Youth charity manager jobs

About This Job

This is an exciting and rewarding role managing award programmes recognising the achievements of the cadets and volunteers of the Combined Cadet Force and Army Cadet Force (UK Cadets).  Working across two national cadet charities, you will proactively identify deserving individuals, manage and modernise the awards process, provide expert advice and seek additional national external awards and recognition.

We are looking for someone with experience in writing persuasive award citations or funding applications, with exceptional communication and process management skills.

This role is key to ensuring that the remarkable cadets and volunteers of the UK Cadets are appropriately recognised and celebrated for their extraordinary contributions.

Essential Skills

· GCSE English or equivalent experience

· At least two year’s experience of drafting award citations or funding applications

· Experience of working with partners, internally and externally

· Ability to extract information from people with varying powers of written expression

· Information gathering and analysis skills

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Please refer to the attached Job Description for further information.

Our charity

ACCT UK is a national youth charity dedicated to improving the life chances of young people. The Combined Cadet Force Association (CCFA) is a charity dedicated to the promotion of the ideals and activities of the Combined Cadet Force in schools. Together we want to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence and be inspired through their cadet experience.

We want to develop the youth leadership and training abilities of adult volunteers whilst also helping young people to access cadet activities through fundraising, grant-making, developing new resources and direct support.

We strongly believe that everyone benefits when you help young people to develop their character and values through activities that stretch and mature them. We also know that when young people engage with others at a range of levels in their communities it builds confidence and improves empathy for other’s lives.

Who we are

By joining the charities, you will help us to reach more young people and make a greater difference and we look forward to working with you. We actively promote and encourage you to explore ideas that improve all aspects of the charity’s work in pursuit of its charitable aims.

The charities are proud of our diverse teams, with people on different working patterns, from different backgrounds and at different life-stages. Our experience has taught us that having people with different perspectives and different lived experiences leads to better outcomes for our beneficiaries. If you are wondering if our organisation is for someone like you, the answer is yes! Please apply and explain how you, your experience, your talent and your potential are the right fit for this role.

What we can offer you

In addition to your salary, we offer all staff:

· Flexible working arrangements (you agree a working pattern with your line manager).

· The ability to work both from home and from our London office.

· Personal Accident Insurance, including loss of earnings cover and death benefit.

· 15 days of sick pay in any 12-month period (after 12 months employment - pro-rata for part time staff).

· A contributory pension scheme (you contribute at least 5% and we will contribute 10%).

· Good leave allowances (which are offered pro-rata for part time staff):

o 20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.

o Additional privilege leave, on set days each year, such as between Christmas and New Year.

o An additional five days of volunteering leave.

· Support for qualifications and personal development.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Season ticket loan.

· Railcard (if you are eligible).

· A caring and supportive team environment.

How to apply

Please send a CV and Cover letter that details how you meet the requirements of the job description by 2359hrs by Sunday 5th July 2026.

Interviews will be held in person in London during the week commencing 27th July 2026.

While AI tools can be beneficial, we value the personal touch and authenticity in job applications. We encourage you to highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, ensuring all information is accurate. Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity throughout the application and selection process.

Please note that as a charity dedicated to improving the lives of young people, we require staff to make a declaration about any relevant convictions, undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check. In addition, we will follow up with references.

Please be advised that this position may close earlier than the stated deadline if a sufficient number of high-quality applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, we strongly recommend submitting it as soon as possible. Candidates will be notified of the next stage in the recruitment process if they are shortlisted.

Lightyear Foundation is looking for a highly organised and proactive Finance and Administration Manager to join our small, friendly and disablility charity.

This is a varied home-based role at the heart of the organisation, leading on day-to-day bookkeeping and financial administration, while also supporting governance, HR administration, CRM management, organisational systems and the smooth running of the charity.

• Salary: £26,300 - £32,800 FTE, depending on skills and experience

• Hours: 21 hours per week, worked flexibly.

• Location: Home-based, UK

• Contract: Permanent, part-time

• Closing date: 26th June 2026

• Interviews: 9th and/or 13th July 2026

We are committed to genuine flexible working and recognise that talented people balance work alongside caring responsibilities, disability-related needs, and other commitments. While the role is contracted at 21 hours per week, additional paid hours may be available by mutual agreement, offering opportunities to increase earnings as the organisation continues to grow.

