Associate director jobs

Permanent | Full-time 

Salary: £58,560 – £71,480 per annum

Hours: 35 per week

Location: Home-based with regular national travel 

Job reference number: 1766

Help shape the future of Cranstoun’s services 

Cranstoun is a social justice and harm reduction charity supporting and empowering people to live healthier and safer lives. Each year, we support more than 45,000 people through services including substance use, criminal justice, domestic abuse, housing and services for children and young people. 

Following a successful five-year strategy and significant growth, we remain ambitious about the difference we can make. As we enter our next phase, we are investing in the leadership and operational capability needed to support our continued development. We are now recruiting an Assistant Directors of Service to join our senior management team.

This is a significant senior leadership role offering the opportunity to lead substantial service portfolios while helping shape how Cranstoun’s services are led and delivered across the organisation. 

The role

Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will lead a substantial portfolio of complex commissioned services and senior operational managers. 

You will lead eight services with nine direct reports, spanning substance use and services for children and young people. You will have clear accountability for ensuring services are safe, effective and well-led, with strong contractual performance, financial sustainability and positive outcomes for the people and communities we support. 

You will provide operational grip and evidence-based assurance, strengthen safeguarding and management accountability, build effective relationships with commissioners and partners, and ensure risks and underperformance are identified, escalated and addressed early. 

You will also work collectively with fellow senior operational leaders to embed a One Cranstoun approach, strengthening common standards, sharing learning, developing leadership capability and improving quality and resilience across our services. 

What you will be accountable for 

As an Assistant Director, you will take senior operational accountability for: 

• Safe, effective and well-led services – ensuring strong safeguarding, quality, operational risk management and service user outcomes.  
• Contractual performance – ensuring services deliver against contractual requirements and KPIs, with strong commissioner relationships and timely action to address underperformance.  
• Financial sustainability – maintaining strong financial oversight, effective workforce management and oversight of the sustainability of individual contracts.  
• Evidence-based assurance – using reliable performance, quality, workforce and financial information to identify risks and drive improvement.  
• Collective organisational leadership – working beyond individual portfolio boundaries to build consistent standards, stronger leadership and shared ways of working across Cranstoun.  

You will lead and develop senior operational managers, set clear expectations and create a culture in which support and accountability operate together. 

You will also lead and contribute to service mobilisation, transformation, workforce planning and continuous improvement. 

Who we are looking for 

We are looking for established senior operational leaders with substantial experience leading complex commissioned services and geographically dispersed teams. 

You will bring a strong track record of: 

• leading safe, high-quality services for people with complex needs;  
• safeguarding, quality and operational risk management;  
• contract and performance management;  
• managing significant service budgets and improving financial performance;  
• building effective relationships with commissioners, regulators and strategic partners;  
• leading service improvement, mobilisation and organisational change;  
• developing senior operational managers and addressing underperformance; and  
• using performance, quality, workforce and financial information to provide assurance and drive improvement.  

You will need to combine strategic leadership with operational pragmatism, understanding the detail when necessary while maintaining oversight of performance, risk, quality and sustainability across a complex portfolio. 

Above all, we are looking for collaborative, credible and values-led leaders who can support and challenge in equal measure, build leadership capability and bring people together around common standards and organisational priorities. 

Specialist experience 

For this role, significant senior leadership experience within substance use services is essential, including experience of leading CQC-regulated provision and maintaining high standards of quality, safety and regulatory compliance. 

You will also need a strong understanding of safeguarding and the governance required to deliver safe and effective services for children and young people. Direct operational experience of Children & Young People services would be valuable, but we are equally interested in candidates who can demonstrate strong safeguarding and CYP governance experience alongside substantial substance use leadership. 

This permanent appointment offers the opportunity to provide long-term leadership to a significant portfolio and help shape the future development of Cranstoun’s services. 

Be part of Cranstoun’s next chapter 

Our successful five-year strategy has seen Cranstoun grow considerably, extending our reach and the range of services we provide. We remain ambitious and innovative, committed to developing services that respond to the changing needs of people and communities. 

As we look to the future, we are investing in the leadership, operational capability and organisational infrastructure needed to support our continued development, strengthening operational governance, consistency and assurance across our services. 

This role offers the opportunity to do more than manage established portfolios. You will help shape the future of our services and build an Operations Directorate characterised by high standards, clear accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. 

Find out more 

Please refer to the accompanying recruitment pack for the full Job Description, Person Specification and details of the application process.

Please note: All posts are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

How to Apply:

For more details and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button. Please quote the appropriate Job Ref in all correspondence.

Applicants must be able to provide satisfactory evidence of their right to work in the UK at the application stage.

Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.

Closing date: Sunday 20 September 2026.

We are an inclusive employer, committed to promoting equality and diversity in all areas of our work. 

Registered Charity No: 1061582

Full time, permanent contract with probation period.

The New Economics Foundation is this year celebrating forty years of changing the rules of the economy so that it works better for people and planet, and we are determined to make the next forty count even more. Our team of talented researchers, innovators, organisers and communicators are focused on three goals: a fast and fair transition to a green economy, economic security for all, and shifting power to communities. To do that, we want to reform the fiscal framework, bring down the cost of life’s essentials, and bring more assets into community and public ownership.

This is a hugely exciting time to join our organisation, as we focus on sharpening our impact. Over the course of the next five years, we plan to win policy change, shape the manifestos of political parties, develop a global network of leaders, and ‘flood the zone’ with animating ideas. This role is a chance not only to be part of that change, but to help design and lead it.

We are looking for a talented and respected advocacy and communications professional, with an impressive track record in influencing public policy, a strong and trusted network of policy and political relationships, and a strategic understanding of the opportunities and risks in front of us.

Role: Associate director advocacy and communications
Hours of work: Full Time (32 hours per week under NEF’s Shorter Working Week)
Salary: £70,720 — £78,061
Location: London (in-office two days per week)
Contract type: Permanent

How to apply

Deadline for applications: midnight, 2nd September 2026.

Interviews: Interviews will consist of two stages, with the second stage divided into two parts:

• Stage One: Online interviews will take place on 10th September 2026

All candidates shortlisted following Stage One will progress to both parts of the second stage:

• Stage Two:
  • Part One: Online staff panel on 15th September 2026
  • Part Two: In-person main panel on 18th September 2026

Please ensure you have availability on all dates.

