Youth engagement jobs

Role Summary

The Pathways Youth Worker is responsible for supporting young people aged 16–19 who are not in education, employment, or training to move away from harm and progress towards positive, sustainable futures.

They build trusted, consistent relationships with young people facing complex barriers, providing tailored one-to-one support that promotes independence, resilience, and informed decision making. Through skilled assessment, planning, and delivery of targeted interventions, they help young people reduce risk, disengage from harmful lifestyles, and develop the confidence and life skills needed for adulthood.

Working in partnership with families, local services, and professional networks, the Pathways Youth Worker ensures young people receive coordinated, high-quality support that is rooted in safeguarding, youth voice, and strengths-based practice. Their work enables young people to access education, training, or employment and to sustain positive change over time

Role Information

• Location: The Shrewsbury House Youth & Community Centre (The Shewsy), Liverpool, L5 3PE 
• Salary: £29,000 – £31,000 (depending on experience) 
• Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week, including 3 evenings per week) 
• Contract: Permanent 
• Annual Leave: 22 days + bank holidays 
• Benefits: NEST Pension, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Professional Development Opportunities

Key Responsibilities 

1. Engagement, Intervention & Relationship Building 

• Assess individual needs and risks, then design and deliver tailored interventions, both one-to-one and in groups, to support behaviour change and personal progression. 
• Use trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches to build trust and promote positive change 
• Empower young people to set and take ownership of their own goals and progression plans 
• Coach and guide young people in developing life skills, emotional regulation, and positive decision-making, while constructively challenging and supporting them to leave harmful behaviours behind. 
• Maintain comprehensive case management records, documenting interventions, progress, and outcomes for each young person 

2. Pathways, Partnerships & Opportunity Creation 

• Build strong relationships with local employers, training providers, and community organisations to develop pathways into employment, apprenticeships, and further education 
• Work in partnership with schools, colleges, youth offending services, and other agencies 
• Advocate for young people with employers, colleges, and agencies to overcome barriers to engagement 
• Support young people to sustain placements, courses, or employment through ongoing mentoring 
• Track progression destinations and longer-term outcomes 

3. Work Readiness & Life Skills Development 

• Ensure life skills delivery directly supports young people’s readiness for work, training, and independent adulthood, including. 
• Prepare young people for the world of work by developing their CV writing and application skills, equipping them for interviews, and fostering an understanding of workplace expectations and behaviours. 
• Support access to accreditation and recognised qualifications where appropriate 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Maintain clear professional boundaries and work in line with safeguarding, data protection, and information-sharing policies 
• Contribute to risk management and contextual safeguarding discussions where required 
• Create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment 
• Contribute to wider youth provision where needed 
• Work flexibly to meet the needs of young people, including evening work, with patterns reviewed as engagement becomes established 
• Contribute to continuous improvement and organisational development 

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Level 3 (or above) qualification in Youth Work or related field 
• Experience working with 16–19-year-olds, particularly those who are NEET or at risk 
• Experience delivering targeted interventions and behaviour change support 
• Strong relationship-building and engagement skills 
• Ability to assess risk and develop intervention plans 
• Experience working in partnership with external agencies 
• Understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries 
• Strong organisational and communication skills 
• Experience managing a caseload and evidencing outcomes 
• Ability to maintain high-quality case notes and monitoring data 
• Confidence working with young people experiencing multiple and complex needs 

Desirable 

• Knowledge of youth justice, exploitation, or contextual safeguarding 
• Experience supporting young people into employment or training 
• Understanding of emotional regulation or trauma-informed practice 
• Knowledge of the local Liverpool context 
• Understanding of employability frameworks, NEET reduction, or transition programmes 
• Experience of delivering group programmes or structured courses 
• Knowledge of benefit systems, post-16 pathways, or barriers to participation 

Personal Qualites

• Passionate about improving outcomes for young people 
• Able to challenge and support in equal measure 
• Resilient and calm under pressure 
• Proactive and solutions-focused 
• Committed to The Shewsy value: People matter more than things 
• Able to work independently, using professional judgement while maintaining accountability 

YES care about young people's mental health, sexual health and wellbeing. The Outreach and Support Officer will deliver knowledgeable, high-quality, youth-centred support to young people in various settings.

