Academic director jobs

RNCSF enables hundreds of vulnerable children each year to access the care, stability and education that prepares them for success in life--join our small and dedicated team to run the SpringForward programme for care-experienced post-18 success through university preparation and employment opportunities leveraging resources from the UK's top independent schools.

Purpose of the job

UK Youth exists to widen the reach and deepen the impact of youth work and outdoor learning. ​

​

To do this, we work with a network of youth organisations delivering youth work and outdoor learning youth work across the UK, as well as national, regional and specialist infrastructure bodies that collectively strengthen the impact and sustainability of the sector.​

​

Together, this network forms a connected system focused on one shared aim: widening the reach and deepening the impact of youth work and outdoor learning.​

As our Network Manager, you will live and breathe our network, developing a deep understanding of the makeup, needs and priorities of network members to lead effective engagement and establish a high quality experience. You’ll drive a number of projects and steward relationships as part of our evolving offer, focusing on listening, moving from a transactional to a relational approach to supporting and learning from our network, equipping leaders with the skills, networks, and confidence to deliver exceptional support to young people.

You’ll support the Head of Network Development and the Senior Leadership Team to evolve UKY’s network offer as part of our new strategy. You will be a key advocate for the sector, ensuring our network remains responsive, resilient, and well equipped to meet emerging opportunities and challenges.

The role requires deep understanding and experience  of the youth sector, the ability to confidently build relationships with leaders of practice and organisations, as well as a highly organised, and proactive individual with strong project management and excellent stakeholder management skills.

Why work at UK Youth?

UK Youth exists to widen the reach and deepen the impact of youth work and outdoor learning. We support a network of thousands of youth organisations across the UK to improve young lives every day. At the same time, we are transforming the policies, investment, and ideas needed to future-proof youth work and outdoor learning for generations to com e:

• We back youth work leaders with the evidence, connections, and investment they need to thrive.

• We keep youth work effective with research, large-scale pilot programmes, and professional development initiatives.

• And we work with young changemakers to inspire lasting change in the attitudes of the public and funders.

Key responsibilities

• Relationship Building, Network Onboarding and Partnerships

• Network Engagement, Experience and Capacity Building

• Planning, Budget and Resource Management

• Leadership and Management

Experience we're after

• Experience delivering youth work practice with young people.

• Understanding of youth policy, workforce challenges, and sector-wide trends including the changing aspirations and needs of young people and the impact of youth work in supporting these.

• Knowledge of youth sector infrastructure organisations and their roles at national, regional, and local levels.

• Strong programme and project management expertise, including a demonstrable track record of successfully leading and managing large-scale or complex programmes and projects in a previous role.

• Excellent relational and stakeholder engagement skills, with proven experience building and maintaining relationships across diverse organisations.

• Proven experience in network development, membership engagement, or partnership management within the charity, youth, or community sector.

• Experience in workforce development, training, or skills enhancement within a sector-focused setting.

• Excellent line management skills, with experience developing staff and effectively managing performance.

• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage diverse audiences in a variety of settings.

• Experience in budget management and financial planning.

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: 7th April 2026 at 09:00am

Provisional Interview Dates: 13th and 14th April

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

Purpose of the job

Reporting to the Grants Manager, you will create a positive impact on young people across the UK by supporting the distribution of unrestricted multi-year grant funding delivered as part of our evolving offer to unlock youth work for all young people. Working with the Grants Manager, you will ensure we deliver at a high quality consistently.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Grants Manager to deliver our evolving grants and capacity building provision to the youth sector; bringing together our work to ensure a streamlined offer

• Support the grant making process including communications and outreach; application, selection, awarding, distribution, monitoring and evaluation working with the relevant departments.

• Maintain and develop grant management processes through our grant management system, Microsoft Dynamics, and working in partnership with colleagues in Charity Services.

• Develop and maintain processes for creating application forms on our Grant Management System, informing applicants of decisions and tracking grant disbursements.

• Manage applications for funding through our grant management system and provide direct technical support to applicants.