Start date: ASAP

To apply, please send your CV and Covering letter (no longer than 2 pages) outlining how you meet the person specification in Word format.

• Job description
• Equality and diversity monitoring form

Please also complete the equality and diversity monitoring form.

You must be eligible to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor visas.

Inclusivity at NEF
NEF wants to be an inclusive workplace with a diverse body of staff. We don’t want to conform to the traditional think-tank model where people from certain backgrounds are hugely under-represented. We know we have some way to go in this and are therefore genuinely keen to

receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic people; women; neurodivergent people; disabled people; people who identify as LGBT+; people with experience of mental health problems; and people who identify as working class or have done so in the past.

Accessibility and Equal Opportunity
We value all candidates and are committed to equal opportunity. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the application process, or would like information in an alternative format, please let us know.

We actively promote positive action to advance fairness and tackle underrepresentation within our workforce.

Associate Director, Investment Development

Contract type: 2-year fixed-term contract with potential to renew – Full-time, 35 hours per week

Location: London, United Kingdom

UK hybrid working – up to 40% of working time is spent face-to-face (London office, external meetings or travel). 60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person.

Salary: £71,481 - £82,059 per year with excellent benefits

About Resilient Water Accelerator (RWA)

The Resilient Water Accelerator (RWA) envisions a future where water security and climate resilience enable people, nature, and economies to thrive. We are a non-profit company that catalyses capital by transforming investment landscapes and scaling financing solutions for water security and climate resilience. RWA is a subsidiary of WaterAid and was launched by the former Prince of Wales in 2021.

About the team

The Resilient Water Accelerator (RWA) is a non-profit subsidiary of WaterAid, launched by the former Prince of Wales in 2021. We catalyse capital by transforming investment landscapes and scaling financing solutions for water security and climate resilience — acting as both market shaper and deal driver, with specialist teams and partners in Nigeria (Lagos), Bangladesh, Morocco, Brazil and South Africa. This role reports to the Senior Director, Programmes & Investment Development.

About the role

As our Associate Director, Investment Development, you will design, structure and scale blended and private/commercial finance solutions for water and water-related investments — water for cities, water for industries and water for nature — and work closely with our CEO, Chief Investment Officer, in-country teams, investors, DFIs and programme partners to drive sustainable change.

In this role, you will:

• Support the structuring of commercially viable investments in water-saving technologies and process improvements for the textiles wet-processing industry in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and scale this work to other garment clusters, countries and industries.
• Lead the provision of advisory services supporting the evaluation, negotiation and implementation of mini- and mega PPP/concession investments in water supply and sanitation in Lagos, Nigeria.
• Originate, structure and develop opportunities for private investment in water supply and sanitation across RWA's target expansion markets.
• Work with consortium partners in the FCDO-funded Just Transitions for Water Security (JTWS) programme to mobilise public and private finance for climate resilience interventions set out in National Adaptation Plans and other partner engagements.
• Support the scaling of finance mobilisation under the Water Forward initiative launched by the World Bank Group and eight partner multilateral development banks: Water for People, Water for Food and Water for the Planet.
• Lead the conceptualisation and scaling of innovative financing instruments — including blue and nature-linked outcomes-based bonds, blended finance facilities and guarantees — and newly structured services such as Wastewater as a Service, leasing models and vendor financing.

To be successful, you will need:

• A graduate degree in economics, business administration, finance, engineering or a related field — or a first degree in one of these fields combined with specialised experience in project development or within a financial institution.
• At least 10 years' professional experience, including substantial transactional experience gained with a developer, within a financial institution, or in transaction advisory.
• At least five years' experience in the financing of private sector infrastructure (project finance, PPPs) and/or the financing of corporate water stewardship investments.
• Ability to investigate complex problems and propose innovative financing solutions, adapting structures thoughtfully to a wide range of country contexts.
• Experience leading teams and managing consultants, developing collaborative relationships and mentoring others with a high degree of cultural sensitivity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with strong presentation skills across audiences ranging from funders to in-country partners.
• A self-starter who manages projects and deliverables to a high standard, working to deadlines and under frequently changing circumstances.

Although not essential, we’d prefer you to have:

• Experience in blended finance, particularly successfully financed transactions incorporating viability gap financing or other concessional or grant components.
• Experience in climate finance, especially developing successfully funded proposals to the Green Climate Fund or other grant-making climate financiers.
• A recognised investment, finance or PPP qualification — for example CFA, FRM, CAIA, ACCA, ICAEW, CPA or CP3P.
• Experience in the water and sanitation sector, and/or foreign language skills relevant to RWA's current portfolio and target expansion markets.

Closing date: Applications close 11:59 PM (UK time) on Monday, 7th September 2026. Interviews are expected to take place the week commencing Monday 14 September.

How to apply: Click Apply to upload your CV and Cover Letter. 

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?

At RWA, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.

Pre‑employment screening

To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and RWA’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK-based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Benefits

• 36days’ holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays)
• Option to buy an extra 5days’ annual leave
• Employer pension contribution up to 10%
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Season ticket loan
• Free annual eye tests
• ‘Give as you Earn’ charitable giving scheme
• Enhanced parental leave (maternity, adoption/surrogacy, shared parental and paternity)
• Sabbaticals
• One paid volunteer day each year

As part of our annual leave policy, all employees receive three additional days of annual leave on top of their standard allocation of 25 days. These days are designated to cover the period when our UK office closes between Christmas and New Year, allowing all employees to take a well-deserved break.

These days are automatically scheduled and cannot be changed or moved. Annual leave is accrued based on your start date. If sufficient leave has not been accrued by the time of the closure, the 3 days will be taken as unpaid leave or pro-rated, depending on your circumstances.

Our Commitment: 

Our People Promise

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. RWA and WaterAid are places place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.

Safeguarding

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).

Together, we’ll change the world through water.

Join us and be part of the change!

Headway UK developed the Approved Provider Scheme in 2011, which is a voluntary standards-based accreditation, for rehabilitation and residential units for people with a brain injury and we are looking for a new part time team member.

• Location: Preference for Midlands based, either home based or in Headway UK’s office in Nottingham.
• Salary: £35,000 FTE (pro rata for 21 hours per week) (days are flexible)

Brief overview

Are you a professional with experience supporting brain injury survivors?

Are you passionate about improving standards or care, for brain injury survivors?

Would you be good at conducting assessments and supporting residentials care units to improve the care that they provide?