You will get out into the community via outreach engagement, offering one-to-one support, events and groups.  You iwill be a key part of our Information and Guidance team, delivering wellbeing programmes and workshops for YES. 

This role is frontline and delivery-focused, supporting the development of responsive, inclusive, and professionally delivered services in outreach settings such as schools, youth clubs, social spaces and groups and will be pivotal within our small team of young people's support staff. 

Ready for something new?

We are looking for people with great energy and motivation to join our Short Breaks service which offers a chance for young people with an additional need/ disability to have fun and a break from daily routines, and helps families to enjoy quality time, local activities, and connections with others.

2 x CYP Coordinator- Short Breaks- 30 hours- Ashford and Swale, Canterbury and Thanet

Our holiday and weekend activities give parents and carers a break while providing participants a safe, welcoming space to have fun and receive the care they need. Our coordinators plan, arrange and deliver a programme of activities shaped around the needs of the young people, making the most of local opportunities, from heritage sites and outdoor adventures, to sports, arts and crafts, cooking, and team challenges. These sessions help children build friendships, grow in confidence, and express themselves in a fun, supportive space.

1 x CYP Coordinator- Short Breaks Family Days- 30 hours- Kent wide

Family days bring families together to create special memories and enjoy time with others who share similar experiences. The coordinator develops and facilitates activity days which involve the whole family and provide opportunities to build friendships and connections with others. Activities take place at outdoor centres, local heritage sites and museums, as well as organised beach days and community centre-based workshops and activities.

Applicants should have relevant experience of working or volunteering with children and young people in education, health or social care, and have exceptional organisation and communication skills. 

The roles are 30 hours per week, working Wednesday to Saturday. In school holiday periods, more activities take place on weekdays (instead of Saturdays), so flexibility is needed.

It’s essential that applicants have their own car and are willing to drive a minibus (full training provided). 

Do a job that is amazing! 

We offer our employees:

· Inclusive values-based environment

· Competitive remuneration package

· Workplace pension scheme

· Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays

· Carers leave

· Opportunities for hybrid working

· Benenden Health Care

· Death in Service Benefit

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Employee Supported Volunteering scheme

· Development opportunities

· and more

Imago is committed to Safer Recruitment practices, and the post is subject to references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Please either submit your CV with a short covering note or visit our website for full details.

Imago recognises that many people in our society experience discrimination or lack of opportunity for reasons that are not fair. We aim to create a culture that respects and values each other’s differences, and see these differences as an asset, as they improve our ability to meet the needs of the organisations and people we work with. We proactively seek to increase opportunities for inclusion and celebrate diversity across our organisation and within communities.

Imago recognises its duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children, young people and adults at risk who access its services or with whom it comes into contact.

Youth and Community Leader

Oasis Knights (Streatham/Brixton Hill, South London)

40 hours per week (1.0FTE)

Permanent

Salary: £38,794 per annum

Want to lead a Youth Centre offering a diverse range of activities for the local community?

Want to enable young people to thrive?

Want to be lead a dynamic, passionate and impactful team?

Knights Youth Centre (KYC) was established in 1936 as an independent Christian Charity. The centre provides a range of universal and targeted youth work programmes in partnership with a number of statutory and voluntary organisations and is located on the boundary of the Clapham Park Estate (the largest estate in the Borough of Lambeth) in an area of high social need. In 2025 KYC joined the Oasis family of charities and is now known as Oasis Knights. Oasis’ vision is for community, a place where everyone is included, making a contribution and reaching their God-given potential. There is also the exciting opportunity to collaborate with the Oasis St Martins Village in nearby Tulse Hill, our new village that works with local partners to provide a welcoming inclusive space to provide opportunities for young people and tackle issues such as school attendance and exclusions.

