Advocacy campaigns officer jobs

The Senior Advice & Information Officer will play a vital role in supervising and delivering expert organisational advice and support services. The role involves providing essential guidance to u3as ensuring they operate smoothly and comply with best practice. The postholder will manage complex queries, lead information sessions and events and guide a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, significantly contributing to the effectiveness, growth and continued success of the u3a movement.

As Individual Giving and Appeals Manager, you’ll deliver integrated fundraising campaigns across direct mail, email, and digital channels — helping us grow our individual giving base and strengthen donor loyalty. 

Alongside driving individual and regular giving, you’ll help shape a new in-memory giving offer, build our legacy giving programme from the ground up, and grow our Named Funds programme.

Working closely with teams across the charity, you’ll design inspiring donor journeys and stewardship plans. You’ll also use data and insight to refine our approach and ensure every supporter feels truly valued. 

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a small charity making a big impact – for a fundraiser who’s not only motivated by results, but by the chance to help change the story for children with cancer.

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for a creative and strategic fundraiser who is passionate about delivering impactful campaigns and building meaningful supporter relationships. 

The ideal candidate will have: 

• Demonstrable experience in managing individual giving campaigns, legacy fundraising, and / or in-memory fundraising. 

• Proven experience developing compelling propositions that drive results and generate income/supporter acquisition.

• Strong planning and organisation skills, with the ability to handle multiple activities simultaneously. 

• Proven record of being results-driven and achieving agreed fundraising targets ad outcomes. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication as well as relationship-building skills with an ability to inspire and engage supporters.

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for more information about the charity.

Location: Home-based within England with regular travel to London and elsewhere in the UK as required 

Interviews: 19 May 2025 (London Office)

Safeguarding: As a safeguarding charity whose work and practice are underpinned by safeguarding principles to protect children and young people and enhance their welfare, we always work in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance, and best safeguarding practices. All our roles require a basic criminal record check.

Promoting equality and diversity: We actively encourage applications from those with lived experience of neuroblastoma and/or other childhood cancers. As an equal opportunity employer, we also welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation

We are currently recruiting for an HR Officer. We are looking for a diligent and highly organised person to provide HR processes which support the effective operation of the charity, including recruitment, staff support and development, maintaining personnel records, advising on and updating staff policies, producing contracts, and taking responsibility for the payroll (in conjunction with our external processor). You must be a strong communicator with meticulous attention to detail, who enjoys working in a busy professional environment.

Please apply by sending us your CV as well as completing the application form on our website, outlining the skills, knowledge and experience you would bring to the role. 

We realise that text-based applications do not suit everyone, so if you would like to apply in a different way, require information in a different format, or need any other support with your application, please get in touch via the contact details provided on our website.

Bath Preservation Trust is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We will particularly welcome applications from people from those sections of the community who are under-represented in Bath Preservation Trust and in the wider heritage sector including those from Global Ethnic Majority and / or disabled applicants.

Policy Officer TUC Cymru

Cardiff

£58,755 pa rising incrementally to £61,041 pa

Do you have experience in policy development in areas devolved to the Welsh Government?

Do you have excellent writing and research skills with the ability to quickly acquire, understand and utilise new information from complex sources?

Do you have knowledge and understanding of current issues in Wales around employment, the economy, society, trade unionism and politics?

You’ll be working with unions and other partners to deliver our client's priorities and will support their work on policy development and campaigns.  As well as having excellent interpersonal skills, the successful candidate will also need to demonstrate;

• A strong personal commitment to equality and diversity and the aims and values of our client
• Organisational, planning and time management skills
• Help with lobbying and campaigning activity

They are particularly keen to receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BME) applicants who are underrepresented in this part of the organisation but also welcome applications from any candidate. 

The Assessment Day and interviews will be conducted in person at their Cardiff office

The closing date for applications for this post is 12 noon, 6th May 2025.  As part of the selection process, shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an assessment day on 15th May 2025

Candidates that are successful following the assessment stage will be invited to an interview on the following day 16th May 2025.

We are looking to appoint an exceptional individual to join our team of six Strategic Partnership Advisors across England. In this role, you will support key partners, including Active Partnerships, National Governing Bodies of Sport, local authorities, and leisure providers to become more effective in their role of enabling more disabled people to be active.

