Advocacy operations manager jobs

Are you a seasoned fundraiser who has experience of securing six-figure gifts?
We’re looking for a Principal Gifts Manager, who will be responsible for developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with those whose generous contributions make a transformational impact on the work we do.

What does this job do?
As Principal Gift Manager, you will:

• build and manage relationships with ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families to secure six- and seven-figure multi-year gifts,
• develop tailored cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies that deliver exceptional donor experiences and long-term engagement,
• identify and progress new principal gift prospects, strengthening the pipeline and contributing to long-term income growth,
• work closely with senior leaders, trustees, and internal teams to maximise high-value fundraising opportunities and develop compelling cases for support.

Interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled for Friday 18th September and Monday 21st September, and will take place on Teams.

Could this be you?
To be successful in this role, you’ll need proven experience of securing six- and seven- figure gifts, from cultivation and stewardship through to “making the ask”. You’ll need significant experience managing a diverse portfolio, and the ability to build, influence and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders and donors. You’ll be highly organised, proactive, and collaborative, and thrive while working in a fast paced environment. A passion for the work we do is essential.

About Dogs Trust
We love dogs. That’s why we do whatever we can to make sure every four-legged friend gets the love they deserve. We’ll never put a healthy dog down, so our work is focused on helping dogs in need, supporting owners every step of the walk, and creating a better world for dogs in the future. It’s what we’ve been doing since 1891 and how we’ve grown to become the UK’s leading dog charity, helping 12,000 loyal friends find their forever homes every year.

To apply for this position please click the APPLY NOW button. Our application process requires you submit a personal statement explaining your interest and suitability for the role.
 
Dogs are incredibly diverse, much like the humans that love them! At Dogs Trust we value diversity, and we're committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce helps us to achieve our mission. Our colleague networks give our people a voice, acting as vehicles for real and meaningful change within Dogs Trust. We truly want to see every candidate shine throughout the entire job application process, interview stages, and during their time with us. If there's anything on your mind or any adjustments you may need, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) is entering an exciting new chapter. With a strengthened leadership team and an ambitious vision for the future, we are building on our foundations to deliver a bold and impactful organisational strategy.

We are now seeking an Office & Facilities Manager to join our Training & Prevention team at this pivotal time. This opportunity is available as permanent position.

As a specialist charity supporting survivors of sexual violence across twelve South London boroughs, we provide counselling, group therapy, advocacy, prevention education, and professional training. With an annual income of approximately £4 million, we are growing and strengthening our infrastructure to better serve survivors and communities.

The Office & Facilities Manager will:

• Lead on day-to-day office operations and facilities management
• Line manage the reception/administrative team
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, GDPR, and organisational policies
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and efficient environment for staff and survivors

The role is central to ensuring our spaces support the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed services.

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic development opportunity to:

• Step into a management position
• Expand your experience in facilities, compliance, and operations
• Play a key role in supporting safe and effective service delivery
• Contribute to an organisation making a meaningful difference

Who We’re Looking For

You can demonstrate:

• Experience in office and/or facilities management
• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Confidence in managing systems, processes, and compliance
• Experience supervising or coordinating staff
• Knowledge of Health & Safety and data protection requirements
• A commitment to RCSL’s feminist ethos and survivor-centred approach

Key Responsibilities

• Manage office systems, processes, and administrative functions
• Oversee building maintenance, contractors, and facilities operations
• Lead on Health & Safety compliance, inspections, and reporting
• Support data protection compliance in line with GDPR
• Coordinate space planning, office upkeep, and service needs
• Line manage reception/admin staff, delegating workload and supporting performance
• Ensure the office environment reflects RCSL’s values and standards

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment 

Rape Crisis South London is committed to safeguarding survivors and service users. The post holder will contribute to maintaining the organisation’s safeguarding standards. 

This includes: 

• Promoting the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk 
• Identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns 
• Following organisational safeguarding policies and procedures 
• Supporting a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and supported 

Our safer recruitment processes include: 

• Values-based interviews 
• Verification of identity, qualifications and employment history 
• Reference checks 
• Enhanced DBS checks where required 
• Safeguarding training and supervision 
• Equality, Feminist Commitment and Values. 

Intersectionality and Reasonable Adjustments 

We recognise that experiences of sexual violence are shaped by intersecting factors such as: 

• Race and ethnicity 
• Disability 
• Sexuality and gender identity 
• Socioeconomic background 
• Immigration status 
• Faith and culture 

Our work is grounded in feminist principles, recognising sexual violence as both a cause and consequence of gender inequality. We centre survivor voices and prioritise empowerment, inclusivity and intersectionality. 

Applicants are encouraged to let us know if they require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, such as: 

• Alternative interview formats or timings 
• Additional time for written tasks 
• Accessible documentation 
• Support relating to disability, neurodivergence or health needs 
   

Learning and Development 

As a charity undergoing transformation and growth, we welcome colleagues who are committed to continuous learning and professional development.
 
Interview Process 

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview, conducted via MS Teams.
 
Stage one: MS Teams with the Director of Finance & Resources Manager and two other panel members.

The whole process from advertisement to appointment, may take up to 3-4 weeks.
 
Post holder will be required to undertake Enhanced DBS
The role will initially be open for one month (until filled). However, due to the urgent need for support, applications will be reviewed and interviews arranged on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

The interview will explore experience and approach to: 

• Safeguarding 
• Equality, diversity and inclusion 
• Wellbeing and feminist practice 
• Trauma-informed therapeutic work 
• Leadership responsibilities relevant to the role 

This post is open to women only (Schedule 9, Paragraph 1, Equality Act 2010).
We particularly welcome applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the VAWG sector. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

GDPR Statement

Rape Crisis South London will process personal information provided during the recruitment process in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Information submitted as part of your application will be used solely for recruitment, selection, safeguarding, and employment-related checks. For unsuccessful candidates, application data will be retained for up to six months before being securely deleted. By submitting an application, you acknowledge that your personal data will be processed for recruitment purposes. For further information, please contact.
How to apply 
Please submit: 

• Your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role
• Interview date(s): Rolling basis

Thank you for your interest in RCSL. If you have not heard from us within one month of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
We encourage you to follow us on LinkedIn @rapecrisissouthlondon for future opportunities and updates.

AI in Job Applications
We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences 

£29,500 - £34,750 per year

Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Hybrid working with regular travel to our London Bridge Office

What the job involves

This is an exciting and pivotal moment for high-value fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK. Our groundbreaking TRANSFORM screening trial has already captured national attention, making real progress towards earlier diagnosis of prostate cancer. Now, through our £100 million Raise the Game appeal, we are accelerating that momentum to transform how prostate cancer is diagnosed, treated and experienced by men and their families over the next five years.

