Communication manager jobs in manchester

This is an exciting and high-profile role that will allow you to have system-wide impact through the successful delivery of teacher development programmes. 

As Director, Programmes you’ll be a key member of the senior leadership team within our Programmes Division.

You will be accountable for the successful delivery and oversight of high-profile educator development programmes, and specifically our Early Career Teacher programme. You will hold a clear vision for the purpose and impact of the programme and will ensure it remains of the highest quality, meets key performance indicators and is financially sustainable for us and our delivery partners.

Building strong relationships with key stakeholders, you will act as an external voice for the organisation in several fora and deputise for your Executive Director when required. 
 

Who are Ambition Institute?

A great teacher changes the future every day. Especially for children who have had a tough start in life, a teacher can be the critical factor in their success.
 

At Ambition Institute we help schools tackling educational disadvantage to keep getting better and help their teachers and school leaders to become more expert over time.

That’s how we’ll make sure every child gets a great education and the best possible start in life.
 

• We train teachers and leaders at all levels to get better at the things that make the biggest difference: what you teach, how you teach it, and how you create the conditions for schools to thrive.
• We share what works. Everyone can benefit from evidence of how great teaching and leadership can improve schools and change lives, so we connect people to the latest research and best practice.
• We champion every teacher and school leader’s potential to develop, as the driving force for sustainable school improvement.

We would like you to:

• Take end to end responsibility for the successful delivery of large-scale teacher development programmes 
• Build strong relationships and develop deep knowledge of our delivery partners, ensuring effective programme delivery across the national network 
• Lead a programme team, building capacity and capability
• Take responsibility and oversight of the budgets of delivery teams and delivery costs
• Act as an external voice for the organisation in relation to our programmes, and advocate for professional development
   

Ambition Institute works in a hybrid way and you’ll be attached to either our Birmingham, London or Manchester office. In this role, working closely with external partners, you will need to travel and be with your teams and our partners regularly.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

To excel in this role, you will understand the principles of high-quality professional development and be able to work strategically to translate these into successful development programmes at scale. 

You will be strongly focussed on partners and participants, with the ability to respond effectively to participant feedback and to oversee effective communications strategies. 

You will have experience of managing a large multifaceted team and its budget and overseeing end to end delivery . You will be able to effectively influence and build strong strategic relationships. 

If you are someone who will think and act innovatively and collaboratively in the development of the ECT programme and our wider product suite, we would love to receive an application from you.

What’s in it for you….?

• Competitive annual salary
• Professional development for all staff
• 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays and 'winter shut down’ at the end of December/beginning of January
• Employer pension contribution of 11%
• Agile, hybrid working culture, so you can manage when and where you work
• Staff affinity networks that help keep equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
• Blind recruitment process to ensure equality and fairness in our hiring
• Enhanced maternity pay after a year’s service
• Shared parental leave package
• Access to free, confidential 24/7 wellbeing and support line
• Comfortable and collaborative workspaces in the city centres of Manchester, Birmingham and London
• Work-from-home technology package to support hybrid working
• Interest free season ticket / bike loans

We don’t expect the person we hire to have all of the following, but this should give you a sense of what would enable you to thrive in this role and in our organisation:

You should apply for this role if:

• You care deeply about educational disadvantage and being part of an organisation that challenges inequality
• You have a good work ethic and strive to make a difference in the job you do
• You always give maximum effort to understand and meet the needs of our partners and participants
• You always have a great attitude so we “can do” for all our colleagues, partners and participants
• You are open to feedback and learning because we want to keep getting better
• You work with your initiative to bring new ideas and a fresh perspective
• You are well organised and can prioritise work that will have the greatest impact

You'll love working at Ambition if…

• You want a career with a person-centred organisation with a cause at its heart.
• You have a collaborative work ethos, bring warmth and good humour to work and constructive outlook to every situation
• You enjoy working in a fast-moving workplace, with a great support structure around you
• You would like to grow with an ambitious organisation as it progresses over time
• Want flexibility in how you work – splitting your time between one of our offices and remote working and managing your own working patterns to get the job done.

How to apply…

Applications will be accepted for all office locations. 

All applications must be received by the closing date 23:59 on 30 April 2025. First stage interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 14 May. There will be a second round on Wednesday 21 May. 

