Grassroots leader jobs in london
Save the Children UK is offering an exciting opportunity for a purpose-driven, collaborative, and influential leader with extensive strategic experience to join us as our Executive Director of UK Impact. In this role, you will lead our UK Impact group—comprising teams across the devolved nations, as well as the north and south of England—to ensure that families have the resources, services, and power they need to end child poverty.
This is a critical and growing area of our work, and we are committed to deepening our investment and expanding our impact across the UK.
You will also oversee our Public Affairs, Campaigns and Organising, and Child & Youth Participation departments. Working collaboratively across Save the Children UK and with external partners to deliver lasting, systemic change for children and families.
This is a permanent hybrid role, based out of our London Farringdon office. The nature of this role is likely to require a presence in our offices or with partners 3 days a week.
About Us
Save the Children UK believes every child deserves a future. In the UK and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm.
When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children's unique needs are met and their voices are heard. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach.
About the role
As Executive Director of UK Impact, you will lead our ambitious strategy to end child poverty in the UK by working alongside families, communities, grassroots organisations, and national-level actors.
You will ensure that Save the Children UK is a human-centric, impact-driven organisation where children and communities are empowered, and where the systems and structures needed to achieve lasting change are influenced and reshaped through collaborative, inclusive leadership.
In this role, you will:
• Lead and inspire a highly skilled team of leaders reduce the impact and reach of child poverty in the UK.
• Strengthen our influencing impact through local, devolved country-level and national networks.
• Share funds and expertise with grassroots community organisations to strengthen their capacity and collaborate on shared goals.
• Build internal and external capacity to learn, share learning and influence lasting change.
• Empower local communities with the resources and autonomy to drive change in their areas.
• Champion inclusive leadership, agile working, and a human-centred, values-driven organisational culture.
• Provide children with safe and meaningful opportunities to shape our work, influence decision-makers, and improve their lives and communities.
About you
To be successful, it is important that you have:
• Excellent strategic and systems thinking skills with a proven ability to adapt ways of working in a fast-changing context.
• Extensive experience creating lasting change for children in the UK across multiple sectors, including government, communities, and networks.
• Deep understanding of, and commitment to, sharing power, knowledge, and resources more equally with those who share our mission.
• Strong track record of driving systemic change through programming, advocacy and/or policy, using relevant political theories of change.
• Demonstrable experience leading high-performing senior teams with a focus on inclusive, autonomous, and accountable ways of working.
• Outstanding influencing, relationship-building and communication skills with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• A strong personal commitment to championing equity, diversity, inclusion and building a culture of belonging.
• Commitment to Save the Children's vision, mission and values.
What we offer you
Working for a charity provides one of the best benefits there is – a sense of purpose and reward for helping others.
We focus on flexibility, inclusion, collaboration, health and wellbeing both in and outside of work.
This role is based in Farringdon, London, with a salary of approximately £120K.
We provide a wide range of benefits which will reward your hard work, motivate you, and inspire you to work to improve the lives of children every day. You can read more about our benefits.
Advert closing date: 18th May
First stage interviews are expected to take place week commencing 2nd June.
Second stage interviews are expected to take place week commencing 9th June.
Registered Charity 
More than 1000
Thank you!
At Camden Disability Action, we believe in a radically inclusive world where difference is embraced, and no one is disabled by society. We empower and support Disabled individuals and communities through grassroots initiatives, ensuring that Disabled people lead in all aspects of life. Our work is rooted in the Social Model of Disability, challenging systemic barriers and flipping power dynamics to create meaningful, lasting change.
About the Role – Empowering Disabled Leaders
We believe that Disabled people should be at the forefront of shaping their own futures. That’s why we are looking for a passionate and experienced Leadership and Coaching Manager to lead and grow our Leadership Programme.
This is a unique opportunity to support and develop Disabled Leaders who are actively transforming their communities through user-led projects. You’ll be at the heart of flipping the power, ensuring that Disabled individuals are equipped to take charge of their leadership journeys, break down barriers, and drive real change.