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Youth and Community Leader to manage and develop the work at Oasis Knights. This is an opportunity to lead a team committed to making a tangible difference in the lives young people, their families and the broader community. The successful candidate will be responsible for strategic leadership and operational management, which includes overseeing a range of youth and community activities. A critical aspect of this role involves fundraising, business development, and monitoring the impact of all initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

· Overseeing youth provision, including mentoring, youth clubs and targeted interventions.

· Ensuring effective financial management and income generation to sustain and expand services.

· Managing and growing a team of staff and volunteers, ensuring alignment with Oasis’ ethos and values.

· Building strong partnerships with local stakeholders to support the delivery of impactful youth projects.

· Developing and maintaining monitoring and evaluation frameworks to demonstrate the impact of activities.

· Working with the building narrative to ensure compliance with health and safety, safeguarding, and other statutory requirements.

The successful post holder must have:

· A degree-level qualification or equivalent in youth work, community development or a related field.

· Proven experience in leading youth projects and managing diverse teams.

· Strong fundraising and income generation skills, with the ability to create and implement successful strategies.

· Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships.

· Knowledge of safeguarding practices and experience working with young people in challenging environments.

· A track record of developing and implementing strategic plans in partnership with stakeholders.

· A commitment to the Oasis ethos and values, including inclusion, equality, and perseverance.

As part of the package, Oasis offers:

· A pension scheme, offering 7% employer contribution.

· A generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year (plus 8 Bank Holidays).

· Policies which promote well-being and are family friendly.

To apply, please apply via Charity Jobs or refer to our website for further information.

Please expand on your CV to tell us about relevant skills, experience and qualification you have, that relate to the job description and person specification.

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and underrepresented groups. If you require assistance or adjustments to overcome potential barriers during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Completed applications should be returned by 9am on Friday 17th April 2026.

Stage 1 Interviews will take place online on Wednesday 22nd April 2026.

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and underrepresented groups. If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos.  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks. 

The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK.  Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1163889

We are looking for a Marketing Manager for a 12 month fixed term contract.  The Young People’s Borough of Culture Marketing Manager will plan, manage and deliver the marketing and audience development campaigns for Hammersmith & Fulham’s Young People’s Borough of Culture programme.

The role will sit within the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, who are taking responsibility for leading the Young People’s Borough of Culture programme on behalf of the Where Culture Connects H&F Cultural Compact. The lead partners for the programme are the Lyric, H&F Council and Earls Court Development Company, with the shared vision of implementing a new long-term model for young people, education and business sectors.

The role will oversee a discreet budget for promotion of programmes and events, which will span multiple disciplines, event types and locations across the borough. They will work closely with the Young People’s Borough of Culture working group and partner organisations to ensure audience targets are met, reaching a broad audience and ensuring the impact of the programme is appropriately highlighted.

Please download the job information pack below for full details of the post and how to apply.

Role title: Senior Youth Engagement & Careers Lead
Salary: £29,000 – £34,000 (dependent on experience)
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Location: Kettering (80% office-based)

Purpose of the role

The Senior Youth Engagement & Careers Lead increases the reach, use and impact of Youth Employment UK’s careers and skills support for young people.

The role focuses on promoting and embedding key products including Young Professional Online Courses and Virtual Work Experiences, while supporting development of new programmes. The postholder builds relationships with schools, colleges, youth organisations and partners, ensures youth voice is embedded, and maintains safeguarding standards.

Outputs (what is delivered)

• The role increases engagement with careers and skills products through relationships with schools, colleges, youth organisations and partners, promoting resources and delivering presentations.
• The role manages the Youth Ambassador Programme, including recruitment, onboarding and ongoing engagement through monthly sessions and events.
• The role acts as Designated Safeguarding Lead, maintaining policies, systems and reporting, ensuring safeguarding and Prevent responsibilities are met.
• The role contributes to development of careers and skills programmes, informed by youth insight.