We're looking for an Appeal and High-Value Operations Executive to join our High Value Fundraising team. In this newly created role, you'll help coordinate the operational delivery of the Raise the Game appeal, ensuring the infrastructure, governance and processes are in place to support sustainable growth in philanthropic and corporate income. You'll contribute to appeal planning and implementation, helping to deliver key workstreams and keeping activity well organised, aligned and effectively tracked.

Working closely with the Appeal and High-Value Operations Manager, you'll help strengthen processes and ways of working, while producing high-quality materials, reports and updates for senior stakeholders, including the Appeal Development Board. Through this work, you'll play an important role in keeping stakeholders informed, engaged and well placed to support the success of the appeal.

What we want from you

You'll have an understanding of high-value fundraising and be excited by the opportunity to support a major fundraising appeal. You'll have experience supporting or contributing to complex projects or programmes, ideally within a fundraising, charity or not-for-profit environment, and be confident helping to implement and improve processes that support effective ways of working.

You'll be a strong communicator who can take complex or technical information and present it clearly for different audiences, including senior stakeholders. You'll also be highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high standards in a busy environment.

If you're looking for an opportunity to develop your skills while contributing to an ambitious appeal with the potential to make a lasting difference for men and their families affected by prostate cancer, we'd love to hear from you.

Why work with us?
Every man needs to know about the most common cancer in men – prostate cancer. It’s a real and present danger that takes over 12,000 of our dads, grandads, brothers and friends each year.

Prostate Cancer UK is the largest men’s health charity in the UK. We have a simple ambition – to stop prostate cancer damaging lives. We invest millions in research to revolutionise testing, treatment and care. We’re blazing a trail to a screening programme that could save thousands of lives with regular, accurate tests for all men at risk. And we work tirelessly to spread the word about risk and offer specialist support to people living with the disease.

Work with us and you’ll see your efforts pay off as we give men and their families the power to navigate prostate cancer.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

At Prostate Cancer UK we’re committed to righting health inequalities across the UK, starting with those faced by Black men. This includes ground-breaking research into Black men's risk and working with communities directly to overcome barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. To make this happen, we're dedicated to being an inclusive, proactive organisation, as we strive to be Allies to Black communities. We’ll achieve this by advocating and working alongside those communities to promote change. We're also working to be Allies to each other, not only protected groups. In 2024, we launched our New Allyship Training Programme. All colleagues at Prostate Cancer UK will be trained to act and identify as an Ally.

We've also signed Business in the Communities Race at Work Charter, as a dedication to our Black health equity work and wider EDI priorities. As a signatory, we're responsible and accountable for driving positive change.

How and where we work

Colleagues attend the office at least four days per month (pro rata for part-time colleagues) to collaborate, build relationships, and support projects and decision-making. You can choose where to work the rest of the time. Travel to the office is a commute, so we pay our own travel costs.

Additional in-person attendance will be required during your first few months for induction and training, to support you to learn the role and get to know colleagues.

We trust colleagues to work flexibly while balancing personal commitments with the needs of the charity, and we are committed to making reasonable adjustments for colleagues with a disability, neurodiversity, or a long-term physical or mental health condition.

How to Apply
Visit our Prostate Cancer UK Careers page to learn more about this role and the benefits we offer. On the vacancy advert, you’ll find everything you need to know about the role, how to apply, and what to include in your application.

You can also download a copy of the job description and access the link to our careers portal to submit your application by visiting the website via the apply button.

The closing date is Sunday 6th September 2026.  Applications must be submitted by 23:45 UK time.

Interviews: By arrangement. Currently scheduled for the week of Monday 21st September 2026. We’re expecting the interviews for this role to be held online with a potential second stage meeting.

Prostate Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1005541) and in Scotland (SC039332). Registered company number 02653887.

Head of Alumni Engagement & Operations with Kingston University
£60,996 (negotiable) | Full-time (37 hours) | Hybrid working | Kingston upon Thames

Charity People is delighted to be partnering with Kingston University to recruit their next Head of Alumni Engagement & Operations.

Kingston University has spent over 125 years transforming lives through education, innovation and opportunity. With TEF Gold recognition across the board, and a Town House Strategy that's rewriting what a modern education looks like, we are focused on helping students develop the skills, networks and experiences to thrive throughout their careers. Integral to this ambition is our global community of more than 280,000 alumni, who's futures have been shaped by the university.

As Head of Alumni Engagement & Operation, part of the senior leadership team of our Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team, you will help us build lifelong relationships with our alumni to support future growth and success.
About the role:

We have a 3-year strategy in place to develop alumni engagement, increase participation and embed philanthropy more deeply across the University, with full support of senior leadership across the board. This is a fantastic opportunity to join our growing team and work with senior stakeholders across the University, to champion the role alumni can play in student success, employability, mentoring, partnerships and philanthropy, and develop a lifelong alumni offer.

Reporting in to the Director of DARE, you'll lead a broad portfolio including alumni communications, events, volunteering, individual giving, CRM, data insight and operational delivery.

About you:

We're looking for someone who understands the power of communities and relationships.

This is a broad leadership role spanning alumni engagement, communications, volunteering, individual giving, CRM, data insight and operational delivery. While experience within alumni relations or advancement in higher education would be valuable, we're equally interested in hearing from candidates from the charity, membership, fundraising, supporter engagement or relationship management sectors. What matters most is your ability to build communities, create meaningful engagement opportunities, use insight to drive decision-making and inspire people to connect with a shared purpose.

You'll be strategic enough to shape the future direction of alumni engagement at Kingston, whilst remaining hands-on enough to build relationships, spot opportunities and bring colleagues and stakeholders with you.

You'll bring:

• Experience developing and delivering successful alumni engagement, advancement, membership, supporter engagement or relationship-management programmes.

• A track record of building communities, growing participation and creating meaningful engagement opportunities
• Strong leadership skills and experience developing high-performing teams
• Confidence using insight, data and CRM systems to inform strategy and decision-making
• Experience overseeing communications, events, volunteering, supporter engagement or related activities
• An understanding of how long-term relationships can lead to advocacy, mentoring, volunteering, partnerships and giving

Most importantly, you'll believe that alumni engagement is about much more than communications and events. You'll be excited by the opportunity to help graduates become mentors, volunteers, advocates, partners and lifelong supporters of the University.