The successful candidate will lead our Leadership Programme, provide coaching and mentoring, and help create a sustainable future for Disabled Leaders. You’ll be part of a dynamic team in an inclusive environment where Disabled people set the agenda and define their own leadership.
What You'll Do
-
Lead and expand the Leadership Programme, flipping the power by ensuring Disabled people lead the change they want to see.
-
Provide one-on-one coaching and group mentoring for Disabled Leaders, helping them break down barriers and develop their leadership potential.
-
Design and deliver leadership workshops, creating more opportunities for new Leaders to grow and succeed.
-
Manage a team of 4 Disabled staff members, fostering an environment of leadership development, collaboration, and co-production.
-
Collaborate with senior management to align leadership initiatives with CDA’s strategic goals, ensuring Disabled voices are central to decision-making.
-
Work alongside the Operations Manager to oversee budgets and help Disabled Leaders secure funding for their projects.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Are you passionate about creating unforgettable experiences that drive real-world impact? Pratham UK is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Special Events Officer to lead the delivery of our flagship annual Gala—this year hosted at the iconic V&A Museum—and support a calendar of high-profile and community-focused events. Working closely with our Director of Philanthropy and an ambitious, collaborative team, you'll play a vital role in helping us raise vital funds to support millions of children through Pratham’s groundbreaking education programmes in India.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-growing charity in a pivotal role, ideal for someone with experience in event planning and a passion for supporting children in India to thrive. You’ll help shape events that not only inspire donors but also celebrate our global impact—from an exclusive House of Lords reception to grassroots fundraising campaigns. If you're ready to bring creativity, precision, and purpose to your next role, we’d love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Job title: Programmes Data Associate
Department: Education
Responsible to: Global Capacity Building and Data Manager
Location: London (UK) - hybrid working
Salary: £27,100 per annum
Working pattern: Full-time, 38.5 hours per week
Duration of contract: Up to 12 months fixed-term contract with a possibility of extension
Start date: As soon as possible (ideally by 1 July 2025)
Are you good with data and spreadsheets and looking to step into the labor market?
Join UWC International as a Programmes Data Associate and contribute to advancing data-driven decision-making across our global volunteer initiatives. In this new role, you will support the Programmes team by collecting, cleaning, and analysing key datasets, as well as crafting accessible visualisations that inform reporting and strategic planning. A core responsibility will be preparing data for the National Committee Fund review, ensuring external reviewers have the insights they need. Working closely with colleagues across departments, you will help identify relevant data sources and enhance monitoring and evaluation efforts.
We are looking for a detail-oriented individual with some experience in data analysis - gained through internships, volunteer roles, or academic projects. Familiarity with spreadsheet tools, data cleaning methods and basic visualisation techniques is essential, while knowledge of UWC’s volunteer-based systems is an asset. This full-time role offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative and purpose-driven environment. If you're a quick learner with a passion for using data to create impact, we encourage you to apply.
About us
Changing the world takes passion and dedication
UWC is a global movement of 18 schools across four continents with a shared mission: to make education a force for peace and a sustainable future. Each year, we bring together young people from over 150 countries and diverse backgrounds to live and learn together in richly diverse, international settings – developing not only academic excellence, but cross-cultural understanding and a drive for social impact. UWC students don’t just prepare for exams, they prepare to lead change. Through real-world challenges, they build the skills, compassion and courage to make a difference.
Our students go on to become leaders in politics, NGOs, business, education and grassroots movements – people shaping a more just and sustainable world. Today, our global network includes more than 85,000 changemakers united by the values they lived at UWC.
About UWC International
UWC International is the operational arm of UWC, a UK-registered and Germany-registered charity at the heart of the global UWC movement. Based in London and Berlin, our team works closely with stakeholders across the UWC network and supports a global alumni community of over 85,000 changemakers.
