Science communication volunteer roles

EDINBURGH MARATHON FESTIVAL

​We are delighted to be Charity Partner for the Edinburgh Marathon this year, and are looking forward to supporting the event and all of the wonderful participants, some of whom will be running on our behalf.​

In order to support this event, we are looking for a team of volunteers to help with a couple of roles which will include:

• Cheering on the runners, to create a supportive and engaging atmosphere
• Charity Tent Marshalls 

​The event takes place on the ​24th May 2026, so if you would like to get involved as a volunteer, are perhaps local to the area or able to travel for the day, then we would be delighted to hear from you.

​​​For further details please take a look at our Volunteer Role Description 

If you’re interested in volunteering, please complete your details by clicking the Apply for this Job button and we will be in touch to discuss your role further.​​

​

A volunteer is someone who provides unpaid support to Brain Tumour Research.

MARINElife is a science charity that conducts cetacean and seabird research and monitoring

by gathering information of key marine species so they can be better protected.  For over 30 Years, we have carried out research, educational and outreach work on whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine animals in the oceans of North-west Europe. We also provide relevant, robust and up-to-date information to those working for the sustainable future of our oceans.

The vital work is done in partnership with a wide range of sponsoring bodies from ecotourism through to research institutes and shipping companies. Our goal is to help conserve marine animals and to raise awareness of the threats they face by engaging the public and policymakers.

Everyone here has a passion for the marine environment. Our Trustees play a key role and are responsible for the oversight and governance of the charity, including ensuring the charity has the strategy to deliver its aims. They work as a team on the MARINElife Board of Trustees and also take a hands-on lead on specific topics as required.

Day- to- day operation of the charity is carried out by a small and dedicated team. They work with an enthusiastic community of volunteers and supporters, who survey the seas and deliver the data that forms our important contribution to marine science and conservation.

We currently have three exciting opportunities for Trustees to join us who, in addition to a passion for the marine environment, have the skills to contribute to governance of the charity and deliver our ambitious strategic plan. In addition to general Trustee duties, we are specifically seeking Trustees who have the ability to take the lead in the areas of:

· Digital Communications and Technology

· Fundraising

Our Trustee with the Digital Communications & Technology Brief will additionally take responsibility for supporting development of the Website and social media channels, the development of relevant strategy and policies on behalf of the Board, and giving guidance and support to staff, volunteers, and MARINElife’s partners. 

Our Trustee with the Fundraising Brief will additionally take responsibility for engagement with stakeholders and potential funding bodies to help the Board of Trustees maximise fundraising and resourcing opportunities to sustain and strengthen the charity.

What We’re Looking For:

For the Trustee Digital Communications & Technology - experience and expertise in communications technology to support MARINElife’s existing communications team, and to ensure that technologies used are fit for the purpose of delivering MARINElife’s digital content. You will advise the Board on website and social media communications capability and ensure the positive impact of our communications. Experience of Krystal Web Hosting for Charities and Wordpress is desirable.

For the Trustee Fundraising - experience and expertise in Fundraising to ensure MARINElife Income sources are fit for the purpose and experience in developing and overseeing the application of fundraising policies to enable the delivery of the charity’s objectives.

We require all our Trustees to be:

o Passionate about the marine environment and to be able to enthuse our mission.

o Strategic thinkers and clear communicators with an ability to stand back and see the bigger picture and to think about what is best for the Charity as a whole

o Enthusiastic contributors, able to work effectively with others as part of a team and willing to play an active role in the development of the Charity

Previous Board or Trustee experience is not necessary and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds with a passion for the environment who have the experience that we are looking for to strengthen our Board.

The Trustee role is voluntary; the time requirement will vary but will require on average a one day a month commitment including Quarterly Trustee board meetings.

Closing date for applications is 09/04/26. If you would like an informal discussion about this opportunity, please get in touch.

Mudland is building the climate knowledge infrastructure needed to translate Indigenous and frontline intelligence into decision-ready formats for policymakers, funders, and global institutions.

Global climate policy and finance systems often overlook the structured, community-defined evidence held by Indigenous and frontline regions. This disconnect leads to adaptation funding that is misaligned with reality, treating vulnerable communities as "beneficiaries" rather than knowledge holders. In high-stakes ecosystems like the Himalayas, climate data is often extracted without being translated into the institutional language needed to influence real-world decision-making.

