Area chair jobs

About Bond and the role 

Bond is the UK network for organisations working in international development. We unite and support a diverse network of over 400 civil society organisations to help eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice. We strengthen and champion the sector to make international development more efficient and effective. We work to influence governments and policy-makers, develop the skills of people in the sector, share expertise, and build organisational capacity and partnerships. 

BAWG is the Bond Afghan Working Group which represents approx. 30 charitable organisations based in the UK and Ireland, with a focus on Afghanistan. BAWG’s members are involved in the delivery of humanitarian & development aid, through colleagues, teams and local providers throughout Afghanistan.

BAWG’s focus is advocacy and comms with key stakeholders in the UK, who are primarily MPs, parliamentarians and select media. Members of BAWG meet online once a fortnight; the group has a Steering Committee, which is accountable to its members and has recently embarked on a new strategic direction. 

We are now looking for a Coordinator who will ensure both the smooth day-to-day running of BAWG and also play a pivotal role in the next steps in delivering our strategy. The role, funded from membership fees and donations, is BAWG’s only salaried post, and will ensure the board meets its commitments to members, and reports effectively into Bond. For the right candidate, it offers a real opportunity to play an active and important role in BAWG’s development. 

Main purpose of the job 

This is a new role at an important time; government funding is under extreme pressure and the geo-political backdrop is increasingly tumultuous, while Afghanistan continues to be one of world’s most fragile and challenging contexts. BAWG’s focus and objectives require careful coordination, so we are in search of a skilful professional who will be equally comfortable to perform admin duties, but also embrace the possibilities of a passionate network of individuals and organisations.

• We need someone who will be able to establish and maintain appropriate administrative routines, contribute to long-term sustainability of the group and take responsibility for overseeing membership, fundraising and coordination of communication with key stakeholders. 

• The successful candidate will have a good working knowledge of the context and some demonstrable passion for the key issues facing organisations working in Afghanistan. 

• A key aspect of the role will be to maintain relationships with key government departments and contacts, so experience in similar role is desirable. The key skills and competencies include Stakeholder management, organisational and influencing.

A Day in the Life 

A day in the life of the adviser is likely to be very varied. Built around a fortnightly meeting with the group, the adviser will act as a focus for sharing intelligence and information coming out of the group, and ensuring that all members are well informed. At the same time, the adviser might equally be working with members of Bond’s media team, looking at opportunities to bring focus and attention on issues relating to Afghanistan through opinion pieces commissioned from key thinkers. Or it might be an event in Parliament, building consensus and support with MPs, looking at opportunities to bring key issues to light. And, of course, you will be part of Bond’s wider membership team, and exploring ways of working together, looking at how we attract new members into the group will be part of the role. It’s an ideal role for someone who likes to dive into different areas of activity at the same time, but also to bring their own ideas about networking and engagement to the wider team. 

Main responsibilities 

• Coordinate, chair and report on an agreed set of meetings including

• The fortnightly BAWG group (currently 27 members) Managing the agenda, agreeing minutes and action points where relevant with BAWG Board, always ensuring confidentiality is maintained 

• Managing and coordination of working groups, and meetings with wider group of stakeholders 

• Develop and manage good working relationships with BOND, maintaining BAWG’s presence on and contribution to the BOND platform and liaising with contacts at BOND to ensure a good working relationship. 

• Maintain records of all group members and establish effective approach to the sharing of documents and flow of information 

• Work with the BAWG Board and wider group of members to develop current membership and explore ways of augmenting BAWG’s reserves including fundraising, membership drive and event planning 

• Playing an active role in defining and shaping the scope of BAWG with professional administration 

• Overseeing and supporting the design and implementation of BAWG’s strategic annual plan 

• Supporting the group to maintain relationships with key government departments, including the Humanitarian Team at FCDO. 

• Supporting the group to maintain key relationships with other sector working groups, including those run by Bond, and others outside the Bond network 

• Supporting and coordinating fundraising opportunities that support key group activities. 

• Overseeing relevant funding calls; where feasible, leading on opportunities from donors and/or potential new members to support BAWG’s work.