Our work includes global fundraising, communications, promotion and support for the network of more than 150 UWC national committees. We also lead on global strategy and provide key services to UWC schools and colleges.
We are proud to reflect the diversity we champion. Our international team represents over 25 nationalities, bringing a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences. We are committed to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ARDEI) across all aspects of our work – ensuring our organisational culture reflects the values we promote across the UWC movement.
What we offer
As part of a commitment to our employees, we offer the following:
UWC International London and Berlin
- Hybrid working - we operate hybrid working arrangements, with at least 20% of the week worked in the office and up to 80% worked from home.
- Flexible working hours - our standard working hours are 38.5 per week. We support flexible working and are happy to discuss different working patterns.
- Generous annual leave allowance – we offer 28 days holidays per year plus 8 public holidays (pro rata for part-time or fixed-term contracts).
- Paid leave for personal growth - up to 2 days per year for volunteering or up to 2 days per year for study leave.
- Learning & development opportunities – we have access to various learning and development platforms to support your professional growth.
UWC International London
- Income Protection & well-being support - We offer income protection to all employees, an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with access to a legal support helpline, remote GP appointments, medical second opinions, mental health support, physiotherapy, lifestyle coaching, personal trainer and nutritionist sessions, and a well-being calendar featuring podcasts and webinars.
- Exclusive discounts & perks - with access to a range of discounts across shopping, dining, lifestyle and entertainment, with thousands of offers on hundreds of top retailers.
- Cycle to Work scheme and eyecare vouchers
- Enhanced maternity and enhanced paternity leave
- Higher-than-standard pension contribution scheme - UWC International will contribute up to 8% of the employee’s gross salary toward their Pension scheme with NEST.
Visa requirements
Anyone who applies to work at UWC International in London must have a work visa before starting employment, in compliance with the relevant immigration rules.
Please provide confirmation of your eligibility to indefinitely work or reside in the UK in your application. Any offers of employment made by UWC International will be subject to a right-to-work check on your immigration status.
Application Process
Do you want to be part of our team? To apply, please submit an up to date copy of your CV along with a cover letter in English (each a maximum of 2 pages).
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, if you are interested submit your application as soon as possible.
Your cover letter must:
- Outline your experience, skills and competencies against the Person specification section in the attached Job Description.
- Explain why you want to join UWC International
- Provide confirmation of your eligibility to work or reside in the UK
- Provide the name and contact details of two referees, including their job title, email address and the capacity in which you are known to them. References are taken up prior to the second round interviews. We will not contact your referees without first letting you know.
Please note that CVs received without a cover letter, including the information requested above will not be considered.
Deadline for application: 11.59 AM (UK time) on Wednesday, 14 May 2025
Interview and/or assessment dates:
First round interviews on Wednesday, 21 or Thursday 22 May 2025 (remote)
Second round interviews on Wednesday, 28 or Friday, 30 May 2025 (remote)
For further information on this opportunity, please see the detailed job description attached.
Safeguarding Statement
The job holder might have to travel to UWC schools and colleges. Therefore, a Basic DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) or international equivalent will be required before any job offer is made. We will also take up references before the second stage of the interview process. Referees will not be contacted without your consent.
Diversity Statement
UWC places deliberate diversity at the heart of our educational model because of its critical importance in our mission ‘to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future’.
At the UWC International Office, we believe this commitment to deliberate diversity must be reflected within our team, organisational practices, policies and culture. We recognise people with different backgrounds, skills, attitudes and experiences bring fresh ideas and perceptions, and we encourage and leverage these differences to make our work more relevant and accessible.
We will not discriminate or tolerate discriminatory behaviour on any grounds such as, but not limited to, race, gender, disability, nationality, national or ethnic origin, religion or belief, marital/partnership or family status, sexual orientation, age or socioeconomic background.