You will possess a strong understanding of the sport and activity sector, including its operations, and be able to advocate for improvements that help more disabled people become active. Additionally, you will be aware of the broader systems and barriers that disabled people encounter in sports and activities, as well as organisations such as disabled people’s user-led organisations and various charities, to build relationships and foster effective cross-sector partnerships.

We are looking for an individual with experience of working strategically at a place based and/or locality level within the South West region. Someone who can positively influence local developments, systems and investments to tackle the inequalities disabled people face in sport and activity through inclusive practice.

The successful candidate will work remotely from home and be based in the South West region. This role will involve travel across the region and occasional travel to our Loughborough and Manchester offices.

This role is full-time (36 hours) and permanent.

We offer 26.5 days of annual leave, including birthday leave, plus bank holidays. Activity Alliance also closes between Christmas and New Year which means that employees are not expected to work during this time and they are not required to use their annual leave allowance to have this time free from work.

Activity Alliance currently offers the following benefits:

• Hybrid working
• Time off in lieu
• A contributory pension scheme (employee 6%, employer 9%)
• Childcare vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Eye care
• Employee engagement initiatives such as away days
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Menopause policy
• Enhanced sickness pay
• Group Income Protection
• Death in service
• Training and development opportunities

Contract: Full-time 37.5 hours, Permanent

Salary: £55,000 – £60,000 (depending on experience)

Reports to: CEO

Work base:   Home-based within UK

About Veganuary

Be part of a small, but dynamic organisation that makes headlines in January and throughout the year!

Veganuary is an international non-profit organisation that encourages people worldwide to try vegan in January and beyond. Veganuary’s popular cultural appeal, along with our positive and non-judgemental approach to veganism, is making a measurable difference for animals and the planet. We proactively support people and businesses alike to explore the diverse world of plant-based foods and the benefits they bring. 

Millions of people – from nearly every country in the world - have taken part in Veganuary since our launch in 2014, and thousands of new vegan products and dishes have been added to shop shelves and restaurant menus worldwide. This is a very exciting time to join our international team of talented, valued and committed people who enjoy their ability to collaboratively contribute to this amazing cause.

Role Description

We are seeking an experienced Director to lead the growth and development of the Veganuary campaign in the UK.

You will increase the reach of the well-established Veganuary brand in the UK, foster relationships with businesses, media, influencers, and other organisations, and lead a small team in driving corporate activity and increasing participation. You’ll be a driven campaigner, well-versed with advocacy movements, and a natural networker with a skill for proactively identifying opportunities for making connections and increasing impact.

For more information and to apply, please click on the 'Apply Now' button. 

Closing date: 09.00 on Tuesday 6 May 2025.

We’re not just talking about change — we’ve lived it.

We’re looking for a Fundraising Officer to help power our pre-treatment work.

Location: Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP), Woolwich, SE18 6BJ 
Salary: £30,000 per annum, pro-rata  
Hours: Minimum 24 hours per week  
Contract: Part-time, fixed-term (with potential for extension) 
Reporting to: CEO 
Closing date: 28th April 2025 

About Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP) 
WSUP is a grassroots charity providing holistic support to individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, addiction, and mental health challenges in Woolwich and Greenwich. With a focus on lived experience and implementation of trauma-informed practice, we offer a range of essential services, from haircuts and healthcare screenings to wellbeing activities and community advocacy. 

In recognition of our work, WSUP won the Best of Royal Greenwich Business Award 2024 in the Health and Wellbeing category, highlighting our commitment to tackling health inequalities and improving community wellbeing. 

We are seeking a Fundraising Officer to help us grow our income from trusts, foundations, corporate donors, and individual giving.

Fundraising Officer - Job Description 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Fundraising & income generation  

• Trusts & grants: Research, write, and submit compelling funding applications to trusts, foundations, and grant-making bodies to secure new and repeat funding. 

• Corporate & individual giving: Work alongside Business Relations Manager to develop relationships with corporate sponsors and individual donors, creating engagement opportunities. 

• Donor stewardship: Manage and nurture relationships with funders, ensuring timely reporting and impact updates. 

• Donor stewardship: Provide timely and effective follow-up communications with supporters, ensuring they feel valued and engaged. 