• Developing and delivering a comprehensive comms approach for BAWG 

• Coordinating and delivering events on behalf of the group as appropriate 

• Manage consultations with membership to inform external engagement 

Person specification 

Essential 

• Experienced at autonomous working, setting own priorities, managing own time and able to establish own accountabilities.

• Proven solid organisational and administrative skills 

• Demonstrate sound interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, at all levels: consultation and consensus-building are core to the role’s responsibilities and activities. 

• Solid communication and written skills 

• Experience of commissioning and managing short-term consultancy contracts 

• Demonstrable experience of working within a network 

• Demonstrable experience of communications and events planning, particularly in the build up to milestone events or reports 

Desirable 

• Experience and understanding of the humanitarian ecosystem and networks would be an advantage, and preferably, some experience and understanding of Afghanistan. 

• Experience of fundraising and bid writing, ideally in a humanitarian context, and some understanding of the potential context for fundraising for the group 

• Some experience of budget management and financial management 

Benefits 

Bond offers a competitive salary and benefits package including: 

• 27 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays, with additional staff privilege days, normally between Christmas and New Year 

• Day off for your birthday 

• 7% pension contributions (staff pay 3.5%)

• Flexible working hours (Hybrid working – 1 day, minimum in the office per month) 

• Staff Development days 

• Perk Box access 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

• WeCare (Health and wellbeing services, including access to 24/7 online GP services, second medical opinion, mental health support such as counselling, guidance from health professionals, burnout prevention, life event counselling, get fit programmes, nutritionist advice, etc. – for staff and immediate family) 

• Interest free season ticket loan 

How to apply 

To apply submit your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for this role by midnight 31st May 

Bond and equal opportunities 

Bond values diversity and works to advance equity and inclusion. All staff have a responsibility to ensure that they are being open, accepting and respectful to all that they come into contact with within their work at Bond, regardless their protected characteristics. Acting in accordance with the EDI policy, Bond staff must contribute to our inclusive organisational culture ensuring that they are aware of and respond appropriately to micro-aggressions, racism, sexism, LQBTQ+ misconduct and disability equity. Bond Staff must not be bystanders, and must report when they witness any unacceptable behaviour. 

 In order to assess and ensure the continued effectiveness of Bond’s Equal Opportunities Policy, all applicants are asked to complete a short questionnaire when applying. You are not obliged to answer the questions but the more information you supply the more effectively we can monitor our equal opportunity practices. Completion of all questions is voluntary and failure to answer any question(s) will not affect your application in any way.

The information you supply will be treated in confidence and will not be seen by any member of the selection panel responsible for the appointment. The questionnaire will be detached from your CV and cover letter, stored anonymously and used purely to provide statistics for monitoring purposes. 

Subject of employment at Bond 

If successful, you must have the right to work for the duration of your contract at Bond. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references. Bond also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Are you an experienced fundraising leader ready to drive major gift growth at one of the world’s most significant museums? Join the University of Oxford and lead fundraising for the Ashmolean Museum, securing significant philanthropic support that advances its global cultural and academic mission.

• Location: Oxford (with hybrid working options)
• Salary: £65,336 – £75,439 per annum (with possible extension to £82,225 including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).
• Contract: Full-time, Permanent

About Us

The Ashmolean Museum- Britain’s first public museum has been open since 1683, and is the University of Oxford’s world-class museum of art and archaeology. Situated in the heart of the city we are an iconic cultural destination welcoming over 1million visitors a year. Entering a new phase of ambitious fundraising as part of the Oxford Excellence Campaign, the Ashmolean seeks to deliver planned major projects to transform access to, engagement with and understanding of our collections. Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE) drives philanthropic support across the University, enabling impact at a global scale.

Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

This is a senior leadership opportunity with significant influence and visibility.

You will lead the Ashmolean’s fundraising strategy, driving major gift activity that supports the Museum’s priorities. You will shape and deliver a compelling case for support, building a strong pipeline of donors.