Benefits include

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Excellent pension scheme
• Hybrid working (with a minimum of 50% of time spent on campus)
• Access to professional development opportunities
• A supportive and inclusive working environment
• The opportunity to shape a high-profile function at one of London's leading universities

Key Dates:

• Closing date: 9th September 2026 - we encourage not delaying your application.
• Interviews: 28th and 30th September 2026 (in person)

How to apply

Charity People are managing this search on behalf of Kingston University.

In the first instance, please send your CV to Glen at Charity People. If your profile matches what we're looking for, we'll be in touch with the full candidate pack and further details about the recruitment process.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. Please inform us if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Salary: £43,680 

Location: Hybrid Work Culture. We are proud to promote a truly hybrid work culture, recognising that every role is different, and everyone has unique needs and preferences. Our Hybrid Work Arrangement empowers each team member to work with their manager to choose the most effective way to work that balances your needs and Hospice UK’s.

Our office is a short walk from King’s Cross station in London. For this role, we are looking for someone who is London based and can travel to central London at short notice to maximise media and PR opportunities that arise. You will also be expected to come into the office at least one day a week - currently the External Affairs anchor day is on a Wednesday.

Contractually this role is London-based.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave pro rata based on the term of the contract
• Matched pension scheme up to 7% of salary
• Support for staff with caring responsibilities
• Family-friendly culture

How to Apply: CV and supporting statement - using Hospice UK’s supporting statement document – see below

Closing date for applications: Sunday 6 September at 23:59

Interview dates: 15th and 16th of September. Interviews will take place online via MS Teams. 

We’ll send assessments and some questions to you in advance so that you can prepare. Let us know if you have any specific needs to be able to fully engage with the process.

Job Information 

The Role

Our media function at Hospice UK is critical to our mission to promote and protect hospice care for all.The Media and PR Manager leads our media strategy, helping to tell our story with ambition and impact – shaping conversations, building national influence and raising the profile of hospice care across the UK.

This post holder will have a sharp eye for a story, be a bold and instinctive media strategist and amplify the voices of people who need to be heard to change minds influence political decision makers and put Hospice UK at the forefront of the debate.

The Team

You will work within the Communications team that sits within the wider External Affairs Directorate. We are around 20 in total, including 4 colleagues based in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Communications team includes colleagues working across content, social and digital, as well as partnership marketing and member communications. 

You will work closely with a smaller team of 3 colleagues, our Senior Social Media Officer, Content and Brand Manager and your line manager – our Senior Communications and Communications Manager. Together you will be involved in the big issues in hospice care, making sure Hospice UK is vocal, visible and leading the debate. 

There is a strong collaborative and supportive culture across the External Affairs Department with lots of opportunity to exchange ideas, plan together and benefit from each other’s skills and expertise.

Working closely with our 200+ hospice members, we have a strong track record of securing strong media coverage and winning campaigns on their behalf, most notably over the two years by securing increased investment in hospices by governments in Westminster, Cardiff and Edinburgh.

But our work is not done. Hospices are under significant pressure and need both better government investment and continued public support. Our focus now is ensuring that hospices can meet ever increasing demand for their services, with well-funded and well-staffed hospices across the UK.

About You

You're a talented and ambitious media professional with a strong instinct for a story and a passion for creating impact. Whether spotting opportunities in a fast-moving news cycle, building trusted relationships with journalists, or developing proactive media campaigns, you know how to secure attention for the issues that matter.

You'll bring significant experience in media, PR or communications, ideally within the charity, health, care or public sector, and have a proven track record of delivering media strategies that drive measurable results. You'll be equally comfortable pitching a compelling human-interest story, translating complex policy issues into engaging content, or providing calm, confident counsel to senior leaders during high-profile or sensitive situations.

We're looking for someone who is proactive, strategic and highly collaborative. You'll have excellent writing skills, strong media contacts (or the ability to build them quickly), and the confidence to influence stakeholders at all levels. Most importantly, you'll be motivated by the opportunity to elevate the profile of hospice care, ensuring Hospice UK's voice is heard in key national conversations and debates.

If you're excited by the prospect of shaping a new media function, working at the heart of an organisation that champions compassionate end-of-life care, and making a real difference through the power of storytelling and advocacy, we'd love to hear from you.

More information is available in the candidate information pack, which is available on our website to download.

Information and Advice Manager 36.25 hours per week Ref IAM726

Hours to be worked flexibly Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm

Ref: £30-33K per annum, plus pension and 30 days annual leave plus public holidays  

An exciting opportunity for an experienced or aspiring manager to lead our Information, Advice and Welfare Benefits Service, supporting people aged 50 and over to live the life they choose and to obtain the benefits and services to which they are entitled.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Information and Advice Service Manager to lead our highly regarded service and support the continued development of our advice offer. This is an exciting opportunity to manage a skilled team, maintain high-quality standards, and help shape services that make a real difference to older people in Sheffield

You will have the ability to lead and develop a specialist team of advisors, have excellent time management and IT skills, be comfortable managing a case load of customers and organising our response to high levels of demand for our services. You will be a people person, highly organised and skilled at practical problem-solving and planning. You will be passionate about promoting older people’s independence.

You will work collaboratively with colleagues, partners and funders to develop services that respond to the needs of older people across Sheffield. The role includes responsibility for service performance, quality assurance, safeguarding, financial monitoring and the achievement of contractual and funding outcomes.

Why Work for Age UK Sheffield?

Age UK Sheffield is a trusted local charity supporting people aged 50 and over to live independently, improve their wellbeing and maintain social connections. Our services are recognised for their quality, compassion and holistic approach. We are committed to creating a supportive workplace where staff can develop their skills and make a meaningful difference every day. If you are passionate about delivering excellent advice services and leading a team that helps older people live better lives, we would love to hear from you.

Closing date for applications: 12pm - 8th September 2026. 

Interviews will be held w/c 14th September 2026

All posts are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.  CVs are not accepted.

We value diversity and are committed to be representative of the communities we serve. We are a Mindful and Disability Confident employer. 

The role

Are you passionate about making a difference in people's lives? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Are you ready to take on a role that impacts your community? We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Independent Advocate to join our London Team.

As an Independent Advocate, you will provide crucial support to vulnerable adults facing significant health and social care challenges. Your role involves delivering persuasive verbal and written representations on behalf of clients, collaborating with public and voluntary organisations, and taking directed actions to address client issues. This role demands flexibility due to the role involving travel around Banes, excellent communication, and the ability to handle sensitive information confidently.

