Head Of People And Engagement Jobs in Central London, Greater London

Who we are:

Muslim Aid is a UK faith-based international development organisation that provides support to communities around the world affected by disasters, conflict, or endemic poverty without regard to their social, religious, or ethnic background. 

Established in 1985, Muslim Aid has facilitated the engagement of the British Muslim and non-Muslim community in support of its work in a variety of ways. Over the years, its humanitarian work has included responses to major crises around the world including, famine in East Africa, earthquakes and flooding in Pakistan and Bangladesh as well as conflicts in Syria and Yemen. 

We place strong emphasis on long-term development projects that build the capacity of local people to help themselves. In addition to the 5 country offices worldwide we also work with multiple partner offices focusing on sustainable Development Programmes and providing humanitarian relief during times of crisis.

Summary of the role:

The Head of Communications is responsible for shaping and delivering the organisation’s communication strategy to establish Muslim Aid as a leading faith-based voice and thought leader in international development, humanitarian programming and positive systemic change. This role involves managing all aspects of internal and external communications, including media relations, digital content, and brand management. The Head of Communications will work closely with the Director of Strategy and Communications to ensure that communication efforts are aligned with the organisation’s strategic goals and effectively engage stakeholders.

About the Role:

 Develop and implement a comprehensive global communication strategy that enhances the organisation’s public image, engages key stakeholders, and supports the achievement of strategic goals. Ensure that the strategy is flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances.

Lead the development and monitoring of annual communication plans that outline key initiatives, campaigns, and activities. Ensure that these plans are aligned with the organisation’s strategic priorities, reflect cross-departmental needs and include clear objectives, timelines, and performance metrics.

Provide editorial oversight for all content produced by the communications team, digital or otherwise: including social media posts, website content, newsletters, press releases, and other written materials. Ensure that all content adheres to the organisation’s messaging guidelines and brand standards.

Act as the overall guardian of the Muslim Aid brand and put in place processes and support to ensure it is represented at its best in all external communications.

Ensure that the organisation’s brand reflects and aligns with organisational identity and is consistently applied across all communication channels. Lead efforts to refresh and strengthen the brand as needed to reflect the organisation’s evolving direction.

Steer strategic engagement with the media to ensure accurate reporting on Muslim Aid’s activities, priorities, principles, and approach, as well as to platform Muslim Aid’s strategic direction and goals, and advance the organisation’s thought leadership.

About You:

To be successful in this role, you will need:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
2. Proven leadership experience in a communications role, preferably within an INGO or similar organisation.
3. Proven experience in developing and executing successful communication strategies, managing media relations, and overseeing digital communications.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong ability to create compelling content for diverse audiences.
5. Proficiency in digital communication tools, social media platforms, and content management systems.
6. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Why you should apply:

Take the lead in shaping Muslim Aid’s voice and reputation as a thought leader in international development and humanitarian work. As the Head of Communications, you will be at the forefront of our communication strategy, helping to amplify our impact and foster positive systemic change. You will manage all aspects of our internal and external communications, from media relations and digital content to brand management, ensuring that our message reaches and resonates with key stakeholders. If you are a skilled communicator passionate about making a difference in a values-driven environment, this is your chance to drive change in an influential, essential role.

Benefits you will enjoy working for us: 

• 25 days annual leave + 4 privilege days 
• Hybrid working
• Paid time off for medical appointments 
• 2 hours lunch break on Fridays
• Workplace Pension Scheme

How to apply:

To apply please submit your cover letter (no more than 1 page) and CV. 

Fundraising is still a relatively new activity for DFN Project SEARCH and this role presents the opportunity to play a key part in its expansion to support the further growth of the charity and enable young adults with a learning disability to lead healthier, happier, and more independent lives.   

This role will support the Director of Development in implementing DFN Project SEARCH’s fundraising strategy. To date the strategy has focused on securing a small number of larger gifts from philanthropic sources, such as trusts and foundations. We are now evolving the strategy to include growing income from high-net-worth individuals, companies, and individual giving.

This role will lead on the development and implementation of the strategy to secure income from high-net-worth individuals (between five and potentially seven figures) and will also work with the Director of Development and the Development Officer on securing income from, and stewarding, trusts, foundations, and statutory funders. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team there is also the opportunity to input to the wider strategy and development of the charity and support the Director of Development in their role as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.

