Supporter retention lead jobs in Manchester
About the Department
The Church of England Foundation for Educational Leadership was set up in 2017 with the mission to 'develop inspirational leaders who are called, connected, committed to deliver the Church of England vision for education'. Since then, it has operated a wide range of leadership development programmes, networks, research, conference and events, and published a range of key leadership resources to equip school leaders at every level to put their vision into practice.
Part of this provision has been as a very successful national provider of NPQ programmes. Beginning in 2017 with the delivery of NPQs for Headteachers, our suite of programmes has now expanded to include programmes for Specialist Teachers, Senior Leaders and also Executive Leaders. More recently, a partnership between the Church of England and the Catholic Education Service is also enabling programmes to be delivered more widely as together our school provision represents around 34% of the sector.
In 2025, the department will launch three new national programmes: Flourishing Leaders, Flourishing Teachers, and Flourishing ECTs (in partnership with UCL). These programmes respond to growing demand for high-quality, values-led professional learning and represent a significant expansion of our work across the education sector.
About the role
As Head of Flourishing Programmes, you will lead the strategic and operational delivery and expansion of our growing suite of values-led professional learning programmes: Flourishing Leaders, Flourishing Teachers, Flourishing ECTs (in partnership with UCL), and Leaders Like Us. These programmes are designed to support the flourishing of educators at every stage of their journey, with a strong emphasis on inclusion, vocation, and leadership development. You will oversee a dedicated team and work closely with internal colleagues, delivery partners, and national collaborators to ensure these programmes are impactful, inclusive, and sector-leading. This role requires a visionary and relational leader who can manage complexity, inspire excellence, and drive continuous improvement across the programmes.
Strategic Leadership and Quality Assurance
- Provide strategic oversight of the Flourishing Programmes, including 'Leaders Like Us', ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and the Church of England Vision for Education.
- Lead the development and implementation of robust quality assurance processes to ensure excellence in delivery and readiness for external evaluation.
- Use data, evaluation, and research to drive continuous improvement and innovation across all programmes.
Team Leadership and People Management
- Line manage team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
- Support the development of a high-performing team through coaching, mentoring, and clear performance expectations.
- Champion a values-led leadership culture that reflects the ethos of the National Society for Education and wider Church of England.
Programme Delivery and Operational Oversight
- Oversee the full participant journey across all Flourishing Programmes, including recruitment, onboarding, retention, and completion.
- Ensure effective systems and processes are in place to support delivery, including digital platforms, communications, and participant support.
- Ensure all contractual elements of the UCL partnership are met in a timely and accurate manner, including KPI reporting and compliance.
- Ensure Flourishing ECTE programme is ready for UCL monitoring, Ofsted or other external evaluations.
- Lead on the resolution of complex operational issues, including participant transfers, deferrals, and reasonable adjustments.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Working
- Work closely with delivery partners, including UCL, and MAT/Diocesan networks, to ensure effective communication, training, and support.
- Build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders across the education sector, including dioceses, MATs, and other national providers.
- Drive growth and programme engagement/recruitment across regional areas by developing strong, strategic relationships with schools, trusts, and diocesan networks.
- Represent the Flourishing Programmes on the national stage as an ambassador for our work, contributing to sector-wide conversations, networks, and events.
- Work collaboratively with the leadership team and the Partnerships and Engagement Team to strategically strengthen, streamline, and equip our Delivery Partner network - ensuring consistency across programmes, a unified voice and building capacity to drive increasing participant demand.
Collaborative Leadership
- Collaborate closely with the Head of Curriculum and Enablement and Head of NPQ Programmes as part of the Professional Learning Senior Leadership Team, reporting to the Head of Professional Learning.
- Contribute to the development of a holistic and coherent professional learning offer that reflects the organisation's values and meets the needs of leaders across the system.
- Ensure alignment and collaboration across all programme areas, supporting shared priorities, resource allocation, and cross-team innovation.
Essential
Skills and Aptitudes:
- Proven ability to lead the design and delivery of high-impact professional development in an educational context.
- Strong leadership and line management skills, with experience of building and sustaining high-performing teams.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills across a range of media (written, verbal, digital).
- Ability to manage complex operational systems and processes with clarity and precision.