Hours of Work:37 hours, working between Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

Location: Home based with travel in and around the Tower Hamlets and North East London Foundation Trust area
(Applicants must live within the area)

Salary: starting salary £25,877.80 per annum

Contract type: Permanent

Independent Advocate Requirements:

• Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.
• Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of records and reporting to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
• Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults.
• Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 years’ service!
• Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.
• 1 Community Leave Day per annum.
• Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!
• Auto enrolment Pension plan.
• Death in service cover.

Meet the Organisation: Who We Are and What We Do
 

At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients' best interests.

Think you are the perfect fit for this Independent Advocate role? Don't wait, click apply now!
 

Closing Date: 10th September 2026
 

Interview Date: TBC

An Enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.
 

We're proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024.

Successful applicants will need to obtain business insurance for their own vehicle if using it for work transport.

POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a level 2 Disability confidence scheme employer, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

POhWER is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and particularly welcome candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, women, men, Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, LGBTQ+ who are currently under-represented in our workforce/this team/department/job role.

To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support people from different backgrounds.

We are looking for a person with an understanding of working with a values-driven team of people, in the charity or not-for-profit sector.

The person appointed will have an appreciation of the aims and values of the Sustain alliance and be excited by supporting our organisation in effective ways of working, whilst freeing up senior leaders and spokespeople to undertake influencing, communication, partnership development and fundraising activities.

The Operations and People Manager will help Sustain function effectively as an organisation and be a great place to work. This is a senior, trusted role working closely with the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Senior Management Team (SMT), line managers and Trustees to strengthen our people, operational and governance systems.

The post-holder will lead practical improvements in HR, people processes, line management standards, staff development, onboarding, offboarding, organisational culture and compliance. They will combine sound judgement, strong systems thinking and a people-centred approach, helping Sustain keep processes clear, proportionate and well-managed, while supporting colleagues to focus on effective delivery.

The mission of the Sustain alliance is to catalyse systemic change in the UK’s food and farming system – securing a healthy, fair, and sustainable future for all people, nature and a stable climate. Working in collaboration with our alliance members and others, we run a range of advocacy work, projects and campaigns to achieve permanent changes in policy and practice; and to engage more people, organisations and communities in being food system change-makers.

As with all senior roles at Sustain, the person appointed to this role will work mainly at the Sustain office in London during their probationary period, and thereafter at least half of working hours at our office, whilst benefiting from the flexibility offered to all colleagues. This is part of senior role-modelling of the creativity, support, engagement and well-being benefits that in-person working cultivates between colleagues. This will be managed in coordination with other senior colleagues to enable good in-person coverage and connectivity across the week and across common holiday periods.

Role and responsibilities
•Strengthen Sustain’s people, HR, operational and governance systems so that the charity works effectively, fairly and well.
•Help Sustain be a great place to work, with clear standards, supportive line management, good staff development and a positive, inclusive culture.
•Lead on high standards and practical improvements in recruitment; induction; probation; appraisals; people and HR processes; line management skills, knowledge and tools; staff consultation; and organisational policies and practices.
•Support senior leaders, line managers and Trustees with clear advice, reliable processes, good records and proportionate and effective risk management.
•Develop and maintain systems that are simple, useful and appropriate for Sustain’s size, values, resources and legal responsibilities
 

Tasks and responsibilities:

Organisational operations and systems
•Lead on managing and developing the charity’s operational activities.
•Ensure that senior management actions that support operational effectiveness are managed and carried out in a timely way, via an accessible and accountable process.
•Lead and/or participate in a range of internal groups that support operational effectiveness.
•Support the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and other relevant staff with governance matters, including:
oReporting to the Council of Trustees on operational and people matters;
oPerformance of the ‘Company Secretary’ role on behalf of Trustees;
oTrustee recruitment, induction and management of necessary information and processes;
oAppropriate compliance with the Charity Governance Code.
•Working with the Chief Executive and Chair of the Council of Trustees, help prepare and coordinate the agendas and the running of the quarterly board meeting and occasional (at least annual) staff and Trustees strategy day, as well as the Sustain AGM, Annual Report and Trustee elections (annual), as one of the key links in communication with and between Sustain’s Council of Trustees.
•Lead on development and implementation of one or more relevant chapter of Sustain’s Organisation Development Plan (ODP).

•Support the planning and running of events, working with Sustain team leads, partners, venues and contributors.
•Work with the Head of Finance, Head of Digital and Design and external suppliers to help ensure office, IT and operational arrangements are appropriate and support effective working.
 

People, HR and employment processes
•Lead development and implementation of HR processes, practical actions and transactions, using external HR and/or legal advisors for authoritative support and advice where needed.
•Lead on full lifecycle support for Sustain staff including:
oEffective and inclusive recruitment, onboarding and offboarding – implementing Sustain’s commitment to recruitment for diversity – working with SMT, finance and admin leads;
oCreating, grading, reviewing and updating job descriptions, working with line managers and the senior leadership team;
oManaging employment contract variances; funding precarity; end-of-contract and risk-of-redundancy processes, working with senior managers, line managers, affected employees and HR/legal advisors;
oCreating or supporting a range of opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds and identities to get involved.
•Act as first point of contact for HR queries, taking ownership of policies and process, culture and employee relations; informed by HR advice, consultation and annual staff survey, including overseeing an action plan to embed areas of good practice, and to pursue improvements in an accountable way.
•Regular review of job descriptions, grades, progression and staff benefits within Sustain to ensure we remain competitive within the sector.
•Provide or commission sector benchmarking data, analysis and recommendations to inform decision-making, using a methodology agreed with Trustee oversight, on matters such financial and non-financial staff benefits.
•Maintain and improve the Staff Handbook, Recruitment Handbook, and related policies, guidance, advice and other support.

Line management standards, learning and staff development
•Lead the development and implementation of clear, practical standards for line management at Sustain, working with SLT, SMT, the Line Managers Forum and external advisers where appropriate.

•Develop and oversee implementation of key processes such as annual appraisals, annual planning and objective-setting, and a suitable performance management process.
•Help ensure objective-setting, personal development and progression conversations are undertaken routinely, and that these and performance management are handled consistently, fairly and in line with Sustain’s values and legal responsibilities.
•Support line managers to run effective 1-to-1s, probation reviews, appraisals, workload conversations, development conversations, and difficult conversations where needed.
•Ensure suitable and sufficient ongoing learning opportunities and training for the staff team and the Line Managers group, driving the charity’s approach to consistent standards, personal development and career progression.
•Maintain and improve the Line Managers Handbook and related tools, templates and guidance.
Culture, EDI, staff voice and union liaison
•Manage and develop Sustain as a great place to work, with a working culture and practices that support effective delivery, as well as health, wellbeing and personal development.
•Serve as an active member of the Diversity Group, to implement and innovate on equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, and to gather data to measure and report on impact and progress.
•Working with the CEO, provide a route for requests and suggestions from the Health and Wellbeing Group to be properly considered and actioned as appropriate.
•Develop and support ways for staff voices to be heard and influence policies, practices and organisational culture, and for staff to be able to raise ideas and concerns confidently and see actions taken as a result.
•Support structured staff consultation and union liaison processes, helping ensure they are well-organised, transparent, well-documented and conducted in line with Sustain's policies and recognition arrangements.

