Work experience development officer jobs in birmingham

Join us and help create opportunities that change young lives.

Career Ready is a UK-wide social mobility charity, working to empower young people with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to succeed. We’re looking for a proactive and strategic Corporate New Business Development Lead to drive growth in our corporate and partnerships income, unlocking innovative collaborations that deliver real impact.

In this pivotal role, you’ll identify and secure high-value corporate partnerships, craft compelling proposals, and lead pitches to senior decision-makers. You’ll work closely with colleagues across Communications, Programmes, and Operations to create multi-year partnerships that combine funding, programme support, and brand alignment—helping us reach more young people than ever before. The role is home-based, but you’ll have opportunities to travel across the UK (primarily London, Manchester, and Edinburgh) for meetings, events, and networking opportunities (expenses covered), giving you variety and the chance to build relationships face-to-face.

We’re seeking someone with a proven track record of winning significant corporate partnerships (five-figure or ideally six-figure), excellent communication and influencing skills, and a strong understanding of CSR/ESG trends. If you’re entrepreneurial, creative, and thrive on building relationships from scratch, we’d love to hear from you.

For full information view our candidate pack, which is available when you click on Apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 12 January 2026

First stage interviews: expected to take place w/c 19 January 2026 

Join us and help create opportunities that change young lives.

Career Ready is a UK-wide social mobility charity, working to empower young people with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to succeed.  We're looking for a Partnerships Manager to help transform young people’s futures. In this role, you’ll retain and grow corporate partnerships that fund our programmes and provide paid internships, mentoring, and volunteering opportunities.

You’ll lead a portfolio of corporate partners dontating five figure amounts, inspire businesses to invest in social mobility, and secure long‑term commitments that deliver real impact. Working closely with colleagues across programmes and income generation, you’ll ensure partners see the tangible difference they make while championing employer engagement at events and through networks.

We’re seeking someone with proven account management experience at a mid to high level, exceptional relationship‑building skills, and the ability to collaborate brilliantly with colleagues and partners. If you’re proactive, organised, and motivated by creating opportunities for young people, this is your chance to make a lasting difference.

For full information view our candidate pack, which is available when you click on Apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 12 January 2026

First stage interviews: expected to take place w/c 19 January 2026

Job Title: Fundraising and Communications Officer

Department: Membership and Development

Reports To: Membership Manager

Location: UK Based

Compensation: £32,500 per annum

About Humanists International:

Humanists International is the global representative body of the humanist movement, uniting a diverse range of non-religious individuals and organizations committed to reason, compassion, and human rights. We work to build and strengthen the humanist movement worldwide, advocate for secularism and human rights, and promote humanist values in public life.

Job Purpose:

The Fundraising and Communications Officer is a vital member of the Membership and Development team, responsible for engaging and communicating with Humanists International's members and the wider public, with a strong focus on fundraising. This role involves developing and implementing communication and fundraising strategies, managing social media channels, creating compelling content, and utilizing AI tools to optimize outreach and fundraising effectiveness, particularly in engaging standard value supporters.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising and Development:

• Develop and implement fundraising plans and campaigns, with a focus on strategies to engage and cultivate standard value supporters, including managing Direct Mail appeals to US Donors

• Create compelling content for fundraising appeals, ensuring alignment with Humanists International's values and mission.

• Analyze fundraising data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement, using AI-driven analytics where appropriate to understand standard value supporter behavior.

• Implement strategies to cultivate and steward relationships with donors, with a focus on upgrading standard value supporters, including supporting the In-person VIP Donor Reception

Membership Communications:

• Manage all membership-related communications, including the monthly newsletter, ensuring content is engaging, informative, and promotes fundraising opportunities to standard value supporters.

• Establish and maintain a strong online presence through existing social media accounts (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), with an expectation of minimum 2-3 posts per week.

• Develop and implement social media strategies to increase engagement and reach, with targeted campaigns for standard value supporters.

• Actively manage Acquisition Social Media (General), including the creation and management of Adverts on Social Media (Facebook & Instagram) and Google Ads.

