Student engagement officer jobs in Manchester

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.

Overview of the Role:  We are recruiting a South East Senior Programme Officer for the National Education Nature Park to:

· Lead the National Education Nature Park programme across South East England, increasing participation in schools and education settings

· Manage and support a regional Programme Officer, including performance, development and wellbeing

· Build strong partnerships with schools, colleges, local authorities, NGOs and environmental networks

· Deliver a regional engagement strategy aligned with national KPIs on biodiversity, climate education and wellbeing

· Be a passionate advocate for nature-based learning, sustainability, biodiversity gain and green skills for children and young people

· Manage a regional budget, travel planning and reporting, ensuring compliance and audit requirements

· Facilitate workshops, training and events for educators, children and young people

· Provide expert guidance on outdoor learning, horticulture, biodiversity and environmental education resources

To work for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is to join a thriving charity, whose mission is to be there for everyone on their lifelong adventure with gardening. Everything we do is built on the transformational power of gardening – and the benefits it brings to people, places and our planet.

And we couldn’t do this without our people. We’re proud of the knowledge, enthusiasm and ideas that each one of our team members brings. From working across our social media channels, to volunteering in the RHS Gardens, from serving customers in our garden centres to running national marketing campaigns, we believe that every member of the RHS team should have the opportunity to make a difference.  Our careers portal here provides a comprehensive overview of what we offer, the teams that work at the RHS and our great benefits.

Location: Home-based within the South East region, with regular travel across the region, or opportuntiy to be based at RHS Wisley.

Contract: 12 month Fixed Term Contract (maternity cover) to 31st July 2027

Safeguarding and Inclusion

The RHS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all personnel to share in this commitment. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

We are partnering with 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 mostly home-based role, with monthly team meetings and occasional overnight stays at the N.England headquarters, and fortnightly attendance at the London office. 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

Schools Coordinator

We are seeking an organised and passionate Schools Coordinator to work with the UK’s leading children’s charity, working to prevent abuse, support young people and protect every child from harm.

Position: Schools Coordinator

Location: Home based, ideally in the central East Midlands areas of Leicestershire/Warwickshire, travel required.

Salary: £28,337 - £31,485 full time equivalent plus home working allowance

Hours: Part time, 28.5 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 13 June 2026

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a national children’s charity delivering impactful programmes and services through schools and education settings. The Schools Service plays a key role in helping children understand abuse, recognise unsafe situations and know where to turn for support.

Working within a regional team, you will coordinate and deliver the schools offer across a designated area, building strong relationships with schools, volunteers and local partners to maximise reach and impact.

The role is home based, with regular travel across the East Midlands. Access to your own car and home broadband is essential.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating and delivering the schools programme within a local area
• Building relationships with primary, secondary and non-mainstream schools
• Recruiting, training and supporting volunteers to deliver workshops and presentations
• Working towards agreed KPIs, targets and reach plans
• Acting as a key contact for schools and external stakeholders
• Ensuring safeguarding procedures and organisational standards are followed at all times
• Supporting quality assurance and continuous improvement activities
• Representing the organisation at meetings, events and community activities
• Working collaboratively with regional and national colleagues to maximise service impact

About You

We are keen to hear from candidates from a range of backgrounds, including education, safeguarding, project coordination, volunteer management, community engagement, sales, marketing or the charity sector.

You will ideally have:

• Experience delivering programmes or services within education, safeguarding or similar settings
• Experience working towards targets and objectives
• Experience recruiting, coordinating or supporting volunteers
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Good understanding of safeguarding procedures and child-centred practice
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Confidence working independently and remotely
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office systems
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• A passion for improving outcomes for children and young people

About the Organisation

This organisation works to prevent child abuse and neglect and supports children and families across the UK through education, campaigning, safeguarding and direct services. Their Schools Service helps children understand their rights, recognise abuse and know where to access support through engaging and impactful school-based programmes.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Education Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Community Engagement Officer, Schools Liaison Officer, Programme Coordinator, Safeguarding Officer, Education Outreach Officer, Youth Engagement Officer, Project Coordinator, Family Support Coordinator.

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

We Belong is a migrant youth-led charity fighting for equal and fair treatment of young migrants in the UK. Candidates with lived experience are welcome, as are those with a passion for social justice. You'll be joining an award-winning team dedicated to creating change for young migrants aged 16–25. 

The People and Culture Manager is responsible for overseeing and strengthening the organisation's people function, ensuring that staff are well-supported, processes are legally compliant, and that workplace culture reflects We Belong's values of lived experience, empowerment and inclusivity. The role requires both professional HR expertise and an understanding of how trauma, lived experience, and care considerations should inform organisational policies and staff management. 

Key Responsibilities 

• HR Strategy & Compliance develop policies, ensure legal compliance, reports to CEO and Board 

• Recruitment & Development lead inclusive hiring, onboarding, appraisals and workforce planning 

• Staff Welfare champion wellbeing through a trauma-informed, lived-experience approach 

• Employee Relations supports managers on performance, disciplinary and conflict resolution 

• HR Systems maintain accurate staff records, ensure data protection and streamline reporting 

Essential CIPD Level 5+, proven HR management experience (charity or lived-experience-led organisation preferred), strong employment law knowledge, trauma-informed practice understanding, and excellent communication skills. 

Desirable Experience in health, social care or community settings; knowledge of safeguarding frameworks; organisational change experience. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion. 

Inclusive: Enhanced training and development package 

Staff benefits: We Belong supports the holistic development of staff, which includes subsidised wellbeing provision. Employees also have access to a community of changemakers. 

Plus 3% auto enrolment pension contribution, in line with government criteria. 

Relationship Manager (North and Scotland)

Full-time (37 hours) | permanent

c£36,000 depending on experience | Home-based | Hybrid

At the Bone Cancer Research Trust, we exist because families refused to accept a world where primary bone cancer had no hope, no answers and almost no research. Today, we’re the UK’s leading bone cancer charity and every supporter you engage helps push vital research forward and provides comfort to families who need us.

About the role

As Relationship Manager, you’ll build genuine, lasting connections with our Special Funds - our named funds created in honour or memory of someone affected by primary bone cancer, community supporters and local businesses. Your relationship-led approach will help create the family feel connections we’re known for, inspiring long-term support and raising vital income for people affected by primary bone cancer

You will:

• Grow and manage Special Funds, our named funds created in honour or memory of someone affected by primary bone cancer.
• Build strong, meaningful relationships with all our supporters, ensuring every person feels valued and connected.
• Secure and steward regional corporate partnerships
• Meet a regional income target of approx. £300,000
• Represent BCRT in your region, strengthening awareness and community connections at meetings and events.

About you:

• A natural relationship builder with 3+ years’ fundraising experience and a genuine passion for supporter care.
• Compassionate and professional, especially when working with families personally affected by primary bone cancer.
• Organised, proactive and confident working independently, able to balance a varied workload.
• A clear and engaging communicator, bringing warmth and positivity to every interaction.
• Able to travel across the region (car required).

Why you’ll love working with us

You’ll join a small team that works collaboratively and keeps our community at the centre of everything we do. We’re supportive, friendly and you’ll have the flexibility to manage your work while seeing the direct impact of the relationships you build.

What we offer

· Flexible approach to working hours

· 30 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays

· Private Health Insurance (following successful probation)

· 6% employer pension contributions

· Life Assurance of 4x annual salary