Governance, compliance and risk management
•Develop and update key resources, contributing to useful reference sets such as the Staff Handbook, Recruitment Handbook and Line Managers Handbook, including overseeing production, maintenance and updating of all policies, procedures and guidance relevant to operations and people.
•Ensure Sustain complies with all employment, health and safety, data protection, charity legislation and statutory guidance including filing at Companies House and maintaining organisational records with the Charity Commission, and managing the risk register and internal policies tracker.

•Ensure adherence to health, safety, diversity and safeguarding procedures in the office, in hybrid working and for events and activities; undertaking comprehensive risk assessments for events and activities; and ensuring appropriate risk mitigation, staff communication and updates to guidance.
Other
•Potential for this role to line-manage one or more member of staff, volunteer, paid intern and/or external consultant, offering 1-to-1 support for objective-setting, work delivery, coaching and pastoral matters.
•Any other reasonable tasks and duties, agreed with the Chief Executive, consistent with the nature and level of the role.

Person specification / What we’re looking for:

Qualifications and requirements
•Significant experience operating at a senior level in a people, HR, operations or an organisation development role, including responsibility for organisational systems and staff management. [E]
•Experience of working in a charity, not-for-profit, campaigning, membership, alliance or other values-led organisation. [D]
•Demonstrable commitment to the operations and people role through a relevant qualification, training or other continuing professional development (CPD). [D]
 

Experience
•Significant experience leading organisational, people or operational improvement and advising senior decision-makers. [E]
•Developing skills and learning plans, and commissioning and/or delivering learning opportunities including training, workshops, facilitation and/or coaching. [E]
•Managing employment contracts to improve employee information and job security, especially where funding is short-term and project-based, with insights into good practice. [D]
•Delivering training and/or guidance to improve people-related functions to be delivered by line managers. [D]
•Working in a unionised organisation. [D]
Skills, abilities and attitudes
•Confidence and experience to take a leadership role on operational and people matters, working with the Chief Executive, Trustees and senior managers. [E]
•Strong problem-solving skills, and negotiation skills and the ability and confidence to provide insightful and constructive proposals and advice. [E]
•Excellent project management skills. [E]
•Aptitude for managing financial information and budgets. [D]
•Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively in writing and verbally, including on complex, confidential or contentious matters. [E]
•Proficiency with computer software and records management. [E]

Knowledge
•Knowledge and experience of end-to-end management of staff team members and their development: recruitment, induction and probation; learning experiences, skills and training; personal and career development; performance management; support for health and wellbeing; and HR processes. [E]
•Sound knowledge of UK HR and employment rules and statutory guidance, and their implementation in good practice. [E]
•Knowledge of IT, online and practical systems for improving processes and efficiency. [D]
 

Attitudes and personal qualities
•Highly organised and self-motivated, with the ability to work flexibly, independently and meet deadlines; whilst having the judgment to know when and who to consult before proceeding. [E]
•High integrity, with a professional, diplomatic, values-led, solutions-focused and collaborative approach to working with individuals and a wider team. [E]
•Commitment and ability to work at our office in East London regularly. [E]
•Demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and racial justice. [E]
•Commitment to the mission and values of Sustain, and an interest in healthy and sustainable food and farming. [D]

Application closing date: Monday 14 September at 5pm (BST)

First stage interviews will take place (via Zoom) on: Wednesday 23 September 2026

Second stage interviews to take place in-person (London office) on: Wednesday 30 September 2026

Early applications are encouraged.

For any queries, please contact our recruitment team.

Senior Recruitment Consultant (Manager fast-track)

Location

Preston

Length of contract

Full time and permanent

Hours

37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

To be worked between 8am and 6pm (inc 30-minute unpaid lunchbreak)

Pay Scale

£34,000 per annum plus on target bonus

Responsible to

Operations Director

Holiday entitlement

Paid holiday entitlement of 28 days, plus 8 bank holidays

Plus a day’s leave on your birthday, plus a wellbeing day’s leave

The Role

The purpose of the role is to win vacancies and place ex-offender candidates into sustainable paid employment with local employers. Working towards a promotion to Manager within 6 months, you will then also provide leadership to the Preston office team, being responsible for the management and Recruitment Consultant responsibilities for 70% of your role.

Purpose

We place people with convictions into paid work, so they can build purposeful lives and see their families thrive

Mission

We do this by providing practical employment support, linking them to companies with good jobs

Vision

A  society  where  people’s  past  convictions  don’t  define  their  employment future

Duties and Tasks

There are four main areas of work, all of which are vital to achieving the key positive outcome for the individuals we support: sustained meaningful employment.

1. New Employer Engagement

Expanding our network of employers to generate a regular flow of job opportunities, allowing us to place our candidates into work.

This will require new business development and excellent ongoing relationship management. You will identify which jobs are most sought after by our typical candidates and which are more specialist or occasional opportunities. Equally, you will gravitate towards employers who demonstrate agility and responsiveness in their hiring processes. Your client contacts are more likely to be business owners, divisional managers and site supervisors than social value or EDI teams.

You will:

• Proactively approach local employers who are advertising paid jobs that could suit current candidates on our books, for example through online searching using keywords for skills and industry sectors, sending over candidate details with the goal of obtaining recruitment instructions and securing interviews.
• Speculatively approach organisations that are not currently recruiting but are likely to have suitable vacancies in the future that match the typical skillsets of our candidates.
• Maintain a follow-up database of active and prospective clients and take ownership of industry sectors or geographical areas, in consultation with colleagues, to avoid duplication and maximise reach.
• Visit employers to explain our services, answer questions around protocols for interviewing or hiring ex-offenders and gain a clear understanding of the workplace environment, travel routes and employer requirements.
• Select and submit candidates who you consider suitable for vacancies, advocating for each individual based on your knowledge of them, their references, and the positive changes and efforts you have witnessed.
• Be prepared to positively challenge employer assumptions where you believe reluctance to consider a candidate is unfounded.
• Disclose the candidate’s offending history and risk profile, emphasising their personal attributes and work strengths.
• Guide employers through the interview and hiring process in close consultation with the candidate.

