Senior manager jobs in houghton le spring, county durham

DFN Project SEARCH offer an evidence-based supported internship model which takes place entirely in the workplace.  The programmes provide continuous support to young adults with a learning disability, and autistic people who are aged between 16 – 24 with an Education Health and Care Plan, or equivalent, in their final year of education.

You will be required to identify opportunities to develop and grow DFN Project SEARCH programmes across a geographical area with the aim of supporting the organisation to ensure that as many people as need it have access to DFN Project SEARCH programmes.

In addition, you will be required to develop strategies to ensure that the operational programmes in your area are achieving at least the average outcomes expected for young people in our programmes and so you must be committed to continuous improvement.

You will be specifically required to develop strong partnerships and train and support colleagues within your area. You may also be required to support colleagues promoting DFN Project SEARCH in other areas, further European projects as required and contribute to the development of relevant UK focussed materials.

As a Programme Specialist you will be expected to:

• Demonstrate effective project planning and preparation so that each project delivers achieves the highest quality programme possible and outstanding employment outcomes for the interns.
• Establish effective working relationships with schools, colleges, local authorities, employers and the project professional staff to promote the building of excellent, high quality partnerships at each site to ensure the effective running of programmes and promote sustainability in a volatile environment.
• Take an active part in decision making, planning and audit processes of each project
• Ensure that you implement DFN Project SEARCH policy and have a clear understanding of required quality standards and criteria which constitute effective teaching and learning
   

We’re Hiring: Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications
UK (Remote) | Full-time | £60,000
Apply by: Monday 28th April 2025

Cerebra is the national charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with neurological conditions and their families. With bold plans to double our income by 2027, we're investing in innovation, building strategic partnerships, and growing our national voice—and we’re looking for a dynamic Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications to lead the way.

In this pivotal executive leadership role, you’ll:

✨ Drive our income growth through diverse and sustainable fundraising strategies
✨ Lead high-impact campaigns that inspire and engage a growing supporter base
✨ Elevate Cerebra’s brand to amplify our reach, influence and voice nationally
✨ Foster a high-performing, collaborative and innovative team
✨ Develop ethical commercial partnerships that create long-term impact
✨ Be a champion for families of children with neurological conditions

You bring:
✅ A strong track record in senior fundraising and income generation
✅ Experience developing partnerships and leading marketing/communications strategy
✅ Outstanding stakeholder engagement and programme management skills
✅ A passion for ethical, inclusive leadership and social impact

We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including 29 days holiday (plus bank holidays), pension match up to 6%, £300 home-working allowance, and the opportunity to work for a cause that truly matters.

To apply, send your CV and a short letter (max 800 words) outlining why you’re a great fit.

Interviews:

• Online (Teams): Tuesday 13th May
• In-person (Bristol): Tuesday 20th May

Join us in creating a better world for children with neurological conditions. Let’s do something extraordinary—together.

We are an equal opportunities employer. If there is anything you need to support you to take part in an interview please let us know. 

In line with our commitment to safeguarding, a full DBS check will be required of the successful candidate.

About the role

We’re recruiting for a Head of Retail Operations for our Southern Division. In this role, you’ll be at the heart of driving success within five regions, leading a team of dedicated Regional Managers across 85 shops with around 270 colleagues.

This isn’t just about overseeing operations – it’s about owning them. You’ll have the freedom and autonomy to shape the strategy for your division, making key decisions on everything from financial performance to people development. You’ll build a values-led, inclusive culture – one where our people feel appreciated, respected and supported.

As part of the senior leadership team, you’ll play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of Mind Retail, bringing fresh ideas and driving initiatives that make a real impact. And because every pound we make in our shops helps support Mind’s mission, the work you do will have a lasting and meaningful impact.

This is a role for an ambitious leader – someone ready to take ownership, think strategically and inspire a team to do great things.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is a natural leader, passionate about creating high-performing teams and building an inclusive culture
• Has senior-level experience leading multi-site, large-scale retail operations and knows how to drive commercial success
• Understands retail finances inside out, from managing P&L’s, to spotting opportunities for growth
• Thinks strategically, but isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and make things happen
• Embodies our values and behaviours

Ready to make a difference?