Outcomes (what success looks like)

• Success is shown through increased numbers of young people accessing and using careers and skills products.
• Resources are actively and consistently used by schools, colleges and partners.
• The Youth Ambassador Programme is well-attended, with ambassadors contributing regularly, developing skills and reporting positive experiences.
• Safeguarding is compliant and embedded across all activity.
• Relationships with partners are strong and ongoing, supporting growth in engagement.
• Youth insight informs product development and organisational activity.

Behaviours (how the work is done)

• The role requires a professional, organised approach to managing a varied workload.
• The postholder communicates clearly and confidently, including presenting to young people, educators and partners.
• The role works collaboratively across teams, ensuring youth engagement supports organisational priorities and youth voice is represented.

Attitudes (ownership and judgement)

• The role requires ownership across product engagement, ambassador activity and safeguarding.
• The postholder manages their workload independently, prioritises effectively and delivers consistently.
• Sound judgement is required in safeguarding, stakeholder engagement and prioritisation.
• Risks and issues are identified early and escalated appropriately.

Skills and experience

• Experience of working with young people and managing programmes or projects is required.
• Strong communication skills are essential.
• Experience in careers education, employability or programme design is important.
• Safeguarding experience is required, ideally at DSL level or with strong knowledge of practice.
• Ability to build relationships with schools, colleges and youth organisations is essential.
• Understanding of the education, skills and youth employment landscape is desirable.

Working arrangements and benefits

• This role is based in Kettering with 80% office attendance.
• We offer a supportive environment and flexible working where possible. Benefits include annual leave, pension, wellbeing days, volunteering days and professional development.
• Additional benefits include on-site parking, office meals and team activities.

Values

Youth Employment UK is a professional, collaborative and purpose-driven organisation.

All colleagues are expected to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, collaboration and a commitment to supporting young people and employers.

Recruitment process

Initial online interview (approx. 30 minutes), followed by a second-stage in-person interview with a task.

Candidates will be informed of outcomes as soon as possible.

Please let us know if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage.

This role is a key part of the team at Peer Power Youth. Responsible for leading, co-ordinating and delivering and evaluating young people’s involvement in our creative ‘voice and influence’ projects, you will co-create and work alongside young people in secure settings and in the community. You will also be able to lead on a specialist area of work within the team. 

A crucial part of our model is to develop strong, trusted and caring relationships with the team, with funders and commissioners, and with a cohort of young people. You will ensure that young people are recruited, engaged and supported to attend, and that activities are co-created, creative, safe and inclusive, developing the skills and expertise of the young people involved. Much of the role is outreach, from our Victoria head office, to going to where young people are for engagement, delivering sessions with young people in community or secure settings, or for recruitment of new young people, with one day a fortnight work from home. 

Projects span youth voice and influence work across:

• Secure Children’s Homes
• Young Offenders Institutes
• Liaison and Diversion Schemes
• Violence Reduction Partnerships
• Youth Justice Services
• Pupil Referral Units 
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
• Child and Youth Social Care Services
• Youth Charities
• Training and Delivery of our Empathy Led Model

As a Lead co-ordination role, we’re looking for someone who can develop high quality relationships and liaise with funders and commissioners and has a qualification in youth work or significant relevant experience. Experience with youth justice and/or secure settings is desirable, but not essential.

An average week might look like: 

• Co-ordinating and delivering youth voice or wellbeing sessions, liaising with commissioners, funders, and young people
• Delivery and co-ordination of accredited skills development sessions for young people 
• Providing one‑to‑one relational support to young people
• Preparing young people for meetings/events with partners
• Working alongside contractors to ensure consistent delivery quality
• Completing safeguarding, risk assessments and session planning
• Recording outcomes and monitoring impact using CRM systems
• Supporting young people’s involvement in decision making internally
• Supporting young people’s involvement in training and coaching

Location: Hybrid, Old Street, London
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £38,570 - £40,600 per annum
Hours: 34.5 hours per week
 
Plan International UK is a global children’s charity striving for an equal world. One where every child can reach their full potential and every girl can choose her own future.
 