- Skilled in stakeholder engagement and partnership working, including with national and regional education partners.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to evaluate, improve and innovate at scale.
- Confident in using data and evaluation to inform decision-making and drive improvement.
Knowledge and Experience:
- Successful senior leadership experience in education or a related field, with a deep understanding of professional learning and leadership development across career stages.
- Experience of working with or within national education systems, including collaborative programme delivery and partnership management.
- Strong understanding of quality assurance processes and external evaluation readiness.
- Experience of working collaboratively across teams to deliver a coherent and values-aligned offer.
- Familiarity with the Church of England Vision for Education and its application in leadership development.
Personal Attributes:
- Visionary and values-driven leader, able to inspire and align others around a shared purpose.
- Reflective, evidence-informed and committed to continuous learning.
- Collegial and collaborative, with a strong sense of team and shared responsibility.
- Resilient and calm under pressure, with a solutions-focused mindset.
- Committed to equity, inclusion and the flourishing of all participants and colleagues.
Desirable
Education:
- Postgraduate qualification in Education, Leadership or a related field.
Skills and Experience:
- Experience of delivering professional development beyond your own institution or organisation.
- Expertise in blended or online learning design and delivery.
- Experience of representing an organisation or programme on a national stage.
- Lived experience of the Church of England Vision for Education in practice.
- Experience of designing or delivering programmes that support underrepresented groups in education, such as Leaders Like Us.
Circumstances
- Whilst this is a remote role, the post-holder will need to travel on occasion. This could be for NSE Team Days, NSE Residential (one overnight stay in the Autumn each year), Professional Learning Team Days, other events such as the National Conference, DP Days etc.
- It is anticipated that there will be approximately 12 travel days per year, although this will vary.
- In addition, in this leadership role, you will be involved in Partnerships and Engagement development, promoting the NSE's Flourishing programmes with current and prospective delivery partners, and undertaking QA as required (number of days TBC each year in conversation with line manager)
For an information conversation about the role, please contact
Closing date for applications is 8 March at 11:55 pm.
The Church of England’s vocation is and always has been to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ afresh in each generation to the people of England.



Contract Type: Full-time / 6 Month Fixed-Term Contract
Salary Band:£29,900, plus £2,200 London weighting if applicable
Location: Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Liverpool, Manchester or Newcastle
Hours: 5 days per week; 9AM-5.30PM (flexible working hours available).
Start date: 6th April 2026 or ASAP, as agreed with candidate
The Opportunity
As a key team member within our Partnerships and Income Development team, you will play a vital role in creating, developing and delivering the Social Mobility Foundation’s Employer Programme and Social Mobility Employer Index - how we inform, influence and positively impact employer-led social mobility, and a source of income generation.
1. Delivery of the Social Mobility Employer Index
- Deliver the SMEI 2026, including but not limited to: marking entries, creating individual feedback reports for each entrant, creating sector reports for key industries, and gathering feedback to review and update the survey for 2027
- Maintain accurate and up to date information and process documentation, including the mark scheme used to mark entries, and the process followed to create feedback reports
- Support with the ongoing development of the digital platform, employer resources and online content, ensuring it is updated in line with the survey and delivers a smooth user journey
- Support with the annual monitoring and evaluation of the SMEI and its impact on employer-led social mobility
2. Stakeholder management and customer service
- Provide excellent customer service and stewardship to organisations entering the SMEI throughout the whole customer journey, e.g. preparing and sending regular communications and updates to prospective and live entrants, answering questions received into the SMEI inbox and troubleshooting independently
- Prepare and deliver feedback calls and presentations for organisations, including Lunch & Learns on social mobility, introductory calls on the SMEI, presentations and webinars about the SMEI, and providing detailed feedback calls on entrants’ performance in the SMEI
- Support with creating and developing assets and activities to market the SMEI and other products and services including webinars and social media assets
- Engage with external stakeholders, such as employers, policy experts and social mobility practitioners, to understand key issues and trends relevant to workplace social mobility
3. Quality standards
- Stay up to date with the latest research, evidence and on workplace and employer-led social mobility, communicating changes or updates with colleagues, as well as maintaining and updating the evidence base for the SMEI
- Support the annual evaluation of the SMEI and its impact on employer-led social mobility
4. Systems and processes
- Maintain accurate and up to date records, using SharePoint and our Salesforce CRM to support pipeline management, income tracking and partner records, namely for the SMEI
- Comply with internal policies such as data protection and our ethical fundraising policy, as well as external fundraising regulations and legal requirements
5. Team support and collaboration
- Collaborate across the team to ensure opportunities are aligned across all income streams
- Champion a collaborative and creative fundraising culture, building internal understanding, support and excitement in fundraising and partnership activities
Please see full job description attached for more details.