Join Mind Retail. Join the fight for mental health.

Due to our commitment to work/life balance, you must live within reasonable travelling distance of the division. The geography of the division covers the South East, South West, South Wales, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Mind Retail reserve the right to close the vacancy to applications earlier, should we receive a high volume of strong candidates. Therefore we encourage an early application.

 

About our benefits

As Head of Operations, you’ll receive:

• A competitive salary of £59,753 per year
• A company car
• A strong commitment to work-life balance with a working pattern that supports this, with the occasional weekend working
• 25 days’ paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays
• Development workshops & courses, to help build your career
• Comprehensive, personalised induction programmes, tailored to your role when you join us
• A huge variety of additional qualifications & development programmes for anyone looking to grow their skills
• Family friendly policies & enhanced pay
• A competitive pension scheme & life assurance, available to all our employees
• 25% staff discount in all Mind shops
• Access to exclusive discounts at over 160 retailers through our employee savings app
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Interest free season ticket loan

 

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating an income of around £25 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we’re going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve. There’s never been a more exciting time to join us.

 

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We value the power of diversity. We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We are creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is appreciated for being authentic and bringing their whole selves to work.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working with us to share this commitment. In line with our Safer Recruitment policy, the successful candidate will be required to provide references and will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check with a check of the Children's Barred List and/or ‘Work with Adults' workforce check based on their role and responsibilities. A DBS check is a process to check someone's criminal record (if they have any). A Barred List is a list of people who are barred from working with children. To enable you to predetermine what might be disclosed in your DBS check, please use this disclosure calculator.

Mind Retail is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applicants from all communities. We are committed to the fair treatment of our staff, potential staff and volunteers, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependants, age, physical/mental disability or offending background.

This job vacancy is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. 

More details

For more information and a full person specification, please review the job description.

This role builds on work that we have been doing for decades to support and empower LGBT people who have experienced abuse or violence. Your work will enable LGBT people to feel supported, heard and empowered in the face of abuse and violence, and pave the way to a safer future for our community.
 
You will be joining our growing national advocacy team, supporting survivors remotely across the UK. You will work directly with LGBT victims/survivors, offering them a space to talk and think through options, helping them plan what they want to do, and offering assistance in getting what they need from services. Your work will focus on needs specifically related to experiences of abuse or violence, including issues such as wellbeing, support with the criminal and civil justice process, safety and access to other services to enable survivors to cope and recover. You will be empathetic and thoughtful in your approach to understanding your clients’ needs, while remaining boundaried and mindful of self-care.
 
You will work with mainstream services to ensure the voices and experiences of LGBT survivors are represented in order to make change for our community at a local and national level. You will also work closely with key partner organisations by attending meetings and have the opportunity to take part in external work to ensure a joined-up approach among services working with LGBT people facing abuse and violence.
 
This is a pivotal moment in Galop’s journey. We have grown quickly over the last five years and you will be part of the future of our work. You’ll help us reach, support and assist more of our community nationally. You’ll be helping to amplify the voices of LGBT survivors of abuse and ensure that they are at the centre of Galop’s service.
 
For more information on this role please download the attached job description.
 
Location: This is a remote post, working from home. The role will include travel to our London building and occasional travel across the UK.
Hours: Full Time (35 hours per week)
Contract: Until 31 March 2026 (extension subject to funding)
Reports to: Advocacy & Support Manager/Senior Advocate
Salary: Grade F: £27,230.31 - £31,878.96
 
Closing Date
 
Applications should be submitted by 10am on 20th May
Interviews will be held on week commencing 2nd June
 
REF-221199

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.

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 Mass Participation strategy.

The Head of Mass Participation Fundraising is responsible for overseeing our mass fundraising team. Leading the Events, Community and Individual Giving teams to maximise income and to introduce and lead on a new and exciting mass participation programme. Developing outstanding supporter relationships and delivering long-term sustainable income through innovative, audience led fundraising.