• Respond to inquiries and engage with members online, fostering a sense of community among standard value supporters.

• Utilize AI tools to schedule posts, analyze social media performance, and identify target audiences within the standard value supporter segment for fundraising.

Campaigns:

• Invest time and effort in relaunching the "End Blasphemy Laws" campaign, developing engaging content and promoting it across various channels to maximize fundraising and awareness, with specific strategies for standard value supporters.

• Support other campaigns led by Humanists International, contributing to their communication strategies and execution, with a focus on integrating fundraising elements and engaging standard value supporters, including the development and promotion of Petitions (via CiviCRM).

• Support communications for Driving Event Registrations (e.g., World Humanist Congress).

Content Creation and Publication:

• Produce high-quality written and visual content for various platforms, including the website, social media, newsletters, fundraising appeals, and reports, tailored to appeal to standard value supporters. This includes developing Video and Multimedia Content.

• Support the Chief Executive in writing the annual report, ensuring it effectively communicates the organization's achievements and impact to all supporters.

• Lead the launch and ongoing production of a New Humanists International Podcast, and coordinate getting Personnel as Guests on other Podcasts.

• Use AI tools to assist in content creation, including generating initial drafts, optimizing content for different platforms, and ensuring consistency in tone and style, particularly for communications targeting standard value supporters.

Collaboration and Support:

• Work closely with the Advocacy and Membership Development teams to ensure consistent messaging and effective communication of Humanists International's work, with a focus on integrating fundraising into all communications with standard value supporters.

• Provide communications support to Young Humanists International, assisting with their campaigns and initiatives.

Planning and Strategy:

• Work with the Chief Executive Officer to develop a comprehensive annual communications and fundraising plan that aligns with the organization's strategic goals, with specific strategies for standard value supporters.

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication activities and make recommendations for improvement, using data and AI-driven analytics to assess engagement and fundraising outcomes among standard value supporters.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences, including standard value supporters.

• Strong understanding of social media platforms and best practices, with experience in using social media for fundraising.

• Experience in creating engaging content for online and offline channels, including fundraising appeals.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Commitment to the values of Humanists International.

• Demonstrable experience and comfort using AI tools for content creation, social media management, or data analysis, with a focus on fundraising applications.

Desirable:

• Experience in campaign development and execution, with a focus on fundraising campaigns targeting specific donor segments.

• Graphic design skills and experience with design or video editing softwares.

• Knowledge of website content management systems.

• Familiarity with the international human rights landscape.

Community Fundraising Officer

Location: Remote (UK-based)
Hours: 30 hours per week, fully flexible
Salary: £27,000 FTE (pro-rata for 30 hours)
Contract: 1-year Fixed Term Contract (with possibility of extension subject to performance)

About Animal Welfare Investigations Project (AWIP)

Animal Welfare Investigations Project (AWIP) is a specialist animal protection organisation that investigates, disrupts, protects and rescues animals from organised animal cruelty.

We work through intelligence-led investigations and partnerships with law enforcement across the globe. Our work is unapologetically justice-led, outcomes-focused, and impact-driven.

AWIP is a remote-first, flexible organisation. We prioritise autonomy, trust, and clarity.

Values alignment

AWIP is a close-knit, mission-driven team working to end organised animal cruelty.

Because of the nature of our work, we are particularly interested in candidates whose personal values strongly align with animal protection. A cruelty-free lifestyle (such as veganism or vegetarianism) is therefore preferred, though we welcome applications from anyone who shares our commitment to protecting animals and is aligned with our mission.

About the role

We are seeking a Community Fundraising Officer to lead and deliver a small number of high-impact virtual fundraising challenges and supporter-led events each year.

This role exists to generate lumpy, time-bound income spikes through well-executed campaigns.

This is a delivery-focused, commercially minded position suited to someone who is comfortable working with data, managing budgets, and being accountable for results.

Key responsibilities

Virtual fundraising challenges (core responsibility):

• Designing and delivering 3–4 virtual fundraising challenges per year.
• Managing each challenge end-to-end, including campaign concept and structure, participant onboarding and journey, fundraising targets, timelines, delivery, and wrap-up.
• Running private Facebook Groups or similar community spaces during live challenge periods.
• Managing paid incentives and paid social advertising budgets.
• Ensuring challenges are repeatable, scalable, and cost-effective.