We bring people together to protect children’s rights and keep girls safe, in school and in control of their bodies – even when disaster strikes. And we won’t stop until we are all equal. 
 
We’re looking for a passionate and skilled Youth Engagement Officer to lead our work with youth advocates, including our Youth Advisory Panel (YAP), the voice of young people at Plan International UK. This role is all about championing youth voice. You’ll be supporting YAP members and other young people to grow their skills, share their views and influence change for girls’ rights and gender equality in the UK and globally. You’ll create opportunities for young people to get involved across the organisation, making sure their voices are heard at every level, from campaigns, to communications, to our board of trustees. 
 
This is an exciting time to take on the role as we have just recruited a YAP. In collaboration with the Youth Engagement Lead, you will play a key role in supporting them over the next two years. 
 
We’re looking for someone who has experience working directly with diverse young people in a meaningful, inclusive and participatory way. You will be enthusiastic, collaborative and adaptable, with strong safeguarding knowledge and the ability to create engaging, safe and inspiring spaces for young people to grow their knowledge, confidence and skills.
 
If you’re enthusiastic, adaptable and excited about helping young people shape decision-making on children's rights and gender equality, we’d love to hear from you.
 
Please note, this role is not eligible for sponsorship and therefore we are unable to provide sponsorship for this role.
 
For further detail of this role, please see the job profile. 
 
The deadline for applications is 23.30 on 12th April 2026 
 
Interviews will take place on w/c 27th April 2026
 
We are committed to the safeguarding and protection of children, young people and adults in our work. We, therefore, apply rigorous recruitment and selection processes to ensure that only those who are suitable are recruited to work for us. Accordingly, appointment to all our roles is subject to a range of vetting checks and for this role this will include an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check and a check of the Children’s Barred List. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working for us; this will depend on the circumstances of any offences.
 
Plan International UK is committed to being an inclusive employer and we welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
 
REF-227 603

What if your career in youth work could sit at the intersection of sport, safety, and genuine transformation? Fight for Peace is looking for a Youth Work Manager who knows that the real work happens in the relationships — and has the experience to prove it.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who understands the realities facing young people in inner-city communities, and who is ready to lead a team that meets them where they are — every evening, every session, every conversation that counts.

Fight for Peace has spent over two decades using boxing and martial arts as a gateway to something bigger, education, employability, personal development, and a real shot at a different future for young people aged 7–25 in East London. As our Youth Work Manager, you'll be the person responsible for making sure the youth work at the heart of our Academy is outstanding.

You'll lead our youth workers, shape our programmes, and act as our primary safeguarding lead within primary interventions. This isn't a hands-off management role, you will be present in the Academy at least four evenings a week, visible to young people and staff alike, and actively involved in the delivery of life-changing work.

What you'll own:

You'll take the lead on designing, developing, and quality-assuring our youth work offer, including programmes like Man Talk and Lutadoras, our gender-specific personal development groups, as well as youth leadership initiatives and open-access evening services. Working alongside our Sports Manager and MEL team, you'll ensure every programme has a clear theory of change, measurable outcomes, and personal development woven into its core.

Safeguarding sits at the very centre of this role. You'll be the named lead for safeguarding across primary interventions, responsible not just for managing individual concerns, but for building a culture where every member of staff is vigilant, confident, and fully trained. You'll know your way around Working Together to Safeguard Children, contextual safeguarding, and trauma-informed practice, and you'll bring that knowledge to life in how the team works every day.

You'll also manage a team of youth workers, recruiting, developing, and holding them to high standards through regular one-to-ones, team meetings, and a genuine investment in their growth. Many of our youth workers are young people themselves who have come through our programmes, and supporting their professional development is a privilege that comes with this role.