The team is currently made up of the Director of Development, Corporate Partnership Manager (reporting to the Director of Development), and the Development Officer (reporting to this new role).

About StreetVet

StreetVet is a fast-growing national charity, committed to providing free vet care to the pets of those experiencing homelessness and to keeping pets and owners together to maintain their unbreakable bond. StreetVet relies on its team of over 400 vet and nurse volunteers in 23 locations around the UK to provide free veterinary treatment, funded by grants, corporate and private donors and partners. Since inception in 2016 the charity has treated nearly 3,000 pets and has won numerous awards including the Vet Trust Award for the Most Trusted Veterinary Charity, Purina Better with Pets Prize and Homeless Link Excellence Award for Excellent Support.

Title: Head of Volunteering

Duration: Permanent, full-time Reporting to: CEO

Responsible For: All StreetVet volunteers

Works With/Key Contacts: Colleagues across the organisation, volunteers, potential volunteers

Location: Home - remote working with regular travel to outreach locations and, as necessary, recruitment events

Contracted hours: 37.5-hour work week (flexible working available)

Holiday: 25 days per year plus national holidays

Salary: £35,000 - £43,000 depending on experience

Main Purpose of the Role

The Head of Volunteering will manage, develop and grow StreetVet’s Volunteer programme. They will have overall responsibility to recruit, onboard, induct, train, support, communicate with, develop and recognise volunteers as well as ensure good governance and compliance. The Head of Volunteering will act as an ambassador for volunteering across all StreetVet locations and externally. The Head of Volunteering will monitor and evaluate the impact of StreetVet’s volunteering programme and will identify and assess opportunities to develop the programme further.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the StreetVet Volunteering Strategy

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operation of the volunteer programme across all locations and work with the clinical team to ensure appropriate and robust processes are in place to provide suitable and high-quality care for the animals StreetVet work with.

• Develop and grow the volunteer programme to continually improve the volunteering experience at StreetVet.

• Review and refine all volunteer processes, policies and documentation to improve standards and ensure compliance.

• Oversee the recruitment and retention of volunteers, including the review and maintenance of all volunteer-related data, ensuring that it is compliant with data protection and GDPR principles.

• Oversee the development and provision of effective induction and learning and development activities appropriate for volunteer roles, working with key contacts across the charity and liaising with existing volunteers as required.

• Work to ensure all volunteers are aware of and adhere to StreetVet’s policies on safeguarding and working with vulnerable individuals.

• Develop effective methods of communicating with volunteers about their volunteering and the activities of the wider charity and provide opportunities for volunteers to communicate with each other.

• Oversee the development and provision of volunteer reward and recognition activities.

• Deal appropriately with escalated issues around volunteering, using tact, diplomacy and mitigating reputational and other risks that might be involved. This may include working in conjunction with management on issues that involve staff, as well as sensitively managing and, on occasion, terminating volunteer agreements when deemed appropriate.

• Establish and develop relationships with key stakeholders across the charity to ensure a consistent and best practice approach to volunteering across our locations and central volunteer team.

• Provide advice and guidance to staff that work with volunteers to ensure they receive appropriate support and development.

• Ensure effective use of the volunteer database and other tools to record, produce and analyse metrics on volunteer involvement, recruitment, retention and other relevant KPIs.

• Produce outcome and impact reports for both internal and external stakeholders on a regular basis.

• Keep up to date with current developments in the volunteering sector, including undertaking benchmarking and accreditation e.g. Investing in Volunteers standard. Maintain and develop good relationships with similar organisations in the sector and represent StreetVet at external conferences/meetings as relevant.

• Manage budgets and resources related to the volunteer programme.

The above job description is intended to be an outline of the duties and responsibilities for this role. This is not an exhaustive list, and it is likely to change over time. You may be expected to undertake other duties that are commensurate with this role and grade.

Please see full job description for essential experience required.

This is a new role giving you the opportunity and responsibility to build on our successful fundraising and extend our appeal to new donors as well as maintain our existing supporters. You will need demonstrable fundraising experience and the ability to work confidently as a strategic thinker and as a practical fundraiser. You will hit the ground running and come with strong ideas and skills to implement them.

