Communication executive jobs in alexandria, west dunbartonshire council

Reporting to: Director of Policy and Engagement 

Direct reports: 1 x Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager and Legislative Lead, 2 x Policy and Public Affairs Officers, 1 x England Policy and Public Affairs Manager 

Location of work: Home-based. The post holder must be easily and quickly commutable to London and will require frequent meetings in London. The role may involve some irregular travel throughout England and Scotland to attend events and meetings.

Contract type: Full-time, 35 hours per week,  flexible hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work 

Contract Length: Permanent 

Salary: £54,500 - £56,500 

BACKGROUND

Our work has never been more needed. The latest research suggesting that the number of children and young people at risk of hunger has rocketed to 2.6 million* means that one in five children don't have enough to eat.When a child is too hungry to learn, when they’re aching for something to eat, they can’t concentrate. They can’t absorb information. Big feelings and worries can be impossible to control. They fall behind in their studies.

Magic Breakfast provide a nutritious and filling breakfast to over 300,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma.  Magic Breakfast are ambitious to grow our impact to remove hunger as a barrier to learning for all children and young people in the UK.

 This is an exciting time to join Magic Breakfast if you wish to make a difference to the lives of children as we work to influence both policy implementation, with the national rollout of primary-aged universal school breakfast, and legislative change, through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. There has also been commitment from the Scottish Government for a national breakfast scheme and we are seeking to expand our advocacy work into Wales. Magic Breakfast’s influence will be instrumental to ensuring school breakfasts are implemented in a way that is hunger-focused and barrier free.

In addition, thousands of secondary school children are at risk of losing their free school breakfasts from September next year. For many of these students, this is their only opportunity to have a nutritious meal before facing a demanding school day, including taking exams.  And for the very youngest, we know that the disadvantage gap begins before they even reach reception. With the Government commitment to another 100,000 places in school-based nurseries, early years is also a critical part of our advocacy work.

 Being part of the work of Magic Breakfast is your chance, together with parents, teachers and people across the UK, to demonstrate the power of school breakfasts and to shape the way forward to end morning hunger for good.

*Food Foundation Insecurity Tracker Jan 2025

JOB PURPOSE

The Head of Policy & Public Affairs will review, develop and implement our advocacy strategy and lead a team to influence the devolved legislatures across the UK to address child morning hunger, with a view to the underlying systemic causes of child poverty and hunger, by driving change through policy and legislation. The role operates at our ‘Head of level’ which is the most senior operational specialist level and provides both operational and strategic leadership.

This role will also provide wider leadership across the charity and input into organisational strategy development and planning as part of the Core Management Group. This role will ensure that the Policy and Public Affairs function is aligned to the wider strategic aims and outcomes of Magic Breakfast as well as the internal operational systems and delivery.

The strategic leadership will ensure an external and long term view, with an outward looking and forward thinking approach that builds thought leadership, relationships and partnerships, with positioning to anticipate and build on new opportunities to end child morning hunger for good.

It will require an experienced Policy and Public Affairs professional, with significant experience of high impact and demonstrable outcomes at a senior level in the field. The postholder will lead the policy and public affairs team to influence the Early Adopters Scheme, the national rollout of primary school breakfast provision in England and breakfast legislation in the Children’s Wellbeing Bill (CWB).

They will also develop, guide and lead plans to influence the Scottish government, particularly in the run up to the election in May 2026 and the influencing of manifestos; and will lead Magic Breakfast’s upcoming influencing work in Wales. 

In the external leadership that the role provides they will build relationships with politicians, political influencers, special advisors and civil servants to establish long-term, sustainable solutions to child morning hunger in the UK.

As a compassionate, people centric and inspiring leader they will work to enable their team to grow and develop in their skills ensuring they can step away from the detail whilst retaining accountability, build effective resource management and progression pathways. This role may manage external consultants where necessary, and work collaboratively with external organisations to amplify our voice and asks and strengthen our position as a thought leader. 