As a disabled-led charity, we are passionate about breaking down barriers to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent children and young people. Joining Lightyear Foundation is an opportunity to play a key role in a growing national charity, help shape our systems and operations, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people across the UK.

We particularly encourage applications from suitably qualified deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people.

What we offer

• Genuine flexible and remote working.

• Opportunities to develop your skills and take ownership of key organisational systems and processes.

• The opportunity to be part of a supportive, disabled-led organisation.

• A role where you can make a meaningful difference to the lives of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent young people.

• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, pro rata for part-time employees.

More details on our website. 

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist care and support for babies, children and young people who are life limited or life threatened. Supporting over 750 children and nearly 1,000 families annually, Acorns is a vital lifeline for families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire during unimaginably difficult times.

Philanthropy is a core pillar of Acorns income strategy, delivering transformational income through Major Donors, high-level Family Trusts and Foundations, alongside their Celebrity Ambassador Programme.

Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy, the role will be responsible for securing gifts from high-net-worth-individuals and family foundations. Contributing to a team income target of £1.5m, you will drive the stewardship of existing relationships and cultivation of new prospects, building a robust pipeline of future supporters.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity with a clear fundraising strategy, ambitious future appeals and a compelling case for support. Working closely with senior leaders, trustees and ambassadors, the successful candidate will help inspire transformational investment in Acorns’ work while representing the organisation with professionalism, warmth and credibility.

Working arrangements: Hybrid, 2 days per week at preferred location (Birmingham, Worcester or Walsall)

As Philanthropy Manager, you will:

• Report to the Head of Philanthropy and manage a portfolio of existing (4- to 6-figure) and prospective major donors and family foundations, taking time to understand their motivations, interests and capacity to give
• Support a team major giving income target of c.£1.5m through securing five- and six-figure donations and multi-year commitments
• Shape and drive new business activity to secure new high-value prospects and strengthen the philanthropy pipeline
• Leverage networks across trustees, senior leadership and ambassadors
• Develop compelling, high-quality proposals, cases for support and tailored communications that clearly articulate Acorns’ impact and funding priorities
• Deliver an exceptional donor experience and stewardship journey, ensuring supporters feel valued, informed and inspired
• Feed into pipelines, budgets and forecasts, providing regular reporting on activity, performance against targets and KPIs
• Work collaboratively across Fundraising and the wider organisation to maximise philanthropic opportunities and supporter engagement

Essential skills and experience:

• Major donor fundraising experience is necessary to be considered for this role, with a track record of managing the full donor journey from research and identification through cultivation, solicitation and long-term stewardship
• Track record of personally securing 5-figure gifts, including some from self-generated prospects and new donor relationships
• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to establish credibility and rapport with HNWIs and senior internal and external stakeholders
• Experience of developing and managing donor pipelines and maintaining accurate prospect plans
• Experience of writing compelling funding proposals and impact reports
• Ability to travel independently across the Acorns region
• A proactive, self-motivated and organised approach, with the confidence to represent Acorns externally and engage effectively with senior stakeholders

Desirable, but not essential:

• Experience of securing six-figure gifts from major donors and/or family foundations through relationship-led fundraising rather than application-led approaches
• Strong track record of identifying, cultivating and converting prospective donors, with experience building and developing major donor pipelines
• Experience of working with, managing or developing celebrity ambassador relationships and engagement programmes

Employee benefits include:

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 5 days holiday buyback scheme
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance scheme (2 x annual salary)
• Retail discounts (including the Blue Light card)
• Discounted gym membership

This is an important opportunity to join a respected service supporting adopted adults, birth family members and their descendants, and to help shape high-quality practice that makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Main Responsibilities: 

As Practice Manager, you will provide professional leadership, supervision and operational oversight across intermediary services. You will support a team of PAYE and sessional Intermediaries and Researchers, oversee service quality and safeguarding practice, and contribute to service development and strategic growth. The role also involves building strong relationships internally and externally, ensuring that our services remain responsive, safe and effective.

· Provide supervision, guidance and practice leadership to Intermediaries and Researchers.

· Oversee referrals, allocations, case progression and case closure across the service.

· Support decision-making in complex and higher-risk cases, including safeguarding concerns.

· Lead service development, quality assurance activity and continuous improvement work.