Headway UK developed the Approved Provider Scheme in 2011, which is a voluntary standards-based accreditation, for rehabilitation and residential units for people with a brain injury and we are looking for a new part time team member.

By participating in the scheme Approved Provider units affirm their dedication to excellent care, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement. The accreditation of units is then published for families, individuals and professionals to help inform their choices when identifying suitable provision for brain injury survivors. Our accreditation process is designed to be collaborative and supportive, guiding units through every step towards achieving and maintaining exemplary service standards.

The role will involve, conducting and writing assessments and working with the Approved Provider and Training Manager to manage Lead Assessors, who are based around the UK and the Service User Perspective Assessors, who are either brain injury survivors, or family members/ carers.

Embrace Headway’s mission of Improving Life After Brain Injury. Join us to ensure the highest quality care for ABI survivors throughout their journey to recovery.

What you will do:

• Conduct Approved Provider assessments, which includes going into brain injury residential units and assessing the services they provide and making recommendations, to improve practice against the framework.
• Writing and reviewing reports for Approved Provider units, following assessments, that clearly highlight strengths and areas for development.
• Contributing to the development and growth of Headway UK’s Approved Provider scheme, by continuing to drive forward standards and onboarding new units.
• Working with freelance Lead Assessors and Service User Perspective Assessors (who are brain injury survivors or family members) who are based around the UK, to organise assessments and ensure the schemes standards are upheld.

About you

We’re open-minded and welcome all applicants who believe they can succeed. Though ideally, you will have:

• Prior experience of working in the field of acquired brain injury.
• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, clinical psychology, physiotherapy, nursing, social work).
• Ability to write and moderate written reports of high quality and clarity, to provide accurate and accessible feedback.
• Very good IT skills, including be proficient in the Microsoft Office suite (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams).
• Ability to gain the trust, confidence, and respect at all levels within external organisations and staff groups.
• Be an excellent communicator, with new and existing Approved Provider units.

Benefits

As a staff member at Headway UK you’ll have access the following range of benefits;

Financial Security 

• Competitive Salaries
• Pension - You’ll be automatically be enrolled into the Pensions People with Headway contributing between 5 – 8%
• Occupational Sick Pay Scheme – Increasing with length of service.
• Death in Service Benefit - You’ll have the security of knowing if anything happens to you your loved ones will be provided for

Flexible Working

• Remote working – For the majority of our roles we can facilitate fully remote or hybrid working.
• We understand that a healthy work-life balance is essential for our team to thrive. Headway UK offers flexible working arrangements, promoting well-being and ensuring you can take care of yourself while you care for others.

Wellbeing

• You’ll benefit from a fully comprehensive 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme including access to counselling services.
• Eye Test Vouchers
• Mental Health First Aiders

Holidays and leave

• You’ll get 25 days leave incrementally increasing to 30 days based on service plus Bank Holidays.
• Birthday leave

Benefits

• You’ll have access to a range of shopping and lifestyle benefits and discounts through our IMHR Plus Privilege membership.

About us

Headway UK plays a pivotal role in supporting individuals and families affected by brain injuries. Our comprehensive services encompass rehabilitation, counselling, and practical assistance to help survivors regain independence and improve their quality of life. Headway UK is at the forefront of raising awareness about the challenges faced by those with brain injuries and advocates for their rights, ensuring they receive the care and understanding they deserve. Through a combination of educational initiatives, community outreach, and personalised support, Headway UK strives to rebuild lives, offering a lifeline to those navigating the complexities of brain injury recovery.

Embark on a fulfilling career with Headway UK and join our compassionate team and contribute to our mission of rebuilding lives after brain injury. Make a meaningful impact with Headway UK, where every role plays a crucial part in empowering those on the path to recovery.

Safeguarding

At Headway UK we are committed to the safeguarding and welfare of vulnerable adults. We expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow best practice as set out within the Care Act 2014. All successful applicants will be subject to safer recruiting procedures and will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment checks including a criminal background check and two satisfactory references.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion 

We recognise, value and champion diversity and inclusion. We want to ensure are staff population reflect the diverse service users that we support. For us diversity and inclusion is about building happy teams, full of people that want to learn and be inspired by each other, by our different experiences and backgrounds. Inclusion means providing the people we recruit with opportunities and valuing everyone’s contributions and perspectives.

We are also committed to removing barriers for applicants with a disability during our recruitment process, upon appointment and as an employee.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need support with the application or you would like a chat about what it’s like to work with us.

Thank you for your interest in Headway UK and we look forward to getting to know you!

Be part of a global movement creating fairer trade and building a better future for people, planet and pay.

We're looking for a highly organised and proactive Partnerships Directorate Associate to support our Partnerships Directorate and help ensure one of Fairtrade Foundation’s most commercially active functions runs smoothly. You'll provide high-quality administrative and coordination support to the Partnerships Director and wider Directorate, helping unlock colleagues time to focus on growth and external engagement, enable close cross team working, and to ensure colleagues stay organised, focused and effective.

You'll coordinate Directorate and team meetings, manage diaries and Directorate communications, support partner engagement activity and contribute to organisational events and initiatives. This is a varied role for someone who enjoys enabling others to do their best work and thrives in a fast-paced environment.

About you

You'll have experience in an EA, PA or administrative support role, excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities with professionalism and attention to detail. You'll be proactive, collaborative and confident building relationships across teams.

Why join us?

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of Fairtrade Foundation’s partnerships function, supporting the relationships and activities that help deliver positive impact for farmers and workers around the world.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

We're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can thrive, and we warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and ages, especially those underrepresented in our sector, including Black, Asian and other ethnic minority communities, disabled people, people of faith, and LGBTQ+ people.

Ready to help create a great workplace while contributing to a fairer world? We'd love to hear from you.

Lead safeguarding. Shape culture. Enable safer churches.

The Diocese of London is seeking an exceptional safeguarding leader to serve as our first Director of Safeguarding.

This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of the Church of England’s largest and most diverse diocese, driving a culture that is preventative, accountable, transparent and focused on learning and improvement.

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership for safeguarding across the Diocese, oversee governance and assurance, lead a skilled safeguarding team, and champion the voices of victims and survivors.

We are looking for a credible and experienced professional with significant safeguarding expertise, strong professional judgement, and a passion for enabling safer churches.

Join us in shaping the future of safeguarding in London. We would be delighted to hear from you.

The postholder will have an enhanced DBS check.