You will personally manage a portfolio of high-value donors, cultivating long-term relationships and securing six- and seven-figure gifts. Working closely with the Museum Director, Board of Visitors, and senior academic colleagues, you will connect donors with opportunities that align their interests with the Ashmolean’s mission and global impact.

Alongside your external focus, you will lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture. You will also contribute to the wider DAE strategy, working across Oxford’s collegiate and departmental network to maximise philanthropic success.

About You

• Proven track record of securing major gifts (six- and seven-figure) and building strong donor relationships
• Experience developing and delivering fundraising strategies in complex organisations
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and supporting teams
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders
• Ability to think strategically while taking initiative and driving results

Sponsorship and Right to Work

This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa. Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Thursday 28 May 2026.

Interviews will take place on Friday 12 June 2026, and will be held face-to-face in Oxford.

Senior Service Manager: Tackling Loneliness

Part time 25 hours per week 3-year East Sussex County Council funded programme

Based Newhaven or Eastbourne depending on successful candidate location and service needs, with travel across East Sussex

Salary range £35,304 - £41,363 per annum pro rata dependent on qualification, skills and experience (upper range awarded to exceptional / highly experienced candidates)

The next phase of our Tackling Loneliness Programme from 2026-29 will make further progress towards our vision for East Sussex to be a place where no-one feels lonely and our mission to reduce loneliness and build a connected and supportive community for all.

As the Senior Service Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping this bold, system‑shifting programme that brings partners, communities and seldom‑heard voices together to create lasting change. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in collaborative environments, loves connecting people and ideas, and is energised by building new ways of working. If you’re driven by purpose, skilled at orchestrating complex partnerships, and inspired by the chance to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, this role offers the space, challenge and creativity to make a difference.

With a track record in effective collaboration with stakeholders at all levels within the public, private and VCSE sectors, you will be accustomed to organising and running meetings and forums to gain insight and take forward ideas from across the partnership.

We are looking for people to join our team who have the qualities and skills we feel would most benefit our clients & communities; professionalism, empathy, kindness and understanding. In return, we understand people want to work in a supportive environment with friendly colleagues. We offer a flexible, hybrid approach to delivery wherever possible, annual leave of 25 days per year pro rata plus bank holidays and sick pay from the start (increasing with service), additional sick pay per year for planned operations and recovery, a pension scheme, bereavement leave, and managers who are available to you… plus a day off for your birthday!

Please visit our website for the full job description, person specification and our application form.

Vacancy closes: at 5pm Sunday 31st May 2026

1st stage interviews to be held in Newhaven on Wednesday 10th & Thursday 11th June 2026

For job description and to apply, please visit our website

Completed application forms should be sent to HR via email.

You may think that you’re not a 100% match to what we’re looking for, but we recognise that some skills and experience may be transferable rather than an exact match. If you’re unsure about whether to apply, please do contact the HR team and we would be happy to arrange an informal discussion with the recruiting manager.

Bowel Cancer UK is the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.

We currently have employees working across four nations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to deliver our ambitious new strategy, On a Mission. There are huge challenges facing bowel cancer patients across the UK and our community needs us now more than ever. We’re building a strong and united team to bring us closer to a world where nobody dies of bowel cancer.

Job Summary

As Director of Income Generation and Growth, you will lead a step-change in sustainable income growth for Bowel Cancer UK, positioning the organisation for scale, resilience, and long-term impact. You will drive a data-led, insight-driven approach to income generation, optimising existing pipelines while unlocking new and diversified revenue streams.

You will develop and deliver a fully costed, evidence-based income strategy that accelerates growth, brings innovation and commercial intelligence, strengthens return on investment, and builds organisational momentum.

You will bring strategic vision and gravitas, significant sector expertise, and an inclusive, collaborative leadership style, line-managing the fundraising leadership team, ensuring a high-performing culture and guiding a team of passionate professionals to maximise Bowel Cancer UK's charitable income and impact across the UK.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and at Bowel Cancer UK we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful candidates may be subject to either a satisfactory basic, standard or enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dependent upon the role.