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Review and define the advocacy strategy for 25/26 in line both with moving political environment and Magic Breakfast’s influencing agenda, considering the systemic barriers to ending child morning hunger for good.

· Develop and maintain close relationships with the Department for Education and other key departments including Department for Health and Social Care and Treasury, to secure hunger and child focus as key priorities for breakfast provision.

· Develop, monitor and evaluate influencing plans for each devolved nation

· Support the development of influencing plans with coalition groups and organisations to influence school breakfast policy, commitments and implementation

· Review policy positions in Wales and Northern Ireland and define our advocacy approach, gaining external insights and analysing available research and data to shape the plan

· Develop a vision for advocacy beyond current demands, considering political appetite and gaining insight from lived experience communities and relevant sectors, to ensure that we are clear on future asks, and can build the foundation towards them.

· Work with Impact and Insights team to define future research needs to meet our longer-term advocacy plans

· Enhance and establish internal processes and ensure good internal information dissemination 

· Work closely with key internal stakeholders to shape advocacy work and support broader organisational objectives

· Embed learnings and develop a fail fast, learn fast culture in the team

· Coach, support and lead direct reports enabling increased professional development, strategic decision making, proactive project management and robust political influencing

· Contribute to and help shape the work of the Core Management Group to ensure ongoing alignment for in year implementation of the strategic plan and create integrated future year plans which meet organisational goals

· Monitor and review KPIs to monitor and measure both team and cross organisational performance, using the results to guide teams and surface learnings

· Assess areas of risk and escalate where necessary and according to policy

· Develop and monitor annual team budgets

General

• Work collaboratively across the organisation, building good working relations and providing ad-hoc support to other teams and members of staff

• Passion and commitment to Magic Breakfast’s aim of alleviating morning hunger as a barrier to learning for children in the UK.

• Help to maintain a positive working environment; keeping the vision of Magic Breakfast at the heart of everything we do. 

• Share Magic Breakfast’s commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

• Establish and ensure existing Ways of Working are adhered to across team

• Adhere to all Magic Breakfast policies and procedures and ensure that all activity is compliant with current legislation, GDPR, data protection and child safeguarding requirements

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

· Strategy development, demonstrating a deep understanding of how to craft, implement, and evolve strategies that align to operational outcomes for the Policy and Advocacy function as well as enabling our organisation strategy in our aim to end child morning for good.

· Stakeholder management and partnership building with extensive experience of engaging, influencing, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including senior political figures, policymakers, funders and sector leaders.

· Ability to confidently and flexibly deal with volatile political environment, anticipating potential developments and adapting to emerging situations to meet aims

· Highly experienced in developing and shaping policy positions, using insights, research and data sets to inform and guide decision-making

· Understanding and experience of the role of the broader external environment to shape policy asks and political influencing, including the implications of a policy ask in one sector on another.

· Experience of influencing key political events such as budgets, national elections and the legislative process.

· Significant experience of coaching, supporting and managing the development of a team, with the ability to make difficult decisions and challenge where needed to deliver the organisational strategy.

Desirable

· Experience of education, food insecurity, child poverty or childcare sectors

Skills and Abilities

• Effective leadership mentality with confidence to step away from the detail and delegate responsibility, enabling others to use judgements, make decisions, learn from failures and continuously improve.

• Analytical and evidence based decision making, with the ability to turn data and analysis into policy and advocacy related recommendations or outcomes for action.

• Effective planning, prioritisation and project management skills. Able to organise self and team to meet planned objectives and strategic direction with the ability to pivot and manage the unexpected.

• Strong, influential and impactful interpersonal and communication skills and to advocate for own specialism, department and Magic Breakfast's mission, effectively conveying the organisation's impact and needs to a wide range of audiences.

• Operational and financial acumen and analysis: understanding and practical application of knowledge as required around funding considerations, budget development and management, risk management, and ensuring systems in place for efficiency by setting and maintaining policy and procedural frameworks.