2. Job Finder Support

Interviewing ex-offenders, offering one-to-one job coaching to help them into work and providing ongoing mentoring during their first 12 months of employment.

Ours is a face-to-face, holistic and wraparound service that culminates in our candidates finding good jobs that last, with a wide array of socially inclusive employers. Our job finder support can begin in custody and continue through the gate into the community, or start within the community. Typically, we work with an individual for between one and three months to establish work readiness and continue supporting them for up to a year after they secure employment. Many people remain in touch and return to us for subsequent jobs over a period of years, and we consider our door to always be open.

You will:

• Conduct one-to-one assessments with job-seeking candidates and, using your professional judgement, either accept them directly into our paid-work search services or refer them to partner organisations for pre-employability support where barriers such as substance misuse or homelessness remain significant.
• Work with candidates over several weeks and months as a job mentor, meeting regularly to support all aspects of their job search.
• Help craft effective CVs and disclosure letters, ensuring candidates understand the facts and disclosure obligations relating to their spent and unspent convictions.
• Check that candidates have the correct Right to Work documentation and arrange replacement birth certificates and National Insurance letters where required.
• Book candidates onto relevant third-party training courses, including CSCS cards, HGV driver training and renewable energy qualifications.
• Encourage candidates’ own job search activity, including teaching them how to use online job boards and supporting them to complete online application forms.
• Submit candidates for opportunities available through our network of inclusive employers and proactively seek additional vacancies on their behalf.
• Organise interviews, ensuring candidates have the means to travel and appropriate interview clothing, providing support where required.
• Follow up after interviews, helping candidates manage expectations, process outcomes and rebuild confidence where applications have been unsuccessful.
• Confirm job starts with both candidate and employer, ensuring candidates have access to any required workwear and support with travel-to-work costs.
• Provide practical support where needed, including food parcels, hygiene packs, pre-loaded SIM cards, clothing and utility top-ups.

In-Work Support

After employment begins, there can often be unforeseen challenges facing newly employed candidates, particularly recent prison leavers. These may be practical, emotional or lifestyle-related. The strongest opportunity to advocate for a candidate and help sustain employment comes from having built trusted relationships with both the individual and their employer.

You will:

• Advise employers on successfully onboarding new employees during their first few weeks and months in work.
• Help employers understand and accommodate any additional support needs, such as housing transitions, medical requirements or probation appointments.
• Be aware of and navigate any negative Google or media reporting about a candidate’s previous offending, including advising on measures to protect privacy and reputation where appropriate.
• Remain in regular contact with candidates during their first 12 months in employment through check-in calls and meetings.
• Record all candidate and employer interactions and outcome reporting on the Itris recruitment CRM database.

3. Management of the Preston Team (Within Six Months)

You will:

• Line manage and develop the Preston office’s Recruitment Consultants, Trainee Recruitment Consultants and Resourcer, leading by example across business development and candidate support activities.
• Run the Preston office efficiently and effectively, ensuring the charity can carry out its work and, alongside the Operations Director, help develop, agree and implement business, operational and annual plans.
• Identify appropriate methods for monitoring office performance and report regularly to the Operations Director on performance against business, operational and annual plans and budget expectations.
• Ensure the office is aware of best practice and consistently works to achieve this within the constraints set by the Trustees and available resources.
• Facilitate regular group clinical supervision sessions for yourself and all team members.

4. External and Internal Relations

You will:

• Maintain and extend a network of referral partners who can direct candidates to us for job finder support, including charities, Jobcentres, probation services and police teams.
• Cultivate these relationships through regular visits, communication and updates.
• Assist in developing the charity’s local public profile and foster positive relationships with government, statutory, voluntary, private sector and other external stakeholders.
• Monitor changes in the external environment that may affect the charity, proactively advising the Operations Director and taking appropriate action where necessary.

This is a non-exhaustive list of tasks and may be amended from time to time in line with the needs of the charity.

Our Interview Process

This vacancy will close on 6th September, with applications being shortlisted on 7th September.

If you are successful at the shortlisting stage, you will be invited to attend the first stage of our interview process on Wednesday 9th September, between 4:30pm and 7pm, at our new offices in Preston.

We want our recruitment process to give you the opportunity to get to know The Recruitment Junction (TRJ) just as much as it allows us to get to know you.

The evening will begin with an introduction to TRJ from our CEO and Senior Leadership Team, giving you the opportunity to hear more about who we are, our values. the work we do and what it is like to be part of our team. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions in an open audience environment, allowing you to find out more about TRJ, our work and our organisation. Refreshments will also be provided.

You will then have a short, informal, face-to-face conversation with one of our hiring managers. This is designed to be a relaxed opportunity for us to learn a little more about you, while also giving you the chance to ask questions and decide whether TRJ is somewhere you would like to continue pursuing a career.

Following the first-stage event, we will invite successful candidates for a formal final interview.

Key dates:

• Applications close: 6th September
• Shortlisting: 7th September
• Stage One – Recruitment Evening: Wednesday 9th September, 4:30-7pm
• Stage Two – Formal Final Interview:TBC within 2 weeks

We hope this approach creates a welcoming and informal first stage, giving you a genuine opportunity to learn more about TRJ, meet members of our team and decide whether we are a fit for each other.

About us

Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue. We're looking for a Face-to-Face Fundraising Operations Manager to join our large, award-winning in-house Face-to-Face Fundraising team, which supports the RNLI by recruiting and retaining long-term supporters through high-quality face-to-face fundraising activity across the UK and Ireland, generating vital income that helps save lives at sea.

Some of the benefits:

• Flexible working
• 26 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Health Cash Plan option

Your role

As a Face-to-Face Fundraising Operations Manager, you will focus on the following areas:

• Leading the development and continuous improvement of operational systems, processes and frameworks that support a nationwide face-to-face fundraising programme.
• Managing operational reporting, performance dashboards and management information to provide actionable insight for planning, forecasting and decision-making.
• Driving operational governance, compliance, safety and risk management across the Face-to-Face Fundraising function.
• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to deliver projects, pilots and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Supporting the operational delivery of donor recruitment, workforce planning, people processes and programme logistics to maximise fundraising performance and supporter experience.

Home Based, however the successful candidate will be expected to maintain a regular presence at the RNLI Support Centre in Poole, with visits required at least once per month.

About you

You'll be someone who enjoys building routines, reports, processes and structures that help people perform at their best. You'll be highly organised, comfortable managing multiple priorities across a complex operational environment and able to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery. You'll enjoy collaborating with colleagues across a wide range of teams and using data and insight to drive continuous improvement.