Are you passionate about building relationships to drive meaningful change to make a real difference in people’s lives? Samaritans is the UK and Ireland’s leading suicide prevention charity. While we are best known for listening to those who need us, we also work to influence change through our advocacy campaigning and relationships with political stakeholders.​

We are looking for a Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer to join our team and help influence decision makers and mobilise our campaigners to achieve our vision of fewer lives lost to suicide. You’ll play a pivotal role in delivering inspiring public affairs and advocacy campaign activity that help achieve our policy and influencing aims, resulting in lasting system change.​

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About the Role

As Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer, you will lead on the development and delivery of impactful advocacy campaigns and public affairs activity, managing supporter journeys and mobilisation, as well as political engagement. It involves building strong relationships with parliamentarians, Samaritans branches and people with lived experience, while producing high‑quality campaign actions, briefings, events, and intelligence to influence change.

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Contract

£30,000-£33,000 per annum plus benefits

Full Time (35hrs per week)

Permanent

Hybrid working with link to Ewell office

In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We work in person around 2 days per month. This role will also involve regular travel to Westminster.

We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences 

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What You’ll Do

• Develop and deliver effective advocacy campaign actions.
• Manage campaign data, mailing lists and inboxes.
• Support strategy development for campaigns and lead community mobilisation.
• Promote our campaigning work internally and externally.
• Build and maintain public affairs relationships, particularly with parliamentarians.
• Monitor parliamentary developments and identify opportunities for influencing.
• Coordinate political engagement events.
• Provide secretariat support to relevant APPGs.

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What You’ll Bring

• Strong experience designing impactful advocacy campaigns.
• Solid understanding of public affairs and the Westminster environment.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and relationship‑building skills.
• Highly organised, proactive and adaptable, with strong project and time‑management skills.
• (Desirable) Knowledge of suicide prevention and mental health policy, local and regional political structures, and experience within complex service‑delivery charities.​

Full Job Description and Person Specification attached

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Why Samaritans?

At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.​

We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.​

You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.​

For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available here. You can also visit our careers website to access this.​

We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.​

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Apply now

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to some answer short application questions (please keep your answers to max 300 words) and to upload your CV.​

Applications close: 09:00am on Tuesday 2nd June* 

Interviews: We will be interviewing throughout the application period.

*We reserve the right to close applications early if a suitable candidate is identified. 

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At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do.

We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team.

We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through.

Yeldall Manor is a Christian residential treatment centre near Reading for men struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol. We are seeking someone strategic and relational to strengthen and develop all aspects of fundraising for Yeldall Manor, and to lead a new marketing and fundraising campaign. The appointee will join our senior leadership team and shape the next chapter of our development as we are at a pivotal moment of opportunity, with an ambitious vision to build our Christ-centred identity and practice, pursue excellence and impact, and expand our reach.

We are looking for someone who will:

• Lead supporter acquisition activities and build the portfolio of individuals, churches, trusts, corporates and other organisations supporting the work of Yeldall Manor.
• Build deep, mission-aligned partnerships with donors and stakeholders.
• Lead and implement an effective marketing and communications strategy to help position Yeldall Manor within the top tier of UK residential rehab centres.
• Lead and execute a high-impact fundraising strategy across major gifts, individual giving, churches, trusts & foundations, corporates, and legacies.
• Work closely with the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team to align income generation with Yeldall Manor’s strategic vision and programme outputs.
• Lead the development of funding applications for trusts & foundations.
• Provide leadership and nurture staff working on supporter acquisition, fundraising and marketing activities, empowering them to deliver with excellence.
• Inspire a culture of philanthropy throughout the organisation, rooted in strong values and relational excellence

You will be working alongside the existing Administration and Supporter Relations Manager, and other staff assisting with marketing and administration, based mainly at Yeldall Manor, which means you will have daily contact with those men whom you are helping. They inspire and motivate us just as much as we seek to encourage and support them.

Please see the Job Description for full details and submit a covering letter along with your CV showing how you meet the requirements of the Person Specification. As this is a strategic post within an actively Christian setting, applications should be from committed Christians. Schedule 9, Part 1:3(a) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact CEO, Maarten Fontein or Administration Manager, Sue Hedger - contact details available on our website, which is currently under development.