• Fundraising strategy: Support the development and implementation of WSUP’s fundraising strategy, identifying new opportunities for income growth. 

• Event fundraising: Assist in planning and delivering fundraising events to engage supporters and raise unrestricted funds. 

• Financial oversight: Work with the CEO to develop fundraising budgets and ensure accurate income tracking. 

• Financial oversight: Process cash and cheque donations for Community & Events income, including ensuring this income is processed and recorded accurately on our database which may include batch uploads. 

• Campaigns & appeals: Develop and implement online fundraising campaigns, such as Winter Appeal or emergency appeals. 

• Storytelling & impact reporting: Work with guests (with their consent) to share real-life stories that showcase WSUP’s work. 

Person Specification 

Essential skills & experience 

• Fundraising knowledge: Understanding of trust, foundation, and corporate fundraising, with experience writing successful grant applications. 

• Communication skills: Strong written and verbal communication, with the ability to craft compelling proposals and reports. 

• Relationship management: Ability to build relationships with funders, donors, and stakeholders at various levels. 

• Organisational skills: Ability to prioritise workload, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 

• Social media: Experience using social media for fundraising and engagement, with an understanding of digital marketing principles. 

• IT proficiency: Strong skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), databases, and social media scheduling tools. 

• Financial literacy: Ability to create fundraising budgets and financial reports. 

Desirable skills & experience 

• Experience in a small charity setting, ideally within the homelessness or health-related sector, understanding the challenges and opportunities of grassroots fundraising. 

• Knowledge of fundraising legislation, including Gift Aid and GDPR compliance. 

• Experience organising donor engagement events or corporate sponsorship opportunities. 

• Proven ability to use videos and infographics to enhance fundraising campaigns. 

• Experience with volunteer management or coordinating fundraising volunteers. 

Personal attributes 

• Passionate about social justice and WSUP’s mission to support people in crisis. 

• Self-motivated and able to work independently, with a proactive and creative approach. 

• Adaptable and willing to take on a variety of tasks in a small but dynamic team. 

• Resilient and resourceful, with a problem-solving mindset. 

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment where flexibility is key. 

What we offer 

• The opportunity to make a real impact in a grassroots charity supporting local communities. 

• Flexible working arrangements (some remote work possible). 

• Professional development and training opportunities. 

• A supportive and inclusive team culture, with a strong emphasis on lived experience and trauma-informed practice.

How to apply 

To apply, please use Quick Apply and add your CV and a cover letter of no more than two A4 pages outlining your suitability for the role (in response to person specification).

WSUP is committed to being an inclusive and equal opportunities employer. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, and we particularly encourage individuals with lived experience of social exclusion to apply. 

The role is subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, proof of the right to work in the UK, and receipt of two satisfactory references. 

Following a successful 12-year tenure by the current Chief Executive Officer, South Yorkshire Eating Disorders Association (SYEDA) is seeking a new leader to guide the organisation into its next exciting chapter.

Rooted in lived experience and developed over three decades, SYEDA is a leading regional charity offering support to individuals affected by eating disorders, along with their carers and the professionals who support them. The organisation has recently secured a major five-year contract, along with additional grant funding, to expand both its clinical services and early intervention work, including innovative programmes in schools and community settings.

This opportunity calls for a forward-thinking, emotionally intelligent, and strategic leader with the vision and capability to build on a strong foundation—enhancing reach, influence, and impact across the region.

As CEO, you will:

• Lead SYEDA’s strategy and vision, working closely with a committed Board and team
• Oversee the delivery of clinical and preventative services, ensuring high standards of care, access and innovation
• Support and develop the staff team (~20 people), embedding a culture of inclusion, learning, and wellbeing
• Drive income generation and ensure financial sustainability
• Represent SYEDA regionally and nationally.

About you:

You’re an experienced senior leader with proven experience in people management, strategy, and operational delivery. You understand the importance of good governance and inclusive leadership. Ideally, you’ve worked in or alongside the NHS or charity sector, and you bring passion for health/social care, EDI, and recovery.

Why join SYEDA?

· To become part of a specialist charity with a growing national profile, a financially stable, and with ambitious plans for future growth.

· To join and promote a warm, collaborative culture with a strong commitment strong commitment to incorporating lived experience at all levels of the organisation.