What we're looking for:

You'll have a strong track record in youth work, ideally in an inner-city or community setting where the issues of violence, exploitation, and social inequality are not abstract concepts but lived realities for the young people you work with. You'll hold a recognised youth work qualification at Level 3 or above, and have experience acting as a designated safeguarding lead or equivalent.

You'll be a confident leader, a skilled relationship-builder, and someone who genuinely thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Above all, you'll believe without reservation that every young person has the potential to succeed, and you'll bring that belief into work with you every single day.

The details:

• Salary: £37,000 – £42,000
• Location: Fight for Peace Academy, Woodman Street, London E16 2LS
• Academy presence required a minimum of four evenings per week, including Friday evening rota cover

An enhanced DBS check and recognised safeguarding qualification will be required. Right to work in the UK is essential.

Fight for Peace is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of the communities we serve.

HFEH Mind has an exciting part-time opportunity for a creative lead on our new project focusing on the intersect between climate change and young people’s mental health. The London Mental Health and Climate Coalition is a 3 year National Lottery project which includes various partners, who are coming together to connect climate action with mental wellbeing.

 We are looking for someone with experience in creating youth focussed media or content and an interest in climate action and/or mental health. No prior experience in climate change action or mental health is required.

This role will involve:

- Creating both long and short form content for our social media platforms which will be distributed across the Thrive LND partnership.  

- Developing a social media campaign to promote children and young people’s personal wellbeing in the climate emergency.

- Running a co-production youth panel to inform activities around climate action.

- Co-creating workshops and a toolkit to support with eco-anxiety.

You will…

- Have experience in creating and distributing youth focussed media/content.

- Have an interest in climate change action/mental health.

- Ideally located in or close to Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing or Hounslow.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Role

This is a pivotal position designed to transform our capacity to provide professional social and emotional support through mentoring. Funded by the National Lottery, you will manage the daily operations of the project's youth programmes - encouraging participants to get involved in the core activities, including boxing training, mentoring, and personal development - while working with local partners to reach out to those facing the toughest barriers, such as poverty and social exclusion.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Programme Management: Oversee the delivery of high-quality sessions that combine sport with a positive development ethos.
• Mentoring: Establish and maintain over 50 formal mentoring relationships to provide personalised guidance and trust.
• Outreach & Partnerships: Build formal links with local schools, social services, and community groups to maximise our impact.
• Growth: Lead the expansion of our offer to reach over 1,400 young people by Year 2.

Monitoring & Evaluation: Implement systems to track engagement and produce insightful reports for stakeholders and funders.

Hours Per Week: 30

Role Type/Cause: Advice and Information, Advocacy, Practitioner, Volunteer co-ordinator/management, Youth Work / Children

Benefits:

• Salary: £28,000 per annum (£35,000 FTE pro rata).
• Hours: 4 days per week (30 hours), including some evening and weekend work.
• Contract: Permanent (2-year funding secured).
• Location: Hybrid; based at Victoria House (Oldham) with community outreach.
• Perks: 24 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), an extra day off for your birthday, service-based leave increases, and a contributory pension.

Growth: Access to professional development, training, and qualifications

Flexible Working: Hybrid Working - requirement to attend sessions / workshops and key meetings in person

This position can not be job-shared

This position is not suitable as a secondment opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and committed Youth Work Programme Manager to join The Kite Trust. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and develop impactful programmes that support and empower LGBTQ+ young people. The successful candidate will provide strategic oversight of our youth work provision, manage and support a dedicated team, and work collaboratively with partners to ensure our services remain inclusive, responsive, and effective. If you are a thoughtful and motivated leader with a strong commitment to high-quality youth work and creating safe, supportive spaces for young people, we would welcome your application.

This is a remote position but will require travel across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, and the surrounding areas.

Contract Type: This is a full-time permanent position, working 32 hours within a 4-day working week. We are happy to discuss and explore flexible options and job share opportunities.