As head of fundraising you will work closely with the CEO to grow charitable income and philanthropic support from governments, individuals, trusts and foundations, corporate companies and other areas. You will help her drive the charity's work forward and work closely with our project teams and see the direct impact of your efforts.

You will have developed your portfolio of fundraising skills over time within charities that work for social good and can demonstrate experiene in securing fundraising income particularly in securing five and six figure grants/donations. Experience of securing statutory funding will be essential. You will have experience of line managing junior fundraising staff and will be keen to develop your managerial responsibility.

You will be a confident and capable leader who will work with colleagues towards supporting an annual programme of circa £3m. This role is crucial to building the charity's long-term sustainability, with a focus on exploring innovative opportunities.

The role offers an exciting opportuinity for an experienced fundraising professional with a passion for tackling social problems particularly in child protection or related areas. It is a great opportunity to take the next step in your fundraising career and make an impact.

The charity is currently in a period of strategic review and over the coming years as our new strategy gets implemented and new projects are developed to widen our reach, the head of fundraising will develop a strong case for support and articulate the aims and impact of our work to funders. You will work with the CEO and the directors to turn this strategy into the growth that our work requires if we are to keep children safe from harm.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the vulnerable adults, children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe in creating a positive environment where our differences are respected and each of us feels valued for our contribution. Showing respect and consideration to all is part of our values and at the core of our culture.

As an inclusive employer, all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or belief, age, socioeconomic background, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity and caring responsibilities, marital status, nationality and disability including invisible disabilities and neurodiversity. As part of our safer recruitment process we actively remove bias from applications i.e applications are anonymised prior to sharing with the recruiting panel and equal opportunity monitoring forms are removed from applications on receipt and retained by HR for analysis reporting.

 Job Title: Head of Volunteering Experience

Salary: 

Grade I - £62,000 per annum (Gilwell based, inclusive of Outer London Weighting)

Grade I - £60,240 per annum (homebased)

 Location:Gilwell Park (Hybrid working) or Homebased

If Gilwell Based contract the expectation would be to come into the office once a week plus one day a month for collaboration with the wider team.

If home based contract, then expectation is approximately once a month.

 Contract Type: 15 months fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave (starting in February 2025)

 Working Hours: 35

The Scouts is seeking an enthusiastic, collaborative leader to step into a pivotal role, driving the central strategic design function for volunteering at Scouts to enable our 140,000 volunteers to deliver Scouting locally in a safe, engaging and impactful way to provide life-changing experiences for young people across the UK.

About the Role
As Head of Volunteering Experience, you’ll lead three key teams dedicated to improving how we support and engage volunteers. The Volunteering Design Team develops online resources and guidance, the Volunteer Learning & Development Team crafts engaging training, and the Volunteer Transformation Team designs improvements to enhance overall volunteer satisfaction. Together, these teams work to deliver a positive, inclusive, and impactful experience for all volunteers.

In partnership with the UK Lead Volunteer for People and other key stakeholders, you’ll drive the implementation of our volunteer transformation programme. This work focuses on:

• Streamlining volunteer recruitment and onboarding to be inclusive and welcoming
• Supporting local teams by optimising volunteer roles and responsibilities
• Delivering accessible, engaging learning resources that equip volunteers with essential skills
• Creating a rewarding, community-driven volunteer culture that fosters inclusion and motivation
• Continuously improving our digital tools that simplify volunteer management at all levels

Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to make a significant difference within the UK’s largest voluntary youth organization. You’ll play an instrumental role in ensuring that Scouts’ volunteer experience aligns with modern needs and attracts a diverse range of new volunteers. You’ll also join a friendly, social, and collaborative team that values inclusion, whether remote or in person, and actively supports development through regular departmental meet-ups and social activities.

This maternity cover position offers a chance to lead with impact, guiding a dedicated team and contributing to the growth and reach of Scouting in underrepresented communities across the UK. Step into a role that not only advances the way volunteers engage with the Scouts but also shapes the future of youth opportunities nationwide.

Join us to lead transformative change in volunteer engagement and experience!

What we offer in return:

We are an award-winning Charity of the Year (Charity Times Awards 2022) with over 400 employees across multiple locations across the country. We prepare young people with skills for life, we believe that hard works pays off and always invest in our staff, becoming Investor in People Gold 2022.

For a full list of our benefits click .