Please note when you click apply, you'll be taken to the Birmingham posting of the role. You can still apply via this posting as it won't determine your location if successful.

Equality and diversity matters to us. If you think you’d be suited to one of our roles we’d love to hear from you regardless of age, disability status, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexuality.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and the most vulnerable in our society and, as such, we are unable to employ individuals with relevant convictions, including the following: a conviction for an offence involving violence or dishonesty, of a sexual nature or against minors, or for any other offence that is relevant to the nature of the services provided by our organisation.

As an employer, we have a responsibility to prevent illegal working in the UK by ensuring that our employees have the right to work in the UK. Therefore, as part of the recruitment process to verify your eligibility you will be required to produce relevant documentation.

The eoa exists to grow and strengthen employee ownership as a force for powering fairer livelihoods, stronger businesses, and a more resilient economy. With 800+ member businesses and a community of thousands of employee owners, we are the national voice for employee ownership in the UK.

Our refreshed strategy is focused on accelerating impact through people powered growth. We’re here to make employee ownership a mainstream business model choice—by expanding the sector, setting the standard for excellence, and building a connected, values-led ecosystem. We do this through sharp insight, high-impact advocacy, and a thriving member experience.

For founders and business owners exploring employee ownership, or for leaders and managers building Great EO businesses, the eoa offers tools, knowledge, experience and connection. We facilitate powerful peer learning, codify what works, and champion the stories that inspire others to choose EO.

Together with our members, we’re creating the conditions for employee ownership to thrive—seizing the political, cultural, and digital opportunities ahead. and this is where you come in.

As Director of Partnerships and Growth, you’ll be the driving force behind the eoa’s external influence and reach. you’ll lead our advocacy and external affairs strategy, build meaningful partnerships, and deliver powerful events programmes that accelerate adoption of Great EO. You’ll also shape the narrative—ensuring our insights, policy recommendations and thought leadership land with impact.

This is a high-profile, senior leadership role at a pivotal time for the EO community. It calls for someone with a track record in advocacy or external affairs, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to lead high-performing teams. It also needs a big-picture thinker - someone who can champion EO, influence change, and help us build a more inclusive, resilient economy.

If you’re excited about the opportunity to grow an economy that puts people at the heart of business, we’d love to hear from you.

Role Details

At the heart of this Director of Growth & Advocacy role is the opportunity to shape the external environment for employee ownership, champion the voice of our members, and lead high-impact strategies that grow both our reach and the sector itself.

You’ll lead on policy, advocacy, external affairs and events—crafting compelling narratives, building powerful partnerships, and delivering programmes that drive commercial sustainability and sector-wide change.

From shaping relationships with key stakeholders and securing strategic sponsorships, to overseeing the delivery of thought leadership, content, and events, you’ll ensure that the eoa is not just part of the national conversation—but leading it.

Your ability to influence, convene, and inspire will be critical to removing barriers to employee ownership and unlocking the potential of our £1.7m organisation to deliver even greater impact.

Join us on this exciting journey where your leadership will shape policy, grow influence, and contribute to our mission of unlocking the potential of people, businesses, and the economy through employee ownership.

This role is remote, however regular travel to our HQ in Brough and across the UK is expected.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead external affairs, collaborating with stakeholders to shape policy, advocacy and best practice that removes barriers and expands EO.
• Establish relationships and secure commercial partnerships and sponsorships, generating revenue to support advocacy, events, and sector growth initiatives.
• Engage key stakeholders to co-produce content that positively influence EO practice and policy and amplify the eoa’s voice in public affairs.
• Oversee delivery of an effective content strategy that delivers our commercial objectives and positions the eoa as the leading EO authority.
• Oversee events programmes, ensuring they drive knowledge-sharing, sector development, and commercial sustainability.
• Represent the eoa at industry forums, policy roundtables, and public affairs events, championing the employee ownership model.
• Collaborate with the Director of Membership & Operations to align advocacy efforts with member needs and engagement.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering innovation and delivering measurable impact across advocacy, policy, event activities.

Success in this role

Success in this role means having a positive impact on the growth rate, influence and adoption of great EO across the employee ownership sector. Strengthening and expanding stakeholder relationships, driving advocacy impact and securing commercial sustainability through a diverse mix of sponsorships, partnerships will also be indicators of success.