We strive to be an inclusive workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging, has a voice, can raise concerns, and feels comfortable and confident. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment and to act accordingly as we aspire best to serve the UWC mission and our global community. It is an ongoing journey and we welcome all those ready to travel with us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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.
Thank you!
We’re looking for a self-directed and talented designer who is passionate about tech for good and how AI can support civil society organisations to achieve their missions.
- 4 days per week
- £52,000 salary FTE
- Remote location
- 1 year fixed term with possibility to extend
We are also recruiting for a Head of Technical AI Experiments, and we expect these roles to work closely together alongside our wider CAST team and partners.
Application deadline - Tuesday 6th May 12pm
About CAST
CAST helps people use digital for social good. We're on a mission to create a more responsive, resilient and digitally-enabled social sector by supporting nonprofits to embed digital and design across their services, strategy and governance and working with sector leaders, funders and government to make this happen.
CAST is a ten-year old charity made up of incredibly dedicated designers, technologists, activists and entrepreneurs. Collectively we have deep experience and a great reputation across charity and civil society, design, digital and innovation.
The past decade has proven how vital digital is to charities, and with it, how important CAST’s work and mission is.
About the role
One of the core areas of CAST’s work is building the capacity of the social sector to respond to the rapid scale advances in AI. The evidence from the Charity Digital Skills Report; Joseph Rowntree's Grassroots and Nonprofits research and our own AI survey shows that charities are unlikely to benefit from - or respond to the challenges of - AI without intentional support and capacity building. To support charities’ (critical) adoption of AI we need to invest in supporting sector-experiments that create demonstrable impact (acting as showcases), working alongside the peer groups, charities and working groups to help move conversations into practical action.
To achieve that, we are looking to recruit a Head of Design for AI to focus on driving forward this work in a number of different ways:
- Blending expertise in AI technologies with human-centered design principles to foster innovation and inclusivity across the social sector;
- Providing direct support to organisations and specific product design advice;
- Designing a range of experiments and tools alongside the sector and CAST team;
- Supporting the design and development of specific programmes, training and interventions that will help shift the sector on AI
Whilst there is a lot of work underway and in the pipeline on AI this role will be expected to shape this work based on their deep experience and knowledge of AI and product design, and support the wider team at CAST to upskill in this area.
You can find more information about CAST on our website.
What you'll achieve
- Develop and execute a vision for the integration of AI into CAST’s design methodologies, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s mission and values.
- Alongside the Head of Technical AI Experiments, lead the design, development, and deployment of AI experiments, tools and resources tailored to the needs of the social sector;
- Working with the wider CAST team, contribute to the ongoing development of ethical design principles in AI applications, ensuring transparency, accessibility, and fairness in all outputs;
- Work closely with charities, community groups, funders, and tech partners to co-design AI solutions that address real-world challenges and drive meaningful outcomes;
- Support social sector organisations to develop the skills and resources needed to design and implement AI systems effectively, fostering confidence and innovation through both direct coaching and via networks;
- Stay ahead of developments in AI and design thinking, identifying opportunities to incorporate emerging trends and technologies into CAST’s initiatives;
- Support the wider CAST team in developing their knowledge and skills on AI and human-centred design, and how we can use AI to best effect within our own work;
Skills and capabilities required
- Demonstrated expertise in human-centered design, particularly in projects involving AI technologies or data-driven solutions;
- Proven leadership experience in design and innovation, preferably within the social sector;
- Deep understanding of AI principles, including machine learning, natural language processing, and their design implications;
- Strong commitment to ethical design, accessibility, and inclusivity;
- Excellent collaboration and facilitation skills, with the ability to bring together diverse stakeholders to achieve shared goals;
- High levels of autonomy with extraordinary organisation and communication skills.
- Able to thrive in a distributed team that changes and responds to the needs of the network and charity sector
- A strong commitment to the aims and objectives of CAST.