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 20 September at 5pm. The selection day will take place in-person on Thursday, 22 October. 

Please refer to the Candidate Information pack for the full details of the Role, Responsibilities and Person Specification.

Special Olympics GB is proud to support some of the most inspiring athletes in the world — individuals with intellectual disabilities who compete from local to international levels, breaking down barriers and showing the transformative power of sport both on and off the field of play.

As we enter an exciting new chapter, we are seeking an outstanding Director of Operations to join our Executive Leadership Team. This is a pivotal role for a strategic and values-driven leader who can strengthen our organisation, drive operational excellence and help deliver even greater impact for athletes, families and communities.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, Board and wider movement, you will lead organisational performance across governance, safegaurding, finance, people, systems, planning and delivery, ensuring Special Olympics GB is resilient, ambitious and fit for the future. As Executive Lead for Safeguarding and Welfare, you will champion a culture where the wellbeing, safety and dignity of every athlete remains at the heart of everything we do.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is inspired by the power of sport to transform lives and create more inclusive communities.
• Brings significant senior leadership experience and a track record of organisational development and operational excellence.
• Can translate strategic ambition into effective delivery and sustainable growth.
• Has experience of governance, compliance, finance, risk management and safeguarding.
• Builds strong relationships and partnerships, influencing with credibility and integrity.
• Leads with empathy, accountability and a commitment to inclusion.

The Director of Operations at SOGB is a wide-ranging, key role, reporting to the Chief Executive as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Working across the organisation, the Director of Operations manages the operational and support services activities including governance, compliance, HR, business processes, IT, safeguarding, finance and health & safety to ensure that the organisation runs smoothly, efficiently and effectively.

Application Instructions

For Job Role specifics and how to apply please see the below SOGB Director of Operations Recruitment Pack.

The closing date for applications is Friday 4th September 2026 at 9am. There will be a two- stage interview process that will cover both culture/motivators and thematic competencies.  Stage 1 interviews will take place week beginning 28th September 2026 and stage 2 will take place week beginning 5th October 2026.

Seeking a purposeful career change? Start on your transformative journey with the On Purpose Associate Programme, offering a unique opportunity for mid-career professionals to transition into impactful work. This paid, year-long leadership programme is designed for those ready to develop the skills, knowledge, mindset, and connections to create a regenerative, equitable and just future.

Key info:

• Based in London, UK

• Full-time (4.5 days at placement & 1 half day training weekly)

• £27,010 per annum salary

• Programme dates: April 2027 - March 2028 (50 weeks)

• Apply by Monday 12th October, 9:00 am BST

About On Purpose:

On Purpose is tackling the greatest challenge of our time: transforming our economy from profit to purpose. Our leadership programmes develop people who will play their part in this transformation.

Together, we learn to see a different future and take action towards realising it in the organisations we work in. Our programmes seed a vibrant community who care, inspire, challenge and support one another as we make this transformation a reality.

Programme structure:

Two 6 month placements 

• Through work placements with organisations driving impactful change, you'll gain hands-on experience tackling pressing social and environmental issues 4.5 days of the week. Some of our current partners include Better Society Capital, Bow Foodbank, BELU and VISA.

Weekly expert-led learning 

• Our intensive Learning & Development programme involves half a day, weekly in-person sessions led by experts from across sectors. The blend of professional training and academic rigour equips you with the skills, knowledge and mindset to lead organisational and systemic change. 

1:1 mentoring & coaching

• Receive support through fortnightly mentoring sessions and quarterly executive coaching, fostering both your personal and professional growth.

Join a supportive, impactful community

• You’ll be part of a tight-knit cohort of ~20 Associates, participating in training sessions every Friday afternoon together. You’ll also join the wider On Purpose community with 1000+ alumni, connecting with a global, influential network of impact-driven professionals offering life-long inspiration, collaboration and opportunities.

Benefits:

• Earn a £27.01 k salary - On Purpose stands out by offering a paid learning and training opportunity, saving you significant costs compared to paying for other leadership programmes or MBAs.

• Develop your ability to make an impact - Equip yourself with the skills and insights needed to drive meaningful change. Our alumni are leading transformative change worldwide in all parts of the system, with 92% currently working in the impact sector.

• Unlock purpose-driven career opportunities - Our Associates have moved into a range of impact roles, ranging from CEOs of social enterprises to leadership positions within traditional companies driving change from within. We have a former Consultant now Director of Impact at B Lab UK, a former accountant now CEO at Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and a  journalist and editor now co-CEO of Heard.

• Standard UK holiday allowance

• A 3-day residential (expenses paid)

Who we’re looking for:

This programme is ideal for you if you’re either:

• at a stage in your career where you’ve built solid professional experience and want to use your professional skills to create change in organisations, systems and beyond;

• not currently in a career that aligns with your beliefs, but looking to transition into one;

• or you’re already in the impact sector and want to deepen your understanding of how systems and organisations work, develop the skills to lead transformational change, clarify your purpose and vision, and join a cohort and wider network of peers committed to putting purpose before profit.

Specific sector or industry experience is not important. We’re looking for talented people from diverse industries who have a determination to bring their skills and experience to purpose-driven projects and to driving systemic change. We seek ambitious individuals with:

• A minimum of three years full-time professional experience

• The right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme

• Fluency in English 

• Office environment experience 

• Skills including project management, stakeholder engagement, adaptability, interpersonal communication, problem-solving, quantitative analysis and strategic thinking.

• Excitement and commitment towards building a career that helps transform our economy from profit to purpose.

Diversity and Inclusion:

We welcome and encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences and those who are often under-represented in the impact sector, including but not limited to individuals with disabilities and those from diverse ethnic, gender identities, sexualities, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.

How to apply:

• Read our Associate Programme brochure for more information.

• Register your interest via our website to receive a link to your online application form.

• Closing date for applications: Monday 12th October, 9:00 am BST

• Interviews will be held in mid-late November.

Job Description

Join our team as a Curriculum Specialist, helping us to support teachers, champion great teaching and raise the status of the profession by leading on the final stages of our flagship Rethinking Curriculum project and developing curriculum-related content and resources for members of the Chartered College of Teaching.

Job Title - Curriculum Specialist

Reports To - Associate Director for Research and Policy

Salary - £38,000 - £42,000 per annum dependent on experience

Contract - Full-time or part-time considered, fixed term until 31st March 2027

Hours - A full working week is 35 hours. We are open to full time or part time candidates.