Benefits
- 36/37 days (England & Wales and Scotland respectively - includes bank holidays) calculated on a pro rata basis with 3 of these days reserved for the annual end of year office closure.
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- 5% Salary sacrifice pension scheme with enhanced matching employer contributions
- Employee Assistance Programme available to staff and their family
- Flexible work options such as hybrid working, flexitime, part-time
- Regular staff team building and business planning “away days”
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for this role, please head over to our website and answer the following questions:
1) Why would you like to work at the Social Mobility Foundation? (250 words max.)
2) What makes you a suitable candidate for this role? Please include specific examples of your experience and skills, with reference to the key responsibilities and person specification for this role. (500 words max.)
3) The Social Mobility Employer Index involves marking detailed employer submissions and producing high-quality feedback reports. Describe a time when you had to assess complex written information against a set of criteria and produce clear, constructive feedback for an external audience. What was your approach, how did you ensure accuracy and fairness, and what was the outcome? (400 words max.)
We unlock potential, broaden horizons and create opportunities for young people


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
1MM Programmes Administrator (Operations & Delivery)
Location: Hybrid working in Greater Manchester, Greater London or Cardiff City Region
Contract: 6 months (continuing subject to funding)
Hours: 37.5 per week
Salary: £25,000 (pro rata)
Rolling recruitment with a final closing date of 12pm on 3rd March 2026 (we may close the application deadline early if we have a high demand of quality applications)
About Us
We are a mentoring charity supporting young people aged 14–25 to build confidence, develop skills, and reach their potential. Our work is powered by committed mentors, strong safeguarding, and high-quality programme delivery — and we’re looking for a highly organised, values-driven Programmes Administrator (Operations & Delivery) to help make it all happen.
About the Role
This is a key role at the heart of our programmes. You’ll support the smooth delivery of mentoring across all regions by coordinating training and events, managing essential systems and checks, and ensuring safeguarding and compliance standards are met at all times.
If you love bringing order to busy programmes, care deeply about young people’s wellbeing, and enjoy working across teams — this role is for you.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Coordinating training workshops and events for mentors and staff
- Supporting mentor recruitment, onboarding, and engagement
- Managing programme communications and bulletins via Brevo
- Administering DocuSign and maintaining accurate records
- Tracking and monitoring DBS checks and suitability processes
- Managing delivery, safeguarding, and enquiries inboxes
- Providing admin support across regions, including mentor engagement
- Supporting HR and operations: including contracts, systems, training, surveys, and tools such as Breathe HR
What We’re Looking For
You’ll be someone who is:
- Passionate about improving outcomes for young people aged 14–25
- Highly organised, detail-focused, and comfortable juggling priorities
- Experienced in event administration
- Confident using digital systems and learning new tools
- 2 years experience in HR and general administration, operations, or programme support
- Calm, professional, and confident handling sensitive information
- Proactive, adaptable, and happy supporting across teams and regions
- Committed to safeguarding and safer recruitment practices
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a mission-driven organisation making real impact
- Play a vital role in safe, high-quality mentoring delivery
- Work with a supportive, values-led team
- Opportunities to learn, grow, and shape better systems
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a Cover Letter explaining why you’re interested in the role and how your experience matches what we’re looking for.
️ We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All roles are subject to safer recruitment checks, including DBS.
To transform our society by connecting one million young people with one million opportunities.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the eoa (Employee Ownership Association)
Employee ownership in the UK is at a critical moment. The sector has more than doubled since 2020. Awareness is rising. Evidence is compelling. Businesses, communities, and policymakers are increasingly recognising that a people-powered approach can unlock fairness, resilience, and productivity.
We believe the UK can reach 10,000 employee owned businesses within the decade, transforming succession, broadening ownership, and reshaping the economic landscape. But achieving this relies on bold, strategic, values-led leadership across our community.