Key outcomes for the role

• Growth of the employee ownership sector. Measured by increased number of EO businesses, heightened sector awareness
• Strengthened corporate engagement. Measured by growth in strategic partnerships, corporate and government engagement
• Strong Commercial Sustainability. Measured by increased sponsorship revenue, secured long-term commercial partnerships
• Increased policy influence. Measured by policy recommendations adopted, increased government engagement
• Enhanced sector insight and intelligence. Measured by utilisation of high-quality data and insights for regular sector related content outputs.
• Development and adoption of best practice. Measured by creation, adoption and promotion of best practice across the EO network.
• Successful events programmes. Measured by iIncreased participation, sponsorship growth, positive feedback.

About you

• Proven expertise in advocacy, public affairs, or policy leadership, ideally within a business, trade body, or membership association.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience influencing government, media, and corporate partners.
• Demonstrated ability to drive sectoral or policy change, leading successful advocacy initiatives.
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience in sponsorship acquisition, revenue generation, and developing financially sustainable initiatives.
• Exceptional strategic communication and storytelling skills, able to engage and mobilise diverse audiences.
• Experience in event programme development, ensuring high engagement and sector impact.
• Passion for employee ownership and economic models that promote shared prosperity.
• Innovative, creative, and proactive in problem-solving and strategy execution.
• A confident and transparent leader who fosters collaboration and inclusivity through teamwork.
• Self-aware with emotional intelligence, resilience, and integrity.

Role Summary

• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
• Location: Remote, with regular travel to eoa offices and national events
• Salary & Benefits: £65,000 p/a + 7% Pensions. 30 Days leave + Bank Holidays.
• Reports to: CEO
• Management: TBC

The Head of Operations and Projects will oversee the infrastructure of our charity. This position will involve fostering a motivated and engaged volunteer base, strategic oversight of our BUBR Africa initiative and conducting impact analysis of our activations. The ideal candidate will be passionate about community engagement, skilled in project management and possess a strong analytical mindset.

About This Job

We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Service Support Officer to join our Service Operations team. In this role, you will play a key role in supporting cadet units by assisting with their queries, resolving technical issues, and providing guidance & training on digital systems. You will ensure that users receive timely and effective support, helping them navigate challenges and make the most of our digital services. Additionally, you will collaborate with stakeholders to enhance system functionality, produce analytical reports, and contribute to the ongoing improvement of our digital solutions.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic digital environment, supporting applications that enable the smooth operation of Cadet Forces across the UK. If you have strong administration and IT skills, excellent communication abilities, and a problem-solving mindset, we’d love to hear from you!

Responsibilities

· Provide direct support to cadet units, assisting with system queries and problem-solving.

· Manage helpdesk queries, ensuring timely and effective resolution of technical issues.

· Collaborate with stakeholders to understand their needs and support digital solutions.

· Identify and report system bugs to the development team.

· Produce clear and effective user guidance materials.

· Generate reports using Oracle Analytics to support decision-making.

· Undertake additional tasks as required.

Please refer to the attached Job Description for further information.

Our charity

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

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

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

Who we are

You will enjoy being part of our small team who work very happily together. By joining ACCT UK you will help us to reach more young people and make a greater difference and we look forward to working with you. We actively promote and encourage you to explore ideas that improve all aspects of the charity’s work in pursuit of its charitable aims.

What we can offer you

In addition to your salary, we offer all staff:

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

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

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

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

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

o 20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.

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

o An additional five days of volunteering leave.

· Support for qualifications and personal development.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Season ticket loan.

· Railcard (if you are eligible)

· A caring and supportive team environment.

How to apply

Please send a covering letter that details how you meet the requirements of the job description along with a CV by 23:59 hrs on Sunday 18th May 2025.

Interviews will be held (virtually) during the week commencing 26th May 2025.

Please note that as a charity dedicated to improving the lives of young people, we require staff to make a declaration about any relevant convictions, undergo both a Disclosure and Barring Service check and a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check (one of the requirements being that applicants must have been resident in the UK for 3 years). In addition, we will follow up references.

ARC Blackburn (ARC), an established local charity, has recently been commissioned by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to deliver an asylum seeker integration programme for newly arrived asylum seekers in the borough. The purpose of the role is to work with new and existing partner organisations as well as existing staff, volunteers, and service users to deliver the programme.