Closing date: 11.59pm on Sunday 17th November 2024 

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend:

1. Initial telephone interviews with the Head of Volunteering Experience on Wednesday 27th November
2. Face to face interviews at Gilwell Park on Friday 29th November

The Scouts is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to diversity and actively seeking applicants from a wide range of backgrounds.

Strictly no agencies

Making The Leap is an innovative societal change charity that aims to make a big difference. From direct delivery, to advocacy and leadership, we refuse to stay in our lane and believe passionately that those we exist to serve have the right to be anything they want to be. To say that this is an exciting time for the organisation would be an understatement, as our incredible funders, donors, partners and supporters have given us the chance to move to the next level, and have further influence and delivery nationally.

The shared soul of the organisation is to be passionate about helping young people from less-advantaged backgrounds; build up other charities and community groups and want to partner with them or support them; want to work with businesses and organisations to get things done; and care deeply about addressing racial inequity.

The organisation has a number of strands: core Making The Leap; the UK Social Mobility Awards; the Social Mobility Podcast; Black Charity Leaders and The Social Mobility List.

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Employee Relations to lead our Employee Relations team within the Trust on a 12 month fixed term contract. The ideal candidate will hold an MCIPD qualification or equivalent experience, with a deep understanding of employee relations and employment law best practices. You will navigate complex legal matters, ensuring compliance with employment legislation while fostering a fair and inclusive work environment. Your strategic business acumen will be essential as you make high-level decisions that impact the entire organization and confidently advise senior stakeholders.

In this role, you will leverage strong analytical skills to monitor and improve employee relations activities, proactively addressing trends to enhance policies and practices. You will also play a key role in driving employee engagement and culture change, aligning people strategies with the Trust’s values. Excellent interpersonal skills are vital as you build trusting relationships across all levels, ensuring that both managers and employees feel supported in a culture of partnership and effective resolution of concerns.

Your proven leadership experience in employee relations, along with expertise in handling complex cases and policy development, will empower your team and contribute to the Trust’s mission of maintaining a fair and equitable environment. If you are passionate about employee relations and ready to make a significant impact, we invite you to apply!

Trees for Cities is an independent, national charity that works with communities to plant and care for urban trees, helping to create greener and healthier cities across the UK and internationally for the last 30 years.

We are in a pivotal decade for environmental action, and our current strategy, The Turn of Trees (2022-25), is focused on engaging communities in climate action through the simple yet powerful act of tree planting. Looking ahead, our new strategy launching in 2025 will build on this momentum to create a social movement for tree equity - ensuring that all communities regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or geographic location have access to the benefits that trees provide, including cleaner air, cooler temperatures, improved mental health, and enhanced biodiversity.

The Role
We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of Marketing & Digital Engagement to lead our efforts in inspiring, engaging, and empowering communities, volunteers, and supporters across the UK. This is a critical new role, focused on implementing and operationalising our new strategy, enhancing our reach, and building the foundations for our future growth. The role offers the opportunity to lead the development of Trees for Cities’ first national digital engagement strategy, ensuring we build strong connections with communities and supporters through creative campaigns and digital platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of our first national digital engagement strategy, driving public awareness and support for urban trees.
• Inspire and mobilise communities and supporters through innovative campaigns that highlight the benefits of tree planting and urban greening.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure the successful implementation of our organisational strategy, enhancing our digital presence to extend our reach.
• Oversee a talented marketing and engagement team, providing leadership, direction, and fresh ideas to foster growth and deepen our connections.
• Act as a senior voice in the organisation, influencing decision-making and shaping the future direction of Trees for Cities.

About You
We are looking for an experienced marketing leader with a passion for the environment and community engagement. You will have a proven track record of developing and implementing successful digital engagement strategies, and experience leading creative campaigns that inspire action – this could be within a charity or a wider commercial setting. You will be an excellent communicator, capable of influencing at a senior level, and able to bring fresh perspectives to the organisation.

Why Join Us?
At Trees for Cities, we pride ourselves on our warm, inclusive, and vibrant work culture. Our team is deeply motivated by the cause, and we are committed to supporting each other as we work towards a greener, healthier future. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an organisation making a tangible difference in urban environments and communities across the UK.

If you are passionate about mobilising social action and inspiring change, and have the skills and experience to lead our marketing and digital engagement efforts, we’d love to hear from you.