Salary: £34,936 – £40,311 depending on experience.

To find out more about the role, please review the application pack detailing the job description and person specification and apply via the link on our website.

Purpose of the job

As Major Donor Manager, you will support the delivery of UK Youth's major donor programme, cultivating high-value, long-term relationships with high-net-worth (HNW) individuals in support of UK Youth's mission and vision. You will build and manage a pipeline of major donors and prospects, working towards income targets that grow year on year, and play a critical role in securing unrestricted funding, programme funding and transformational capital investment.

This role requires a strategic, relationship-led approach and a deep understanding of major gift fundraising. You will work closely with senior leadership to ensure credibility, effective stewardship and meaningful donor engagement. The Major Donor programme prioritises depth of relationship and long-term value over short-term income targets, and you will be instrumental in embedding this culture across the organisation.

The role sits within the strongly performing and highly motivated Fundraising department, including events, corporate, trust and foundation fundraising.

Why work at UK Youth?

Every young person deserves a youth worker. UK Youth exists to make that a reality. As the UK’s infrastructure body for youth work, we support a network of thousands of youth organisations to improve young lives every day. At the same time, we are transforming the policies, investment, and ideas needed to future-proof youth work for generations to come.

UK Youth exists to widen the reach and deepen the impact of youth work and outdoor learning. By joining UK Youth, you can help create a society that backs young people – through each spark, struggle and success.

Key responsibilities

• Major Donor Fundraising and Pipeline Development

• Cultivation, Stewardship and Events

• Capital Appeal Support – Avon Tyrrell

• Communications and Engagement

• Strategy and Performance

Experience we're after

• Proven experience in major donor fundraising, with a track record of cultivating and securing five or six figure gifts from HNW individuals.

• Experience of building and managing a major donor pipeline from prospect identification through to solicitation and stewardship.

• Experience of senior stakeholder management, including working with CEOs, trustees and senior volunteers.

• Experience of managing a diverse workload with multiple deadlines, stakeholders and deliverables.

• Experience of thinking strategically and developing compelling fundraising propositions aligned to organisational priorities.

• Experience of delivering cultivation and stewardship events for major donors.

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave (24 days + 3 days winter closure) plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: 14th April 2026 at 23:59 (midnight)

Provisional Interview Dates: w/c 27th April 2026

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

Working closely with the Participation Manager, you will help shape and develop programmes using collaborative approaches with community groups, schools and youth organisations. This will include building partnerships that support sustained engagement with underserved audiences and encourage young people and families to explore ongoing opportunities within Wakehurst.

An Enhanced DBS Check is required for this role.

We are looking for someone with significant experience of working with young people, families and community groups, with a strong emphasis on outreach and partnership development. You will have a proven track record of building and maintaining relationships with schools, youth organisations and community partners, and of successfully bringing new audiences into programmes or engagement opportunities.

You will be confident working externally and proactively developing connections, with significant experience of engaging under-served communities and a strong understanding of the barriers that can prevent people from accessing nature, science and cultural spaces.

You will play a key role in contributing to the growth of youth and family audiences at Wakehurst by identifying participation trends, developing targeted outreach approaches and working with partners to remove barriers to participation and improve access to engagement opportunities. You will support the development of clear pathways that enable participants to move from initial engagement into deeper involvement with Wakehurst’s programmes, including opportunities linked to the Community Access Scheme.

You will be an excellent communicator with strong organisational skills, able to manage multiple relationships and coordinate projects effectively while working collaboratively with colleagues across different teams. An interest in nature, conservation or environmental engagement is important, alongside a genuine passion for supporting people to connect with the natural world.

Experience of developing new participation initiatives, and embedding inclusive practice within programmes, as well as knowledge of evaluation and safeguarding, would be beneficial.

This role is based at Wakehurst with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.

About Us

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.

We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.

Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi. 

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

No agencies please.