This role requires an experienced individual who will encourage clients’ engagement in the community by welcoming, supporting, signposting, running social activities, connecting communities and supporting organisations, organising events and trips, and engaging with clients who require additional social engagement support. The Partnerships and Engagement Coordinator will be responsible for measuring the impact and outcomes of all small activities and events using surveys, questionnaires and focus groups.

The other strand to the coordinator role will be to support local asylum seeker and refugee support hubs in the delivery of both formal and informal learning of English and Digital skills.  Enabling access to these learning opportunities is vital to our clients’ resettlement and integration in the UK and local environment.

To be successful in the role, you will have relevant experience in community engagement and/or building partnerships in the charity sector. You will have proven experience in delivering activities and events that focus on community connection and co-creation, thus improving community integration and reducing social isolation.  You will need to have excellent communication skills and be able to motivate and inspire diverse groups of people. You must also have excellent IT skills, with the ability to report on quantitative and qualitative data. Experience of using a case management system is preferred.

Fluency in an additional language would be beneficial. The post will be based in Blackburn, Lancashire, but with frequent visits to other locations in Blackburn and Darwen. 

Why work for us?

• We are an accredited Real Living Wage Employer. We are committed to paying our staff according to the real cost of living.
• 25 days holiday (pro-rata), plus Christmas and Eid
• 3% employer Pension contributions
• Be part of an amazing team that are committed to making a real difference to the lives of asylum seekers and refugees

Please download our recruitment pack including the person and job specification before applying. Please avoid the use of AI in your application - we are not assessing your application based on grammar or spelling, and we would love to read about your specific experience.

World Jewish Relief created the Specialist Training and Employment Programme (STEP) for refugees in 2016 and today we are the largest provider of specialist employment support to refugees in the UK.

STEP provides a bespoke employment programme that addresses the complex barriers that refugees face when preparing for, and ultimately finding work in the UK.   We now have an exciting opportunity for a female Employment Advisor with fluency in Dari/Farsi to work with predominantly women clients providing remote employment support to STEP clients across the UK.

You will prepare clients for competitive employment and help them to achieve their chosen training and employment objectives. You will work to a variety of performance targets based on the progression outcomes of clients such as successful completion of training courses, voluntary and work placements and achieving and sustaining paid employment.   

About you

We are looking for candidates who have:

• Experience in successfully supporting refugees into sustainable employment

• Understanding of the issues and challenges faced by unemployed people to finding work, including those whose first language is not English

• Fluent first-language skills in speaking Dari/Farsi 

• Experience of providing advice and guidance and supervising a caseload of clients

• Excellent communication skills

• Good IT skills (CRM database, Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams) and the ability to work remotely with confidence

• Good business-level English, cross-cultural sensitivity and the ability to work with clients with varying levels of English

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits including:

• 23 days holiday pro rata plus bank holidays and Jewish holidays. 

• Pension scheme – we contribute 5% to the World Jewish Relief pension scheme.

• Life Insurance – up to 3 times salary to nominated beneficiaries.

• Health Cash Plan – cash back to cover the costs of dental treatment, optical care, specialist consultations and a range of complementary therapies.

• Employee Assistance Programme – free, confidential advice or support with any personal or work. related concerns or free counselling if needed.

• Season ticket / travel to work loan.

• Cycle to Work Scheme.

• On Friday the office closes at 3pm.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

World Jewish Relief promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We invite and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from candidates of different ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation and of faith or none that meet the criteria set out for this role. You don’t need to be Jewish to work for us, but you must share our desire to assist those who need help based on their vulnerability, not their identity, recognising the dignity and potential of all people.

We are striving to build a team reflective of the communities we work with. People with refugee or asylum-seeking backgrounds are experts by experience and are particularly encouraged to apply for this position. If you have first-hand experience of forced migration, please let us know in your application. Additionally, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the requirements that are listed within the person specification. 

We respect that people’s identity is not defined by their past experiences and do not expect candidates to describe their lived experience during the interview process unless they wish to do so. 

To apply

Please upload your CV and a cover letter explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification and details of your language skills.

Interviews will be held on 14th and 15th May

Do you want to use your skills to support a global mission and inspire generosity? If so, GOD TV has an exciting opportunity for you!