Mudland bridges this divide through its Climate Lab and the Himalayan Climate Watch Network. We train Indigenous researchers and storytellers to document climate indicators, developing frameworks that weave together Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with modern climate science. By translating local evidence into usable formats for global policy and finance spaces, we ensure that frontline intelligence drives institutional action without being extracted or flattened.

Role Overview

We are looking for a Social Media & Communications Associate to help strengthen Mudland’s digital presence and storytelling across platforms.
The role will support communication around Mudland’s projects, including the Himalayan Climate Watch Network, climate storytelling initiatives, and documentary work connected to the studio.
This is a great opportunity for someone interested in climate communication, media, storytelling, and impact-driven projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Support management of Mudland’s social media platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Help develop engaging posts, captions, and visual storytelling
• Assist with announcements and communication around Mudland projects
• Support outreach for initiatives such as the HCWN Indigenous Climate Knowledge Fellowship
• Help grow the online community and engagement around Mudland’s work
• Assist in coordinating social media content with partner organisations

Who This Role Is For

We are looking for someone who:
• Has an interest in climate, storytelling, media, or social impact
• Enjoys working with social media and digital communication
• Has a creative eye for visuals and storytelling
• Is organised and comfortable working remotely
• Is proactive and open to experimenting with new ideas
Experience with social media tools or design platforms is helpful but not required.

What You Will Gain

• Experience working with an international storytelling and climate initiative
• Exposure to global conversations around climate, culture, and media
• Opportunities to develop a creative communications portfolio
• Collaboration with journalists, filmmakers, researchers, and climate practitioners

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Do you have professional experience in coding and computing? Could you support young people in learning how to code? 

Are you passionate about equipping the next generation with the skills and strategies needed to succeed?

About us: GT Scholars is a social enterprise that tackles educational inequality by giving ambitious young people the support, skills and strategies they need to achieve their aspirations. 

We believe that all young people are gifted and talented, regardless of their background. We run a wide range of programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds.

What makes us different? There are many organisations that offer programmes to improve the life chances of young people. However, our programmes use a unique 3:1 model which means that we’re able to sustainably use our profits to provide additional places on our programmes, to young people from low-income homes. 

Our mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for workshop facilitators that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!

Responsibilities: Facilitators are responsible for designing creative and interactive workshops for our young people, and delivering these workshops with our young people. We run some of our workshops online and other workshops are held in London. All workshops are held during the school holidays, in the evening and on weekends.

The workshop facilitator role is flexible and as part of your role, you may be involved in:

• Delivering and leading short workshops or courses, on behalf of GT Scholars (Online or offline)

• Designing engaging, interactive and educational workshops and short courses for young people and ensuring that the content is targeted to suit different abilities and capabilities

• Running your own bespoke workshops, eg. workshops in coding and technology

• Managing short activities and Q&A sessions during our workshops

• Working collaboratively with other event coordinators, volunteers, ambassadors, workshop facilitators and speakers at our events

• Following the agreed timings and content for workshops and courses

Person specification: 

As workshop facilitator, you will need to:

• Have passion, knowledge and experience in coding, computing and technology

• Have strong presentation skills

• Have strong communication skills

• Be personable and able to confidently communicate with people from a range of backgrounds and professions.

• Be passionate and committed to tackling educational inequality

• Be punctual and organised

Availability: Workshops will run during the day on school holiday dates, on Saturdays or in the evening (5pm-8pm).

Additional information: We will need to conduct reference checks and you will need an Enhanced DBS for this role as you will be working directly with children. We can process this for you or you may submit one if this is less than 2 years old.

Rate of pay: This is a self-employed role. You must be aged 18 or above. Facilitator sessions range from 2 to 6 hours. The rate of pay will vary based on the budget of the funder.

Purpose of the role:

Are you passionate about using technology to empower communities and drive social change?

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is seeking a dedicated Technical Systems & Platform Liaison to join our founding volunteer team. This role is pivotal in connecting our technical infrastructure with the operational and community-facing needs of the organisation, ensuring our open-source membership platform and systems function seamlessly to support survivors, marginalised communities and emerging leaders.