To learn more about the role and organisation, including how to have an informal conversation about the opportunity and apply, please download the full appointment brief.

Closing date: 17 November 2024

Panel Interview Dates: 2 December and then 9 December 2024

Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for the 110,000 adults and children in the UK with a muscle-wasting condition. This is a role where you can really make a difference.

This is a standalone role and so it is very hands on with responsibility for all transactional tasks, including recruitment, payroll, pensions, training etc. You’ll also work particularly closely with senior managers to attract, retain and develop a diverse and talented team. You’ll promote a culture of learning and collaboration across the organisation, ensuring that Muscular Dystrophy UK complies with all relevant employment legislation and best practice.

We welcome applications from candidates working at Manager level, who want to step up to their first Head role. We are looking for candidates that are comfortable to work on an operational as well as strategic level.

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities.

About us:

Muscular Dystrophy UK is the charity bringing individuals, families and professionals together to fight muscle-wasting conditions. We bring together more than 60 rare and very rare progressive muscle-weakening and wasting conditions, affecting around 110,000 children and adults in the UK. 

Benefits:

We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We also offer a range of benefits including pension, life assurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, financial wellbeing and an employee assistance programme.

Location: We operate a hybrid model (home and office, London SE1). 

NB Interviews likely to be held on 14 or 15 November.

*Unfortunately, due to resource capacity, we will only contact candidates that are shortlisted for interview. Therefore if you do not hear from us within 2 weeks of the closing date please note your application has been unsuccessful.

The Maypole Project is in an exciting phase of development. 

This role needs to ensure that the Maypole Model of therapeutic support is delivered effectively, with maintained high-quality standards and associated appropriate resource levels.  Working to The Maypole Project vision of availability of our therapies to everyone who needs it reaching across the UK through appropriate outreach. 

Helping the team to achieve to our mutually developed strategic plan for growth in these key areas: service uptake, service provision, quality and resourcing.  While also raising the profile of Maypole Project Model of support.

Ensuring standardised ways of recording data and disseminating the impact of our services in communications to a range of stakeholders including for contracts/grants as well as for key supporters and internally the Board and staff team.

• Advocate and network:
  • Aiming to promote the services of the Maypole Project and our unique model of support: 
  • Arrange and provide connections and talks with a range of audiences with a plan together with our Head of Development. 
  • Through this creating potential connections for future contracts for The Maypole Project services and/or engagement in sponsorship of our work. 

Location: Hybrid: Turn2us London Hub (Farringdon) & homeworking

About this role

Turn2us is a national charity tackling poverty and the structural causes of financial insecurity. We work with co-producers and partners to provide people in financial crisis with the means and agency to get back on their feet, build resilience, move forward with their lives and thrive.

As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to equity, inclusion and diversity and the value people from different backgrounds bring to a team. If, like us, you believe everyone has the right to have enough to live on, and you are ambitious about eradicating poverty, join us and build your career with a charity dedicated to ensuring dignity and equity for all.

The Head of EDIB is a fantastic opportunity to head a team that focuses on how Turn2us maximises the impact for people facing financial insecurity by developing equitable and inclusive processes to help embed a culture where equity and inclusion are engrained in everything we do. The team covers responsibilities for EDIB, safeguarding and co-production.

About You

You will bring experience of designing and implementing EDIB initiatives which have had a demonstrable effect on both organisational culture and the social impact of the organisation’s work. You will have previously worked with an extensive range of internal and external stakeholders to embed EDIB in their own areas. You will have an understanding of the barriers individuals face and an understanding of intersectionality and how that impacts experiences. You’ll need strong analytical skills to be able to translate data, research, and trends into strategy and actionable plans.  

Please read the Head of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Job Pack for further information.

How to apply

For more information, please read the Job Pack attached. Please apply on the Applied website via the Apply button.

Then, the next steps will be:

1. You will then be asked to submit personal details including diversity data. All diversity data will be treated as confidential. Those involved in the selection process will NOT have access to it. The information given by candidates will be solely used for the purpose of improving the recruitment process.
2. As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete some questions which are linked to the requirements of the role. These will be blind-reviewed, and the scoring of these will determine whether you move forward in the process.
3. The closing date for applications is 20th November at 09:00AM.

Please let us know if you will require any special provision as a result of any disability should you be called for interview.

