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- Tasks: Lead a project to enhance communications and implement a digital strategy for a charity.
- Company: Join ICOS, a vibrant charity supporting migrants and refugees in Sunderland.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, training opportunities, paid breaks, and a progressive holiday package.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your leadership skills in the charity sector.
- Qualifications: Passion for social justice and experience in communications or fundraising.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to creating opportunities for the community.
The predicted salary is between 24479 - 24479 £ per year.
Contract Type: Fixed term
Role Type: Employment
Hours: Part time
Application deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026 - 00:00
Based: Sunderland
Salary: £24,479 Per Annum
Salary Type: Fixed
Location: Tyne and Wear
Role description: Project Support Time to Shine Leader / Fundraising and Communications Specialist
Employer: International Community Organisation of Sunderland (ICOS)
Charity Number: 1186618
Contract: 12-Month Fixed Term (Rank Foundation Time to Shine Placement)
Salary: £24,479 per year (Real Living Wage)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Start Date: 01 April 2026
Location: Office-based in Sunderland (14 Foyle Street, SR1 1LE)
We Offer:
- Flexible hours to be agreed with you
- Opportunities to grow and training
- Working as part of a friendly and supportive team
- Access to free counselling
- Paid breaks
- A progressive holiday package, with the number of paid holiday per year increasing with the services, up to 33 days/year
Living Wage Employer
We are a Living Wage Employer. Your salary will increase every year, at least with the Living Wage Foundation.
About ICOS
ICOS is a peer-led “for-and-by” charity supporting migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Sunderland. Our team and board are 100% from BME backgrounds and include individuals born in Poland, Nigeria, Ghana, Syria, and Zimbabwe. We provide holistic support to over 600 people annually through advice on housing, benefits, and employability, while engaging 1,500 others in community activities. Our mission is to advocate for rights and create opportunities, ensuring Sunderland remains a welcoming place.
About The Time To Shine Leadership Programme
This role is funded by the Rank Foundation and is designed for individuals who are currently unemployed or underemployed to develop leadership talent within the charity sector.
Training: 15% of your time is dedicated to structured leadership development away from the workplace.
Mandatory Events: You must attend all Rank Foundation residentials, including a 3-day Launch Conference (April 2026), a Midway Conference (September 2026), and a Next Steps Conference (January 2027). Support: Travel, accommodation, and food costs for these events are covered.
More information: https://rankfoundation.com/our-approach/leadership/time-to-shine/
Role Purpose
Following a 2025 strategic review, ICOS identified a need for enhanced communications to combat rising anti-migrant sentiment and secure the charity’s financial future following the loss of EU funding. You will lead a 12-month project to create and implement a digital strategy that increases ICOS’s visibility to clients, donors, and “by-invitation-only” grant makers.
Contact
For more information and to request an application pack please contact: office@icos.org.uk. Completed applications together with a CV can be sent by email to Michal Chantkowski, Manager at michal@icos.org.uk.
Schedule
Application deadline: 02/03/2026. No applications will be accepted after this point. Scoring/initial results by 02/03/2026 – 06/03/2026. Interviews will be held on 11/03/2026. Role commences: 01/04/2026.
Funding
This project has been generously funded by the Rank Foundation through the Time to Shine scheme.
Time to Shine Leader/Fundraising and Communications Specialist in Sunderland employer: VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East)
Contact Detail:
VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Time to Shine Leader/Fundraising and Communications Specialist in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the charity sector, especially those connected to ICOS. Attend local events or online meet-ups to make connections that could lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share why supporting migrants and refugees matters to you. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching ICOS and their mission. Understand their challenges and think about how your skills can help them tackle rising anti-migrant sentiment. Be ready to share your ideas!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at ICOS.
We think you need these skills to ace Time to Shine Leader/Fundraising and Communications Specialist in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Time to Shine Leader role. Highlight your relevant experience in fundraising and communications, and show us how you can contribute to ICOS's mission.
Show Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for supporting migrants and refugees. Share any personal stories or experiences that connect you to our cause, as this will help us understand your motivation.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at ICOS.
How to prepare for a job interview at VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand ICOS's mission and the specific challenges they face, especially regarding anti-migrant sentiment. Research their current projects and think about how your skills in fundraising and communications can help enhance their visibility.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about supporting migrants and refugees, so let your passion for social justice shine through. Share any relevant experiences or volunteer work that demonstrates your commitment to these causes.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Time to Shine Leadership Programme and how it aligns with your career goals. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and eager to grow.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Run through common interview questions related to fundraising and communications. Practising your answers will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview. Consider doing a mock interview with a friend or mentor.
