Volunteer development officer jobs in Milton keynes

Fundraising Events & Community Manager
Salary:£40,000 pro rata
Contract:6 Month Fixed Term Contract
Hours:35 hours per week
Location:Flexible UK remote/hybrid working, with occasional travel to our Highgate office and events

Help shape the future of community fundraising at Ataxia UK.

Ataxia UK is the leading charity supporting people affected by ataxia, a group of rare neurological conditions. We fund life-changing research, provide vital support services and build a strong community for people and families affected by the condition.

We are seeking an experienced Fundraising Events & Community Manager to join us on a six-month fixed-term contract. This is an exciting opportunity to lead an established fundraising programme, manage a dedicated team member and build on the success of a highly engaged supporter community.

The role
Reporting to the Director of Fundraising & Communications, you will lead the delivery and development of our events and community fundraising programme, helping to maximise supporter engagement and income growth.

You will:

• Lead and develop Ataxia UK's community and events fundraising activities
• Build strong relationships with supporters, volunteers, community groups and fundraising participants
• Deliver outstanding supporter stewardship and supporter experience
• Identify opportunities to grow income and increase engagement
• Monitor performance against agreed targets and objectives
• Manage and develop the Events & Community Fundraising Officer through coaching, mentoring and support
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across fundraising, communications, finance, research and support services

About you
We're looking for an experienced fundraiser who enjoys building relationships and motivating supporters to achieve their fundraising goals.
You will bring:

• Significant experience in community fundraising, events fundraising or supporter-led fundraising
• Strong relationship management and stewardship skills
• Experience of line management, coaching or mentoring
• Experience of delivering fundraising activity against income targets
• Strong project management and organisational skills
• Confidence using fundraising databases and reporting on performance
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively within a supportive team environment

Why join Ataxia UK?

This role offers a rare opportunity to step into a well-established programme with the freedom to make your mark. You'll be joining a collaborative, friendly and highly committed team where ideas are welcomed and success is shared.

We offer flexible ways of working and are open to applications from candidates across the UK. Whether you're looking for your next interim challenge or a fixed-term opportunity with immediate impact, you'll find a supportive environment and the chance to contribute to a charity that is making a real difference.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave pro rata, increasing with service
• Additional birthday leave
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Season ticket loan
• Childcare vouchers
• Flexible working
• Time off in lieu for approved evening and weekend work

If you're passionate about community fundraising and want to help a growing charity continue its success while supporting people affected by ataxia, we'd love to hear from you.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

Role Overview
We are seeking an ambitious, commercially minded, and relationship-driven Charity Partnerships Lead to establish and grow our corporate and strategic partnerships programme. This is a newly created role, offering an exciting opportunity to shape our partnerships strategy, develop a robust new business pipeline, and secure sustainable income that enables us to deliver greater impact for the players Beyond the Game. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, securing, and managing high-value partnerships with businesses and individuals and other entities. They will work collaboratively across the Foundation to develop compelling partnership propositions that align organisational priorities with partners' corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental, social and governance (ESG), employee engagement, and community investment objectives. This role is suited to an experienced charity partnerships professional, who has a proven track record of winning new business and delivering significant income growth within the third sector.

Job Title: Charity Partnerships Lead
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Home Based with travel into London and overseas, when required. There is likely
to be a need to travel to Hong Kong and Australia once or twice per year.

Salary: £60,000 pro rata
Hours: Part Time - 3 days per week (or equivalent)
Contract: Fixed Term Contract until December 2027 with potential to extend beyond this and/or convert to full time.
Start date: September 2026

Who We Are
The Global Rugby Players Foundation is a registered charity set up to support players’ smooth transition into their life Beyond the Game. The Foundation was created by our eleven Founders (Alicia Lucas, Conrad Smith, Census Johnston, Dan Carter, Jonny Wilkinson, Kristine Sommer, Richie McCaw, Rachel Burford, Sharni Williams, Siya Kolisi and Thierry Dusautoir), in partnership with World Rugby and International Rugby Players.