About the role:

As the Technical Systems & Platform Liaison, you will act as the bridge between the CIC’s technical teams, leadership, and community members. You will ensure that digital systems are effectively implemented, maintained, and optimised to serve our mission. This is a hands-on, multi-faceted role combining strategic coordination, operational oversight, and community engagement, providing you with unique experience in systems management and collaborative leadership.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential Technical Competencies:

• Experience in digital platform management, IT operations, systems administration or similar roles where platform functionality and user support were key responsibilities.
• Ability to monitor system performance, identify issues and implement improvements to ensure reliability, scalability and security.
• Act as a liaison between technical teams and end-users to communicate requirements, issues and solutions effectively. 
• Ensure that technical systems and platforms operate efficiently, securely and meet organisational needs.
• Maintain the integrity, reliability and performance of organisational platforms and systems. 
• Provide guidance, training and documentation to staff, volunteers and community members to improve platform adoption and utilisation.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to diagnose technical issues and propose practical solutions.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and manage multiple tasks, projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Work closely with developers, IT staff and platform users to ensure system requirements and issues are clearly communicated.
• Degrees, diplomas, or certifications in IT, systems management, computer science or related fields are desirable but not essential.

Desirable / Can Be Developed:

• Experience or interest in working with technical systems, digital platforms or IT support environments. 
• Ability to act as a bridge between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders.
• Awareness of system integration, data flow or platform coordination concepts, with willingness to learn.

Qualifications:

• Formal qualifications are not required but desirable.
• Relevant study, training or experience in IT, digital systems, computer science or a related field is valued.
• Willingness to complete required induction, safeguarding or data protection training.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Coordinate communication and workflow between technical teams (e.g., platform engineers, digital design specialists) and leadership or membership teams.
• Act as a liaison to ensure both technical and non-technical teams understand project goals, priorities and deliverables.
• Work with leadership, staff and membership teams to identify platform needs or improvements.
• Ensure implementation aligns with CIC’s objectives, standards and strategic priorities.
• Monitor system performance, user experience and platform functionality.
• Track platform usage, functionality and user feedback to identify potential issues or areas for improvement.
• Ensure system operations comply with data protection, safeguarding and security policies.
• Provide hands-on guidance on using digital platforms, tools and systems effectively.
• Maintain clear and up-to-date records of technical processes, configuration settings, workflows and platform updates.
• Implement safeguards to protect vulnerable users and sensitive organisational information.
• Provide guidance to staff and volunteers on safe data handling, secure system use and adherence to organisational policies.
• Collaborate with leadership, technical teams and stakeholders to define long-term goals and priorities for digital platforms and systems.
• Ensure that proposed developments align with organisational strategy, community needs and compliance requirements.
• Provide advice and practical support to users to minimise downtime and optimise platform use.

What This Role Offers You:

• Leadership experience in managing and coordinating complex digital systems within a mission-driven organisation.
• Personal growth through hands-on problem-solving, strategic thinking and collaborative team leadership.
• The opportunity to contribute directly to building systems that empower survivors and marginalised communities.
• The satisfaction of shaping the infrastructure and processes of a pioneering, values-led CIC.

What This Role Is Not For:

• Individuals seeking traditional corporate hierarchy, purely financial reward or rigid structures.
• Those unwilling to work within a collaborative, anti-capitalist and community-driven environment.
• People expecting pre-built systems or hands-off technical roles—this position requires active.

Next Steps

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to

• A values-led conversation.
• If you are ready to use your technical coordination skills to make a real-world impact and support the creation of innovative community systems, we want to hear from you.
•  Apply now and be part of building a platform that transforms truth into action.

A Final Word
Technology is a tool to empower people. Bridge the gap between technology and people

If you know that: Keeps people connected.

Role Description 

Are you passionate about changing the way we treat animals? Do you want to help reduce environmental damage? Do you want to inspire people to enjoy healthy vegan food that both looks good and tastes great? 

The Vegan Society aims to make veganism more accessible. We help people to adopt a vegan lifestyle by supporting individuals, policy- and decision-makers, caterers, manufacturers, healthcare professionals and the media. 

Why do we need you? 

Our nutrition team consists of two registered dietitians (we are currently recruiting for the second role). Our small team provides up-to-date nutrition and health resources on our website and evidence-based nutrition and health information for the charity’s campaigns. We also answer questions relating to vegan health and nutrition from the general public, the vegan community, caterers, and health and nutrition professionals via phone calls, email and post. 

Other areas of responsibility include attending events and giving talks on the latest vegan health and nutrition topics, writing articles, and speaking to the media about vegan health and nutrition. We are also responsible for developing recipes and blogs for various projects. 