Benefits - Flexible working, generous annual leave, 8.5% employer pension contribution, Paycare, individual and team professional development/learning budget. A full list of our benefits can be found here. 

Based - Remote / Hybrid / flexible. We have a central London office but our team work from across the country and we are happy to support remote or office-based working (hybrid). 

Start date - As early as possible post interview

Deadline and interview - Applications close on Friday 11th September 2026 but we will be reviewing applications and interviewing on a rolling basis so we encourage you to apply early. We will interview as soon as a suitable candidate is identified and therefore may close the role early.

Interviews will consist of a task and competency-based interview.

Application - Please apply by uploading your CV and cover letter. Please use the guidance when writing your cover letter. We encourage you to apply promptly as we will be reviewing applications as they are received and may complete the process earlier than expected if an excellent candidate is identified at an early stage.

The Organisation

The Chartered College of Teaching is a charity and the professional body for teachers. We are working to empower a knowledgeable and respected teaching profession through membership and accreditation.

We are dedicated to bridging the gap between practice and research and equipping teachers from the moment they enter the classroom with the knowledge and confidence to make the best decisions for their pupils.

Our activities mainly focus on four key areas:

• membership
• teacher CPD and accreditation
• research, policy and events
• online and print resources

Since opening membership in 2017, we have grown rapidly. In total our work reaches over 40,000 teachers and more than 3.6 million young people. We are a growing and multi-skilled team of 30 people, supported by a Board with a significant track record of experience in a range of fields. Our business plan focuses on growing membership and Chartered Status, strategic positioning of the College in the education sector, and providing meaningful professional learning opportunities for the teaching profession.

The Opportunity

Our organisation supports teachers to make a difference to the lives of millions of children worldwide. Our Research and Policy team, within which this role will be situated, works to connect research, policy and practice through internally and externally funded research projects, thought leadership work as well as online and face-to-face events.

Over the duration of the contract, you will:

• lead the final phase of delivery of our Rethinking Curriculum project with a focus on delivering sustainable impact for the future;
• update the College’s existing curriculum Toolkits, so they align with ongoing updates of the National Curriculum;
• refine an online course on creative and critical thinking, transitioning from a cohort-based model to a self-paced model;
• oversee and chair an online events portfolio relating to the project;
• support the organisation and delivery of an in-person book launch and celebration event to mark the culmination of the project;
• contribute to the final report of the project;
• develop the existing Rethinking Curriculum Evaluation Framework to extend so could be suitable for secondary settings, particularly KS3 to support transition;
• develop a strategy for and launch a curriculum-focused special interest group (SIG) for members to support the legacy of the Rethinking Curriculum project;
• support the Fellow engagement strategy at the College by organising relevant, curriculum-related roundtables to support the legacy of the Rethinking Curriculum project;
• oversee project finances under the guidance of the Associate Director for Research and Policy;
• develop a suite of relevant resources to support schools in implementing changes following the consultation for the new National Curriculum;
• ensure funder requirements for the delivery and closure of the project are met;
• represent the Chartered College of Teaching at relevant events.

This would be an ideal opportunity for somebody with a strong background in curriculum development. You will:

• have autonomy for the delivery of the final stages of our flagship Rethinking Curriculum project;
• work collaboratively with many of the team across the organisation, supporting recruitment and retention of our members;
• help to grow the professional membership organisation for the teaching profession and be part of the team driving the organisation forward at an exciting time for the future of the College

About You

Curriculum development is a key priority area for the government and therefore for school leaders and teachers in England.

You do not need to have expertise in absolutely all areas, let us decide! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourage you to apply. We’re looking for someone who is motivated by our vision and is passionate about Curriculum Development. Systems you would be using include Asana, Google Suite and MyPD (an online learning platform).

Essential skills and experience: 

• Educated to at least degree standard with QTS, with experience teaching in schools in England;
• Experience designing, leading and/or evaluating curriculum-related teacher professional development at a whole-school, Trust and/or wider professional network level;
• Experience supporting and/or leading curriculum change and implementation within a school setting;
• A good understanding of the research landscape relating to curriculum development and implementation across phases;
• Experience developing teacher-facing resources and professional learning content relating to curriculum planning and development;
• Experience producing content (e.g., written reports and research summaries) for a range of audiences (e.g., teachers, school leaders and policymakers);
• Experience liaising with funders and managing a project, including a project budget;
• Experience organising and delivering professional events, including conferences, roundtables, workshops or other engagement activities.

Desirable skills and experience

• Educated with a higher degree in education and/or Chartered Teacher Status;

As well as technical requirements, we are looking for people who: 

• Believe in the transformative power of education, see teachers as key drivers in achieving improved educational outcomes for all and are motivated to contribute to this change.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, understanding the importance of conveying complex ideas in an easy-to-understand way and respecting the work schedules and patterns of colleagues.
• Learning and feedback oriented and keen to develop their skillset.
• Are committed to equality and diversity, demonstrating these through their work and daily interactions with colleagues, members and other stakeholders.

Why Us?

As an organisation we care deeply about creating a working environment that supports our people to grow personally and professionally. These are reflected in our organisational values which outline the distinctive working culture we are looking to create. In particular, these values are reflected in our commitment to: 

• Flexible working: responsive management, flexible hours, hybrid or fully remote working 
• Professional development, including formal and informal training and support 
• Transparency and ownership: we have an open culture that ensures all staff guide our strategic direction 
• Mental health and wellbeing: access to health and wellbeing advice and health cash plan.

Diversity and inclusion at the Chartered College 

As a growing organisation we are committed to:

• Becoming increasingly representative of the sector and geographies that we operate in
• Providing a positive experience of work as part of an inclusive culture led by our organisational values 
• Maintaining an annual EDI action plan - led by the internal team. 

What to expect from the recruitment process

• All applications are anonymised until the point of interview
• Line Managers trained in recognising bias
• We implement a standardised interview template and competencies matrix for a fair and transparent process
• All interviews are conducted via Zoom and the use of camera is optional.

If you require any adjustments in order to proceed with an application please contact us.

For more information about joining the Chartered College, please watch this short video from Dame Alison Peacock (CEO).

Your Personal Data

As part of the recruitment process, the Chartered College of Teaching collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. The organisation is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data and to meeting its data protection obligations.

Pre-employment checks

All conditional offers of employment are subject to:

• Two satisfactory references
• Proof of qualifications
• Eligibility to work in the UK.