· Maintain oversight of active cases and case records to ensure high standards of practice.

· Represent the service in meetings with internal colleagues, commissioners and external professionals.

· Support recruitment, induction, training and ongoing development of staff and sessional workers.

Main Requirements (for details check the job description and person specification):

You will hold a professional qualification in social work, counselling or psychotherapy, and bring strong knowledge of the lifelong impact of adoption. You will have experience in post-adoption and permanency work, alongside the confidence to supervise staff, manage competing priorities and contribute to service development. We are looking for someone with excellent communication, sound judgement, a collaborative approach and a clear commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Benefits:

- an annual paid leave entitlement that commences at 25 working days (pro-rata), and after a full year of service, rising each April by one day, subject to a maximum of 30 working days plus bank holidays

- up to 6% matched-pension contributions

- enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions

- eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers

- cycle to work scheme

- investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.

Join Our Time as our new Community Manager and help ensure that the voices of children, families, ambassadors, and professionals affected by parental mental illness are heard, valued and shape the future of our work.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a growing national charity, building meaningful relationships across the UK, supporting our Ambassador Network, gathering stories of impact and strengthening the communities connected to Our Time. You’ll travel across the country meeting families, facilitators and partners, helping us understand the difference our work makes and ensuring lived experience remains central to everything we do.

If you’re a natural relationship-builder who enjoys connecting people, listening to their experiences and turning insight into action, we’d love to hear from you. This role offers the chance to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people affected by parental mental illness while working flexibly as part of a friendly, ambitious and values-driven team.

Are you an experienced fundraising professional with a passion for creating meaningful impact?

At NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service), we are dedicated to making a lasting difference to the lives of children, young people and adults at risk. We believe every child and young person deserves to have their voice heard, especially when decisions are being made about their future. Our work supports and empowers those navigating care systems, family courts and other challenging circumstances across England and Wales.

Location: Home-based with flexible/ agile working options, with access to NYAS office locations in Birkenhead, Birmingham, and Cardiff. This role also requires occasional travel to NYAS offices and other locations when required.

About The Role

We are seeking an ambitious and motivated Fundraising Manager, working 35 hours per week, to join our Growth and Partnerships team. Working closely with the Head of Growth & Partnerships, you will play a key role in delivering and developing NYAS’s fundraising strategy, helping to grow and diversify income across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, community fundraising and individual giving.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced fundraiser who enjoys both strategic and hands-on work. You will lead and support a team of fundraising professionals, overseeing high-quality funding applications, donor stewardship and income generation activity while ensuring fundraising activity aligns with NYAS’s mission, values and organisational priorities.

You will manage a varied fundraising portfolio, helping to build strong relationships with funders and supporters while identifying opportunities to increase sustainable income. Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will help develop compelling cases for support, funding proposals and impact reports that demonstrate the difference NYAS makes to vulnerable children, young people and adults.

The role also involves maintaining oversight of fundraising systems, pipelines and reporting, ensuring activity is compliant, well-managed and aligned to fundraising best practice.

About You

We are looking for a skilled fundraising professional with experience securing income from a range of fundraising streams, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, community fundraising and/or individual giving.

You will have excellent written communication skills and experience producing persuasive funding applications, reports and donor communications. You will also have strong organisational skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities and experience supporting or supervising others within a fundraising environment.

You will be confident building relationships with internal and external stakeholders and able to use data and insight to inform fundraising activity and demonstrate impact. Experience using CRM systems and fundraising platforms is essential, alongside a good understanding of fundraising regulations and best practice.

You will demonstrate NYAS’s values of Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Empowerment in your approach to work and share our commitment to supporting children, young people and adults at risk.

Benefits

NYAS offers a range of benefits to employees, including:

• Agile working arrangements
• 26 days annual leave increasing to 30 days plus bank holidays
• Blue light discount card
• Pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Learning and development opportunities
• Supportive and values-led culture
• The opportunity to directly contribute to improving the lives of children, young people and adults at risk

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please submit your application via the NYAS website.

Your application should evidence, using specific examples, how your skills and experience meet the criteria set out in the person specification within the job description in the recruitment pack, which is available via our website vacancy page.

