate engagement and annual giving. We also focus on engaging with King’s College London’s worldwide alumni community. Our work is underpinned and enhanced by a range of dedicated professionals in areas such as donor relations, project development, events, communications, prospect research, finance, data, supporter services, governance, and general administration.

This is an exceptional opportunity to build on our many successes to date as we look towards our 200th Anniversary in 2029. We are searching for someone with a demonstrable track record in fundraising, with the drive and passion to lead a values-driven team with a commitment to building a supportive culture. The candidate will be proactive, and results oriented with experience of developing purposeful and effective relationships with prospective benefactors and connectors. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor & President, and as a senior leader in the University, you will be expected to build relationships with academics across our nine academic faculties to support colleagues in identifying and developing projects for philanthropic support. The successful candidate will also demonstrate a strong commitment to King’s values, including promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.

For further information please visit the job description and to apply please go to the King’s College London Careers pages and submit the specified documentation. 

The closing date for applications is 11:00am (GMT) on Monday 22nd April. The selection process will include a formal two stage process with final interviews scheduled for Wednesday 5th June 2024.

King’s is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.