We are an employer committed to the safeguarding of children and young people.

About the team

The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships. 

The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.   

Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve. 

About this role

The Development Director (New Business) provides strategic leadership for Impetus’ new business development, prospect pipeline and high-value funding opportunities. The postholder will have responsibility for identifying, cultivating and converting new corporate, trust and foundation, and high-net-worth donor relationships, as well as continued relationship management for key, established relationships.

In 25/26, the Philanthropy and Partnerships team generated £11m in philanthropic income, alongside £2.8m in probono contributions. The Development Director will play a key role in delivering Impetus' growth ambitions, helping to increase philanthropic income to £14m by 2029. 

Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear new business priorities, pipeline plans and prospect engagement approaches, ensuring a strong flow of qualified opportunities and sustainable growth in high-value income.

Working closely with colleagues across Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure prospects and strategic funding opportunities, while overseeing the stewardship and retention of current partners. 

Working collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and with colleagues across the organisation, the Development Director will ensure a joined-up approach to donor acquisition, pipeline development, prospect conversion and stewardship, maximising income, partnership value and long-term impact within the agreed fundraising strategy.

Key responsibilities

New Business, Pipeline & Conversion

• Personally lead on six and seven-figure level priority prospects and strategic funding opportunities, managing the full fundraising cycle from qualification to close.
• Work with trustees, senior volunteers, and networks to unlock introductions and new opportunities, providing clear support and follow-up to maximise success.
• Evolve Impetus’ new business strategy, driving the identification, cultivation, and conversion of new high-value donor and partner relationships.
• Translate Impetus’ impact, evidence base, and venture philanthropy model into compelling propositions for new audiences and sectors.

Strategic Relationship Management & Growth 

• Own and oversee select donor relationships at six and seven-figure levels within the philanthropy portfolio, ensuring high levels of retention, satisfaction, trust, income growth and long-term value.
• Ensure your donors receive timely, consistent, high-quality and relevant engagement and communications throughout their relationship with Impetus.
• Work closely with the wider team to ensure a smooth transition between new business, and long-term stewardship.
• Ensure account plans for priority donors and partners include clear renewal and growth pathways; engagement and risk-management plans.
• Act as senior relationship owner where required, modelling strong stewardship and coaching the Head of Development and other colleagues to navigate complex or sensitive relationships.

Research, Insight & Pipeline Development

• Provide strategic leadership for the Research & Insights function, ensuring prospect research, donor intelligence and market insight inform fundraising strategy, pipeline development and organisational planning.
• Lead the strategic development of fundraising pipelines, ensuring focus on opportunities with the greatest potential for long-term income growth, impact and strategic fit.
• Ensure donor intelligence and prospect research are used effectively to identify, qualify and prioritise new funding opportunities.
• Maintain oversight of gift acceptance, due diligence and fundraising compliance in relation to fundraising opportunities, ensuring adherence to relevant regulatory requirements and organisational policies.
• Identify and escalate strategic, reputational or compliance risks associated with donors and partners.

Leadership and Team Performance

• Line manage and develop the Head of Development, providing strategic direction, coaching and performance oversight.
• Establish the Head of Development as the operational lead on new business, ensuring capability, succession and high performance across the wider team.
• Set clear objectives and success measures for new business growth, aligned to Impetus’ wider income strategy.
• Build and sustain an inclusive, evidence-led and high-performing team culture that balances pace and ambition with quality, learning and collaboration.
• Build fundraising capability across your team through leadership, coaching and consistent, fair, and high-quality performance management, including objective-setting, feedback and development planning.

Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value

• Ensure engagement opportunities, including volunteering, pro bono and events, strengthen strategic partnerships and support long-term income growth through strong collaboration with colleagues.

Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk

• Ensure new business activity complies with due diligence, gift acceptance and risk management requirements.
• Oversee accurate pipeline reporting, forecasting, and performance tracking, using Salesforce and other systems to ensure insights inform decision making.
• Work with Finance and Operations to ensure income is contracted, invoiced, and reported accurately and on time in line with financial controls.
• Identify and escalate strategic or reputational risks associated with prospective partnerships.

Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation

• Act as a senior ambassador for Impetus, representing the organisation credibly with new donors, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, income planning, and senior leadership discussions.
• Lead philanthropic work on Impetus funds including identifying funding opportunities and risks; shaping prospect pipelines; contributing to cases for support and donor presentations; and develop fund stewardship.
• Champion collaboration across the Philanthropy team, ensuring opportunities are shared, relationships are leveraged and expertise is used to maximise income and impact.
• Back Impetus’ values, evidence-led approach, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Philanthropy team.

Strategic leadership

• Work in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to contribute to the fundraising strategy.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, objectives and delivery, ensuring new business delivers against organisational priorities, income targets and long-term growth ambitions.
• Provide strategic oversight of annual forecasting, budgeting, pipeline performance and resource planning, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and addressed proactively.
• Maximise the contribution of trustees, committees, senior volunteers and wider networks to support strategic relationship building and new business development.
• Act as a trusted senior adviser to the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, providing insight, challenge and solutions to strengthen organisational fundraising performance and capability.
• Deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships where appropriate, within agreed delegations and priorities.
• Build a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture across the Philanthropy team, modelling Impetus' values and supporting continuous improvement.

Person specification

Essential:

Fundraising & new business leadership

• Significant experience in major donor and/or corporate fundraising at six and seven-figure gift level, with a strong track record of securing new income and managing complex partnerships.
• Ability to lead and personally deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, negotiation, and close.
• Proven experience of building, managing, and converting a new business pipeline, balancing ambition with delivery.
• Strong ability to leverage internal and external networks, including trustees, senior volunteers, and professional contacts.

Senior stakeholder engagement

• Experience of operating at a senior level and leading high value or complex stakeholder relationships (trustees, board members, senior external partners).
• Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
• Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to secure mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting organisational values and reputation.

Leadership & people management

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including developing senior colleagues and building leadership capability.
• A strong track record as a collaborative senior team member, contributing beyond own area of responsibility and supporting wider organisational success
• Ability to build a high-trust, high-challenge culture that supports excellence, inclusion, and learning.
• Strong performance management capability and ability to handle complex people issues, giving strategic feedback, and addressing underperformance constructively.
• Ability to deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships when appropriate.