• An outward looking and forward thinking approach that drives a sense of curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement. Always thinking what can we learn from others, what new developments can be explored and what are the opportunities for the function to improve and grow with others too.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to bring their whole self to work.

Please find attached our job pack

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, recruitment @ magicbreakfast. com

Shortlisting - w/c 5th May

Interview 1 - 15th and 16th May

Interview 2 - w/c 21st May

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

Join Our Team!

The National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs (NFYFC) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Fundraising Manager to develop and implement strategies for securing funding from trusts, grant-making bodies, and corporate partners. This role is crucial in ensuring NFYFC’s financial sustainability and growth, collaborating with team members and engaging with our vibrant community of young farmers.

About Global Greengrants Fund:

Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) supports grassroots activists and civil society organisations around the world working to address environmental and social justice in over 160 countries.  GGF applies a participatory and decentralised model in making grants to grassroots groups through regional and thematic boards of advisors, global partner networks and independent funds, to support grassroots environmental and social justice action.

Global Greengrants Fund comprises two organisations located in the USA, Global Greengrants Fund Inc (established in 1993), and Global Greengrants Fund UK (established in 2012). The two organisations work closely together with a shared grantmaking programme and strategic collaboration at the senior leadership level. GGF UK consists of thirteen staff members working on fundraising and influencing philanthropy; finance; communications; and operations, with all of these functions operating autonomously but in close collaboration with their US counterpart functions.

In 2025, Global Greengrants Fund is amid a strategic journey in which we collectively centre our values, including diversity, equity and inclusion, and organisational care in our work, and to rediscover our identity and potential after 30 years of work. We have experienced tremendous growth over the past two years and we are thoughtfully, yet rapidly, growing our annual grantmaking, our philanthropic advocacy, and our global partnerships and collaborations to new levels. This includes creating a globally networked learning organisation and transforming our organisational culture to be more collaborative – we call this our transformative journey. The Head of Finance needs to understand the challenges and opportunities that come with these transformations and can remain flexible, steady, and adaptable.

The Role

Global Greengrants Fund UK is looking to hire an energetic and passionate individual who will play a key role in leading the finance function. The Head of Finance reports to the Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) and is responsible for the ensuring the smooth day to day operations of the finance function, including maintaining and ensuring accuracy of organisation's financial records, supporting all financial strategies and financial operations. They are responsible for all accounting, financial reporting and budgeting functions of the organisation, and with guidance ensures the organisation adheres to relevant regulatory and accounting principles. They work closely with the DFO to manage information exchange, integration and collaboration with our US sister organisation.  Playing a vital role in the finance function they ensure accurate financial data capture and high-quality financial reporting while driving automation and efficiency across financial processes. They will work closely and collaboratively with budget holders, particularly in programs and philanthropic partnerships teams, providing them with meaningful financial insight and advice.

They will also play a key role in understanding and managing program/project funding (both restricted and unrestricted) and collaborate with the Programme Funding Manager ensuring effective tracking of restricted and unrestricted income and expenditure within GGF.

The ability to leverage Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks and other financial tools (policies, processes and software) will be crucial in optimising our financial systems and improving processes.

The candidate profile.

The successful applicant will have significant relevant experience in a similar role in a charitable, environmental, development, social justice, feminist, gender, human rights organisation, and/or grant-making organisation. The ideal candidate will be a highly skilled and experienced finance professional with a relevant accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or AAT) experience in the charity or non-profit sector. They will value transparency and accountability, demonstrating strong critical thinking and, strategic risk management. They will have a deep understanding of UK GAAP accounting principles and a strong background in financial management, including budgeting, financial controls, grant processing, and audit preparation. Proficiency in financial systems, particularly QuickBooks Advanced or similar accounting software, as well as advanced Excel skills, is essential. The candidate will be highly organised, detail-oriented, and capable of prioritising workloads in a fast-paced and evolving environment. With a proven ability to oversee financial processes, implement automation strategies, and manage treasury functions, they will also be confident in providing financial insights and risk assessments to senior leadership. Experience working in an international organisation and knowledge of exchange rate risk management would be advantageous. They also thrive in a virtual environment, motivated to take on challenges and collaboratively find innovative and creative solutions. Multiple language skills would be ideal, while English fluency is a must.