Experience We're After

• Grant management and distribution experience

• Experience in management and development of grant management systems and CRMs

• Experience of quality assurance and due diligence

• Understanding of grant-making principles in participatory and equitable grant-making

• Monitoring and evaluation experience and an understanding of the importance of data in decision making

Why work at UK Youth?

UK Youth is a leading charity that exists to widen the reach and deepen the impact of youth work.

We support a network of thousands of youth organisations across the UK to improve young lives every day.

At the same time, we are transforming the policies, investment, and ideas needed to future-proof youth work and outdoor learning for generations to come.

• We back youth work leaders with the evidence, connections, and investment they need to thrive.

• We keep youth work effective with research, large-scale pilot programmes, and professional development initiatives.

• And we work with young changemakers to inspire lasting change in the attitudes of the public and funders.

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: Friday 27th March 2026 at 23:59 (Midnight)

Provisional Interview Dates: 9th & 10th April 2026

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

Contract Type: Fixed Term, 12 months

Location: Bristol - office based and will also require some travel to visit Delivery Partners across the geography.

Interviews: Wednesday 22nd April 2026 

Are you ready to join The King's Trust and step into a vibrant role where you'll build meaningful connections and nurture relationships with our extraordinary external delivery partners and volunteers, all in the pursuit of connecting with the young hearts and minds we're devoted to supporting? If the answer is yes, read on!

Take the lead in welcoming, training, and expertly managing a group of delivery partners and volunteers. Your mission will be to ensure that our young people have an exceptional experience and achieve those positive outcomes that change lives. You will also be kept engaged as you’ll be required to travel within your local area to support the delivery of programmes as well as programme visits.

Assist and support our delivery partners and volunteers in bringing The Trust's programmes to life. They'll rely on you for access to training, resources, qualifications, and guidance in adhering to our top-notch quality standards. You’ll also be our compliance hero, ensuring that our delivery partners and volunteers are up to speed with all the necessary policies that keep things running smoothly. You'll be our go-to person, ready to tackle any minor concerns or issues that come our way.

Your knack for precision will shine through as you meticulously record information and data on young people, volunteers, or partners. It's all about ensuring that each step of their journey is accurately documented in our systems and aligns perfectly with the requirements of our funding contracts and is at the forefront of championing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. Your sheer enthusiasm and commitment will ignite some transformative action, sparking real change as we put those local plans into play and excel in achieving our EDI goals!

Do you have the creativity to facilitate best practice sharing, energise networking sessions, and throw sensational end-of-programme parties? Are you ready to step up and lead sessions with young people when the moment calls? Having a background in education or an understanding of the education system could be an advantage when joining some of our teams, it's like having an ace up your sleeve, whether you're familiar with the intricacies of the school year or you've walked in the shoes of a teacher.

If you are a strong communicator with sharp problem-solving skills and can transform ordinary moments into unforgettable events, you could be just the person we are looking for.

Expect the unexpected and embrace it. Come and be a part of our mission!

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Youth Development Leads? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with every three in four moving into a positive outcome for either work, education or training. Youth Development Leads play a crucial role in supporting young people, no matter the young person's background or current circumstances, to fulfil their full potential. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Youth Development Leads! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Unless the location of the role is remote, the Youth Development Lead role requires a combination of office days and working from home. 
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• Cycle-to-Work Scheme
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

The Senior Health Organiser will be primarily responsible for commissioning the delivery of health supporting activities and positioning our organisation to become a centre for innovation in health equity and community-led approaches to health creation.

The traditional healthcare system is set up to deal with sickness: making us better when we fall ill. But we know that health is created closer to home: in the security we feel in our housing, the strength of our relationships, the control that we feel over our environment, and the sense of purpose that drives us forward. At Pembroke House we’ve been building on these basic insights for the past 10 years.

Through our flagship Walworth Living Room project (see below) we aim to develop a space for a community facing rapid gentrification and growing inequality to gather, heal and build new visions of health: one rooted in our collective power and agency.