We are seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic Events Co-ordinator to join our Partnerships team and play a key role in planning and executing a variety of fundraising events. From large-scale conferences to intimate partner gatherings and festivals, you will be instrumental in creating memorable experiences that foster support for GOD TV's mission.  

About GOD TV

GOD TV is a global Christian media organisation dedicated to sharing the Gospel and making a positive impact in the world. Our mission is to reach people with the message of hope and inspire them to transform their lives. As an Events Co-ordinator, you will have the opportunity to contribute directly to the growth and sustainability of GOD TV through engaging and successful fundraising events.  

About the Role

As an Events Co-ordinator, you will be responsible for the entire event lifecycle, from initial planning to post-event evaluation. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Planning, coordinating, and executing all aspects of fundraising events, including venue selection, logistics, budgeting, and marketing.  
• Managing event timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships to ensure seamless execution and cost-effectiveness.  
• Developing and implementing strategies to maximise event attendance and fundraising revenue.
• Ensuring all fundraising aligns with our charitable aims, fundraising approach and missional pillars (Souls, Israel, Revival).

For a full list of duties and responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description.

Why Join GOD TV?

This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to be part of a team that is making a real difference by sharing the word of God, with a reach of over 500 million people worldwide. We offer a supportive and collaborative work environment, where your contributions are valued and you can grow both personally and professionally.

• Position Type: Full-time – 37.5 hours per week
• Salary: £32,000
• Location: Home-based (UK) with regular travel  
• Interview Dates: 7th/8th May

Genuine Occupational Requirement: Due to the nature and strategic influence of this role, we believe that there is a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) for this role to be fulfilled by a practicing and committed Christian believer. The profile and significant impact that we expect this role will achieve both within GOD TV (in terms of organisational ethos) and with external stakeholders, justifies and supports this GOR. 

Winston’s Wish is a digital first organisation leading the way in Digital Transformation across the Bereavement sector. This role is new and exciting and will play a vital part in helping Winston’s Wish turn up the dial across our high value fundraising.

The Head of High Value Fundraising is responsible for delivering and significantly growing income from Corporate Partnerships, Philanthropy and Trusts and Grants. Leading a team of committed fundraisers, you will develop a robust strategy that delivers mutually beneficial partnerships, outstanding supporter relationships and long-term sustainable income.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES  

Specific Duties 

Leadership

• To lead and inspire the high value team fostering a collaborative and high culture that delivers against income and objectives
• Provide clear and supportive leadership that motivates staff to achieve, develop and grow in their roles
• Undertake quarterly reviews for all direct reports

High Value Fundraising

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with high-value donors, ensuring effective solicitation, stewardship, and follow-up to secure significant contributions (six-figure gifts)
• Build and maintain a portfolio of Trust & Grants supporters. Responsible for researching, approaching and developing compelling applications with a focus on ensuring Trusts & Grants provide a long-term, diverse and sustainable income stream
• Lead the development and stewardship of the Philanthropy board to identify and secure transformational (6-7 figure) gifts and the development of the Business development Board to open opportunities with Corporate Partners
• Write and design a compelling case for support that is tailored to our High Value audiences
• Build a portfolio of corporate partners, including securing high-value, multi-year partnerships. You will work with the team to grow this income stream from prospecting, approaches, applications, pitches, stewardship and providing excellent account management
• Lead on planning and delivering successful high value cultivation events

• Represent Winston’s Wish at fundraising events and meetings with internal and external stakeholders

Strategy, Planning and reporting

• To create and implement a strategy including corporate partnerships, trusts & foundations and major donors
• Lead on developing and delivering effective stewardship journeys and cultivation plans
• Produce regular reports on fundraising activity, analysing performance against targets, and identifying areas for improvement and growth.
• Work with the Director of Income Generation and the Head of Mass Participation Fundraising to develop the annual budget, including leading on monthly performance reports and contributing to quarterly reforecasts and reporting against KPI’s and milestones
• Undertake research and make use of tools to identify potential High Value partners.