Important Information

• Interviews are expected to take place between 1st–3rd July
• We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once a high volume of applications is received
• Proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required as part of the recruitment process
• References will be taken in line with safeguarding requirements
• NYAS operates robust safeguarding procedures to protect the children, young people and adults at risk we work with.

About NYAS

As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced children, young people and adults who are often reliant on statutory services, suffering the negative impact of cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment. NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

NYAS is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and guarantees to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Work with us to help change lives.

An exciting opportunity to play an important role in transforming the lives of young people at Jamie’s Farm. We are looking for a skilled and organised Programme Coordinator to join our delivery team and help deliver programmes that are meaningful and impactful for young people. (Known within the organisation as ‘Programme Coordinator)

What is Jamie’s Farm? Jamie’s Farm is a charity that supports young people by combining therapeutic work, farming, and purposeful activities to help them thrive. Through residential visits to our working farms, we provide a nurturing environment where young people can reflect, build confidence, and develop the resilience they need to overcome personal challenges.

More about the role: This is a varied and rewarding role at the heart of our programme delivery. You will spend much of your time working directly with young people, helping them engage fully in farm life through the shared routines and activities of the day, from feeding rounds and walks to mealtimes and evening activities. You will also lead sessions and bring practical skills that enrich the programme experience.

Alongside this, you will build and maintain strong relationships with partner schools and organisations, helping to create programmes that are well coordinated and have lasting impact for young people.

About you : We are looking for someone with professional experience working with diverse groups of young people, with exceptional communication, teamwork and organisational skills. You will be able to build strong relationships with a wide range of individuals and organisations, influence and motivate others, and contribute positively to the wider vision and goals of the charity. Experience in a school, social work or similar setting would be helpful, as would experience of delivering inspiring practical sessions for young people or a specialism that would contribute to farm life.

Please see the full job description, desired experience and employee benefits by exploring the recruitment pack below. Don’t meet every single requirement? We’d still love to hear from you – your unique skills and experience could be just what we’re looking for.

GRANTS MANAGER

Location: The Music Works Hub, Gloucester/Remote Hybrid (minimum 2 days/week in the Gloucester Hub)

Contract: Permanent Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours, part time 0.8 considered

Report to: Head of Fundraising

Salary: £32,000–£34,500 Closing Date: Monday 29th July, 5pm, although short-listing will be on a rolling basis, and we reserve the right to close recruitment early if the right candidate is found. 

ABOUT US

The Music Works (TMW) is a Gloucestershire charity that transforms young lives through music. We’re specialists in working with young people in challenging circumstances to help them reach their full potential in music, learning and life. We work with over 4,000 young people a year in schools, through open access and referral programmes at our inclusive music hubs in Gloucester, and the Forest of Dean and via our Creative Careers programmes. Our approach is youth-led, with young people involved at every stage of planning and delivery. Here is an introduction to our work: About The Music Works

THE ROLE

We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Grants Manager to join our fundraising team and support the development of our grants and trusts income, from research and writing through to reporting and funder relationships. The successful candidate will play a central role in the fundraising team, working closely with the Head of Fundraising to manage the end-to-end process of our trusts and foundations income.

Core responsibilities will include writing and submitting funding applications, managing active grants and funder communications, leading on reporting, and maintaining our funder stewardship plan. This role would suit someone with a proven track record in trust and foundation fundraising who is confident working independently, motivated by making a difference, and ready to play a key part in sustaining and growing our work.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Research and Policy Manager
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Full Time, 35 hours per week (1.0 FTE) (We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours (0.8 FTE) where possible).
Salary: £44,167 per annum
Location: London Fields, E8. NCB promotes a hybrid, flexible way of working with 2 days working in the office.

The Vacancy

The Policy and Communications Manager will act as a driving force behind our visibility and impact across key policy areas, bringing lived and learned experiences to the heart of our influencing. This role will work to elevate our profile, transforming our evidence and expertise into impactful communications and influencing strategies to build a momentum for meaningful policy, legislative and social change.