Supporter-led and external events

• Coordinating and promoting participation in:
• Run for Charity events
• Overseas challenge events (e.g. treks)
• Peer-to-peer fundraising (e.g. birthday fundraisers or evergreen P2P)
• Acting as the main point of contact for supporters taking part
• Providing clear guidance, materials, and support while keeping delivery light-touch

Income, data & performance

• Owning net income targets for each campaign
• Monitoring and analysing campaign performance
• Tracking: Spend, Cost per lead, Activation rates, Funds raised.
• Reporting clearly on outcomes, learning, and recommendations
• Continuously refining formats to improve performance year-on-year

About you

You will bring:

• Experience in community fundraising, events fundraising, or supporter-led campaigns
• Strong project management skills with the ability to deliver campaigns to deadline
• High-performance mindset with confidence working to clear income targets and demonstrating Return on Investment (ROI)
• Proficiency with digital platforms and tools such as:Meta Ads, FundraiseUp and/or Raisely, Google Analytics.
• Comfort interpreting data and adjusting campaigns based on performance
• The ability to work independently in a fully remote environment
• Alignment with AWIP’s mission and comfort working in a justice-led organisation

Experience delivering virtual fundraising challenges or digitally driven campaigns is highly desirable.

Working pattern & flexibility

• 30 hours per week, fully flexible
• Fully remote (UK-based)
• Occasional evening or weekend work around campaign launches
• Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) provided for any additional hours worked during peak periods

Salary & benefits

• £27,000 FTE (pro-rata for 30 hours = £23,142.86)
• 8% employer pension contribution with NEST Pensions
• Private healthcare and dental insurance with Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Training and development opportunities
• Fully remote, flexible working environment

Contract details

• 1-year fixed-term contract
• Possibility of extension subject to performance and organisational needs

How to apply

Closing date: ASAP

Expected start date: January 2026
This role requires urgent placement and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The vacancy will close once a suitable candidate is appointed.

Please send:

• Your CV
• A covering letter explaining your relevant experience, values alignment, and interest in the role

Any applications without a covering letter will be not considered.

We are looking for a dynamic, values-led, strategic leader to drive our mission for migration justice and social work solidarity. The role entails oversight of the operations and strategy of the organisation, responsibility for financial management and fundraising, maintaining the health of the organisation and embedding anti-racist and anti-opressive values into every aspect of the organisation. 

About us

GSG Impact is a UK-registered charity with a global footprint. We work with a network of National Partners and collaborators across multiple countries to help build “impact economies”, strengthening the systems, relationships and market infrastructure that enable capital and policy to deliver better social and environmental outcomes. Our work brings together evidence, convening power and practical support, partnering with leaders across public, private and civil society to accelerate progress and share what works globally. 

The role

We are seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead our organisational operations, including finance, HR, governance, compliance and risk. You will ensure strong systems, controls and processes that enable excellent delivery across an international organisation. 

Key responsibilities

• Lead organisational operations across finance, HR, IT, legal, admin and key systems

• Own budgeting, forecasting, reporting, audit and treasury/controls

• Strengthen UK charity governance, policies, compliance and risk management

• Oversee contracts, procurement, supplier management and external advisers

• Lead people operations across multiple jurisdictions (including Employer of Record arrangements) 

About you

• Track record in UK charity governance/compliance and international operations

• Senior operational leader with strong financial and people management experience

• Confident working across complex stakeholder environments and multi-country teams

• Clear communicator, pragmatic problem-solver, calm under pressure 

How to apply

Please send CV (max 2 pages) and a cover letter (max 1 page) explaining your suitability.

GSG Impact is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to safeguarding and will carry out appropriate pre-employment checks.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications or appoint a suitable candidate before the advertised closing date.

Prison Facilitator - HMP Swinfen Hall

Shannon Trust facilitator - HMP Swinfen Hall

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Swinfen Hall. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.  

Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. 

This role will be prison based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

‍We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

‍Interviews are to take place on a rolling schedule.

REF-225 700

Dancers’ Career Development (DCD), the national charity that enables and empowers dancers to thrive professionally and personally leading up to and beyond their performance careers, seek a General Manager.

We are seeking an exceptional administrator who has experience in, or is interested in further developing, a broad knowledge of company management.

The main purpose of the General Manager role is to support the Executive Director, with the day-to-day operational management and administration of DCD.

The role will ideally suit a personable individual who enjoys varied responsibilities, working collaboratively within a highly productive, agile and supportive team.

If you are excited by this opportunity, resonate with DCD’s values and are passionate about making a positive difference to dancers’ lives, please get in touch; we would love to hear from you.

Contract: Part-time permanent role (24 hours per week)

Salary: £35,000 per annum, pro-rata

Start date: As early as possible

Location: This is a remote working role, with monthly in-person meetings which take place in London or Birmingham, with occasional additional in-person events and meetings as required by the charity. 

Benefits: 23 days holiday pro-rata plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 28 days with length of service), 5% Employers contribution to pension scheme, Health & Wellbeing package, Professional Development opportunities.

Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 9am, Thursday 22 January 2026

Further Info: Please download the Recruitment Pack from our website for full job spec and how to apply.

We are seeking a Community Development Officer to lead a major in-progress project improving recognition, support, and care for people with smell and taste disorders at a local level across England. 

This three-year, volunteer-led programme, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund has achieved significant success in its first eighteen months. We are now recruiting a new postholder to take this strong foundation forward through the next phase of delivery. 

Over the past eighteen months, we have recruited and established a thriving network of volunteers and local groups across England. This momentum is expected to continue. The Community Development Officer will work closely with existing volunteers and groups, primarily remotely, while also attending in-person events and meetings in different parts of England as needed. 

The postholder will lead the ongoing recruitment, training, and support of volunteer groups, working with them to identify opportunities for local outreach and engagement. Together, you will ensure that more people affected by smell and taste disorders access the information, support, and recognition they need, while continuing to raise awareness of these often-unrecognised sensory impairments. 

Our volunteer groups bring together people with lived experience alongside experts from the food, beverage and fragrance sectors, and other relevant fields. 

We are looking for a motivated, forward-thinking individual with experience in leading and inspiring others. You will bring energy, creativity, and excellent communication skills to drive the project forward and help build an innovative, sustainable programme of volunteer-led activity, supporting our volunteers to influence change within their communities. 

You will empower volunteers to play an active role in transforming public understanding of how essential smell and taste are to our lives, whether they are running peer support groups, organising local events, delivering talks in community settings, or representing the charity at information days. 

You will join a small, friendly and ambitious team committed to your professional development as the charity continues to grow. 

If you are passionate about making a difference, enjoy working with people, and want to contribute to a pioneering and collaborative organisation that values and empowers its community, we would love to hear from you. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. 

BIND UK is a specialist team offering expert advice and guidance to organisations that are determined to deliver practical, positive and permanent impact to the UK’s Food Waste Challenge. We believe change is created not by a handful of people doing sustainability perfectly, but by everyone doing a little something. Find out more about our values and purpose here. 

About Eat Smart 

Eat Smart is a successful primary school educational programme born in the NE of England designed to inspire children and schools to reduce food waste and build sustainable food systems. We deliver engaging resources and learning experiences that empower schools and pupils to have more ownership of their kitchens/dinner halls, improve student wellbeing, and have increased environmental awareness.

Since 2018 Eat Smart has enabled 70 schools in North East England to rescue their food waste by over 25%, equivalent to saving 6,000 meals worth £13,000 per school, per year, and our expansion to other areas of the UK has already begun. With an ever-growing data set and credibility for school food waste prevention, we have increasing potential to affect school food policy and deliver food waste prevention interventions on a national level. 

As we expand our delivery across the UK, we are seeking a dynamic and strategic Development Manager to lead the expansion via a franchise model, build partnerships, and oversee the operational excellence of our growing network.