 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES  

Specific Duties 

Leadership

• To lead and inspire the Mass Participation team fostering a collaborative and high performing 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

Mass Participation Fundraising

• Lead the development of all fundraising products, propositions and community and events, to effectively acquire and engage our mass audience target markets
• Use innovation and donor and market research to help define and shape Winston Wish’s Mass fundraising offer
• Lead the development of a robust lottery programme
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Income Generation to develop an approach to Gifts in Wills and legacy marketing
• Maximise income, by overseeing the development of key income sources, including community, challenge events, in memoriam and regular giving programmes
• Drive an innovation-focused culture, constantly evolving our product offerings to expand the charity’s reach and impact
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge on sector and market trends, the legal environment impacting on public fundraising and ensure compliance with standards determined by Fundraising Regulator
• Lead on the development and execution of acquisition strategies to meet agreed targets
• Lead on the development and execution of retention, conversion and upgrade strategies to ensure donor LTV and sustainable income

Strategy, Planning and reporting

• Develop and execute bold strategies to grow the charity’s mass participation portfolio, optimising supporter journey and maximising income generation
• 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
• Oversee the development of supporter journeys and stewardship of all mass audiences and key community relationships to maximise retention and ensure long-term income growth

 

Collaboration

• In collaboration with the Marketing Communications team, oversee the development of compelling integrated fundraising acquisition and engagement plans
• Liaise with trustees’ internal stakeholders to develop Mass fundraising activity, and contribute to reporting for trustees and SLT as required
• Manage key agency relationships to deliver successful fundraising

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 mass participation or public fundraising roles leading on the development of new, successful programmes
• 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
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent analytical skills, making informed and balanced decisions or recommendations, understanding the impact of decisions
• Experience of engaging supporters, volunteers and the public
• Understanding of the importance of delivering a positive supporter experience and experience in creating and delivering stewardship plans
• A proven track record of using data and insight to make effective decisions
• Experience of identifying and delivering innovative approaches
• Significant knowledge of the fundraising events and mass participation sector and understanding of the needs of participants
• 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 systems
• 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.

Picture yourself alongside our Outreach and Marketing wizards and our customer service champions. Together, we're on a mission to ensure our young people aren't just safe but also revved up and fully immersed in their journey with us here at The King's Trust.

Could you become their personal champion? Imagine peeling back the layers to discover what's holding them back so that you can unlock their potential for astonishing progress.  Imagine having your own group of young people to support who will turn to you for that one-on-one support, guidance, and maybe just a nudge in the right direction.

Safety always comes first, so keeping a watchful eye on safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection is part of the deal! You’ll be the guiding force that empowers our delivery partners and service providers to reach for the stars.  Together, we will ensure every young person embarks on a remarkable journey, experiencing the extraordinary and achieving the dreams they've aspired to.

You’ll lead personal development sessions that take our foundation programmes to new heights. Whether it's in person or via a virtual session on MS Teams, some of these activities will be in the great outdoors and enjoying our wonderful green spaces. You won’t be sitting behind a screen every day, there will be some travel required to relevant local areas to support the delivery of these exciting programmes as well as programme visits.  However, it’s not all fun and games, keeping things on point means meticulously recording info and data about our young superstars, volunteers, or partners. It's all about making sure every step of their journey aligns perfectly with our funding contracts.

At The Trust, we're strong advocates for fostering an inclusive workplace where everybody feels seen, and it would be fantastic if you share that passion too.  Your mission? Making a positive impact by implementing a local action plan that harmonises with our big-picture EDI goals.

Be prepared for anything and everything. Alongside all these exciting responsibilities, you might even find yourself wearing different hats and stepping up when needed.

Ready to bring your A-game? Let's make every day count and create a brighter future for our young people of the future!

Harris Hill is excited to be partnering exclusively with CISV International as they seek a passionate and proactive Programme and Operations Administrator to join their team. This is a fantastic, full-time, fully remote opportunity. You can be based anywhere in the UK or within four hours of the GMT time zone.