Personal characteristics

The successful candidate will be a transparent, effective and adaptive leader with a commitment to lifelong learning and a drive to mentor, coach, and share leadership, capable of mentoring and supporting finance team members while ensuring strong financial governance across the organisation. They will have skills to give, receive and work with feedback constructively, with the intellectual and emotional resilience necessary to take up critical responsibilities. They are self-reflective and passionate about multi-directional accountability. Relevant lived experiences related to GGF’s work and community would be a distinct advantage.

The right candidate will understand Global Greengrants Fund’s core values and be committed to the guiding principles and mission of Global Greengrants Fund and ensure they uphold them in the way they take up the responsibilities of the role.  

We thank all those who apply, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

Global Greengrants Fund UK is an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

We are looking for an exceptional Grants Commissioning Manager (Scotland), with a focus on Faslane. This is a senior management role working as part of the Grants team within the RNRMC at a time when the Charity’s strategy has a real focus on beneficiary need and impact, managing RNRMC commissioned grants in Scotland, ensuring that the funds are awarded in accordance with the Charities Values and Outcomes Framework.    

The role will work strategically with The Director of Relationships and Funding to support and deliver the charities funding plans for Scotland and support the Head of Commissioned Grants with all elements of the commissioning cycle including understanding need, designing projects, performance management of delivery and reporting of impact.  Working with internal and external stakeholders, the role will involve the oversight and good governance of grants programmes to ensure quality, evidenced outputs, and value for money of projects.      

In addition, you will lead and manage the Grants Administrator (Scotland, taking responsibility for actively and proactively supporting them to achieve in their post.   

About the RNRMC 

RNRMC is the Navy’s principal charity which exists to support every sailor, marine and their families, for life. We do this by offering grants to and working with, other organisations to deliver programmes that meet the needs of our beneficiaries. We work hard, engaging with supporters to help raise awareness and funds to deliver the outcomes required for today and tomorrow.  

Experience and Background 

You will have previous skills and experience in working with a wide range of stakeholders across the statutory and third sector and possess the ability to inspire confidence, provide credible leadership, build and maintain relationships plus motivate and drive towards delivery of change at pace.  In addition, you will have excellent interpersonal skills, be diplomatic and approachable with a strong ability to communicate verbally and in writing.     

You will be a confident manager able to adapt to a changing environment with strong problem-solving skills and excellent judgement alongside a meticulous, accurate and disciplined approach to work. You will also possess good organisational skills and be able to prioritise a varied and busy workload and deliver to deadlines.  You will be self-motivated and enthusiastic, be able to think strategically to resolve problems and make recommendations and present options for approval.  

Please see the job description for full details on the duties and responsibilities. 

Benefits 

30 days holiday plus Bank Holidays 

Hybrid working – 60% in office and 40% home working 

Employee Assistance Programme to give you confidential support 24 hours a day 

Life Assurance (after one year’s qualifying service)  

Private Healthcare Scheme (after one year’s qualifying period)  

A generous non-contributory Pension Scheme (7% contribution after 3 months qualifying period)  

Enhanced Maternity Leave Package (after 2 year’s qualifying period) 

Hours of Work 

Hours of work are 35 hours per week, 09:00 – 17:00 Monday to Friday. 

We have a friendly, supportive, and inclusive environment with a hybrid working approach of 60% in office and 40% home-working. 

Salary  

The salary range for the post is between £ 43,500 to £ 51,100 per annum, according to skills and experience. 

Pre-appointment Checks 

The successful candidate will be asked to provide evidence they are eligible to work in the UK and undergo a Disclosure Check and additional security checks as required. 

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