Benefits
- Working in a dynamic and creative team with an open and supportive culture
- Opportunity to make a positive social impact
- 30 days holiday a year (pro rata), plus bank holidays
- Flexible and remote working
- Family Friendly Benefits: we are committed to supporting staff in achieving a sensible work-life balance
- Group personal pension scheme
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We’re looking for a self-directed and talented technologist who is passionate about tech for good and how AI can support civil society organisations to achieve their missions.
- 4 days per week
- £52,000 salary FTE
- Remote location
- 1 year fixed term with possibility to extend
We are also recruiting for a Head of Design for AI, and we expect these roles to work closely together alongside our wider CAST team and partners.
Application deadline - Tuesday 6th May 12pm
About CAST
CAST helps people use digital for social good. We're on a mission to create a more responsive, resilient and digitally-enabled social sector by supporting nonprofits to embed digital and design across their services, strategy and governance and working with sector leaders, funders and government to make this happen.
CAST is a ten-year old charity made up of incredibly dedicated designers, technologists, activists and entrepreneurs. Collectively we have deep experience and a great reputation across charity and civil society, design, digital and innovation.
The past decade has proven how vital digital is to charities, and with it, how important CAST’s work and mission is.
About the role
One of the core areas of CAST’s work is building the capacity of the social sector to respond to the rapid scale advances in AI. The evidence from the Charity Digital Skills Report; Joseph Rowntree's Grassroots and Nonprofits research and our own AI survey shows that charities are unlikely to benefit from - or respond to the challenges of - AI without intentional support and capacity building. To support charities’ (critical) adoption of AI we need to invest in supporting sector-experiments that create demonstrable impact (acting as showcases), working alongside the peer groups, charities and working groups to help move conversations into practical action.
To achieve that, we are looking to recruit a Head of Technical AI Experiments to focus on driving forward this work in a number of different ways:
- Providing direct support to organisations and specific technical advice;
- Building a range of experiments and tools alongside the sector;
- Supporting the design and development of specific programmes, training and interventions that will help shift the sector on AI
Whilst there is a lot of work underway and in the pipeline on AI this role will be expected to shape this work based on their deep experience and knowledge of AI, and support the wider team at CAST to upskill in this area.
You can find more information about CAST on our website.
What you'll achieve
- Create simple to use AI products and prototypes that meet the needs of the charity sector and their communities; being transparent about how the tools work to build understanding and confidence
- Contribute to the development of an ongoing AI strategy that aligns with CAST's mission and supports the digital transformation of social sector organisations;
- Alongside the Head of Design for AI, lead the design, development, and deployment of AI experiments, tools and resources tailored to the needs of the social sector;
- Provide training, resources and expertise to social sector organisations to build their AI literacy and empower them to leverage AI technologies effectively through both direct coaching and via networks;
- Working with the wider CAST team, contribute to the ongoing development of ethical guidelines for AI use, ensuring compliance with legal standards and promoting responsible AI practices within the sector;
- Foster partnerships with technology experts, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to advance AI initiatives and share best practices for the sector;
- Stay abreast of emerging AI trends and technologies, assessing their potential impact on the social sector and identifying opportunities for innovation;
- Support the wider CAST team in developing their knowledge and skills on AI, and how we can use AI to best effect within our own work.
Skills and capabilities required
- Proven experience in a senior AI or technology leadership role, ideally with experience of the social sector;
- In-depth knowledge of AI technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, and data analytics.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives that drive technological adoption and innovation.
- Strong understanding of ethical considerations and regulatory requirements related to AI technology.
- High levels of autonomy with extraordinary organisation and communication skills.
- Able to thrive in a distributed team that changes and responds to the needs of the network and charity sector
- A strong commitment to the aims and objectives of CAST.
Benefits
- Working in a dynamic and creative team with an open and supportive culture
- Opportunity to make a positive social impact
- 30 days holiday a year pro rata, plus bank holidays
- Flexible and remote working
- Family Friendly Benefits: we are committed to supporting staff in achieving a sensible work-life balance
- Group personal pension scheme
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.