We are a busy team and the support of a pharmacy volunteer would be invaluable. 

What does the role involve? 

We are looking for a volunteer who is a pharmacist or has a pharmaceutical background to support our nutrition team to handle medicine queries on an ad hoc basis. 

The specific tasks we would like the volunteer to take on are: 

• Collating and responding to medicine-related queries for a number of health conditions, including, but not limited to, osteoporosis, iron-deficiency anaemia, the menopause and thyroid disorders. 
• Researching ingredients and contacting manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies to find products suitable for vegans or without animal ingredients. 
• Comparing medicines suitable for vegans versus those containing animal-derived ingredients (e.g. side-effects, ingredients, costs). 

What training and support are available? 

The ideal candidate for this role will be someone with competency in pharmacy and responding to enquiries, so training in these areas would not be required. However, we are always willing to invite volunteers along to staff training when possible and to deliver training on specific skills inhouse, as identified throughout volunteering. This role is remote and therefore support from the Dietitian will be available through email and phone calls as required. Monthly or quarterly reviews with the Volunteering and Engagement Officer will also be conducted to ensure the volunteer is happy in their role. 

What skills would be useful in doing this role? 

• Trained pharmacist or pharmaceutical background 
• Competency in Microsoft Office 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• An awareness and knowledge of vegan current affairs 
• Confidence to communicate any training or support needs 
• Ability to work independently 

What does my availability need to be? 

We are looking for someone who is available for one to two hours a week on a regular basis. These hours are flexible, but we would expect you to respond to public enquiries within three to five working days to meet the expectations of our supporters. 

Who does this role report to? 

Emily Angus, Dietitian

What will you be doing?

Candela is a volunteer-run nonprofit. We're growing our funding base in 2026, and this role is about making that happen. Working alongside our directors, you will have the opportunity to:

Sponsorship and funding:

• Identify and approach potential sponsors, starting with companies whose values or sector align with our mission: we teach physics through VR experiences including solar energy and fusion, so there's a natural fit with energy, renewables, and sustainability companies
• Research and apply for relevant grants, particularly in education, STEM access, and social impact
• Help develop and refine our sponsorship packages and pitches for different audiences
• Develop and manage a funding pipeline

Partnerships and relationships:

• Develop relationships with companies who could support us through funding, equipment donations, or employee volunteering
• Explore partnerships with organisations in the energy and sustainability sector who may have CSR budgets or outreach programmes aligned with what we do
• Help us build credibility and visibility with potential supporters

Note: As we're a small team, you'll have real ownership over this area. You can shape the approach based on your own experience and networks.

What are we looking for?

• Experience in fundraising, business development, partnerships, sponsorship, or grant writing - whether professional or through voluntary/community work
• Confidence approaching organisations and building relationships, particularly at a corporate or institutional level
• Strong written communication since you'll be drafting proposals, emails, and applications
• Someone who can commit roughly 3–7 hours per week, with flexibility around your schedule
• Passion for education, equity in STEM, or making technology accessible to young people

Nice to have: a background in energy, renewables, or sustainability, but this isn't essential. What matters most is your ability to build relationships and secure support.

What difference will you make?

By leading on this, you'll be directly contributing to our goals to:

• Educate students aged 14–18 on the real-world applications of physics using VR
• Increase equitable access to super-curricular STEM activities in disadvantaged communities
• Show young people that physics can lead to exciting careers beyond academia

betterSoil is a sustainable start-up and a movement that is passionately committed to the health of our earth's soil.

We are currently losing around 10 million hectares of fertile soil worldwide. That's about 14 million football pitches. However, good soils are the source of more than 90% of our food. At the same time, the world's population will grow to 10 billion people by 2050. Food will therefore become scarce, especially high-quality food, as this depends on the quality of the soil. The effects of climate change are worsening the situation of soils because droughts and extreme rainfall are becoming more severe and more frequent. Current farming methods lead to high CO2 emissions, diseased soils produce low-quality food and biodiversity is rapidly declining, as around half of biodiversity lives in the soil.