This position will bridge the gap between NCB’s evidence-based policy development and national advocacy, translating complex policy issues into powerful narratives that resonate with decision-makers and galvanise wider support. The role will manage and deliver key elements of NCB’s core work across policy and communications, lead the delivery of funded projects and provide robust project management, and actively contribute to project proposals and income generation.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 08:00am, Monday 6th July 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

Our Youth and Play Practitioners will play a pivotal role in the Children, Young People and Families (CYPF) team, working as a core team of practitioners to ensure the smooth running of our programmes and services. In this role you will be part of a small and dynamic team which delivers a wide range of programmes and activities, both from Tulse Hill Adventure Playground and in conjunction with local schools. The work of the Children, Young People and Families team is diverse and varied. Our current services include open access adventure play and youth activities at our Adventure Playground, school holiday programmes with off-site trips and activities, mentoring, a Young Leaders programme offering paid work experience to young people, and working together with our youth partnerships Building Young Brixton and Lambeth Peer Action Collective.

We are in an exciting time of development for the team. To support our range of children and young people, our team will be made up of specialist Youth Workers and Play Practitioners bringing in relevant skills and experience. Whilst you will work across all of our Children, Young People and Families services you will have a specific focus:

As a Youth Worker you will:

• Focus on supporting our secondary age cohort
• Plan and run appropriate and engaging activities
• Provide structured interventions to support vulnerable young people
• Work with referral partners to provide additional support and activities
• Foster relationships with families and local schools

As a Play Worker you will:

• Focus on our primary age cohort
• Use your knowledge of Playwork Principles to plan and run appropriate and engaging
  activities
• Foster relationships with families and primary local schools

Both roles will include an element of mentoring, relevant training will be provided to give you the necessary skills to deliver this.

To be successful in this role, you will act as a trusted practitioner in all our service delivery, advocating for children’s right to play throughout our programmes. You will work as part of the team on the delivery and planning of all sessions, ensuring that the children’s and young people’s ideas are central to the construction of a varied and engaging play environment. You will understand the wide-ranging challenges facing young people and will be flexible in adjusting your practice to meet these needs. While practitioners may have a primary focus (primary or secondary age), all staff are expected to work flexibly across all age groups, programmes and delivery model including open access play, targeted youth work, mentoring and school link sessions.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Policy and Public Affairs Manager
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Full Time, 35 hours per week (1.0 FTE) (We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours (0.8 FTE) where possible).
Salary: £44,167 per annum
Location: London Fields, E8. NCB promotes a hybrid, flexible way of working with 2 days working in the office.

The Vacancy

The Policy and Public Affairs Manager will act as a driving force behind our credibility and impact across key policy areas, working to influence national policy development and decision making and help enshrine good practice in law. It will also grow our presence in the sector as thought leaders, drawing on a range of evidence to take richer and deeper positions on the solutions needed to bring improvements.

This position will ensure that robust policy development is translated into effective public affairs and influencing strategies, ensuring that solutions to complex policy issues are understood and acted upon by decision-makers. The role will manage and deliver key elements of NCB’s core work across policy and public affairs, lead the delivery of funded projects and provide robust project management, and actively contribute to project proposals and income generation.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 08:00am, Monday 6th July 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

• ​Job Title - Communications & Engagement Lead
• Responsible to - Chief Executive Officer
• Salary - £23,000 actual (based on £31,500 full time)
• Contract - Part-Time (28 hours per week) - From time to time, you may be required to work some evenings and weekends. These are usually communicated well in advance and the time will be given back to you in lieu. We expect team members to work in-person 60% of the time whether that’s at our office in MediaCity or at our delivery locations in Greater Manchester. This is a one-year fixed-term contract, with the likelihood of renewal subject to funding availability.

Important dates

• Applications to be received by 11pm on Sunday 5 July 2026 
• Video Screening to be complete by 11pm on Thursday 9 July 2026 
• Interviews held on Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 July 2026.

ABOUT YOUTH LEADS UK

Youth Leads UK is an award-winning charity that believes young people matter. We support young people furthest from opportunity to build skills, create change, and shape the decisions that affect their lives – from classrooms to communities to boardrooms. We run leadership programmes, deliver social action projects, and publish Youth Leads Magazine – a platform for youth voice and creativity.

Working with thousands of young people across Greater Manchester for over a decade, we are experts in enabling young people to step outside their comfort zones, build real-world skills and grow in confidence. We back young people to lead, in our programmes, in policy spaces and in shaping Britain's future.

Please see our website ‘About Us’ page for more information about our vision, mission and values.

WHY WORK WITH US?