This is a pivotal leadership role focused on scaling the Eat Smart model nationally. The postholder will drive growth by developing regional and national partnerships, securing funding streams, recruiting and onboarding delivery partners, and ensuring quality and impact across all Eat Smart schools and organisations. 

You will combine strong operational management with strategic business development — ensuring Eat Smart continues to grow sustainably, aligning with Bind’s aims and values. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Growth & Project Development 

• Co-develop and deliver a UK-wide expansion strategy for Eat Smart
• Develop and manage the franchise/licensing model for national delivery partners
• Lead on the recruitment, onboarding, and support of partner organisations to deliver the Eat Smart programme effectively 

Funding & Partnership Development 

• Identify, establish and nurture partnerships with national and local government agencies, policy makers, school bodies and funders
• Build strategic relationships with relevant education, environment and community organisations 
• Research relevant funding opportunities for delivery partners and Bind
• Support delivery partners with the submission of funding applications 

UK Network Management & Evaluation 

• Co-design/develop the Eat Smart monitoring and evaluation system to monitor KPIs and the environmental and social impact of Eat Smart across the UK
• Lead on the management of the monitoring and evaluation system, supporting delivery partners where necessary 
• Create local and national impact reports for Eat Smart and use insights to inform improvement and growth 
• Manage the support network of UK delivery partners, ensuring they are able to deliver the programme effectively 
• Assist delivery partners with meetings with Local Authorities and catering organisations 

Marketing & Communications 

• Co-design and lead on delivery of annual Eat Smart conferences
• Represent Eat Smart at events, conferences, and networking opportunities across the UK 
• Manage Eat Smart UK social media channels 
• Develop digital and print materials to support programme promotion and recruitment

Person Specification

Essential: 

• Align with Bind’s values. If you are this, we can teach you the rest!
• Understanding of third sector grant funding landscape and experience in successful bid writing 
• Strong project management and organisational skills 
• Experience in partnership and stakeholder recruitment and management
• Ability to lead, inspire, and develop teams of partners remotely
• Experience with monitoring, evaluation, and reporting frameworks
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for improving environmental and education outcomes. 
• Excellent written and verbal communicator and proficient in IT systems (shared documents, spreadsheets, Zoom/Teams/Meet, social media, website editing and emails) 

Desirable: 

• Interest in, and awareness of, food waste on a local and global level
• Experience in business development, franchise management, or operational leadership
• Experience working in education, environment or social impact sectors
• Knowledge of primary school systems 
• Experience of community engagement in the UK 
• Full driving license and access to own vehicle 

** A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure Check will be required for the post, but a clean DBS certificate is not essential for the role - we will review employees with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis. **

What We Offer 

• Opportunity to shape and lead the national growth of an amazing educational programme 
• A collaborative, mission-driven environment with real social and environmental impact 
• Flexible working arrangements and supportive leadership. Many of our Eat Smart staff choose to work term-time only 
• Remote working, with an office in Newcastle's Ouseburn Valley 
• Being part of a small and passionate team, who believe in a positive disruptive mission to change the food waste landscape across the UK. 

Key Information

• Deadline for all applications is Mon 12th January 2026 at 9am – applications received after this date will not be considered.
• In-person interviews will take place on 21st January 2026 in Newcastle.
• Based in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley but this role can be worked remotely/hybrid (some UK-wide travel required incl. a trip to Newcastle minimum monthly)
• Contract: 30-32 hours per week (with the option of increased hours during term-time and reduced hours in school holidays). 
• The start date will be end of February 2026, but start dates will be discussed at interview.
• We will contact all applicants as soon as possible to inform them of the status of their application.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Programmes, a pivotal role at the heart of our mission. You will lead the design, delivery, and impact of Belong’s programmes across England and Wales, ensuring they are strategic, inclusive, and evidence-based. Working closely with the CEO and senior colleagues, you will shape programme strategy, oversee complex portfolios, and drive systemic change that strengthens social cohesion nationwide.