Turn2us is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from members of all communities. It is committed to equality of opportunity, inclusion and diversity. We encourage and welcome applications from all parts of the community regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Turn2us wants to enable an environment where everyone is kept safe from harm and can thrive. We are committed to safeguarding everyone involved in our charity and the work we do. You can read our safeguarding policy here.

If you join us at Turn2us, you will start on 25 days annual leave per annum (prorated for part time workers). Each year in the month you joined, you will receive additional day of leave up to a maximum of 30 days. On top of this you will receive bank holidays. The charity also offers 2 volunteering days per year to allow staff to gain experiences and skills outside of work for example at a food bank or becoming a trustee at another charity.

We offer flexible working patterns, both in terms of hours and remote working. Please note that all employees are required to work from the office a minimum of 4 days a month. Some roles may be required to be in the office more often than this and this will be agreed with the hiring manager upon starting at Turn2us.

Please note that all job offers are subject to 2 – 3 satisfactory references and a disclosure satisfactory to Turn2us from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS).

The Head of Finance is a pivotal role for the Trust, providing leadership in financial management and planning. You’ll also play a leading role in strategy and policy setting as part of the Senior Management Team and will lead a small team of staff and volunteers. You will work closely with our Honorary Treasurer, leading the Trust’s Finance & Resources Committee for the executive team. Ideally you will have experience in charity financial management.

You will be responsible for delivering the accounting and controls and the budgeting, forecasting, planning and analysis for the business. This role will have significant interaction with non-finance staff providing support and guidance.

We are looking for a qualified accountant with 5+ years PQE, who will lead the Finance Team. You will combine this with a positive and innovative attitude, constantly looking to improve performance and support our teams across the Trust. This a perfect role for someone who is excited by an opportunity to have the autonomy and breadth of role and to work with a team of staff and volunteers committed to nature’s recovery.

We are looking for a leader with a high technical knowledge and who is solutions-focussed and who has the desire and ability to inspire and guide colleagues across the Trust.

This role is for someone who wants to have a positive impact on the natural world and help drive the Trust forward.  If you feel you have the knowledge and experience we need and would like to be part of a team of staff and volunteers who care passionately about the future of wildlife, please do apply.

You can find a lot more information about the role in the Recruitment Pack, including details of our benefits package, and information on how to apply.

The deadline for applications is 9am on Friday 8 November.

Having recently secured a strategic partnership with Sport England, this role will play a pivotal role in activating the research activities that are required to inform the Leadership Skills Foundation and the wider sector to empower a more diverse range of young people with opportunities to develop essential leadership and life skills, regardless of their background.

You will be a valued manager within the ‘Programme Delivery’ team and will work with other departments across the organization to support the development of future accessible and inclusive essential leadership programmes. With a key focus being on the needs, benefits and outcomes required among underserved and/or under-represented communities and individuals.

This role will require positive and proactive internal working relationships to be created with other teams and colleagues to support organisational objectives and goals.

In addition, the role will also be required to foster relationships with external stakeholders to shape the research that you will manage through your team.  This work will support the development of our programmes to engage thousands more young people and give them the essential leadership skills for them to believe, lead and succeed.

We’re looking for a confident, collaborative research manager that wants to make a positive social difference through research.  This role will inform the changes that are required within the organisation’s programmes and support the sector to give access to essential leadership skills development to under-served communities through breaking down barriers.

Role duties and responsibilities

1. Manage research and impact projects and activities, internally and externally, in support of our programme delivery strategic goals.
2. Develop and manage research proposals and methodologies to address strategic goals. 
3. Manage both primary and secondary research using a range of methodologies. 
4. Interpret and analyse research to derive meaningful insights and provide actionable recommendations.
5. Present research findings, into clear, actionable recommendations, and compelling presentations that facilitate informed decision making across all levels of the organisation. 
6. Identify and recommend new research and evaluation projects and approaches which address gaps in our current evidence base. 
7. Engage with the Leadership team and Head of Programme Delivery to understand the organisation’s research requirements and align with organisational goals.
8. Manage other researchers providing guidance and support in their professional development.
9. Contribute to the research project budgeting process, ensuring efficient use of resources. 
10. Scope and produce ‘Invitations to Tender’ for commissioned research and manage the commissioning process, ensuring that the proposed research meets required objectives. 
11. Manage commissioned research contracts, including monitoring progress, reviewing and editing reports. 
12. Foster collaborative internal relationships to drive a culture of research driven decisions throughout the organisation. 
13. Build and maintain relationships with external partners and funders and communicate key findings where required. 
14. Ensure all research activities comply with ethical standards. 
15. Maintain an awareness of new research developments across the sector and use this to inform planning and decision making.   