The eoa exists to build and connect that community: a network of more than 850 member businesses, thousands of employee owners, specialist advisors, policymakers, and partners committed to powering fairer livelihoods and stronger businesses through employee ownership.
Purpose of the Role
The Finance Manager leads the eoa’s finances to ensure the businesses resources are used effectively, efficiently, and sustainably.
You will develop robust financial systems, reporting, and analysis to provide insight and assurance to the SLT and Board, playing a central role in safeguarding the eoa’s financial health and enabling its strategic goals to be achieved.
Role Summary
- Contract: Permanent
- Hours: 22.5 hours per week, working pattern to be agreed with successful candidate
- Location: Manchester (hybrid). You will be expected to attend the office at least twice per month, and more often where needed
- Salary: £45,000 (£27,000 pro rata) p/a
- Pension: Up to 7% employer pension match (from year 1 anniversary)
- Annual Leave: 30 days leave + bank holidays
- Reports to: Membership & Operations Director
- Management of: Finance and Business Support Administrator
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s financial strategy, ensuring it underpins and enables operational delivery.
- Manage the annual budget-setting process, working closely with colleagues to align budgets with strategic priorities.
- Manage day-to-day financial operations, including financial accounting, membership renewals, bank account management, cash flow monitoring, credit control, payments, and function oversight.
- Take responsibility for accurate and timely payroll and pension delivery, working in partnership with an external provider.
- Prepare and reconcile monthly, and year-end accounts, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and robust controls.
- Produce accurate, timely financial forecasts, management accounts and financial analysis to support operational and strategic decisions.
- Ensure compliance with statutory requirements including tax (VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax) and financial reporting obligations.
- Maintain strong internal controls and risk management processes, safeguarding the organisation’s financial health.
- Act as a signatory on company bank accounts, ensuring appropriate authorisation and governance arrangements are in place.
- Lead the ongoing development and improvement of finance processes and systems, and automations to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
Knowledge, Experience, and Attributes
- Degree-level education and either ACCA, CIMA, or ACA qualification.
- Proven track record in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and delivering accurate management accounts and financial analysis.
- Experience of working for or preparing SME accounts, managing audits, risk, and internal controls, with a focus on continuous improvement of systems and processes.
- Strategic thinker who can translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insight for senior leaders and the Board.
- Highly organised, proactive, and solution-focused, with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Collaborative, adaptable, and professional, demonstrating integrity and sound judgment in all financial matters.
What Constitutes Success in This Role?
Success in this role means the eoa has reliable, efficient, and well-governed financial operations that underpin all aspects of the business. You will ensure day-to-day finance processes are accurate and timely, cash flow and budgets are effectively managed, and statutory obligations are met with confidence. By providing clear analysis and insight, you will support the SLT and Board in making informed decisions, drive improvements in systems and reporting, and enable the eoa to achieve its strategic priorities.
Key outcomes for the role Measures
- Outcome: The eoa maintains accurate, timely, and insightful financial reporting and analysis to support decision-making.
Measure: Accurate monthly management accounts and forecasts delivered on time. Rolling forecasts and scenario analyses updated regularly. - Outcome: Budgets are aligned with strategic priorities and financial resources are optimally managed.
Measure: Budgets prepared and approved within agreed timelines. Variance between budgeted and actual expenditure monitored and reported. Cash flow maintained within agreed thresholds. - Outcome: Statutory, regulatory, and internal governance requirements are met and risks are effectively managed.
Measure: All statutory filings (tax, Companies House, pensions) submitted accurately and on time. External audit completed with no significant issues. Internal controls and risk management processes maintained and reviewed annually. - Outcome: Financial systems and processes support operational efficiency and organisational growth.
Measure: Transaction processing, reconciliations, and payroll delivered accurately and on schedule. Improvements in process efficiency implemented. - Outcome: Finance contributes proactively to strategic decision-making and organisational development.
Measure: Financial insight and recommendations consistently inform senior leadership decisions. Evidence of finance-led initiatives driving cost efficiency or strategic impact. - Outcome: Finance function evolves to meet organisational needs and supports a culture of improvement.