As Director of Programmes, you will:

• Lead strategic development and delivery of Belong’s place-based programmes, ensuring alignment with our mission and values.
• Oversee programme design, implementation, evaluation, and learning to guarantee quality and measurable impact.
• Line manage a talented team of Programme Leads and Coordinators, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment.
• Apply systems thinking to understand the interconnected nature of community, policy, and service ecosystems.
• Build and maintain high-level partnerships with funders, commissioners, local authorities, and community organisations.
• Represent Belong at national forums, events, and networks, championing our work and influence.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for programme development and funding, supporting organisational growth.

This is a senior leadership position that combines strategic vision with hands-on delivery. You will play a key role in shaping Belong’s future and ensuring our programmes make a lasting difference to communities across the UK.

About You
We are seeking a visionary and experienced leader with:

• Proven experience in leading complex programme portfolios and delivering impactful initiatives.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a track record of shaping programme strategy.
• Excellent leadership and line management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Experience managing diverse stakeholders, from senior decision-makers to community partners.
• Familiarity with systems change and participatory approaches.
• Understanding of social cohesion, integration, and related social policy issues.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, able to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
• Highly organised, diplomatic, and politically astute, with experience in income generation and bid development.

Desirable: Experience in areas such as Prevent, PCVE, community tensions, hate crime, or tackling misinformation.

Personal qualities matter too: we’re looking for someone passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK, collaborative and inclusive in their leadership style, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Closing Date: 12 January 2026

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. We work with communities, local authorities, and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience. Through innovative place-based programmes, research, policy influence, and thought leadership, we help create stronger, kinder, and more connected communities. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses, and we are proud to champion collaboration, diversity, and evidence-led approaches.

*Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.*

Role Description

The purpose of the Executive Assistant role is to provide administrative, organisational and coordination support to the Executive Team, ensuring their time and attention are aligned with organisational priorities, goals, and objectives. The role covers executive coordination, governance administration and project support.  The Executive Assistant enables effective decision making across the Leadership Team, supports the smooth delivery of priorities, and contributes to the execution of long-term strategic goals.

The Executive Team comprises the Chief Executive, Operations Director and Business Development Director.  They work together as part of the Leadership Team, comprising key leaders from across the charity.

Excellent attention to detail is crucial, as is the ability to operate with discretion and flexibility. A high standard of written and verbal communication is essential. The role requires collaboration across Finance, HR, Trustees, and external stakeholders, and an understanding of effective charity governance would be desirable.

This role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation. Success in this role depends on a proactive mindset, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure. The Executive Assistant must be highly dependable, detail-oriented, and capable of managing sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Responsibilities

Executive Coordination

• Manage calendars, inboxes, travel and meeting preparation for Executive Team
• Coordinate agendas and logistics for internal and external meetings
• Liaise with stakeholders, clients and partners to ensure smooth engagement

Governance Support

• Own the established governance timetable, board meeting scheduling, and trustee communications
• Draft and distribute board packs, take minutes, and track actions
• Support governance processes in collaboration with the Operations Director
• Support trustee onboarding, training, and engagement
• Ensure timely completion of Charity Commission and Companies House submissions
• Leverage AI tools and platforms to enhance business processes

Strategic communications

• Communicate with external stakeholders on behalf of the Executive Team
• Coordinate staff events and meetings
• Work with marketing and communities & projects teams for conferences and external events

Project support

• Support ongoing transformation projects in collaboration with Head of Business Functions
• Support recruitment and onboarding for senior roles led by the Head of Business Operations
• Support strategic planning and performance tracking led by the Operations Director and Business Development Director
• Support handover and re-onboarding of Executive Assistant on her return April 2027

Role Requirements

Required:

• Minimum of four years’ experience in a similar role.
• Experience supporting senior leaders in a fast paced and changing environment, taking initiative and managing competing deadlines calmly and flexibly.
• Confident communicating with the executive and leadership team, trustees and external partners in a professional and timely way.
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and good judgment.
• Confident coordinating meetings, preparing papers and taking accurate minutes.
• Ability to research, digest, analyse and present material clearly and concisely.
• Ability to identify and apply AI-driven tools to enhance business activities and using AI to streamline workflows and personalise business engagement.
• Comfortable stepping into an established role quickly and maintaining continuity during the maternity leave period.