· For an opportunity to shape support for some of the most underrepresented individuals in the mental health field today.

Parkinson’s UK is a dedicated charity focused on making a significant impact on the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s. Through our comprehensive research, support services, and advocacy, we strive to improve the quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson’s and their families. Our Major Gifts Department plays a pivotal role in ensuring we have the resources to continue our vital work.

About the role:

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Trusts Officer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be instrumental in fostering relationships with trust funders, crafting compelling proposals and reports, and uncovering new opportunities to support our mission. Your efforts will directly contribute to maximising lifetime support for our charity from key stakeholders.

What you’ll do:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with a portfolio of trust funders, enhancing their engagement with our cause
• Generate high-quality proposals and reports for high and mid-value funders, securing significant gifts and expanding the long-term value of your portfolio
• Lead innovative strategies to work with the Parkinson’s community, improving our fundraising approaches.
• Spearhead the trust donor experience strategies, including creating bespoke content and organising targeted events.
• Implement a new mid-value trust fundraising strategy in collaboration with your fellow senior officer.

What you’ll bring:

• Proven experience of leading successful five figure fundraising from major trusts and foundations.
• Demonstrable expertise in the requirements of trusts fundraising, e.g. bid-writing, budgeting, activity and outcomes reporting
• Understanding of the needs of the Parkinson’s community and strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills.
• Strong team-working ability including to lead internal project teams towards clear goals.
• Experience of operating collaboratively and productively in a digital workplace, including using a fundraising database and online funding research tools. .
• Ability to analyse, organise and present written and numerical reporting data, with excellent writing skills.

Why Join Us?

This is an incredible opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s. You will be part of a supportive team, working towards a common goal in a rewarding environment. This is an exciting time for Parkinson’s UK and we would love you to join us!

Please apply by sending us your CV, together with a detailed supporting statement which will fully demonstrate how you meet all the criteria of the role, as stated in the "What you'll bring" section of the job description.

Interviews for this role will be held in person on Tuesday 20 May at our London Office.

We are committed to working with the principles of fairness and equality. All of our applications are anonymous until the interview stage, and we welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We actively encourage people with Parkinson's to apply.

Anyone can get Parkinson’s. It’s vital that the people who work for Parkinson’s UK are representative of our diverse community. We actively encourage people from all sections of the community to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.

About Respect  

Respect is a pioneering UK membership organisation in the domestic abuse sector.  Founded in 2000, we have built our expertise over the last 23 years in what was then a fledgling sector and recently have seen significant and rapid growth.     

Respect supports frontline organisations across the UK, so that together we can end domestic abuse.  Our work is wide ranging: we offer accreditation of specialist services; we provide training for individuals and organisations working in the sector; we work in partnership with others to innovate and develop practice;  we provide two helplines to enable service users to get the help and advice they need; we lobby influencers to improve policy and practice; we support up-to-date research undertaken by specialists in the field; and we fundraise to ensure important work continues to happen. 

Respect has seen rapid growth over the last few years, and we now have 60+ staff running a range of projects and core activities and have ambitious plans for further growth and influence. 

Our vision   

We want a world where everyone is free from domestic abuse. Where it is never ok to control, harm or cause fear. Where those who perpetrate domestic abuse are stopped, held to account and given the chance to change.    

Our mission   

We work with our members, partners and allies to stop the harms done by those who perpetrate domestic abuse.  With innovative practice, robust research and quality data, we build evidence of what works, promote safe, effective practice and drive high standards.  We use our voice, in collaboration with others, to call for a response to domestic abuse that matches the scale of the problem.  We will not stop, until domestic abuse stops.    

Our Focus   

Respect was founded to focus on perpetrators of domestic abuse and this, including our vital work with young people who cause harm, will remain our key priority.  Our work with male victims will continue as an important, distinct, project.    

Our Values   

• Pioneering - We explore innovative ideas and develop new approaches with curiosity and rigour.   
   

• Collaborative - We work in partnership with our members, partners and allies to bring about individual, societal and systems change.   
   

• Accountable- We listen to survivors and centre their needs in our work.  We hold perpetrators to account for their behaviour and hold ourselves and our members accountable for ours.   
   

• Respectful - We live up to our name.  We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do.  We are honest, compassionate and boldly challenge injustice.    