CISV International believes in the power of young people to shape a better future. For over 70 years, their network of more than 60 National Associations and 200 local Chapters has been delivering innovative, experiential programmes that foster lifelong friendships and global citizenship.

As Programme and Operations Administrator, you will be at the heart of CISV International’s day-to-day operations, helping ensure the smooth running of programmes and administrative systems. You will manage and maintain databases with accuracy and care, respond to a wide range of enquiries, and provide essential support to international staff and volunteers. From allocating programme invitations and collecting reports to updating directories and mailing lists, your role will be key in keeping everything connected and on track. You will also help coordinate programme logistics in line with the global calendar, maintain and update online resources, support website functionality, and provide basic technical assistance across systems including Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Excel.

We are looking for a proactive, tech-savvy, and process-driven administrator. The ideal candidate will be a confident Excel user and familiar with databases and SharePoint. To thrive in this role, you will be emotionally resilient, able to build relationships across cultures and time zones, navigate different systems with ease, and stay calm when the inbox is buzzing. You will also bring excellent communication and customer service skills, alongside strong teamwork and coordination abilities.

Most importantly, you will be someone who believes in what CISV International stands for. You’ll embody their values of friendship, inclusiveness, enthusiasm, engagement, and cooperation — and take pride in supporting an organisation that is shaping a more peaceful world, one young person at a time.

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your experience and motivation.

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

As a leading charity recruitment specialist and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Corporate Partnership Executive

Do you want to be part of a passionate team and help support a lifesaving cause? If so then read on for more details as to how you can work for our Charity!

As part of Midland Air Ambulance Charity’s (MAAC) corporate team, the Corporate Partnership Executive is responsible for taking a proactive approach to raising the profile of the charity and deepening relationships with businesses in the communities we serve.

You will provide support to the Senior Partnership Executive and the wider team helping to implement the corporate fundraising strategy via in person and online engagement methods, leading on activity within Staffordshire.

Your focus will be to ensure income growth from corporate sources and activity comprising of new business development, account management and affinity partnerships.  As a longstanding charity, we have established networks in place, however alongside this the post holder will need to innovate and develop new ways of working in line with the ever-changing external environment (i.e., global/national trends, corporate best practise such as CSR and ESG) as well as in response to opportunities and challenges happening in the south of our region.

#Corporate_Partnership_Executive #Corporate_Partnerships #Staffordshire #Partnerships #Corporate_Fundraising #Fundraising 

At Fuel Bank Foundation, we are united by a shared mission purpose: ensuring that no one must choose between heating and eating. Creating a United Kingdom free from fuel crisis. We exist to make it possible for everyone in the UK who prepays for energy to have sustainable access to the heat, light, and power they need to live a happy, healthy, and productive life. Every day, our work helps people facing fuel crisis, providing emergency financial support, practical and actionable advice, and long-term advocacy to create real, lasting change.

As part of the Fuel Bank team, you play a vital role in making this happen. We are committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. Whether you're working directly with those in need, behind the scenes supporting operations, or helping shape policy, your contributions make a real difference to the lives of the people we support.

Are you a natural team leader or strive to be one, do you have excellent communication skills? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, ever evolving environment, that manages customer queries and applications processing? Are you flexible, empathetic, and dedicated to delivering outstanding customer service? If so, this role is perfect for you.

As the Triage Team Leader, you will be responsible for managing the team’s daily operations and ensuring performance targets are met, in line with our mission to help and support our clients out of crisis. Your role will include leading and supporting triage advisers, conducting regular one-to-one meetings, overseeing resource allocation, and delivering quality assurance and coaching."