Since 2020, betterSoil has been involved at European level, e.g. with an event with the EU Parliament and prominent supporters such as Prof. Dr Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker, Dr Franz Fischler (Former EU Commissioner for Agriculture) and Dr Peter Johnston (European Policy Centre) in a national and international context to improve soil quality for climate resilience and climate protection as well as the promotion of biodiversity and sustainable food production. Our way of working goes far beyond soil consulting. We combine local, indigenous knowledge with the latest science and offer practice-orientated betterSoil recipes for farmers. We also offer individual consultations for companies and organisations of all kinds. In this way, we create a comprehensive awareness of soil health that helps to position

As Newsletter & Blog Content Manager, you’ll shape how betterSoil communicates with its community and partners. Your work will help us reach more people, strengthen our impact, and showcase how soil can change the world.

Key tasks:
• Write and edit engaging blog posts on soil, climate, and sustainable agriculture.
• Create and manage our monthly newsletter (Mailchimp or similar).
• Translate project updates, research, and events into accessible stories.
• Coordinate a content calendar aligned with campaigns and events.
• Coordination with the social media team
• Assist with press releases or media outreach.

What We’re Looking For
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Passion for sustainability, agriculture, or climate action (no need to be a soil expert, but a basic understanding of the topic and a genuine interest in learning more are essential.
• Experience with newsletters, blogging, or content management
• Creativity, reliability, and the ability to work independently in a remote team.

What You’ll Gain
• Be part of an international, mission-driven team reimagining soil as the foundation of a sustainable future.
• Build a portfolio of published content on climate and agriculture.
• Learn about soil, regenerative agriculture, and sustainability strategies.
• Contribute flexibly from anywhere in the world .
• Make a tangible difference in a growing social impact initiative.
• Get recognized for your impact – we’ll provide a written confirmation of your volunteer work in climate action.

Commitment: Flexible, part-time volunteer (approx. 7-9 hrs/week ).

Duration: Minimum 1 year (longer preferred with potential for future paid collaboration as the organization grows).

Compensation: Volunteer (impact-driven role).

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Position Overview:
The Programme Coordinator provides critical administrative and logistical support to ensure the smooth operation of the employability and skills development programme. As the first point of contact for participants, this role focuses on managing inquiries, maintaining records, coordinating schedules, and facilitating seamless communication between participants, trainers, and stakeholders. The Programme Coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring participants feel supported and programme activities are delivered efficiently.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Participant Engagement & Support:

   • Serve as the primary contact for participants, responding to inquiries via phone, email, or in person, and providing guidance on programme logistics, enrollment, and resources.

   • Manage participant registration, onboarding, and attendance tracking for workshops, training sessions, and events.

2. Administrative Coordination:

   • Maintain accurate and up-to-date participant records, including personal details, progress updates, and post-programme employment outcomes, ensuring compliance with data protection policies.

   • Schedule and coordinate meetings, training sessions, and stakeholder events, including room bookings, material preparation, and calendar management.

3. Documentation & Reporting:

   • Prepare and distribute programme-related materials, such as handbooks, training agendas, and certificates of completion.

   • Assist in compiling data for reports on participant engagement, attendance, and feedback to support programme evaluation.

4. Logistics & Communication:

   • Manage programme logistics, including training materials, technology setups, and participant resources.

   • Draft and send routine communications (e.g., reminders, updates) to participants, trainers, and partners.

5. Compliance & Record-Keeping:

   • Ensure all participant files and programme documentation adhere to organisational policies and grant requirements.

   • Support audit processes by maintaining organised participant consent forms, evaluations, and feedback records.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: A high school diploma is required; an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in administration, communications, social sciences, or a related field is preferred.

• Experience:

  • 1–2 years in administrative support, customer service, or programme coordination, preferably in education, non-profits, or workforce development.

  • Experience managing high-volume inquiries and maintaining detailed records.

• Skills:

  • Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a customer-service-oriented approach.

  • Proficiency in Google products (Forms, Docs, Sheets, Slides) and familiarity with databases or CRM systems.

  • Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in data entry and reporting.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Do you have 2 hours in an evening, once a week during school term times to join our fun loving youth team supporting and developing our young inspirational volunteers? No matter what your interests: Crafting, Singing/Dancing, History, Science or caring for people/animals, we welcome you to join us. Full training is provided. This is a great opportunity to develop your own skills, knowledge and build on your CV. All whilst having fun, making friends and supporting your community. Our Cadet programme gives young people aged to 11-18 years, to get involved in: • learning first aid • volunteering at local and national events • engaging in social action and helping their local community • learning about health and wellbeing • developing confidence and communication skills through Cadet leadership training • enjoying a wide range of outdoor and adventurous activities. We currently have vacancies in the following areas: Bilsthorpe on Monday evenings Hucknall on Tuesday evenings Mansfield and Worksop on Wednesday evenings.