Make a Change 

Make a Change is a community-wide, early response approach to people using abusive behaviours (or who are concerned that they might be) towards a current or ex-partner. The model has been developed by Respect in partnership with Women’s Aid Federation England, drawing inspiration from their Change that Lasts approach. It includes three strands: expert support programme for perpetrators with parallel support for survivors, workforce development and community outreach.

Improving the safety, freedom and wellbeing of adult and child survivors of domestic abuse is a key outcome for our work with perpetrators.  The Make a Change model is a multi-partner project offering local areas a framework for delivering perpetrator work. Where feasible, we aim to establish partnerships with local survivor domestic abuse service to deliver parallel support for survivors (referred to as Integrated Support Service) as part the expert support strand.

Purpose of the role: 

The Senior Communications and Policy Officer will work with the Make a Change team at Respect to advance the development of communication and policy activities for the Make a Change model in project sites and nationally to encourage uptake in new areas. They will also work with Respect’s Communications and Influence leads to ensure alignment with the organisation's broader messaging and advocacy efforts, maximising the impact of Make a Change initiatives. The postholder will lead on developing and implementing communication strategies and plans in partnership with our delivery partners across the sites.

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and across all protected characteristics1, particularly from people from the following under-represented groups: 

• Black and minoritised people 

• Disabled people 

We always welcome and support applications from those who have personal experience of domestic abuse. 

Please follow the link to find out more. 

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.

• 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.

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) and by creating new accounts on platforms like Instagram and BlueSky.

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

• 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.

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.

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

• 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 software.

• Knowledge of website content management systems.

• Familiarity with the international human rights landscape.

The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for a Research Officer to support our team in Scotland.

Deadline: 5pm on Friday 16th May
Location: Glasgow
Salary: Starting salary £31,350
Hours: Full-time, 32 hours per week (as part of our 32-hour week pilot and may revert to 35 hours after July 2025)
Contract type: This is a fixed-term role for 18 months

This is an exciting opportunity to design and implement impactful research and evaluation projects. You will collaborate with internal teams and external partners to collect and analyse data, ensuring that our work is informed by lived experience and reflects the diverse needs of the communities we serve.

What does the role involve?​​

• Lead and support research projects, including quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Produce high-quality reports, presentations, and academic publications to share findings with varied audiences.
• Conduct systematic and pragmatic evidence reviews to inform our initiatives.
• Collaborate with colleagues in communications and policy to ensure our research drives meaningful impact.
• Represent the Mental Health Foundation at events to promote our research and vision.

What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?​

• A degree or relevant equivalent in a relevant field with substantial research elements, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrable skills in both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Proven ability to manage research projects and deliver results on time and to budget.
• Strong communication skills to present complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Commitment to ethical research practices and inclusivity, with a focus on addressing inequality and adversity.

Safeguarding is Everyone’s business – Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check and two most recent references) along with 3-year renewals of Disclosure checks.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.

About us

Since 1949, the Mental Health Foundation has been the UK’s leading charity for everyone’s mental health.

Our vision is for a world with good mental health for all. With prevention at the heart of what we do, we aim to find and address the sources of mental health problems so that people and communities can thrive.

We will drive change towards a mentally healthy society for all, and support communities, families and individuals to live mentally healthier lives, with a particular focus on those at greatest risk.

The Foundation is the home of Mental Health Awareness Week.

How to apply

If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application form by clicking 'Redirect to recruiter'. Please note that all sections of the application form should be completed as CVs alone will not be accepted. Applications will close at 5pm on Friday 16th May and we are unable to accept late applications. Interviews are planned for Monday 2nd June.

We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme. Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.

If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview. Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 / Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

We are currently operating mostly digital recruitment (including interviews via video conferencing). We have moved to a hybrid working model of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office and the rest working from home for full time staff, pro rata for part time staff.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Position: Director of External Affairs
Type: Full-time (35 hours a week), permanent
Location: Office-based in London with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: £73,653 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band: Band 5

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information. 

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

It is a very exciting time to join the MS Society as Director of External Affairs a brand-new role in the organisation. We are implementing an ambitious cross-organisational transformation programme. And we have just started a new 2025-29 strategy.