Strategic & intellectual capability

• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate agreed strategy and insight into clear plans and execute them effectively.
• Ability to grasp, interpret apply and communicate complex information and ideas, including Impetus’ venture philanthropy and impact-led funding models.
• Evidence of an innovative and creative approach, with the ability to adapt in changing contexts.

Financial, operational & delivery capability

• Solid financial management, with experience contributing to budget-setting, managing agreed budgets, supporting forecasting and identifying efficiencies.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to delivery, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to a high standard
• Able to use insight and data (including CRM systems such as Salesforce) to inform decisions and strengthen performance.
• Sound judgement in identifying, managing, and escalating risk, particularly in relation to donor relationships and reputation.

Communication, values & ways of working

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate clearly, persuasively, and with impact.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish, maintain, and leverage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to Impetus’ mission and to improving outcomes for young people.
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrated through inclusive leadership and professional practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within venture philanthropy, impact investing, or systems-change funding models.
• Familiarity with private equity, professional services.
• Experience contributing to income growth, donor strategy or portfolio development within an agreed organisational fundraising strategy.
• Knowledge of the UK charity or social impact sector, particularly education, employment, or youth-focused work.
• Experience using CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce) to manage pipelines, performance, and forecasting.

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

Our Values

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Our employee benefits

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.

You will need to:

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.

Interviews:

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 12th October 2026.

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

Director of Development and Alumnae Relations

Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - with potential for flexible/hybrid working

A highly attractive renumeration package including a salary in the region of £95,000pa

 Cheltenham Ladies’ College (CLC) is one of the world’s leading schools, located on a beautiful 36-acre dispersed estate in the historic spa town of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. It is one of the largest school communities of boarding and day girls in Europe, with a warm and inclusive pupil body of approximately 820 (aged 11-18), representing over 40 countries worldwide. Founded in 1853 to redefine what girls’ education could be, CLC has been a pioneer in girls' education for nearly 175 years.

 We are seeking to appoint an experienced Director of Development and Alumnae Relations to provide strategic direction and inspired leadership for College’s fundraising and alumnae engagement activities. College has recently undertaken an external review of philanthropy, identifying clear opportunities to grow fundraising and engagement outcomes. Reporting directly to the Executive Principal, this is a pivotal leadership role which, as a member of the Leadership Team, will be instrumental in driving a step change in philanthropic giving to College. With the full backing of the Executive Principal, Council and the broader CLC community, the new Director will be ideally placed to shape and implement a strategic roadmap for the next decade.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an outstanding development professional whose experience has been gained within the education sector or a transferable context. The successful candidate will have a strong track record of working closely with senior volunteers and boards, playing a key role in shaping and executing effective philanthropic strategies. Your leadership experience will include developing and expanding a development team, underpinned by a collaborative and inspiring approach. Importantly, you will have a demonstrated ability to deliver results in major gift programmes and capital campaigns, with a clear focus on long-term impact and engagement. Your credibility, resilience and ability to show good judgement, will inspire those around you and enable you to take the team’s activity to the next level.

We are looking for an articulate, persuasive and credible ambassador for Cheltenham Ladies’ College, both here in the UK and internationally. You will be a first-class relationship builder with strong cultural awareness and a good knowledge of (or inherent feel for) the independent educational landscape. Crucially, you will share a passion for the power of education and the transformative impact of bursaries.

If you have the skills, aptitude and commitment to take on this role at CLC with drive and ambition, and are committed to College’s values and aims, we would love to hear from you.

For a confidential conversation about this exceptional opportunity, please contact our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates. For further information, key dates, and how to apply, please click apply.

 Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to help you in your application or with our recruitment process.

 International candidates who are interested in relocating to the UK will be considered as visa support is available for this position.

Cheltenham Ladies’ College promotes the values of mutual respect and integrity at every level in the organisation and is an equal opportunities employer. 

Cheltenham Ladies’ College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. 

Closing date for applications is 09:00 on Friday 11th September 2026

About the team

The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships. 

The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.   

Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve. 

About this role

The Development Director (Philanthropy) provides strategic leadership across Impetus’ philanthropy and stewardship portfolio, with responsibility for relationship management, renewal, growth and selected new business activity. The postholder will work with high-value funders, including corporate partners, trusts and foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.

In 25/26, the Philanthropy and Partnerships team generated £11m in philanthropic income, alongside £2.8m in pro bono contributions. The Development Director will play a key role in delivering Impetus’ growth ambitions, supporting the increase in philanthropic income to £14m by 2029. 

Working closely with the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear stewardship, renewal, relationship-growth and selected new business plans, ensuring strong donor retention, high-quality engagement and sustainable growth in high-value income.

Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will oversee the donor lifecycle across the philanthropy portfolio, with particular focus on strategic stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and the effective transition of selected prospects into long-term donor relationships. They will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure donor relationships and selected funding opportunities, while working with colleagues to ensure the philanthropy pipeline, stewardship plans and account management disciplines are strong.

Working collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and with colleagues across the organisation, the Development Director will ensure a joined-up approach to donor stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and selected donor acquisition, maximising income, partnership value and long-term impact within the agreed fundraising strategy.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Relationship Management & Growth

• Own and oversee strategically significant donor and partner relationships at six and seven-figure levels, ensuring high levels of retention, satisfaction, trust, income growth and long-term value.
• Set and embed best practice stewardship standards, ensuring donors receive timely, consistent, high-quality and relevant engagement and communications throughout their relationship with Impetus.
• Work closely with the wider team to ensure a smooth transition between new business, and long-term stewardship.
• Ensure account plans for priority donors and partners include clear renewal and growth pathways; engagement and risk-management plans.
• Act as senior relationship owner where required, modelling strong stewardship and coaching the Head of Philanthropy and other colleagues to navigate complex or sensitive relationships.

New Business: Pipeline & Conversion 

• Personally lead on select six and seven-figure level priority prospects and strategic funding opportunities, managing the full fundraising cycle from qualification to close.
• Work with trustees, senior volunteers and networks to support warm introductions, relationship development and follow-up, in line with agreed new business and stewardship priorities.
• Work with colleagues to translate Impetus’ impact, evidence base and venture philanthropy model into compelling propositions for donors, prospects and priority audiences.