Our Ambition
By the players, for the players; the Global Rugby Players Foundation seeks to empower rugby players, who shaped and contributed to the success of our sport, to achieve their full potential Beyond the Game. It sets out to reframe the perception of leaving the game as a positive challenge and an opportunity to forge new careers, build new connections and expand players’ identity.

Our Purpose

• Support players in navigating their transition from rugby while empowering them to face the challenges associated with the loss of identity that accompanies leaving the game.
• Promote the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of players after rugby, by offering comprehensive support services and proactive mental health programmes.
• Prevent the social exclusion of the most vulnerable players, including those facing challenges such as unemployment, financial difficulties, physical or mental illness, substance abuse, or dependencies, by providing necessary support and resources.
• Encourage players to use their capacity as role models to create positive change in their communities.
• Advocate the importance of supporting players throughout their entire life, and not just their playing careers.

Our Services
Transition out of professional rugby can be one of the most challenging and transformative periods in a player's life. Moving beyond the structure, routine and identity of professional sport often means finding a new purpose, career, and sense of self. The Foundation provides much needed support to players facing these challenges, wherever they are in the world.

Local
We provide grant funding to official Player Associations around the world, enabling them to deliver tailored support that meets the needs of former players in their communities. Programmes span career transition, mental wellbeing, financial wellbeing, education, and lifelong connection.

Global
Working alongside our programme partners, World Rugby and the International Rugby Players Association, we develop global initiatives that complement local support and benefit former players worldwide. This includes the continued development of the Beyond the Game Platform, providing accessible learning, resources, and opportunities wherever players are based. Together, our local and global programmes empower, connect and champion former players as they build their lives Beyond the Game.

Responsibilities

Partnership Development

• Develop and implement a proactive new business partnerships strategy aligned with the Foundation's fundraising objectives.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective corporate and strategic partners, and individuals to support our mission.
• Identify and research potential partners whose values align with the Foundation's mission.
• Develop tailored partnership proposals and compelling cases for support.
• Lead negotiations and secure mutually beneficial partnership agreements.
• Represent the charity at networking events to generate new opportunities.

Relationship Management

• Develop strong relationships with prospective and existing partners.
• Deliver exceptional stewardship throughout the partnership lifecycle.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure partnership commitments are fulfilled.
• Identify opportunities to grow existing relationships through additional fundraising, sponsorship, employee engagement, volunteering, and strategic collaborations.

Income Generation

• Achieve agreed annual income and partnership targets.
• Produce accurate income forecasts and pipeline reports.
• Monitor partnership performance against agreed objectives and impact KPIs.
• Maximise long-term value from partnerships through renewals and strategic account growth.

Strategic Development

• Help establish and embed partnership processes, systems, and best practice.
• Contribute to the wider fundraising strategy.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to identify emerging opportunities.
• Ensure all partnership and major donor activity complies with fundraising regulations and charity governance requirements.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Experience

• Significant experience securing and developing corporate partnerships and grants and trusts within the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Demonstrable success in generating new business and achieving income targets.
• Experience managing high-value partnerships from prospecting through to stewardship.
• Experience preparing compelling partnership proposals and presentations.
• Strong understanding of corporate fundraising, CSR, ESG, and employee engagement programmes.
• Experience using CRM systems to manage pipelines and reporting.

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Outstanding relationship-building and influencing skills.
• Excellent negotiation and presentation abilities.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify mutually beneficial opportunities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organised with strong project management skills.
• Confident working independently while collaborating effectively across teams.

Essential Knowledge

• Thorough understanding of the charity sector and partnership fundraising.
• Knowledge of fundraising regulations and ethical fundraising principles.
• Understanding of corporate decision-making and partnership development.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about the Foundation’s mission and values.
• Entrepreneurial, proactive, and resilient.
• Results-driven with a focus on achieving measurable impact.
• Creative thinker with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Professional, credible, and confident engaging with senior stakeholders.
• Collaborative and committed to continuous improvement.