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading with Purpose: Support and guide our triage advisers, helping them meet their goals and deliver high-quality support. Hold regular one-to-ones to offer encouragement, feedback, and development.
• Using Resources Wisely: Ensure the team is well-organised and resourced so we can offer the best possible service to those who need us, when they need us.
• Championing Quality: Carry out regular quality checks and offer tailored coaching to help the team grow their skills and confidence, making sure every interaction counts.
• Keeping Track: Monitor and report on how the service is performing against both internal and external targets. Quickly raise any challenges or concerns with the Head of Customer Service and Advice to keep things running smoothly.
• Always Improving: Look for ways to strengthen our service and improve outcomes for people in fuel crisis, making sure we’re always learning and evolving.
• Stepping In When Needed: During busy times, lend a hand by speaking directly with customers facing fuel emergencies—carrying out needs assessments and ensuring they receive same-day support.

 Experience and Skills:

• Previous Advice Role: Experience in an advice role with an understanding of how to develop the support we offer.
• Team Leader/Senior Experience: Previous experience as a Team Leader or in a senior role is desirable but we are open to developing the right person.
• Phone-Based Experience: Preferably in a triage/advice role, but general customer service experience is also suitable.
• Empathy and Support: Demonstrated empathy with a strong desire to help and support customers.
• Attention to Detail: Strong administrative and reporting skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Continuous Improvement: A mindset focused on continuous improvement and service enhancement.
• Computer Literacy: Proficient in using computer systems and software.

What You’ll Receive in Return:

• Team Support: Join a supportive and collaborative team committed to your success.
• Enhanced Annual Leave: 27.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell additional days.
• Flexible Working: Enjoy a flexible schedule that supports a healthy work-life balance.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  • Enhanced pension contributions.
  • Private healthcare and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Training and Development: Benefit from a comprehensive onboarding programme and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Equal Opportunities Employer: We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Director, Home-Start London

Lead. Innovate. Transform Families’ Lives.

Are you a visionary leader with the drive to make a real impact? Do you thrive in an entrepreneurial environment where collaboration and innovation are at the heart of everything you do? Join us as our next Director!

Home-Start London is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director to lead our charity and drive the growth of our family support network across the capital. This is an opportunity to lead a forward-thinking organisation helping to empower families through vital community support.

Location: Home-based

Salary: £50-55,000

Type: Permanent 

Hours: 4 days per week (28 hours). Hours can be worked flexibly.

About Home-Start London

We have a big ambition: to ensure that no parent in London feels alone and every child has the best start in life. Our network of 16 local Home-Start charities in the capital provides volunteer-led home visiting, group and other support to parents and carers with young children facing challenges such as social isolation, mental health difficulties, and poverty. Our work focuses on building new partnerships and securing funding, facilitating shared learning and more coordinated services, and amplifying the voices of disadvantaged families with young children to drive wider change. We are part of the national Home-Start movement. 

About the role

As Director, you will be the public face of an impactful and dynamic charity. You will ensure successful delivery of our strategy and lead on developing new partnerships that build financial sustainability of the charity and grow support for our wider network. Working with your small but mighty team and Home-Start staff and trustees across London, you will ensure we provide quality support to our network that drives increased impact. Your professional development and growth will be well supported.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and inspire – Be the public face of our impactful charity, shaping strategic direction and acting as a key advocate and spokesperson.
• Drive growth – Identify funding opportunities, promote collaboration, and build new partnerships.
• Oversee strategy and operations – Ensure good governance, robust financial management, and effective implementation of policy and plans.
• Innovate and evolve – Respond to new opportunities and challenges with creativity and resiliance to drive sustainability and impact.

About you

To thrive in this role, you will be a highly collaborative leader with experience in a senior role. You will be a brilliant networker and communicator, able to inspire and build trusted relationships. You will be a strategic thinker who can balance big picture vision with the practicalities of running a small charity. You will be a skilled fundraiser with a track record of securing income from a range of sources and you will be a passionate champion for families with young children in London.

Inclusion matters

At Home-Start London we believe that equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental to achieving our purpose. We encourage applications from all parts of the community irrespective of gender, race, colour, age, sexual orientation or disability. Appointments will be based on merit, following an open and fair selection process.

Don't meet every single requirement? Who does! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly, we'd love you to apply anyway. If you’d like to, then give us a call for a confidential conversation about the role and/or how we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you.