Measure: New or updated systems, processes, or reporting tools implemented successfully. Finance function demonstrates improved efficiency, effectiveness, or scalability over time.
How to apply
To apply, please submit:
- A two-page CV
- And ane of either:
- Cover letter setting out your motivation, approach, and what you will bring to the role
- Video (maximum 10 minutes) setting out your motivation, approach, and what you will bring to the role
Applications should be submitted before 9:00am 2 March 2026. We will close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. If you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Interviews will be in Manchester w.c. 9 March 2026.
The eoa welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who are under-represented. We recruit based on values, skills, and contribution to our purpose.
We exist to grow and strengthen employee ownership as a force for powering fairer livelihoods, stronger businesses, and a more resilient economy.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Chief Executive - Help & Care
Location: Home-based within easy reach of Dorset (regular travel across the region)
Salary: circa £85,000 per annum
Contract: permanent, either full-time basis (37 hours per week) or part-time (30 hours per week). We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements for part-time hours, including how these are worked across the working week.
Are you an innovative leader who will put communities and social justice at the heart of transforming how health and social care is delivered in Dorset and the south of England?
Help & Care has been supporting communities across Dorset and the south coast since 1985. We deliver person-centred services that promote dignity, independence and connection - from dementia coordination and health coaching to our award-winning Roots gardening programme and social prescribing partnerships. Working with over 25 partners across health, housing and the voluntary sector, we co-produce services that make a real difference to older people, those with long-term conditions, carers and people at risk of isolation.
As our new Chief Executive, you will collaborate with a dedicated Board and a strong, highly motivated team focusing on the following key areas of responsibility:
- Strategic leadership: Define an ambitious, values-led strategy and deliver it, securing long-term impact alongside sustainable financial growth.
- Values leadership: Place Help & Care’s values - social justice, innovation, personal and collaborative - at the heart of decision-making and model them through visible leadership.
- Growth & income diversification: Lead business development to diversify income streams, winning commissioned contracts and developing social-enterprise opportunities to reduce reliance on public commissioning.
- Partnerships & advocacy: Strengthen and sustain senior-level relationships across the NHS, local authorities, commissioners and the voluntary sector; represent Help & Care across systems, media and stakeholder networks.
- Service quality & impact: Embed rigorous monitoring and evaluation so outcome evidence drives commissioning decisions, improves financial performance and enhances the organisation’s reputation.
- People leadership: Inspire, retain and develop a high-performing, compassionate leadership team and workforce, focused on talent development, wellbeing and accountability.
- Governance & financial stewardship: Provide the Board with timely, high-quality reporting, oversee financial recovery or sustainability plans as required, and ensure robust risk, compliance and governance arrangements.
Who you are:
- An experienced CEO or senior director from complex, multi-service health, social care or community organisations, with experience of developing and delivering multi-agency contracts.
- Proven track record of securing commissioned contracts, leading tendering and contract oversight, and developing income diversification, including social-enterprise opportunities.
- Comfortable driving strategic transformation and financial sustainability, with demonstrable expertise in strategic financial management.
- A values-led, collaborative and visible leader with high emotional intelligence and resilience, committed to social justice, person-centred practice and co-production; an effective public representative and mentor.
Why Help & Care?
- Lead a highly respected regional provider with an outstanding track record of co-production and innovation.
- Shape an organisation poised for growth and greater regional influence.
- Hybrid, home-based working, regular travel across Dorset, and the chance to safeguard vital services for local communities.
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 23rd February 2026. Interviews and assessments on 3rd, 4th and 5th March.
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Location: Home-based, delivering sessions in schools and farms across Essex and surrounding areas
Contract: Self-employed, renewable subject to annual review
Start: Delivery from February 2026
This vacancy is recruited on a rolling basis and may close early if a suitable candidate is appointed, so early application is encouraged. Previous applicants need not apply.
We’re looking for a passionate and confident Food and Farm Discovery Coordinator to inspire primary-aged children through hands-on food, farming and countryside learning. You’ll deliver engaging cooking, gardening and farm visit experiences, working closely with schools, farmers and food producers - particularly in areas of disadvantage.