Desirable:

• Experience in charity governance
• Experience in project support/management

Employees are also expected to be flexible in undertaking the duties and responsibilities attached to their post and may be asked to perform other duties that are consistent with the grade, responsibilities, and typical scope of the role. Any additional tasks should remain appropriate to the nature of the post and not extend into unrelated functions or specialisms.

All employees are expected to work in accordance with the organisation’s values and behavioural standards, which include being supportive, transparent, respectful, kind, honest, and collaborative. This means fostering a culture of empathy, openness, integrity, and teamwork in all interactions, and contributing positively to the organisation’s mission and strategic objectives.

We are committed to flexible working and are open to requests for different working patterns. This includes part time arrangements and four day working week requests, which we will always consider as part of the recruitment process.

To apply for this role, please share your CV with a one-page cover letter setting out why this role appeals to you and how your skills and experiences meet the key skills points in the job description.

Interviews expected to take place on week commencing the 2nd of February 2026.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.

As Director of Policy & Research, you will:

• Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
• Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
• Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
• Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
• Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
• Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
• Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
• Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
• Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
• Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:

• Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
• Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
• Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
• Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
• Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and visionary thinker.
• Collaborative and inclusive leader.
• Politically astute and intellectually curious.
• Practical, focused, and reliable.
• Committed to personal and professional development.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• 3% pension contribution
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.

Lead innovative programmes that strengthen social cohesion and create lasting change. Join Belong and help communities thrive across the UK.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in delivering impactful, evidence-based programmes that bring people together and foster inclusion. As Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are expanding our reach and deepening our impact. The Programme Lead will be at the heart of this journey, shaping and delivering high-quality initiatives that respond to local needs and drive systemic change.

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation focused on building a more united and less divided society. We work with communities, local authorities, and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience. Through place-based programmes, research, policy influence, and thought leadership, we help create stronger, kinder, and more connected communities. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The Role
As Programme Lead, you will design and deliver innovative programmes that make a measurable difference to communities. You will lead the development of local strategies, co-create solutions with partners, and ensure programmes are inclusive, impactful, and aligned with Belong’s mission.

Key responsibilities include:

• Programme Design and Delivery

  • Lead the delivery of Belong’s local programmes, ensuring they are evidence-based and responsive to community needs.
  • Design and facilitate workshops, training sessions, and community engagement activities.
  • Apply strong research methods, including desk-based analysis, surveys, and social media insights.
  • Manage programme budgets, timelines, and resources to ensure effective delivery.
  • Monitor and evaluate programme outcomes, producing reports and insights for stakeholders.

• Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, community organisations, funders, and commissioners.
  • Co-design programme approaches with partners, ensuring shared ownership and relevance.
  • Represent Belong at external events, meetings, and forums to promote our work and build new opportunities.

• Strategic Development

  • Contribute to Belong’s organisational strategy through programme innovation and learning.
  • Support business development by identifying opportunities, developing proposals, and contributing to bids.
  • Share learning and best practice across the organisation to inform future programme development.

• Planning, Delivery, and Risk Management

  • Demonstrate strong project management skills, including coordination of deliverables and budget tracking.
  • Conduct risk assessments and map risks and opportunities to ensure programme success.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in dynamic environments, enjoys working collaboratively, and is passionate about creating lasting change in communities.

About You
We are seeking a proactive and collaborative programme leader with:

• Proven experience in designing and delivering community-based programmes.
• Experience working in or with local government or voluntary sector organisations.
• Strong facilitation and engagement skills, with familiarity in participatory methods.
• Excellent project management skills and attention to detail.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with strong communication skills.
• Relevant qualification in community development, public policy, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of social cohesion and integration issues.
• Highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities.

Desirable: Experience in Prevent, PCVE, community tensions, hate crime, or tackling misinformation.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Collaborative and solution-focused.
• Entrepreneurial and proactive in identifying opportunities.
• Practical, focused, and reliable.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Committed to personal and professional development.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape programmes that build stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.