To be considered as our Face-to-Face Fundraising Operations Manager, you will need:

• Significant experience in face-to-face fundraising, fundraising operations, or a comparable multi-site operational environment.
• Experience developing and implementing operational systems, frameworks and governance processes.
• Strong reporting and analytical skills, with experience creating performance dashboards and management information.
• Experience managing compliance, risk and operational governance within a complex environment.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate and drive cross-functional solutions.

Other organisations may call this role:

Operations Manager, Fundraising Operations Manager, Programme Operations Manager, Operational Excellence Manager, Business Operations Manager, Performance and Operations Manager, or Regional Operations Manager.

So, as a Face-to-Face Fundraising Operations Manager, you will have strong organisational skills, excellent attention to detail, a continuous improvement mindset and a passion for helping teams succeed.

If you'd like to see how your expertise can support the RNLI's aim of reducing drowning and saving lives at sea, this could be the role for you. Please visit our jobs page and apply today!

Closing date: 30 August 2026.

Interview date: w/c 7 September 2026 (on Teams).

The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process).

Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join our established and vital organisation as a Safe Accommodation Manager, overseeing a dynamic and dedicated team providing exceptional support services to survivors of domestic abuse within refuge and dispersed accommodation.

The right candidate will love a challange and be able to hit the ground running. You will thrive in an everchanging environement, working with clients and employees from all walks of life. This is an exciting role, making a real difference to the lives of individuals and their children, as they navigate their stay in refuge or dispersed refuge accommodation. It involves supporting a team of workers, to ensure the highest level of support is delivered to our clients at an important time in their lives. The role includes safeguarding our clients and team, ensuring procedures are followed and maintaining health and safety across the sites.

In return, we offer a supportive and friendly working environement, with regular management catch ups and team members to call on when needed. We offer an enhanced annual leave package, which increases with long service, and the addition of your brithday off. Enhanced sick pay is also offered to support you when you need ir. The wellbeing of our team members is important to us. We have an employee assistant programme offering free, 24/7 counselling and support, clinical supervision and an annual employee wellbeing day. You will also have access to a comprehensive training package.

About Reprieve

Reprieve is a leading international human rights organisation working to end the death penalty and abuses committed under the banner of national security. Founded in 1999, our mission remains critically relevant as governments worldwide increasingly adopt authoritarian tactics, expanding executive power at the expense of civil liberties.

You can best judge a society by how it treats prisoners, criminal defendants, and the far-flung targets of an ever-changing counter-terror policy. To us, the rule of law means little if we selectively apply it to people we agree with. It is for all of us. Liberty is always eroded at the margins.

Reprieve’s staff is made up of courageous and committed human rights defenders. We provide vital legal and investigative support to those facing execution and victims of rendition, torture, arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killing, and citizenship stripping. Our work spans multiple jurisdictions, challenging states' most egregious human rights violations through strategic litigation, investigations, and advocacy.

We support cases in courts worldwide while building the legal and political momentum necessary to consign these practices to history.

Based in London with Fellows and partners globally, Reprieve operates at the intersection of law, policy, and human rights, working alongside governments, senior legal practitioners, and civil society to advance systemic change.

We collaborate closely with our independent partner organization Reprieve US.

About the Role

The Head of Operations will oversee the day-to-day running of the global operations of Reprieve UK, Reprieve US, and our work around the globe. They will have broad responsibility for HR operations, office and facilities management, IT and systems, compliance, data protection, security risk management and operational support across Reprieve’s international operations

This role is critical to supporting a high performing group of staff, fellows, consultants, and partner organisations working together to provide the highest possible standard of service to Reprieve clients, their families and communities. The successful postholder will be committed to Reprieve’s mission of ending the use of the death penalty and extreme human rights abuses carried out in the name of “national security”, as well as to building and maintaining happy and healthy teams.

The successful postholder will support the Senior Management Team (who hold delegated responsibility) to ensure the smooth running of the organisation, including maintaining compliance with key statutory and regulatory requirements at all times. The Head of Operations will have a central role in ensuring that good practice, wellbeing, and compliance work hand in hand with one another, and is embedded within the ethos of the organisation for the benefit of our clients and Reprieve’s mission.

The Head of Operations will supervise the work of the Operations Team and will report to a member of the Senior Management Team.

Terms

This is a full-time position on a permanent contract. The annual salary is £61,003 full-time per annum, less any required deductions for income tax and national insurance. 

This role is based in Reprieve’s London office. Reprieve operates a hybrid working model and we require staff to work 40% per week from the London office and the rest of the week from home. You will also be available outside of office hours in the event of an emergency and when required as part of the security risk management framework (for example to monitor extreme risk trips). Applicants must have current right to work in the UK, which will be checked prior to interview.

Reprieve is proud to have an open and transparent pay structure, governed by a 3:1 pay ratio between the highest-paid member of staff and the lowest-paid member of staff. We are a flexible employer and offer a range of non-financial benefits to employees. We welcome applications from a range of backgrounds

How to Apply

Please download the application form and job description from our website. Completed application forms should then be uploaded via the form on our website by the deadline of 23:59 BST on 20 September 2026.

Please note that cover letters, CVs and other documents cannot be considered for this role and should not be submitted.

Are you passionate about racial justice and supporting young Black people to thrive?

Our Youth Employment Manager role is an exciting new opportunity to lead on Poetic Unity’s innovative Employment programmes, which makes up one of our three priority areas: Mental Health, Employment and Education. This role, forming part of our Senior Leadership Team, will play a critical role in supporting thousands of Black young people across the UK to access safe, inclusive and empowering employment opportunities - changing culture and reshaping systems.

Key responsbilities 

- Be responsible for the development and management of the Chief Operations Officer Senior Leadership Training (COO SLT) - an innovative training programme for 10 Black young people to achieve the skills required to thrive in positions of senior leadership

- Be directly responsible for the management of the annual Cultural Leaders programme - a 12 month employment programme for 5 Black young people each year, working across different areas of Poetic Unity and with partners across the sector to develop transferable skills.

- Design, implement and manage The Blueprint - a national framework of best practice for the employment of Black young people in creative organisations

- Ensure all Employment programmes are effectively meeting the needs of the target demographic and are aligned with Poetic Unity’s strategic Vision

- Ensure all Employment programmes are effectively meeting the objectives and funding goals as outlined in associated funding requirements

- Be responsible for the effective monitoring and evaluation of all Employment programmes

- Be responsible for programme budget and finance management, working in line with awarded funding allocations and following all documentation protocols. 