What you’ll do
- Deliver Farm Discovery Days and the Food Discovery programme in schools
- Plan and lead farm visits, cooking and gardening sessions
- Build and maintain strong relationships with schools and farm hosts
- Manage session planning, equipment, health & safety and safeguarding
- Work independently as part of a supportive national team
Time commitment & pay
- Around 80–90 paid days per year (seasonal variation)
- £171.48/day for Food Discovery delivery
- £163.77/day for Farm Discovery delivery
- Plus expenses and mileage (45p per mile)
- Estimated annual earnings: £14,000–£15,000, with potential to grow
You’ll need
- Experience working with primary-age children and schools
- Confidence delivering hands-on cooking, gardening and outdoor learning
- Enthusiasm for food, farming and the countryside
- Strong communication, organisation and relationship-building skills
- Full UK driving licence, access to a car, and suitable IT setup
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Key information
Location: Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle, Nottingham, or London
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full time)
Start date: ASAP (we are happy to work with notice periods)
Duration: Permanent
Salary: £36,340 - £41,065 per annum if based in London. £33,690 - £38,410 per annum if based in Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle or Nottingham, plus a £312 yearly tax-free work from home allowance.
Application deadline: Wednesday 18th March, 12pm
This application process will consist of 3 stages: Application, 1st interview and Assessment Centre (presentation task & interview).
About upReach
Do you think that your socio-economic background should determine your career prospects?
upReach’s vision is of a society in which everybody has an equal opportunity to realise their full career potential. Our work is important because right now a student from disadvantaged background who gains a first-class degree from a top university is less likely to secure an elite job than a more privileged student with a 2.2.
We are an award-winning charity employer working to address this issue in partnership with employers and universities. We help undergraduates from lower socioeconomic backgrounds achieve their career potential by providing an intensive programme of support that addresses socio-economic barriers to graduate employment.
To find out more about how we support our students, visit our website and read our Annual Report, and Impact Report.
Role Summary
As a University Partnership Manager at upReach, you will play a vital role in securing and growing high-impact partnerships with universities committed to social mobility.
Reporting to the Head of Partnerships within the Income Generation and External Engagement team, you will be responsible for developing new strategic relationships, championing our partners' voices across upReach, and working closely with our Programmes Team to oversee a portfolio of university partners. You’ll lead stakeholder engagement, take ownership of partnership outcomes and work collaboratively across upReach with our marketing, impact and programme teams.
Core Responsibilities
You will play a critical role in advancing upReach’s mission by generating income and leading upReach’s University Partnerships strategy. Creating life-changing opportunities for our Associates through high-impact university partnerships. You will be directly supporting the organisation's strategic priorities: driving sustainable income growth, enhancing programme impact and expanding our reach as a national charity.
Given the expansive and dynamic nature of this role, the list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, but provides a clear overview of your primary areas of responsibility, ownership and impact.
The core responsibilities include:
Develop and Secure New Strategic University Partnerships
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Proactively identify, cultivate, and convert a pipeline of four and five-figure prospective university partners aligned with upReach’s mission and strategic goals.
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Lead high-quality prospecting and relationship-building activity, targeting income-generating partnerships that also deliver high-impact opportunities for Associates.
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Build strong relationships with key contacts at potential partners, including senior stakeholders within widening participation, employability, and careers teams, through regular in-person and virtual meetings.
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Deliver compelling, insight-driven proposals and presentations tailored to organisational priorities and demonstrating mutual value.
Stakeholder Representation and Engagement
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Act as a visible representative of upReach at key partner events, conferences, and roundtables, building relationships, showcasing our impact, and raising our external profile.
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Leverage social media strategically to spotlight partnership activity, amplify success stories and demonstrate the value of our partnerships in real time.
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Respond swiftly and professionally to partner and prospective partner requests, ensuring timely, accurate information and follow-up.
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Capture, report and disseminate key themes and insights from partner feedback, helping to inform decision-making and continuously improve the partnership experience.
Monitor and Grow Existing University Partnerships
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Responsibility for a portfolio of upReach’s existing university partners, ensuring effective stewardship of the day-to-day relationship with high satisfaction, sustainable renewal and growth.
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Set and monitor partnership goals and OKRs, leading regular reviews and performance reporting.
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Identify opportunities to deepen and broaden engagement with existing partners, including expanding partnership activities.
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Collaborate with the Student Attraction and Programme teams to engage the university in identifying & promoting the programme.