Collaboration

• Work closely with the Director of Income Generation, Head of Mass Participation Fundraising, SLT and other teams to maximise high value fundraising opportunities
• Work with the Marketing team to deliver urgent and compelling high value messages tailed for the different audiences
• Work with the Trustees to build networks and increase the reach of Winston’s Wish

All Staff

• Contribute to the vision and mission of Winston's Wish; whilst embedding the values into your daily work activities. 
• Promote equality of opportunity, diversity and anti-racism in accordance with Winston’s Wish policies. 
• Contribute to the overall success of the charity’s fundraising needs by providing case studies, attending events and adding value to the experience of our supporters as required.
• Contribute to the brand and reach of the charity by working alongside our Marketing & Communications Team when relevant press opportunities arise or when required for social media and online content (including the use of photography).    
• Work to objectives, targets and work plans agreed with your line manager. 
• Undertake specific projects and other ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager, fulfilling any deadlines, reviews and reporting procedures required. 
• Take an active part in the Quarterly review process and participate in training agreed with your line manager. 
• Recognise and champion the lived experience of children and young people with bereavement within your work.
• Ensure the health and safety of all colleagues, volunteers and visitors in accordance with Winston’s Wish policy. 

 PERSON SPECIFICATION  

Essential 

• A proven track record in high-value fundraising, including securing 6-7 figure donations from high-net-worth individuals, trusts, foundations, and businesses
• Track record of converting cold prospects to planned gifts of 6-7 figures
• Demonstratable strong strategic planning skills and the ability to develop and implement long-term strategies to achieve fundraising targets and enhance the charity's mission
• Proven leadership and people management skills, with experience in overseeing multi-disciplinary teams. Essential experience includes team leadership, staff motivation, setting clear objectives, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Experience in effectively developing, managing and reporting complex income and expenditure budgets
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels and excellent written skills
• Experience of successfully engaging trustees and/or senior volunteer committees to drive philanthropic income.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Strong networking skills with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders
• A proactive and results-driven mindset.

Desirable  

• Experience in managing, supporting, developing and motivating colleagues in a digital first organisation
• Experience of salesforce or other similar CRM system
• Evidence of continued professional development 

Recruitment Timetable

• Application deadline: Monday 28th April 2025
• Interviews: w/c 5th May 2025
• Interview location: MS Teams

Winston’s Wish reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

We are looking for an experienced Trust Fundraiser with a background in securing income from charitable trusts and foundations to join our team to help Groundswell continue to create positive change in the lives of people, services and systems on their mission to tackle homeless health inequalities. Recently kicking off our new ‘Creating Positive Change’ strategy, coproduced by over 130 staff, volunteers, clients and partners, we have ambitious plans and a compelling model which in its simplest form promotes healthier lives and a better future for anyone who has experienced homelessness.  

The successful post holder will have experience in leading the development of well-written, compelling proposals and reports to charitable trusts and corporate foundations; demonstrating key relationship management skills to ensure all our funders feel part of Groundswell’s mission. You will be a flexible worker with strong organisational, research and written communication skills. You will pride yourself in collaborative working to ensure the most successful chance of securing income, whilst being a self-starter who can manage their own workload effectively.

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.

Are you passionate about using data to drive change and make a difference?

We’re on the lookout for a strong communicator and dynamic problem-solver who will lead how we collect, manage and report on data to drive our vision and strategic mission.

As our Impact Data and Reporting Lead, you will deliver our data strategy and lead on data infrastructure transformation and visualisation. You’ll play a key role strategic role in the organisation to ensure that we have access to relevant and accessible data that drives evidence-led decision making. You’ll bring top-notch communication and relationship building skills to this role as well as a strong understanding of collecting, analysing and using data.  

If you are driven by a sense of purpose, excited to shape the future of an ambitious organisation, and eager to contribute a thriving team, we would love to hear from you. 

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for delivering high-quality testing solutions? Join us as a Portfolio Delivery Test Lead and drive excellence in our testing processes!

�� Location: Hybrid/remote (expectation to travel to key national sites as business requires)

⌚ Contract Type: Permanent, 35 hours per week

�� Salary:

• Starting from £46,434.55 - £51,078.01 for base locations outside of London, dependant on experience and location
• Starting from £51,078.01 - £56,185.81 for base locations inside of London, dependent on experience and location

What is a Portfolio Delivery Test Lead?

As Portfolio Delivery Test Lead (a new role to MSIUK) you will oversee testing and lead the UAT (User Acceptance Testing) for all new MSI UK system deployments, responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing UAT to ensure that the solution meets business requirements and is ready for deployment.