As a youth helper there is a requirement for you to attend weekly meetings, at least 2 per month, during term time. Relevant training for the role will be given. The cadet group meets on Monday evenings in term time.

Pursuing the role

We are looking to run a volunteering interview selection session, dates and venue to be confirmed

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role, dates, time & venue to be confirmed.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 
31/05/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Position: Mission Funding Executive

Location: UK/Remote
Commitment: Volunteer (10hr/week)

Reports to: Country Director
Role Type: Senior Management Team (SMT) Member

About Us

We are a globally focused non-profit organisation, grounded in Christian values, committed to helping communities grow through education, empowerment, and poverty relief. Our programmes support families, strengthen livelihoods, and build resilience by responding to real community needs.

Through long-term partnerships and sustainable approaches, we create opportunities that encourage self-reliance and deliver lasting impact, helping individuals and families move toward stability, dignity, and a better future.

Why Join Us?

Join Project Yananai and be part of something bigger than a role. As a growing, purpose-driven organisation working across multiple countries, we offer the opportunity to shape meaningful change while developing your career, skills and experience.

Here, your voice matters. Your ideas help shape direction, and your work delivers visible, real-world impact. You’ll collaborate with a diverse, global team, gain exposure to strategic initiatives, and grow through hands-on experience in a dynamic, evolving environment.

We recognise the importance of flexibility. Our approach to working hours supports you to contribute in a way that works alongside your personal and professional commitments, within a collaborative and outcome-focused environment.

If you are motivated by purpose, energised by pace, and want to contribute to something truly meaningful, we’d love to hear from you!

The Role

As Mission Funding Executive, you will lead resource mobilisation for Project Yananai in UK/Global, ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of our programmes. As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will shape strategy, secure diverse funding streams, and build strong donor and partner relationships to power our mission.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement a national fundraising and resource mobilisation strategy aligned with organisational goals.

• Contribute to strategic planning and leadership as part of the Senior Management Team.

Donor & Partner Engagement

• Build and manage relationships with donors, corporates, foundations, and government partners.

• Represent the organisation at meetings, events, and networking opportunities.

• Lead donor stewardship, retention, and engagement activities.

Proposal Development & Reporting

• Oversee high-quality proposals, grant applications, and concept notes.

• Ensure timely, accurate donor reporting (financial and narrative).

• Maintain clear records of funding agreements and requirements.

Innovation & Opportunity Development

• Identify new funding opportunities, including innovative financing models.

• Work with communications and programme teams to develop compelling cases for support.

Financial Planning & Compliance

• Collaborate on budgeting and monitor grant expenditure.

• Ensure compliance with organisational policies, donor requirements, and local regulations.

Capacity Building & Collaboration

• Strengthen internal fundraising capability through training and mentoring.

• Promote collaboration, transparency, and accountability across teams.

Risk Management

• Identify and mitigate risks related to funding, donor dependency, and reputation.

What We’re Looking For

Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience in fundraising, business development, or resource mobilisation within non-profit, NGO, or mission-driven environments.

• Demonstrated success securing funding from diverse sources (institutional, corporate, foundation, government).

• Strong experience in proposal development, grant management, and donor reporting.

• Experience contributing to senior leadership or management teams.

• Relevant degree in fundraising, development, business, social sciences, or related field.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills.

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, financial planning, and project management ability.

• Knowledge of the South African funding landscape and regulatory environment.

• Collaborative, proactive, and results-driven approach.

• Strong alignment with Project Yananai’s mission and values.

Why Join Us?

• Play a key role in sustaining and scaling impactful programmes

• Work with a passionate, mission-driven global team

• Gain leadership experience and opportunities for growth

Empower communities. Transform lives. Make a positive and sustainable difference!

Project Yananai is a UK registered charity (1209060) and an equal opportunity organisation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures.

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

The Research department serves as the intellectual foundation of our mission. As Head of Department, you will lead the critical task of gathering evidence, data, and lived-experience narratives that inform our training programmes and public discourse. While we host the Professional Development Programme (PDP) to support career changers, the Research function is a core strategic pillar that ensures our advocacy is grounded in fact and that the systemic barriers faced by our communities are accurately identified and challenged.

Head of Department (Research)

The Opportunity

This position offers a significant career step-up, providing experience in managing complex research projects and data analysis within a social justice framework. In this Head of Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring our organisation’s voice remains authoritative, evidence-based, and impactful.