People Management Responsibilities

• Delivery Programme Research Executive (0.8)
• Working with other managers whose direct reports will support the delivery of programme goals and activities

Key Relationships

Internal

• Line Manager: Head of Programme Delivery
• Direct report: Delivery Programme Research Executive
• Departments: Innovation, Marketing and Communications
• Leadership Team including - Directors of: Innovation & Standards; Engagement; Finance and Operations, and Chief Executive.
• Finance Manager

External

• Strategic partners including organisations such as Sport England.
• National and regional network and research partners.
• Key local delivery centres

Skills, experience and knowledge

Required/essential:

• Educated to degree level in a subject with substantial statistical or research content.
• Proven experience of working in a relevant research role. 
• Experience of leading/managing a range of different research projects, using a range of both primary and secondary research methodologies to gather both qualitative and quantitative research. 
• Experience in designing and leading high quality research proposals and tenders.
• Demonstratable experience and evidence of aligning research projects and activities with strategic goals and informing organisational decision making.
• Experience of formulating research reports and making recommendations in a range of easy to read and innovative formats.   
• Proven track record of building and nurturing highly effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior colleagues and external funders or partners. 
• Effective communication skills with the ability to present information confidently to a diverse range of stakeholders, including leadership team, funders and external partners.
• Excellent project management skills and experience of leading research projects on time and on budget.  
• Strong organisation skills, ability to multi-task and work effectively in a busy team environment. 
• Able to deliver at pace ensuring efficiency.
• Excellent listening and recording skills to effectively evidence the findings of research. 
• Understanding of ethical standards and practices in research including potential issues.
• Complete and finish tasks independently and/or as part of a team. 
• Show competence with IT (including Microsoft Office). 

Desired:

• Line management experience
• Knowledge and understanding of the sector, including trends, challenges, and best practices
• Experience of researching on funded projects and meeting grant requirements.

 Personal qualities

• A confident, collaborative manager that wants to make a positive social difference.
• Pro-active with the ability to work on own initiative collaboratively and independently.
• Effective and confident communicator.
• Adaptable to operational requirements with an openness to give and receive constructive feedback as part of a growth mindset.
• A creative, problem solver with the ability to think critically and analyse a range data. 
• An ability to travel across the UK is required.

Trees for Cities is the only national charity dedicated to improve lives by planting, protecting and promoting urban trees. We do this by working closely with communities, landowners, partners and funders to deliver transformational change in towns and cities across the UK and overseas. We plant trees in schools, streets, estates, parks and open spaces to create nature-rich urban woodland, hedgerows, orchards, avenues and playgrounds. 

The charity is experiencing an exciting period of growth and development, with expansion in both their programme activities and income. As we adapt to this growth, we are also enhancing our internal operations by strengthening systems and improving efficiencies. We are in the process of shaping our latest organisational wide strategy, set to launch in April 2025, which will focus on broadening our reach and impact across the UK.

In addition to leading a small team and overseeing day-to-day financial management, this role will contribute to key initiatives such as enhancing our fund accounting and management reporting, refining project cost modelling, and reviewing finance policies and processes. As a business partner to budget holders, the role will provide leaders with the knowledge, insights, and tools to strengthen budget management and forecasting, building on the supportive and engaged relationship the finance team already fosters across the organisation. You will work closely with the Director of Finance and Operations on finance strategy and change management projects.

This role presents an excellent opportunity for someone eager to make a lasting impact within the finance function and wider organisation. It offers the chance to develop your strategic and leadership capabilities while advancing your career. Ideal candidates will be fully qualified accountants who bring strong technical accounting expertise and project management skills, ideally gained in practice navigating complex financial accounting management and reporting. A passion for proactive collaboration with staff in leadership and advisory roles is essential, as is an interest in the vision and mission of the charity.

To learn more about the role and organisation, please download the full appointment brief below, which also outlines how to apply.