How to apply

See job pack for full details. To apply for this role, please click the "quick apply" button below. You will be asked to provide a CV and cover letter (no more than two pages).

Closing date for applications is Monday 28th April.

First round interviews will be held w/c 5th May.

Second round interviews will be held w/c 12th May.

About Free to Run

Free to Run’s mission is to advance gender equity globally through running. We are a registered nonprofit/nongovernmental organization that has been operating community-led programs for adolescent girls and young women since 2014. We are known for delivering long-term, youth-led, progressive running, leadership, rights, and health programs directly to girls and young women living in protracted conflict zones. However, the longer-term impact of our work is building enduring social change - decreasing barriers to public participation, increasing women in leadership, and making power structures more equitable and inclusive. Free to Run identifies as an organization working at the intersections of feminism, human rights, development, and humanitarian interventions.

The organization is in a position of significant growth, in terms of our strategy, reach, impact, and operating budget. In 2024, we embarked on a new three-year strategic plan that positions us to reach 50,000 people by 2026. We will meet this goal through our work across three strategic pillars: direct service (EMPOWER), capacity building for local, women-led NGOs (EQUIP), and building a global movement of activists who are passionate about gender equity and running (MOVE).

Position Overview

A new role within the organization, the Philanthropy Officer, Trusts and Foundations is responsible for identifying, building, and managing a (new) portfolio of trust, foundation, and grant funders from identification to stewardship, developing high-quality proposals, budgets, and reports. Alongside ownership of this portfolio, the Philanthropy Officer, Trusts and Foundations will support the broader Free to Run team with prospect research and assist with applications and reports for institutional/transformational funders.

This position offers a high degree of flexibility and would suit a proactive self-starter with a strong ability to self-manage to achieve goals and a demonstrated passion for the work of Free to Run.  This is a unique opportunity for an experienced trusts and foundations fundraiser to build and grow a new, high-potential portfolio from the ground up, with strong support from program and leadership teams.

While some support for larger institutional grants is part of the role, we are particularly seeking applicants with experience managing and growing portfolios of charitable trusts, private foundations, or family foundations, rather than institutional grant management alone.

This role reports to the Director of Development and Communications and is a part-time (20 hours per week), fully remote position. While Free to Run is registered in the U.S., our team is based around the world.

 

Core Accountabilities
 

1. Create and manage a portfolio of trust and foundation donors at the four- to five-figure level (60%)

• Take primary responsibility for developing, growing, and building strong relationships with a portfolio of trust/foundation/grant funders through the full donor cycle.

• Take an active role in meeting and exceeding annual income targets by developing strategies to maximize foundation and grant funding, regularly assessing progress, and reporting to senior management.

• Develop a formal pipeline of foundation funding opportunities for Free to Run

• Develop compelling, high-quality funding applications tailored to donor requirements, leveraging program data and impact narratives.

• Work with the Programs team to oversee budget tracking and reporting requirements for grants, ensuring accurate fund allocation, compliance with donor requirements, and timely submission of financial and impact reports.

• Collaborate with the global Free to Run team to identify and develop new funding opportunities and projects

2.  Support the process of donor qualification and prospect research (15%)

• Use research tools to support the ED and Development Team with in-depth prospect research profiles for individual major donor prospects, family foundations, and other prospective funders

3. Provide support to the Free to Run team with institutional grant applications (20%)

• Monitor grant tracking tools to identify and qualify new opportunities for institutional or transformational grants

• Keep up to date with the funder landscape and giving trends across multiple geographies 

• Support the ED and Programs with the development of grant applications, project budgets, or other related materials where needed

• Work with internal stakeholders to lead organizational grant tracking within the donor database (EveryAction), ensuring accurate documentation of all interactions, proposals, and gifts.

4.  Engage with the Free to Run Team (5%)

• Participate in weekly 1 on 1 meetings with manager

• Participate in performance planning, goal setting, and evaluation activities

• Liaise with key staff across functions of this position

• Attend team meetings and participate in strategic planning and evaluation meetings

Location

• This is a fully remote position that can be carried out from anywhere in the world. Travel may be required occasionally to attend fundraising events or organizational/donor meetings.
• For candidates outside the U.S., this role will be offered as an independent contractor position, allowing for flexible working hours and location.