Role Purpose

The Head of Research sits between Directors and Managers, turning high-level investigative goals into clear, deliverable research plans. You own the direction, methodology, and delivery control of the Research department to ensure that all reports, white papers, and data sets are produced with academic rigour, accuracy, and pace.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Research Planning: Turning Director objectives into practical research schedules, including literature reviews, data collection phases, and report drafting.

• Manager Leadership: Coaching Research Managers to coordinate field work and data analysis effectively, ensuring all project components are visible in MeisterTask.

• Assurance & Quality Control: Reducing rework by refining research methodologies and ensuring all outputs are fact-checked and peer-reviewed before reaching the final sign-off stage.

• Director Reporting: Providing weekly reports on the research pipeline (active studies, pending analysis, and upcoming publications), WIP status, and risks to project timelines.

• Culture & Standards: Ensuring all research activities align with ethical guidelines, data protection standards, and Quilombo UK’s professional values.

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, HR, PR, and Graphic Design teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support (e.g., legal review of ethics or graphic design for data visualisation).

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Requirements

• Proven experience in research management, academic research, or social science investigation.

• A portfolio of published reports, articles, or research papers / CV.

• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and project management software (such as MeisterTask).

• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of subjects related to EDI and social justice.

• Focused, organised, and able to prioritise complex analytical tasks under tight deadlines.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments.

• Strong team player with the ability to lead through others.

• Excellent written communication skills with a keen eye for detail and data accuracy.

• Degree in Social Sciences, Research Methods, Humanities, or a related field is a plus.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.

Do you want to help the youth of today become the lifesavers of tomorrow? We're on a mission to teach young people across the country how to save lives. It's a chance for them to learn important first aid skills in a fun, friendly, and safe environment. 

St John is one of the largest youth organisations in the country and many of our young volunteers go onto careers in health and/or social care. Being a youth volunteer helps young people develop skills and confidence that go on to help them with further education and university applications. To do this we need dedicated and enthusiastic youth helpers. Do you have 2 hours in an evening, once a week during school term times to join our fun loving youth team supporting and developing our young inspirational volunteers? No matter what your interests: Crafting, Singing/Dancing, History, Science or caring for people/animals, we welcome you to join us. Full training is provided. 

This is a great opportunity to develop your own skills, knowledge and build on your CV. All whilst having fun, making friends and supporting your community. 

Our Cadet programme gives young people aged to 11-18 years, to get involved in: • learning first aid • volunteering at local and national events • engaging in social action and helping their local community • learning about health and wellbeing • developing confidence and communication skills through Cadet leadership training • enjoying a wide range of outdoor and adventurous activities. 

We currently have vacancies in the following areas: Bilsthorpe on Monday evenings Hucknall on Tuesday evenings Mansfield and Worksop on Wednesday evenings If you’d like to know more about volunteering or would just like to chat to someone who does, get in touch.

Do you want to help the youth of today become the lifesavers of tomorrow? We're on a mission to teach young people across the country how to save lives. It's a chance for them to learn important first aid skills in a fun, friendly, and safe environment. 

St John is one of the largest youth organisations in the country and many of our young volunteers go onto careers in health and/or social care.

Being a youth volunteer helps young people develop skills and confidence that go on to help them with further education and university applications. To do this we need dedicated and enthusiastic youth helpers. Do you have 2 hours in an evening, once a week during school term times to join our fun loving youth team supporting and developing our young inspirational volunteers? No matter what your interests: Crafting, Singing/Dancing, History, Science or caring for people/animals, we welcome you to join us. 

Full training is provided. This is a great opportunity to develop your own skills, knowledge and build on your CV. All whilst having fun, making friends and supporting your community. 

Our Cadet programme gives young people aged to 11-18 years, to get involved in: • learning first aid • volunteering at local and national events • engaging in social action and helping their local community • learning about health and wellbeing • developing confidence and communication skills through Cadet leadership training • enjoying a wide range of outdoor and adventurous activities. 

We currently have vacancies in the following areas: Bilsthorpe on Monday evenings Hucknall on Tuesday evenings Mansfield and Worksop on Wednesday evenings If you’d like to know more about volunteering or would just like to chat to someone who does, get in touch.

The closing date for this advert will be 31/05/2026

Interview - dates and time, locations to be advised