Desirable

• An understanding of the rugby ecosystem and existing relationships within the sport.
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising or other relevant professional body.
• Experience working in a newly established fundraising or partnerships function.
• Experience developing multi-year strategic partnerships and securing six-figures.
• Knowledge of impact measurement and social value reporting.

Success Measures
Within the first 12 months, the Charity Partnerships Lead will be expected to:

• Establish a qualified pipeline of prospective corporate partners.
• Secure new partnership income in line with agreed targets.
• Develop a clear partnership strategy and proposition.
• Build strong internal relationships to support partnership delivery.
• Create a sustainable framework for future partnership growth.

Equality and Diversity

• At GPRF we champion diversity and inclusivity in our workforce and values, and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.
• We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments candidates may need during the recruitment process and will ask whether you require any during the recruitment process at the application stage.

Reasonable Adjustments
We will endeavour to make any reasonable adjustments that are necessary to support applicants during the recruitment process. Please let us know if you require any of the following adjustments during the recruitment process:

• Extra time during tasks or video applications.
• Assistance if the test or assessment is on a computer, such as closed captions.
• Option to interview without the camera on.
• Sharing interview questions on screen (or on paper if interviewing in person).
• Have an accessible car parking space reserved.
• Hold the interview at a specific time of day (please suggest during the application stage).
• A British Sign Language interpreter.
• Anything else (please describe during the application stage).

Working Conditions
We do not have a central office and our workforce is remote. This role is fully remote; therefore, you must be comfortable working effectively as part of a virtual team.

What We Offer

• A senior standalone role at the heart of a new, high-profile international foundation.
• The opportunity to shape and lead the Foundation’s partnerships from the ground up.
• A dynamic, mission-driven environment with global reach.
• Flexible remote working arrangements.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• 27 days annual leave.
• Pension.

Closing Date – 11pm on Sunday 23 August 2026

Purpose of the Role

The Youth Insights Programme Lead is responsible for leading the effective design, planning and delivery of assigned Youth Insights panels and projects. The role bridges strategic leadership and operational delivery, ensuring that panels are well designed, well facilitated, well coordinated and deliver high-quality insight for partners.

The Programme Lead manages day-to-day partner relationships, leads delivery planning, supports facilitators, oversees programme outputs and ensures young people have a positive, inclusive and meaningful experience.

The role contributes to insight generation and reporting, working within the frameworks and quality standards set by the Programme Manager.

Key Responsibilities

1. Programme Design and Delivery

• Lead the design and delivery of assigned Youth Insights panels, within the methodology and standards set by the Programme Manager.
• Translate partner objectives into clear delivery plans, session structures and participant journeys.
• Develop and adapt session plans, materials and activities for assigned panels.
• Ensure sessions are engaging, inclusive, purposeful and appropriate for young people.
• Lead or support facilitation of Youth Insights sessions as required.
• Ensure delivery remains aligned with agreed outcomes, quality standards and partner expectations.
• Identify practical improvements to delivery and share learning with the Programme Manager.

2. Operational Partner Management

• Act as the primary day-to-day relationship manager for assigned partners.
• Lead operational planning meetings, delivery updates and routine partner communications.
• Manage partner expectations around timelines, outputs, session planning and reporting.
• Maintain strong working relationships with operational partner contacts.
• Identify risks, issues or opportunities in partner relationships and escalate appropriately to the Programme Manager.
• Support strategic partner conversations by providing delivery insight, evidence and learning.
• Where a partner contact holds both strategic and operational responsibilities, act as the primary day-to-day contact while ensuring the Programme Manager retains senior oversight.