We’re looking for an experienced and focused leader who has the ability to drive forward our brilliant Policy & Evidence, Campaign & Public Affairs and PR teams. We’re looking for someone who can work collaboratively across the organisation to ensure our work has a positive impact for the MS community.

With the ability to provide strategic and thought leadership, you’ll act as the leading authority on matters relating to external affairs, providing advice across the organisation including to the Executive Group and Trustees.

You’ll have significant experience of developing and implementing relevant external affairs strategies and of successfully leading policy, communications or campaigning functions in an organisation of comparable size and complexity. You’ll also need to be influential both internally and externally, including representing the MS Society at a range of external meetings with a variety of audiences.

As well as leading on planning and budget setting for the external affairs functions, as a member of the leadership team, you will also contribute to the strategic leadership, planning and policy formulation of the MS Society as a whole.

We’re looking for someone who is committed to collaborative working, who is excellent at building relationships and trust with colleagues at all levels, and whose focus is on supporting high performing teams and enabling them to do their best for the MS community.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 am Monday 12 May 2025

Anticipated interview date:

First interviews: Friday 23 May 2025

Second interviews: Wednesday 28 May 2025 or Thursday 29 May 2025

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

Are you interested in joining an International Development Charity to work on its individual giving programme? If so, you will be joining at an exciting time for Mothers’ Union, as we prepare to celebrate our 150th anniversary in 2026.

Founded in 1876, Mothers’ Union is a women-led volunteer movement, with a membership of 4 million people around the world, 36,000 of whom live in the UK and Ireland. Based on Christian fellowship, members express their faith through action in their local communities, aiming to create a world where every individual can reach their full potential, by stopping poverty, injustice and violence.

You will be responsible for the implementation and day to day project management of the individual giving programme across our existing and new fundraising products, including our regular giving F2F activity, tribute funds and appeals programme.  As part of a small individual giving team you will be working under the direction and authorisation of the Head of Individual Giving.

The Individual Giving team is responsible for income generation from individual supporters and members, using a range of direct marketing techniques via both online and offline channels. This is an exciting time of growth and opportunity for Mothers’ Union and we are looking for an enthusiastic person to take on this challenge and join our successful team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the implementation of Mothers’ Union’s fundraising strategy as defined by the annual Individual Giving fundraising budget and plan.
• To maintain professional standards whilst representing Mothers’ Union, ensuring both the reputation of the charity and adherence to our fundraising standards are maintained.
• To ensure good communication with F2F agencies, internal team members and the public by making sure that external communication channels are kept up to date.
• To be the primary point of contact for all supporter enquiries and complaints related to face to face fundraising.
• Managing and inspiring members and volunteers to support fundraising activities.
• To be proactive in keeping up to date with industry trends and changes.

Please refer our job description for more information.

Benefits

• 25 days of annual leave (full time) plus up to 4 days of leave (full time) given at the discretion of Mothers’ Union.
• Employer pension contribution of 6.5%.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
• Two volunteering days per calendar year.
• One away day per calendar year.
• Enhanced sick pay.
• Bereavement leave & Compassionate leave
• Season ticket loan.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Eye care voucher and an allowance towards glasses.

Work Location/Hybrid Working Pattern

This role will be based at our Head Office in central London. Mothers’ Union operates a hybrid working model. Staff are required to work an aggregate minimum of 90 days per calendar year (pro rata for part timers) at our Head Office, Mary Sumner House in central London. Tuesdays are our anchor days where every staff member is expected to be at the office. The 90 days includes anchor Tuesdays. In addition, Thursday is a core working day where part time staff are expected to work, either at home or from the office as needed.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this position, please apply by sending your CV and a Cover Letter via Charity Job. The Cover Letter should clearly outline how your skills match the main responsibilities of the role. Please note – only applications with a cover letter, alongside a CV, will be considered.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is 28 April 2025 at 5:00 pm. Due to the number of applications we may receive, we will not be able to individually respond to each applicant. Kindly note, we will only be getting in touch with the applicants shortlisted for an interview. We aim to get in touch with the shortlisted candidates after the application deadline. We will be conducting interviews for suitable candidates as we go along and may fill the role before the closing date.

Equal Opportunity

Mothers’ Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to create an inclusive environment for all employees. You will be expected to ensure that Mothers’ Union’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy is adhered to in all respects of the role.