At Youth Leads UK, we believe in creating an environment that helps you thrive both personally and professionally. We offer 30 days of annual leave (including bank holidays) and a part-closure over Christmas and New Year. Our wellbeing programme includes regular socials and time for mental health initiatives, and our base at MediaCity, one of Greater Manchester's most vibrant and sustainable locations, ensures a positive and connected working environment.

We are deeply committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion. That’s why we are a Living Wage Employer, signed up to the Greater Manchester Good Employer’s Charter, and the #ShowTheSalary campaign. It’s important to us that our staff team reflects the communities we serve. We guarantee interviews for our Youth Leads UK alumni, care experienced or disabled individuals, so please let us know in your application if you meet this criteria. We promote equal opportunities and we value the unique perspectives of diverse team members.

As a youth-led organisation, we prioritise employing individuals under 30, aligning with our mission to foster strong connections and relatability with the young people we support. This is in accordance with the Equality Act and reflects our belief in empowering young voices to shape our work. 
 

ROLE SUMMARY

This is the lead communications role at Youth Leads UK - the person who holds our voice, shapes our stories, and makes sure the world hears what our young people are doing and why it matters.

Working closely with the CEO and eventually supported by two Youth Content Creators, you will own the communications and engagement function across all channels and audiences. You will set the tone, maintain the brand, lead our campaigns, and ensure everything we put out reflects who we are and what we stand for.
 

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Strategy and brand

• Own the Youth Leads UK communications strategy, ensuring our channels, campaigns, and content are coherent, consistent, and purposeful
• Act as the guardian of our brand — maintaining voice, tone, and visual identity across everything we produce
• Work closely with the CEO to align communications activity with organisational priorities and the Generation:NOW strategy
• Analyse performance across channels and use insight to inform what we do next

Campaigns and content

• Lead the development and delivery of youth-led campaigns on issues that matter to our communities - from mental health and civic participation to cost of living and representation
• Oversee the planning and production of Youth Leads Magazine - three editions per year, created by and for young people
• Lead on long-form and strategic content including press releases, impact reports, website articles, and stakeholder communications
• Set the brief for social media content and oversee delivery by the Youth Content Creators, ensuring quality, consistency, and brand alignment
• Manage email communications including newsletters and stakeholder updates

Developing young people

• Provide day-to-day communications direction to two Youth Content Creators — setting briefs, reviewing content, and ensuring brand consistency
• Actively mentor and develop the Youth Content Creators, helping them build skills, confidence, and understanding of professional communications practice. The youth content creators will be line managed by the Head of Programmes, who you will work closely with
• Champion youth voice across all communications output, ensuring young people are authentically represented and genuinely involved in how we tell our story

Media and public profile

• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and media contacts across local, regional, and national outlets
• Draft and issue press releases, media statements, and reactive comments
• Identify and pursue opportunities to place youth voice in public debate - through opinion pieces, broadcast appearances, panel contributions, and more
• Support the CEO and young people to prepare for media appearances and public-facing engagements

Communicating our impact

• Work with the wider team to translate programme outcomes, data, and young people’s stories into compelling content for a range of audiences
• Produce materials that communicate Youth Leads UK’s impact clearly and powerfully to partners, funders, and the public
• Ensure our digital presence - website, social channels, email - reflects the quality and ambition of our work

OTHER AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Ensure young people play a strong leadership role across our work
• Keep up to date on new developments and trends within the youth sector
• Administrative duties as required, such as minute-taking, arranging travel and booking venues
• Representing Youth Leads UK at conferences and events
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation
• Ensure Youth Leads UK’s Health and Safety and Safeguarding and any other appropriate policies are adhered to where necessary
• Take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of others who might be affected by your work as required by law and described in the relevant operating policies and procedures
• Be committed to safeguarding principles and be willing to put the welfare of children and young people at the forefront of your work
• An understanding and belief in the inclusion of all staff, partners and young people irrespective of race, gender, sexuality, age, religion, ability, identity and experience
• Actively promotes and embeds an understanding of equality, diversity, and an inclusive culture
• Able to take personal accountability for key work areas