3. Insight Generation and Reporting

• Analyse youth feedback and identify key themes, patterns and insights from assigned panels.
• Draft reports, summaries, presentations and recommendations for partners.
• Ensure reports go beyond description and begin to translate youth feedback into meaningful insight.
• Work within the reporting frameworks, standards and templates agreed by the Programme Manager.
• Incorporate quality feedback from the Programme Manager and strengthen outputs accordingly.
• Support the development of case studies, impact stories and evidence of partner value.
• Contribute learning from assigned panels into wider Youth Insights service development.

4. Delivery Quality and Facilitation

• Ensure all assigned programmes are delivered to a high standard.
• Brief, support and coordinate freelance facilitators for assigned sessions.
• Ensure facilitators understand the purpose, method, safeguarding requirements and desired outcomes of each session.
• Monitor delivery quality and participant experience.
• Provide feedback to facilitators and escalate quality concerns where needed.
• Ensure session materials, resources and activities are prepared and appropriate.
• Support consistency of delivery across panels, while adapting appropriately to different partner contexts.

5. Youth Engagement and Inclusion

• Ensure young people are meaningfully involved, listened to and supported throughout their participation.
• Work with the Programme Coordinator to support recruitment, onboarding, retention and engagement.
• Monitor participant experience and respond to issues or barriers to participation.
• Identify gaps in representation within assigned panels and work with the Programme Coordinator and Programme Manager to address them.
• Ensure delivery is inclusive, accessible and responsive to young people’s needs.
• Support young people to build confidence, skills and understanding through their involvement.

6. Programme Coordination and Project Management

• Develop and maintain delivery plans for assigned Youth Insights panels.
• Coordinate timelines, milestones, partner inputs, facilitator availability and reporting deadlines.
• Work closely with the Programme Coordinator to ensure logistics, communications and records are well managed.
• Ensure risks, actions and dependencies are tracked and communicated.
• Support effective use of HubSpot and other systems to manage participant journeys and partner activity.
• Ensure programme information is accurate, up to date and accessible to the team.

7. Team Support and Development

• Delegate appropriate tasks clearly and support effective workload management.
• Share learning, tools and good practice across the Youth Insights team.
• Contribute to training, reflection sessions and process improvement.
• Support a positive, collaborative and values-led team culture.
• Help build team confidence in delivery, facilitation, insight generation and partner communication.

8. Safeguarding, Compliance and Risk

• Ensure safeguarding, consent, data protection and risk processes are followed across assigned programmes.
• Identify and escalate safeguarding concerns or risks in line with S4TP policies.
• Ensure facilitators and delivery contributors understand relevant safeguarding and compliance requirements.
• Support accurate record keeping and documentation.
• Contribute to risk assessment and mitigation for sessions, panels and partner activity.

Key Relationships

Internal:

• Youth Insights Programme Manager
• Youth Insights Programme Coordinator
• CEO where required
• Wider S4TP team
• Freelance facilitators

External:

• Operational partner contacts
• Strategic partner contacts where appropriate
• Young people and alumni
• Schools, colleges and youth networks
• Delivery partners and stakeholders

Success Measures

Success in this role will include:

• Assigned panels are delivered effectively, safely and to a high standard.
• Partners receive timely, useful and high-quality reports and outputs.
• Young people have a positive, inclusive and meaningful experience.
• Operational partner relationships are well managed.
• Programme delivery runs smoothly, with clear plans, timelines and communication.
• Insight reports demonstrate analysis, themes and recommendations, not just summaries.
• Facilitators are well briefed, supported and consistent in delivery.
• Learning from delivery contributes to wider Youth Insights improvement.

Person Specifcation

Youth Insights Programme Lead

Person Specification

At Solutions for the Planet, we believe young people should have a meaningful voice in shaping the decisions that affect their lives, communities and futures.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about youth participation and skilled at turning young people's experiences, ideas and perspectives into insights that organisations can learn from and act upon.

This role would suit someone who enjoys working directly with young people, building trusted relationships with partners, facilitating engaging discussions and leading projects from planning through to delivery and reporting.