Working Hours

• This position is a part-time role at 20 hours/week. The role offers a high degree of flexibility, although working hours may occasionally fluctuate outside regular core hours to attend meetings across time zones. 

Compensation

• The full-time equivalent (FTE) salary for this role is $45,000–$50,000 USD per year (approximately £35,500–£39,500 GBP based on current exchange rates). The actual salary will be pro rata based on 50% FTE, i.e., $22,500–$25,000 per year, and will be paid in USD.

Experience and Competencies

Below is what we are looking for as we evaluate applications.  Candidates don’t need to have all these experiences and competencies but should be able to display strengths across multiple areas. 

Language: 

• English (full fluency required, written and spoken)

Experience

• 3+ years of experience successfully managing a portfolio of charitable trusts, private or family foundations, or similar funders, with a proven track record of securing and stewarding gifts in the $5,000–$100,000 range

• Direct experience crafting tailored funding applications, budgets, and impact reports for US, UK, or international philanthropic funders, in collaboration with Programs teams

• Confidence in independently managing the full donor lifecycle — from prospecting and cultivation to application, reporting, and stewardship

• A demonstrable track record of developing long-term relationships with grantmakers or major donors

• Experience in prospect identification and research using relevant tools and databases

• Familiarity with the funding and donor landscape in the UK, EU, North America, and/or MENA region

• Experience using a CRM system for fundraising (EveryAction or similar) to manage donor records, track proposals, and support donor stewardship

Skills and Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to write compelling and persuasive cases for support

• Ability to effectively convey the impact of social justice, gender equity, and the power of running, hiking, and outdoor sport in driving positive change

• Ability to think creatively and spot opportunities for new or increased funding

• A results-oriented mindset with the ability to self-organize, meet deadlines, and deliver on goals

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with people from diverse racial, ethnic, geographic, religious, sexual orientation, gender, and generational backgrounds

• Interest in international girls’, women’s, and human rights or running/outdoor sports 

Free to Run is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We don’t just accept differences — we celebrate, support and thrive on them for the benefit of our team, our programs, and our organizational strength. We are proud to be an affirmative action employer, committed to diversity, equity and inclusion of ALL people in our hiring and employment practices. We encourage applications from people who have non-dominant identities based on race, ethnicity, migration status, ability, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, etc.

CCT has an international award-winning reputation in heritage conservation and regeneration. All churches in our care are listed, mostly Grade I and II*, and some are Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

Without our care, these buildings might have disappeared entirely. Instead, they are enjoyed as social, tourism, educational and cultural resources, kept open, in use, and living once again in the heart of their communities.

The Head of Region provides strategic and operational leadership in the region, ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the regional team and the successful development and delivery of the regional business plan and projects. The role drives the achievement of key performance indicators and targets with a particular focus on church income and community engagement. 

Key relationships

Internally, the Head of Region works closely with the Director of Operations and other Heads of Region to support consistent operational delivery, and management and development of regional staff. The role also interacts closely with all other CCT teams including Conservation, Fundraising & Communication, Initiatives & Partnerships, and Finance.

Externally, the Head of Region is CCT’s regional representative, brokering joint working and engagement with statutory and Church of England stakeholders, funders, politicians at all levels, volunteers, communities and donors.

If you would like to apply for this role, please visit our recruitment portal to begin your application. You will be asked to submit a CV and a short supporting statement (max 2 sides A4) outlining why you’d like to apply and how you fulfil the person specification for this post, so you’ll need to refer to the job description.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 8am on Friday 9th May 2025

The interviews will take place in Northampton on Tuesday 20th May 2025. Please note that the interview date and location have been specifically chosen according to the availability of the panel.

We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. Candidates who declare that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the job will be offered an interview.

If you have any queries about this role, or if you have a disability and wish to request a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to valid right to work in the UK being provided.

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.