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This role will support the development and delivery of our services and resources for young people born with a cleft lip and/or palate. Working closely with the Engagement & Services team to help us achieve our mission. 

The Youth Engagement Coordinator will sit within the Engagement & Services Team. They will join a friendly and supportive team of seven colleagues who, together, are responsible for the delivery of CLAPA’s adult, family, children and young people and involvement services. The post holder will develop and deliver services for eight- to seventeen-year-olds, which will enable the young cleft community to connect, share experiences and access guidance and emotional support. Shaping what support looks like, creating positive impact and strengthening reach, this new role for CLAPA will make a real difference to the lives of children and young people born with a cleft.

If you think you have the talent, passion and experience to help us ensure we can always meet the needs of the community we serve, we want to hear from you.

Salary: £41,500

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 need someone to come into the office at least one day a week, on a Thursday. A day where all of the Programmes team come into the office. You can work remotely for the rest of the time. Equally, you may prefer to work from the office full-time. We encourage all colleagues to visit member hospices to help inform our work and you may be able to work from there. 

Contractually this role is London-based.

Contract: 8 Month Contract ending on 31 March 2027

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 – available on our website to download.

Closing date for applications: 23:59 on Sunday 31 May 2026. 

Interview dates: Tuesday June 9 and Wednesday June 10. Interviews will take place online via MS Teams.

Job Information 

The Role

The Conference Manager (FTC) plays a significant part in delivering Hospice UK’s programme of conferences for our hospice membership. As a newly created position, you will take the lead on our one-day conferences while also supporting the delivery of our annual National Conference. 

Our conferences are central to our strategic aim of bringing the sector together to share expertise, collaborate and celebrate innovation. Your work will ensure our conferences are delivered to a high standard and that hospice delegates have access to relevant and timely learning opportunities. 

You will work with a range of internal and external stakeholder as well as the subject matter experts. Listening to their feedback, you will help shape the programme content, work with the wider project team to deliver a smooth and valuable learning opportunity for hospice colleagues. 

The Team

The Conference team is made up of the Senior Conference manager and the Programmes Team Administrator, with support from the Deputy Director of Programmes, Director of Programmes and subject matter experts across the organisation.

It is a mighty team of two, managing a portfolio of 5 in person conferences across the year, from our role focused one-day conferences of around 130 - 150 delegates to our annual National Conference, which welcomes over 1000 delegates.Our team works across the organisation and collaborates with lots of internal and external stakeholders. 

About You

You will have strong attention to detail, excellent organisational skills, and be confident building relationships with a wider range of stakeholders. 

You will bring:

• Proven experience of organising in person conferences, events or seminars (or similar complex activities) for around 130 people or more
• Ability to distil conversations, feedback and discussions into actionable insights that support effective planning.
• Naturally curious and proactive
• A self-motivated, self-sufficient approach to managing your workload
• Strong time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities

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

What does it take to lead the national voice for special schools at a time of real change?

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – National Association of Special Schools (NASS)

National – home-based, with regular travel across England and Wales, particularly London

£90,000–£110,000 per annum

Full-time, permanent.

About NASS 

The National Association of Special Schools (NASS) is the membership association for special schools in England and Wales. We bring together independent special schools, non-maintained special schools, special academies, maintained special schools and multi-academy trusts with specialist provision.

We exist to inform, support and represent our members, helping specialist schools improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND and secure the place of specialist provision within the wider education system. NASS is known for being accessible, responsive and personal, combining national influence with practical support that members value as timely, human and trustworthy.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. In February this year, the Department for Education published a major white paper on SEND reform which will require NASS to both influence national policy on behalf of our members and children and young people, as well as support them to navigate the changes. Our new CEO will need to review our strategy while building on our strong platform and momentum to further deepen our influence and strengthen our internal capacity.