The aim of this work isn’t for Pembroke House to be commissioned by the state, but for us to support a flourishing community that traditional healthcare systems can respond and adapt to.

We’ve done a lot – from partnering with the South London and Maudsley NHS mental health trust on community-connections, to opening the Walworth Living Room with support from Impact on Urban Health, and resident-led research through our recent Social Model of Health work.

Today, the Walworth Living Room is home to a range of programmes that build community health through ranging from collaging, to fitness classes to shared meals. And it’s embedded in our wider-organising for a just neighbourhood – with a particular focus on food and housing.

We’re now looking for an inspiring individual to take this work to the next level, working with partners in and around Walworth to build and curate a programme that positions the Walworth Living Room as a pioneering centre for community-led health.

If this sounds like you, then we want to hear from you!

What is the Walworth Living Room?

The Walworth Living Room (WLR) is a space where people can hang out, enjoy various activities, build relationships with each other, eat, learn, share and create. Located in the All Saints Hall building on Surrey Square, it is a place where people can work together to develop models of collective support and of collective control over community resources. Staff and visitors work collaboratively to make decisions about how the space is run. 

The Walworth Living Room offers a free social space, activities, resources and workshops that support people to:

• Spend time with their friends, family and neighbours

• Meet new people and build new relationships with people of different backgrounds and experience

• Understand the value of social connections for individuals and society and the root causes of social isolation

• Share and practise the skills needed to sustain healthy community in a diverse neighbourhood

• Imagine a more just and beautiful neighbourhood

• Build collective power that enables us to take action or create projects for the benefit of the neighbourhood

Who we’re looking for:

You will be passionate about a vision of health that starts with community and addresses the systemic barriers to health.

You will be a natural organiser, with the ability to build wide-ranging relationships and alliances with community groups and organisations who are working on programmes that build community health. Ideally, you will already have relationships with these types of organisations in and around Walworth. 

You will be a well-organised person who has experience with all stages of event and activity delivery, from planning, to logistics, to delivery, to evaluation and monitoring, and can ensure activities are delivered well from start to finish. You will have the ability to manage multiple streams of work simultaneously, keeping projects with different deadlines on track.

You will have experience working in low-income/working class communities and communities of colour. You’ll be someone who does not approach this work from a “saviour” viewpoint, but someone who respects the experience and expertise in the community, and who is keen to work alongside community members and the staff team to plan work that reflects the interests of the people who use the WLR. You will care as much about the process of planning and as you do about the events themselves. 

You will also understand the structure of the NHS locally and will be a credible and challenging voice in the ‘traditional’ health system, able to translate the work of the WLR and the interests of the NHS.

Job Information Event -  Thursday 2 April 11am-12:30pm. Signup required (see website)

Application Deadline: 9am Monday 13 April 2026

In person interviews: 20/21 April 2026

Hours of Work: Full time 35 hrs per week

Salary: £38,353 - £40,381

Annual Holiday Leave: 28 days paid annual leave per annum (pro rata), plus the standard Bank and Public Holidays and three discretionary days between Christmas and New Year.

The Latin American Women’s Rights Service (LAWRS) is a human rights and feminist
organisation led by and for Latin American migrant women in the UK. Our work is dedicated to
supporting the immediate and long-term needs of Latin American migrant women exposed to
violations of their fundamental human rights; facing violence against women and girls,
exploitation or trafficking; enduring difficult living and working conditions in low paid jobs, and
facing barriers to social protection.
The post holder will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of LAWRS’
policy, advocacy, and communications strategy to tackle the issues affecting migrant women in
the UK labour market, in particular those who are survivors of trafficking and exploitation, and
will work jointly with LAWRS’ policy team and the frontline teams.

This post is open to Latin American women only* in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. We
particularly welcome applications from disabled and LGBTQ+ candidates as they are currently
underrepresented within the team.

Please keep in mind that if you are shortlisted for an interview, you will be
required to complete an exercise beforehand.