We're looking for someone who has...

Experience working with young people

You'll have experience engaging young people in a meaningful way and be confident creating environments where young people feel safe, included and empowered to share their views.

You may have worked in youth work, education, youth voice, participation, consultation, research, social action, community engagement or a related field.

Strong programme and project management skills

You'll be organised and able to manage multiple projects, deadlines and relationships at the same time.

You'll be comfortable:

• Planning and coordinating programmes or projects
• Managing timelines and delivery schedules
• Identifying and managing risks
• Keeping people informed and on track
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation

Excellent facilitation and communication skills

A key part of the role involves helping young people share their ideas and experiences.

We're looking for someone who can:

• Facilitate engaging discussions and workshops
• Adapt their approach for different groups and situations
• Listen actively and build trust
• Communicate confidently with young people, partners and colleagues
• Present information clearly and professionally

Experience generating insight and writing reports

You do not need to be a formal researcher, but you should be comfortable analysing feedback and spotting patterns, themes and key messages.

You should be able to:

• Review qualitative feedback and discussions
• Identify meaningful themes and insights
• Draw out implications and recommendations
• Write reports and presentations for external audiences
• Translate young people's views into actionable learning for partners

Experience managing stakeholder relationships

You will often be the main day-to-day contact for partner organisations.

We're looking for someone who can:

• Build positive professional relationships
• Manage expectations effectively
• Communicate with confidence and credibility
• Handle challenges constructively
• Represent Solutions for the Planet professionally

Experience supporting others

You may have experience supervising colleagues, coordinating volunteers, supporting facilitators or mentoring others.

You don't need extensive line management experience, but you should be comfortable helping others succeed and contributing to a collaborative team culture.

You'll be a great fit if you are...

Passionate about youth voice

You genuinely believe that young people should be listened to and involved in decisions that affect them.

People-centred

You enjoy building relationships and helping others feel valued, supported and included.

Curious and reflective

You're interested in understanding different perspectives and using learning to improve future practice.

Organised and proactive

You take ownership of your work, manage competing priorities effectively and look for solutions when challenges arise.

Adaptable

You're comfortable working in a growing organisation where priorities can evolve and where continuous improvement is encouraged.

Values-led

You care about delivering work ethically, inclusively and with integrity, always keeping the needs of young people at the centre of your decision making.

It would be a bonus if you have...

While not essential, we'd love to hear from you if you have experience of:

• Youth research, consultation or co-design
• Facilitating focus groups or participatory workshops
• Impact measurement and evaluation
• Working with businesses, employers or corporate partners
• CRM systems such as HubSpot
• Education, youth sector or community engagement networks
• Managing freelance facilitators or delivery teams
• Social impact, sustainability or social enterprise organisations

Practical Requirements

We ask that applicants:

• Are willing to travel within the UK for programme delivery, partner meetings and team activities
• Can occasionally work evenings when required for youth sessions or events
• Are eligible to work in the UK
• Are willing to undertake an Enhanced DBS check

What Success Looks Like

In this role, you'll help create high-quality experiences that young people genuinely value and that partners genuinely learn from.

Success means:

• Young people feel heard, respected and able to make a meaningful contribution
• Sessions are engaging, inclusive and well facilitated
• Partner organisations receive useful and insightful outputs
• Projects run smoothly and meet agreed deadlines
• Facilitators are well supported and prepared
• Youth feedback is translated into clear themes, insights and recommendations
• Learning is shared across the team to strengthen future programmes

Most importantly...

We're looking for someone who combines strong project delivery skills with a genuine commitment to empowering young people.

You don't need to meet every desirable criterion to apply. If you're excited by the opportunity, share our values and believe you could thrive in the role, we'd love to hear from you.

We are especially interested in hearing from candidates whose lived experience, background or perspective can help strengthen the diversity and inclusivity of our Youth Insights programmes. We believe great youth engagement is built by teams that reflect and understand the diversity of the young people we work with.