Vice chair and external trustees jobs

We are seeking an exceptional leader who can act as a credible spokesperson and ambassador for the Catholic Union, building trusted relationships across the Church, parliament and wider society and helping to grow the Catholic Union’s influence and engagement in the years ahead.

Founded in 1870, the Catholic Union of Great Britain brings Catholic laity and Catholic social teaching to the public square across England, Wales and Scotland. Working in partnership with dioceses, parishes, MPs, MSPs, MSs, peers and Catholic organisations, our vision is of a society in which Catholic laity are informed, equipped and encouraged to engage in public life.

Our work is shaped by three key themes: engagement, education and encouragement. Through these we foster informed participation in public debate, help Catholics and the wider public understand contemporary social and political issues through a Catholic lens, and inspire greater confidence for Catholics to contribute to civic and community life.

In recent years the Catholic Union has developed from being largely volunteer-led into a more professional and strategically focused organisation, strengthening relationships across the Church and wider society. Our Weekly Briefing, now read by around 6,500 people each week, has become a key channel for parliamentary reporting, Catholic news and reflection.

As Director, you will lead the Catholic Union at an exciting moment in its development. You will represent the Catholic Union publicly, strengthening relationships with bishops, diocesan leaders, parliamentarians and Catholic organisations. You will act as a trusted ambassador for the Union, grow our channels of influence and engagement, and work with Trustees, Council and a small experienced team to support the organisation’s continued development.

If you are inspired by the opportunity to serve as a public voice for a respected Catholic organisation and help foster thoughtful dialogue and engagement in public life, we would love to hear from you.

For more information, please see the job pack attached. Closing date 10th April.

The Organisation

The Open SU serves the interests of around 170,000 part-time and distance-learning students spread across the UK, continental Europe and beyond. Our role is to represent and support the interests of this vast and diverse community of students. The Open SU is an independent registered charity, governed by elected student leaders. Our team of vibrant, friendly and dedicated professional staff provide the vital support needed to deliver our ambitious strategy. Though your skills and experience are important, vital to us, are your values. Here at the Open SU we are committed to a positive team culture to enable and empower all members to be their very best.

The Job

This exciting permanent role involves managing multiple projects that further Open SU’s equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) objectives. Your involvement will be key from conception through to evaluation. You will work alongside the other Officers in the EDI and Belonging Team to create events and raise awareness of various EDI campaigns for students. You will also work closely with our volunteers, supporting them through inductions, training and helping them materialise their ideas.

The Person

This role is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated individual with great communication skills and experience of leading projects. You will have a passion for EDI issues and supporting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. For a small organisation, we are a very busy team. You must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and able to work to deadlines, manage time and prioritise your workload efficiently. You will also enjoy working collaboratively as you will be supporting other colleagues and volunteers with the planning of campaigns.

Please read the full role description and application pack below.

JUSTICE is looking to recruit a new Director of Development to join our friendly, outcome-focused, values-led team. This is a permanent role and provides an exciting opportunity for someone who is an experienced fundraiser who is able to provide strategic direction as well as get into the nitty gritty, when needed. 

We are looking for an individual who has an interest in the purpose of the charity (to improve the UK justice system so that it is fair and within everyone’s reach). The successful post holder will be a confident leader who has worked as a senior fundraiser in previous roles and someone who enjoys autonomy and is able to lead and empower their team. 

This role will really suit someone who thrives in a role where no two days are the same and who wants to be part of the effort to grow our small but mighty charity. 

The Director of Development will lead the organisation’s income generation strategy to support its work to advance legal reform, human rights and the rule of law. The role is responsible for diversifying, growing and achieving income through existing income streams, including: trusts and foundations, major donors, giving circles (JUSTICE60 and NextGen J60), corporate partnerships, membership as well as seeking out and creating new streams.

By working closely with the Chief Executive and senior leadership team, the Director will build long-term, strong relationships with funders and partners, strengthen the organisation’s case for support and ensure fundraising is aligned with the charity’s strategic priorities.

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in and something you would enjoy doing, please do apply!