You will work closely with the Project Managers, Products team, Business Intelligence team, Digital, IT teams, Governance, Contact Centre, Clinical colleagues and Operations, Clinical Safety, UK Learning & Development team, Global Information Services and all colleagues across the business

The objective of this role is to ensure any DDaT deployment to the business is fit for purpose, fully tested and accepted by the business to improve the client journey with MSI UK, on small pathway changes to larger projects alongside process improvements to enhance the client experience and overall business.  The role will support other teams in DDaT such as test and release or regression testing with the Product team.

What can we offer you?

• �� Expenses incurred while traveling outside your base location will be reimbursed.
• �� Birthday Bonus with an additional day of annual leave dedicated to celebrating your birthday and long service recognition rewards programme
• �� Perks and discounts at over 4000 retail and hospitality outlets through the Blue Light Card

In addition to the perks outlined above, there are many more benefits alongside what is written above for you to enjoy. Find out more during your interview!

What you’ll be doing:

• Design and implement fit-for-purpose UAT frameworks aligned with business goals.
• Create detailed test plans, cases, and criteria to reflect business requirements.
• Manage a test environment mirroring production, including representative test data.
• Define UAT timelines and milestones to keep projects on track.
• Collaborate with users to create actionable test scripts and scenarios.
• Lead testing, track progress, and manage defects with prioritisation and retesting.
• Ensure testing rigor, support methodology development, and oversee collection of test evidence.

What we’re looking for:

• Previous experience as a Test Lead, managing UAT processes, including test plans, cases, and scripts.
• Proven ability to use, manage, and suggest automated testing tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to simplify complex use cases.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of explaining technical concepts clearly to end-users and non-IT staff.
• Solid understanding of risk and issue mitigation, with the ability to escalate when necessary.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong technical and strategic thinking skills, able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Deep understanding of the agile product development lifecycle, including product strategy, story writing, requirements definition, backlog prioritisation, development, QA, and launch.
• Familiarity with the current and emerging digital and technological landscape, and how it aligns with organisational goals.
• Willingness to work outside core hours (including weekends) and travel as needed.

Salford CVS is seeking to appoint to the position of Director of Operations.

The Director of Operations will have wide-ranging responsibilities for the development, implementation and performance of all operational delivery projects and programmes of work. This is a senior role within our well-established charity, and we will expect you to play a proactive and productive role as a member of the organisation’s small Senior Management Team.

You will lead, direct and manage all operational delivery projects and programmes across the organisation. Responsible for all aspects of operational management, you will ensure the high-quality delivery of programmes in line with contract and funder requirements. You will personally line manage all operational Programme Managers, ensuring that service/programme operational plans (including KPIs) and individual staff work plans are in place and being adhered to and delivered against.

We’re looking for someone who is a team player and can take direction from their CEO; someone who is solutions-focused and able to effectively manage a range of people and services. You will be a person who has a keen eye for detail and can see the bigger picture, who works hard but likes a laugh, and who believes in our values and purpose.

Benefits

• 28 days’ holiday rising to 30 days (after five years) plus eight Bank Holidays
• Paid sick leave - subject to terms and conditions of service
• A compassionate approach to dependants’ leave and compassionate leave – to help deal with life’s unforeseen circumstances
• A contributory pension scheme with 7% employer contribution (and 1% mandatory employee contribution)
• Cycle-to-work scheme – for those staff members who want help to purchase a bike
• Membership of the Hospital Saturday Fund via an employer-subsidised scheme (optional and non-contractual)
• RHS Garden family membership (optional and non-contractual)
• Development opportunities – we support and encourage our staff to progress their careers (including formal training)
• A supportive working culture – we respect and support one another to do the best we can

Salford CVS is an accredited Living Wage Employer (and Funder), ensuring not just that our staff are paid the ’real’ Living Wage but also that any projects we fund can do the same.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website and complete an application form. Please note, we do not accept CVs – application forms only.

Closing date: 10am on 29th April 2025
Interview dates: 6th and 8th May 2025

The North West England Methodist District (NWED) is seeking to appoint a District Property Secretary. The role is home-based, with travel throughout the District. They will be the first point of contact on all matters relating to property and will work in collaboration with the churches and circuits within the District, providing oversight of the properties owned by the District. The post holder will give support and assistance to a range of stakeholders on property-related matters, in the context of Methodist Church governance.