*women who identify as Latin Americans (1st and 2nd generation) and speak Spanish and/or
Portuguese.

Please note that only applicants with the right to work in the UK covering the duration of
the contract will be considered for this position.

Deadline: Sunday 12th April
Interviews: the week commencing 11th May

 

Interim Chief Executive Officer – North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (NSDAS)

Location: Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell and Spelthorne (hybrid; 2 days per week on-site presence

Salary: circa £60,000 FTE (PAYE)

Contract: Fixed term 18-24 months, 4 days per week

Are you a seasoned, compassionate leader ready to stabilise and strengthen a trauma-informed frontline charity supporting survivors across North Surrey?

About North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (NSDAS)

NSDAS is a specialist, survivor-centred charity formed as an independent Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2024 following a period hosted by Citizens Advice. We provide confidential practical and emotional support to adults and children affected by domestic abuse across Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell and Spelthorne, delivering helpline and email advice, advocacy, safety planning, refuge and housing pathways, recovery programmes and targeted work for children and young people. Our practice is trauma-informed and feminist in outlook, foregrounding safety, confidentiality and the lived experience of survivors.

We are a small, specialist organisation with an average headcount of around 18 (approximately 15 frontline staff and three support roles), supported by a committed cohort of volunteers. Since independence our trustees have prioritised governance, compliance and capacity building; in our first independently reported year total income was c.£932k and trustees view the near-term financial position as stable while planning prudently for the medium term. This interim appointment offers the chance to lead NSDAS through consolidation and prepare the charity for its next strategic phase.

As our next Interim Chief Executive Officer, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Develop and deliver a clear 12-month operational plan, with pragmatic milestones and measurable outcomes that align with trustee priorities and service needs.

• Governance & Finance: Strengthen governance and risk reporting to the Board, maintain oversight of day-to-day financial control and cashflow, and support the Treasurer in preparing budgets and regular management reports.

• Operational Leadership: Provide stable, visible leadership and day-to-day operational management, ensuring continuity and quality of frontline services.

• Income Generation: Lead practical income-generation activity alongside trustees and fundraising staff, identify suitable funding opportunities and support bid development to diversify income and build unrestricted reserves.

• Service Quality & Safeguarding: Ensure survivor-centred practice, robust case recording, up-to-date safeguarding and lone-working protocols, and quality assurance across services.

• People & Wellbeing: Prioritise staff and volunteer wellbeing by embedding clinical supervision, promoting psychological safety and improving supervision and development arrangements.

• Community & Partnerships: Maintain and build constructive relationships with statutory partners (local authorities, police), Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership members and other key stakeholders; represent NSDAS at multi-agency forums.

• Brand & Profile: Advocate for local service needs, raise NSDAS’s profile within the local ecosystem and support trustee work to communicate impact and local value.

Who you are

• A seasoned senior leader with proven executive experience in a small to medium-sized charity or comparable organisation (c.8–20 staff; turnover circa £0.5m+).

• Demonstrable experience of leading organisations through change or transition while maintaining service continuity.

• Strong people leadership skills with experience managing sensitive HR matters, staff wellbeing and clinical/therapeutic supervision arrangements.

• A track record of successful income generation and relationship management with funders, commissioners and statutory partners.

• Financially competent with experience of budgetary control, reading management accounts and reporting to trustees.

• Excellent communicator, credible at both operational detail and strategic discussion, with highly developed stakeholder engagement skills.

• Knowledge of domestic abuse and trauma-informed approaches is essential (practical experience in the VAWG sector strongly preferred).

• Commitment to equality, diversity and survivor-centred practice and the ability to travel across the boroughs and work flexibly.

• Essential occupational requirement: This post is open to female applicants only as this is deemed a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

• Desirable: experience of working within statutory commissioning environments and experience of accreditation/standards (for example Women’s Aid) or practical organisational transition/partnership development.

Why NSDAS?

• Lead a values-driven, trauma-informed charity delivering critical local services and making a tangible difference to survivors’ lives.