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Working closely with upReach’s Programme teams to ensure partnerships and programmes are delivered to a high standard.
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Lead on university partnership health reviews and mid-year partner reviews to ensure any issues are dealt with effectively, promptly and collaboratively.
Partnership Visibility and Impact
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Collaborate closely with Marketing & Communications to co-create high-quality content and campaigns that showcase our strategic partnerships through university guides, case studies, thought leadership, social media, and joint events.
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Lead on impact reporting for your partnership portfolio, using both data and compelling stories to evidence the outcomes of the partnership and drive continued engagement.
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Proactively identify and deliver opportunities for partners to amplify the voice of upReach; through our external events, fundraising opportunities and sharing social-media collateral that promotes our work.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Innovation
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Collaborate with the Finance team to ensure timely and accurate invoicing and contracting for all University partnerships, supporting effective financial management.
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Maintain up-to-date and accurate records of partnership activity using upReach’s internal CRM and systems, enabling effective reporting, forecasting and stewardship.
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Uphold the organisation’s legal and ethical obligations, including data protection, charity law, and compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements.
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Manage and support a rotation of the Future Charity Leaders Programme, providing guidance, feedback, and development opportunities.
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Meet monthly with University Leads (the Programme Coordinator responsible for day-to-day university activities) to set partnership priorities, monitor stakeholder KPIs (onboarding, engagement), and deliver updates to universities.
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Contribute to the achievement of income targets aligned with upReach’s strategic goals, identifying and progressing opportunities to drive revenue growth.
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Engage fully in the annual appraisal process, setting ambitious, SMART objectives that align with organisational priorities and your personal development.
Skills and Experience
The ideal candidate for the University Partnerships Manager should display these behavioural skills:
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Strong track record of relationship-building, influencing, and delivering high-quality engagement with a range of stakeholders, ideally including senior university professionals.
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Excellent organisational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines autonomously.
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Confident and pragmatic decision maker in a fast-paced environment, with an understanding of when to escalate situations and seek input appropriately.
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Proven ability to develop and implement partnership or engagement strategies that strengthen collaboration and deliver shared goals.
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Collaborative team player with experience supporting and working across diverse teams to deliver shared objectives.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including confidence in preparing and delivering presentations and reports.
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Proficient in using CRM or data management systems to track engagement, manage pipelines, and generate actionable insights.
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Experience measuring and reporting on partnership impact, engagement, or value creation.
Desirable:
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Experience in university partnerships, fundraising, account management, or stakeholder engagement.
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Understanding of widening participation, employability, or student success strategies within a higher education setting.
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Experience collaborating with marketing or communications teams to create joint campaigns, content, or case studies that drive engagement.
Team Culture & Benefits:
We offer:
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Flexible and hybrid working.
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Statutory Holiday Entitlement of 25 days and bank holidays. This increases to 2 additional days after 2.5 years and then to 3 additional days after 5 years of working with us.
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Birthday leave and Volunteering leave
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Enhanced Parental Leave beyond statutory requirements for all team members.
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3% Pension Contribution, which increased to 5% after 5 years of working with us.
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Cycle-to-work scheme.
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Monthly socials and annual wellbeing days
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Dedication to Staff Wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aid Training.
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Personal Development Budget, activated after 6 months in the role.
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The opportunity to participate in our fantastic staff networks:
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Disability and Inclusion Network
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Diverse Roots Network
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Green Network
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LGBTQ+ Network
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Mindfulness Network
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Parents and Carers Network
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(Im)Migrants Network
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Ready to apply?
We are committed to making our recruitment process inclusive. All applications will be blind screened, and our job packs are available in Braille, large text or another format upon request. We can provide reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment application process and on the job, and we'll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible.
Applications close on Wednesday 18th March at 12pm..
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
At upReach, we are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate in employment matters on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, social background or any other protected class. We celebrate and value the diverse perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our team. We are passionate about creating a workplace that is inclusive and reflects the diversity of communities across the UK. Diversity in the workplace creates dynamic and effective organisations and we are actively working to build a more inclusive workforce by continuously improving our recruitment, retention, and development practices. We encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, those with disabilities , those who are care-experienced, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and those who are LGBTQIA+.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.