Person specification 

- At least 2 years experience in leadership, people and project management roles, preferably within the charity sector

- Proven track record of effectively managing programmes and services, including programme development, implementation, and evaluation. To hold the knowledge, skills and confidence to bring programmes to life, oversee and manage their efficiency and deliver against outlined project goals and funding requirements

- Experience in project finance management, including keeping to budgets, managing over or underspend, and maintaining required evidence for efficient fund management

- Strong background in operational management - programme impact and evaluation, risk management and programme development

- Experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and advocacy, with the ability to represent Poetic Unity effectively at various levels and build strong, sustainable partnerships to support the programme goals and our strategic vision. 

About us

Poetic Unity is a Black-led charity committed to addressing systemic racism and its impacts on children and young people’s mental health, education and employment. We use poetry and social action to cultivate joy, connection and empowerment across our communities. Based in Brixton and founded in 2015, we have since worked with over 60,000 young people across the UK in communities, education, cultural spaces and prisons. 

As a Black-led charity working towards racial justice, we strongly welcome applications from people with lived experience of racism. We are also particularly interested in applications from women and people from and/or with knowledge of our local Brixton community.

If this role sounds of interest to you please read full job description below with more details and how you can apply

About Hope for the Young

Hope for the Young removes the obstacles to young refugees and sanctuary-seekers’ education and wellbeing through mentoring, advocacy, and financial support.

The Mentoring Programme supports young refugees and sanctuary-seekers aged 16-25 by matching them with trained volunteer mentors who provide weekly one-to-one support tailored to the young people's needs. Mentors help with teaching English, enrolment advice, study skills, confidence and trust building, and provide emotional and practical support that helps young people access new services, adapt and settle into their communities.

The Grants and Advocacy Programme supports young people who, due to their immigration status, have no access to student finance or other financial support to enable them to go to college or university. We provide small grants to pay for tuition fees, living allowances and travel expenses, alongside tailored advocacy support to enable young refugees and sanctuary-seekers to access education in the UK.

About this role

Hope for the Young is looking for an experienced and proactive Head of Finance and Operations to lead the smooth running of our finance, systems, HR and office functions. This is a hands-on role at the heart of a small, ambitious charity, giving you the opportunity to shape how we operate as we grow our support for young refugees and sanctuary-seekers across London.

You will oversee financial management and reporting, ensuring accurate records, robust controls and clear budgeting and forecasting to support the charity's long-term sustainability. You will also lead on our Salesforce system and wider data practices, manage day-to-day office and operational matters, and take responsibility for HR across the organisation. You will also line-manage our Finance and Administration Officer.

This is a varied and rewarding role for someone who enjoys working across multiple areas of responsibility and thrives in a small team environment. Working closely with the CEO and Head of Programmes, you will play a central role in ensuring Hope for the Young has the systems, processes and people in place to deliver our mission effectively, efficiently and sustainably, helping us support more young people seeking safety to build safe, hopeful futures.

We offer a flexible and hybrid working environment, however you will be expected to come to our office in Brixton for a minimum of 1 day per week (on a Wednesday, which is our office team day).

Key responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

· Lead and oversee the charity's financial management, ensuring robust controls, effective processes and compliance with financial policies and procedures.

· Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and financial planning in collaboration with the CEO and Head of Programmes to support organisational sustainability.

· Oversee the delivery of day-to-day finance operations, including bookkeeping, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and financial record-keeping, delivered by the Finance and Administration Officer, providing guidance, training, and support as necessary.

· Monitor income, expenditure, reserves and restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring accurate financial reporting and effective resource management.

· Prepare and present monthly management accounts, financial reports and analysis to support decision-making by the CEO and Board.

· Maintain and strengthen financial controls, delegated authority arrangements and audit processes to ensure strong financial governance.

Leadership, Governance and Organisational Management

· Lead organisational operational planning and risk management, ensuring systems, processes and resources align with and support delivery of the strategic plan

· Sit as a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), contributing to organisational strategy, cross-team planning and key decision-making alongside the CEO and Head of Programmes.

· Maintain the organisational risk register, working with the CEO and Board to identify and mitigate strategic and operational risks.

· Own the organisation’s policy framework, maintaining the policy register and ensuring the timely revision, review and compliance of all policies.

IT and Office Management

· Lead the development, administration and optimisation of Salesforce, other fundraising platforms and related system integrations to support fundraising, donor engagement and programme delivery, liaising closely with the Salesforce consultant to implement system enhancements and resolve issues.

· Drive the continuous improvement of Salesforce systems, processes and data management practices, ensuring high standards of data quality, security and operational efficiency.

· Oversee the IT infrastructure, managing the procurement and ongoing maintenance of IT hardware, systems and software with support from the external IT provider.

· Provide training, guidance and user support on Salesforce, Sharepoint, and all related platforms to maximise staff capability and system adoption.

· Ensure a fully functioning office base which enables Hope for the Young to deliver its operational activities in the most efficient and effective manner.

Human Resource Management

· Lead and oversee HR operations, including the recruitment, onboarding and retention of staff and volunteers

· Oversee employee lifecycle processes, including inductions, appraisals, performance reviews and professional development planning

· Ensure compliance with employment legislation and organisational policies through effective management and administration of contracts, HR records, employee benefits and people processes

· Lead on team wellbeing, fostering a supportive, inclusive, and resilient working culture across the team

The job description as described will be reviewed on a regular basis to respond to any changing needs of the post.

Benefits

• 25 days' annual leave (pro rata), excluding bank holidays, plus additional time off over the Christmas period

• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements

• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – a confidential counselling/support helpline

• Regular development opportunities to support professional development

• Quarterly wellbeing afternoons – group outings or activities to relax and unwind

Further Information

• You must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this job.

• You must adhere to Hope for the Young’s Equal Opportunities Policy at all times.

• Your employment at Hope for the Young is subject to two satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check.

• There is a 3-month probation period for this role.

To Apply

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of forced migration. If you think you have the skills and experience to be our new Head of Finance and Operations, we would love to hear from you.

We understand that AI can be a helpful tool when writing job applications. However, our advice is to not over-rely on AI and ensure your application is a true reflection of you and your voice. We can often tell when AI has been over-relied on and, in many cases, this is not giving applicants the best chance of success.

To submit your application you will need to send your CV and supporting letter, outlining how you meet the person specification for this post and explaining why you would like to work for Hope for the Young.The deadline to apply is 9am Thursday 3rd September. Interviews will take place on 10th and 11th September. If successful, you will be invited to a second interview the following week.