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

ESSENTIAL

• Strong writing skills - able to produce compelling content across formats, from social media captions to press releases to long-form articles
• Experience developing and delivering communications strategies or campaigns
• Solid understanding of brand, voice, and audience - and how to maintain consistency across channels
• Experience managing or overseeing social media channels for an organisation or campaign
• Ability to use analytics to evaluate performance and make informed decisions about future activity
• Experience writing press releases or supporting media and press engagement
• Confidence building relationships with journalists, media contacts, or external stakeholders
• Excellent organisational skills - able to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain quality under pressure
• Genuine commitment to youth empowerment, social justice, and amplifying underrepresented voices
• Experience with video content production or editing
• Understanding of safeguarding principles when working with young people (training provided)

DESIRABLE

• Proficiency in Canva for creating and adapting branded content
• Experience with email marketing tools and understanding of what makes an effective newsletter or stakeholder communication
• Experience using Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or similar tools (training available)
• Experience working in or with the charity, public, or youth sector
• Understanding of civic leadership, social action, or community engagement
• Experience directing, briefing, or supporting others to deliver communications work
• Familiarity with website content management systems
• Experience mentoring or developing junior colleagues or young people

We recruit based on potential, not polish - so don’t worry if one or two of the above are missing - most things can be taught!

ORGANISATIONAL INFORMATION

Youth Leads UK has a small yet mighty team, so you may be required to take on other duties and responsibilities from time to time.

All staff are expected to:

• Adhere to the policies and procedures in the Youth Leads UK staff policy handbook.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times in line with organisational policies.
• Successfully complete an enhanced DBS check and provide two independent references before appointment.
• Actively promote an inclusive and diverse culture within the organisation.

The post holder must have confirmation of eligibility to work in the UK (the successful candidate will be required to provide documentary evidence before a job offer is confirmed).

Do you want to be part of the team at a charity which has a 135-year history of combating the challenges arising from deprivation and social exclusion in East London?

Our mission at St. Hilda’s East is to equip our service users with the resilience to navigate modern life. We welcome everyone into our spaces and work together to deliver engaging activities, promote social contact and ultimately enrich lives. 

Located in Tower Hamlets, we welcome people of all ages to our large, friendly community centre in Shoreditch where we offer a wide range of activities promoting wellbeing and social connections. Our services include sensory play for Under-5’s, youth programmes, wellbeing activities for those experiencing mental health issues, bilingual advice, and activities to reduce social isolation and enhance physical and mental wellbeing for older people. We also run a day centre in Shadwell, where we care for elders from the Bangladeshi and other communities. 

We have a unique relationship with our founders, the Guild (alumnae) of Cheltenham Ladies’ College, we are located on the fringes of the City, and we generate income from hiring out space in our community centre. These opportunities make the Marketing & Fundraising Manager position varied and interesting, with plenty of possibility to grow and develop in the role. 

Job Purpose:

The Marketing & Fundraising Manager will play a key role in developing and implementing St Hilda’s East’s marketing strategy and will take the lead in organising fundraising events and securing funds from individual donations, and rental and room hire income.

They will lead on communications with external stakeholders through the development and implementation of SHE’s marketing plans and social media strategy. There will be a particular focus on strengthening our unique link with the Guild (alumnae) of Cheltenham Ladies’ College, as well as with parents and pupils of the school – to raise awareness of the impact of St. Hilda’s East and to organise joint events. The postholder will work alongside freelance fundraisers who focus on maximising grant income.

It is not essential to have experience in the non-profit sector; we would love to hear from you if you have experience in sales and marketing in a commercial environment and are looking to bring your talents to the charity sector.

This job is for you, if you:

• possess excellent writing skills and a passion for communicating our charitable mission, possibly moving into the charity sector for the first time
• have the ability to develop and mantain positive relationships with a diverse range of people including high net worth individuals, partners, colleagues, and service users 
• have a proactive and creative approach to solving problems and researching and developing new sources of income 
• have the ability to manage multiple priorities, effectively balancing operational and strategic expectations.

Benefits

You will have access to an Employee Assistance Program, Training & Development support, flexible working arrangements, and 25 annual leave days plus bank holidays.

Closing date for applications: 26th June 2026 at 23:30, however, applications will be assessed on a rolling basis and might close early if the position is filled

Interviews: Week of 8 June and ongoing

Our Recruitment Policy: St Hilda's is committed to racial justice and wider inclusion and diversity. We are working towards a goal where our team fully reflects the diversity and difference in lived experiences of our local community.

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