• Join a small, committed team with a clear focus on staff wellbeing, clinical supervision and psychologically safe practice.

• A visible leadership role during an important phase of consolidation and strategic development, with clear 12-month priorities and trustee support.

• Hybrid and flexible working (3–4 days per week), regional travel as required and a meaningful, high-impact interim appointment.

• Opportunity to strengthen governance, diversify income and build unrestricted reserves for longer-term resilience.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 30th March 2026

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button  with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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

Manager (Chief Executive) – Chorlton Good Neighbours
Location: Chorlton, Manchester
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full time

Could you be the steady, friendly, hands-on leader who helps more people in Chorlton feel connected, fulfilled and valued?

About Chorlton Good Neighbours
Chorlton Good Neighbours is a small, well-loved neighbourhood charity with roots back to the late 1960s, working to reduce loneliness and support older people across Chorlton and adjacent neighbourhoods. Our work is local, practical and volunteer-led: befriending, home visits, transport, weekly activities, monthly teas, intergenerational groups and occasional day trips are all delivered with warmth and care.

Our volunteer base is extraordinary - around 100 volunteers support drivers, befrienders, activity leads, admin roles and trustees - and in 2024–25 we supported 474 people in total. Funding is a mixed model of public grants, local donations and modest earned income and the charity holds healthy funds to deliver our work.

This is a practical, hands-on, delivery-focused leadership role: you will lead a neighbourhood organisation through planned transition, preserving the community culture that makes CGN trusted, while introducing proportionate systems and succession approaches that secure its future. You will also spend substantial time supporting and supervising volunteers and facilitating activities alongside strategic duties.

As our next Manager (Chief Executive), you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Lead the development and delivery of a clear long-term strategy that sustains CGN’s neighbourhood impact and reduces social isolation amongst older people.

• Governance & Finance: Strengthen proportionate financial controls, grant monitoring and reporting while working closely with trustees including the Treasurer.

• Operational Leadership: Manage day-to-day delivery of volunteer-led services and introduce accessible procedures and safeguarding arrangements.

• Income Generation: Support fundraising and bid activity to secure multi-year funding and diversify local income streams.

• Community & Partnerships: Act as CGN’s visible ambassador, maintaining and developing relationships with Manchester City Council, NHS partners and local organisations.

• Volunteer Development: Recruit, induct and support volunteers and facilitators, building a resilient volunteer pipeline and clear role pathways.

• Brand & Profile: Promote CGN’s offer across local channels to maintain footfall, attract new supporters and celebrate members’ stories.

• Premises & Risk: Work with trustees on lease and premises issues and maintain a robust risk register to protect continuity of service.

Who you are

• An experienced, hands-on manager with significant experience of running small, community-facing charities or local services and a hands-on approach to operational delivery.

• Demonstrable expertise in recruiting, supporting and retaining volunteers, with confidence in DBS/safeguarding practice and volunteer supervision.

• Highly organised with strong event/activity planning skills, practical problem solving and attention to detail.

• Financially literate - comfortable with budgeting, grant monitoring and basic financial controls and able to work with volunteer finance leads.

• An excellent communicator: approachable, diplomatic and skilled at building trust with older people, volunteers, trustees and statutory partners.

• Values driven, emotionally resilient and committed to inclusivity and dignity in later life.

• Desirable: experience of Age-Friendly programmes or befriending schemes and local credibility or knowledge of Manchester/South Manchester.

Why Chorlton Good Neighbours?

• Meaningful local impact - lead a well-regarded neighbourhood charity with deep community trust and a broad activities programme.

• Strong volunteer culture - join an organisation supported by around 100 committed volunteers and an engaged trustee board.

• Secure footing to build from - healthy funds and a clear focus on securing multi-year funding and premises.

• Hands-on role with strategic scope - keep delivery at the heart of the job while developing proportionate systems and succession planning.

• Supportive transition - trustees have planned a careful handover and you will be supported through induction and the subsequent recruitment of a part-time assistant.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 13th April 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists 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.