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Lead NASS through a period of policy and structural change, ensuring the organisation remains clear on purpose, responsive to members and influential in the SEND landscape.
• Governance & Finance: Work closely with the Board of Trustees to provide strong governance, prudent financial stewardship, robust risk management and clear strategic oversight.
• Operational Leadership: Provide confident leadership to a small, remote team, strengthening collaboration, accountability, resilience and a positive, high-trust culture.
• Income Generation: Oversee budgeting, planning and reporting while developing thoughtful opportunities to diversify income through membership, partnerships, events and related activity.
• Community & Partnerships: Build and sustain trusted relationships with government, parliament, regulators, sector bodies and member schools, ensuring NASS remains relevant and well connected.
• Member Services: Protect and enhance the practical offer to members, from briefings and special interest groups to conferences, webinars, training and peer-to-peer learning.
• Brand & Profile: Act as a credible public ambassador for NASS, helping to modernise communications and broaden the organisation’s voice beyond a founder-shaped model.
• Future Growth: Shape a distributed leadership profile and support a more varied, accessible and engaging approach to membership, advocacy and communications.
• A seasoned senior leader with experience in a charity, membership body, education or public sector setting, and a clear track record of leading through change.
• A strong strategic thinker, able to absorb complex information quickly and translate it into clear, practical direction.
• A confident communicator with the gravitas to represent NASS with members, staff, trustees, MPs, peers, media and national partners.
• A politically astute relationship-builder, comfortable navigating a complex and fast-moving external environment.
• Experienced in governance, with a sound understanding of working with boards or trustees and supporting effective decision-making.
• Numerate and commercially minded, with experience of budgets, financial planning, income generation or partnership development.
• Credible, approachable and resilient, with the emotional intelligence to lead well in a high-profile, remote and sometimes uncertain context.
• Direct SEND experience would be a significant advantage, alongside understanding of specialist education or similarly complex stakeholder environments.

Why NASS?

• This is a chance to lead a respected, member-led organisation with a strong national reputation and a clear public purpose.
• You will help shape the future of specialist education at a time when SEND reform is high on the agenda.
• NASS has a loyal, experienced and collegiate remote staff team, supported by an active Board of Trustees.
• The organisation offers a genuinely influential platform, with strong connections across the sector and with government.

Application

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 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 8th June 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.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Sussex Community Housing Hub team in providing technical advice and support to communities engaged in rural and community led housing projects.

Community-led housing involves local people playing a leading and lasting role in solving housing problems, creating genuinely affordable homes and strong communities.

You will be working in conjunction with other members of the Hub to help deliver quality affordable housing schemes that these communities are truly proud of.  

The role

This is a senior, externally facing post reporting to the Chief Executive. You'll manage a caseload of community-led housing projects, lead a small team of advisors, and work in partnership with communities, parish councils, housing associations, local authorities, landowners, and developers across East and West Sussex.

You'll also play a part in shaping Druv Homes, AirS's emerging housing association.

What you'll be doing

• Guiding community groups through all stages of the housing development process — from vision and site identification through to planning, funding, and scheme delivery
• Advising on site selection, RP partnerships, planning applications, S106 agreements, and funding strategies (both capital and revenue)
• Building and managing relationships with a wide range of partners — communities, RPs, local authorities, planners, developers, and agents
• Supporting communities to access funding and drafting bids where needed
• Overseeing professional advisers (architects, engineers, etc.) commissioned by community groups
• Leading project team meetings, maintaining project plans, and problem-solving
• Contributing to lobbying and sector advocacy alongside national partners
• Keeping pace with policy and legislative changes in affordable housing and community-led development

What we're looking for

Essential:

• At least 5 years' experience in affordable housing development
• A relevant degree (surveying, building, business management or equivalent experience)
• Proven track record in project management and scheme delivery
• Experience working with local authorities, RPs, and community organisations
• Team management experience
• Strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills

Desirable:

• Experience of rural affordable housing and community-led models e.g. Community Land Trusts (CLTs)
• Knowledge of rural housing policy
• Background in the not-for-profit sector
• Experience reporting to boards or executive teams

Practical

The role is based in Lewes with hybrid working. Regular but infrequent travel across East and West Sussex is required — a driving licence or equivalent transport access is essential.

For more information about the role and the organisation download the Job Description, Person Specification and AirS Prospectus.