Performance and KPI Reporting

• Accountable for ensuring effective implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of fundraising performance frameworks, KPIs and reporting disciplines.
• Use performance data and insight to improve team effectiveness, inform portfolio planning and resource recommendations, and identify opportunities for retention, renewal and growth.
• Oversee philanthropy portfolio data quality, reporting and forecasting, ensuring robust systems and processes.
• Ensure robust systems, processes and performance disciplines are in place to support delivery of agreed philanthropy portfolio objectives and wider fundraising goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and evidence-led decision-making across the philanthropy portfolio and direct team.

Donor Communications

• Provide strategic oversight of donor communications for the philanthropy portfolio, ensuring messaging is clear, compelling, timely and aligned to Impetus’ voice, values and evidence base.
• Work with Communications and Philanthropy colleagues to design and continuously improve philanthropic communications, including cases for support, proposals, pitches, stewardship materials and donor updates.

Leadership and Team Performance

• Line manage and develop the Head of Philanthropy, providing direction, coaching and performance oversight within agreed strategy and priorities.
• Develop the Head of Philanthropy as the operational lead for stewardship, ensuring capability, succession and high performance across their team.
• Set clear objectives and success measures for stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and portfolio delivery, aligned to Impetus’ wider income strategy.
• Build and sustain an inclusive, evidence-led and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, balancing pace and ambition with quality, learning and collaboration.
• Build fundraising and stewardship capability across the team through coaching and consistent, fair and high-quality performance management, including objective-setting, feedback and development planning.

Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value

• Ensure engagement opportunities, including volunteering, pro bono and events, strengthen donor relationships, partnership value and long-term income growth through strong collaboration with colleagues.

Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk

• Ensure philanthropy and selected new business activity complies with due diligence, gift acceptance and risk management requirements.
• Oversee accurate philanthropy pipeline reporting, forecasting and performance tracking, using Salesforce and other systems to ensure insight informs portfolio planning and decision-making.
• Work with Finance and Operations to ensure income is contracted, invoiced, and reported accurately and on time in line with financial controls.
• Identify and escalate strategic, financial or reputational risks associated with donors, prospects and partnerships.

Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation

• Act as a senior ambassador for Impetus, representing the organisation credibly with new donors, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, income planning, and senior leadership discussions.
• Lead philanthropic work on Impetus funds including identifying funding opportunities and risks; shaping prospect pipelines; contributing to cases for support and donor presentations; and develop fund stewardship.
• Champion collaboration across the Philanthropy team, ensuring opportunities are shared, relationships are well managed and expertise is used to maximise income and impact.
• Model Impetus’ values, evidence-led approach and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion across the philanthropy portfolio.

Strategic Leadership

• Work in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to contribute to the fundraising strategy.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, objectives and delivery, ensuring stewardship, renewal and relationship growth contribute to organisational priorities, income targets and long-term growth ambitions.
• Provide strategic oversight of philanthropy portfolio forecasting, budgeting input, pipeline performance and resource recommendations, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and escalated proactively.
• Maximise the contribution of trustees, committees, senior volunteers and wider networks to support donor stewardship, relationship growth and selected new business development.
• Act as a trusted senior adviser to the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, providing insight, challenge and solutions to strengthen philanthropy portfolio performance and wider fundraising capability.
• Deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships where appropriate, within agreed delegations and priorities.
• Build a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, modelling Impetus’ values and supporting continuous improvement.

Person specification

Essential:

Fundraising & new business leadership

• Significant experience in major donor and/or corporate fundraising at six and seven-figure gift level, with a strong track record of securing new income and managing complex partnerships.
• Ability to lead and personally deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, negotiation, and close.
• Proven experience of building, managing, and converting a new business pipeline, balancing ambition with delivery.
• Strong ability to leverage internal and external networks, including trustees, senior volunteers, and professional contacts.

Senior stakeholder engagement

• Experience of operating at a senior level and leading high value or complex stakeholder relationships (trustees, board members, senior external partners).
• Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
• Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to secure mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting organisational values and reputation.

Leadership & people management

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including developing senior colleagues and building leadership capability.
• A strong track record as a collaborative senior team member, contributing beyond own area of responsibility and supporting wider organisational success
• Ability to build a high-trust, high-challenge culture that supports excellence, inclusion, and learning.
• Strong performance management capability and ability to handle complex people issues, giving strategic feedback, and addressing underperformance constructively.
• Ability to deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships when appropriate.

Strategic & intellectual capability

• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate agreed strategy and insight into clear plans and execute them effectively.
• Ability to grasp, interpret apply and communicate complex information and ideas, including Impetus’ venture philanthropy and impact-led funding models.
• Evidence of an innovative and creative approach, with the ability to adapt in changing contexts.

Financial, operational & delivery capability

• Solid financial management, with experience contributing to budget-setting, managing agreed budgets, supporting forecasting and identifying efficiencies.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to delivery, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to a high standard
• Able to use insight and data (including CRM systems such as Salesforce) to inform decisions and strengthen performance.
• Sound judgement in identifying, managing, and escalating risk, particularly in relation to donor relationships and reputation.

Communication, values & ways of working

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate clearly, persuasively, and with impact.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish, maintain, and leverage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to Impetus’ mission and to improving outcomes for young people.
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrated through inclusive leadership and professional practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within venture philanthropy, impact investing, or systems-change funding models.
• Familiarity with private equity, professional services.
• Experience contributing to income growth, donor strategy or portfolio development within an agreed organisational fundraising strategy.
• Knowledge of the UK charity or social impact sector, particularly education, employment, or youth-focused work.
• Experience using CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce) to manage pipelines, performance, and forecasting.

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

Our Values

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Our employee benefits

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.

You will need to:

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.

Interviews:

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 12th October 2026.

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

Help transform healthcare for patients across Bristol, Weston and beyond

At Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity, we do great things for everyone. From first breaths to final goodbyes, our work touches over 1.75 million patients across our hospitals. Together with our supporters, NHS colleagues and partners, we fund projects that bring comfort, hope and innovation to patients and their families.

We're looking for an experienced and strategic finance leader to join our Senior Management Team during an exciting period of delivery and growth following our recent merger with Southmead Hospital Charity.

This is a rare opportunity to use your expertise to help improve healthcare for patients, families and NHS staff across the region. Reporting directly to the CEO, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the charity's future, ensuring strong financial stewardship, effective governance and operational excellence across the organisation so that together we can create the greatest possible impact.

About the role

As Director of Finance & Operations, you'll provide strategic leadership across finance, operations, governance, risk management and charitable grant-making. You'll work closely with the CEO, Trustees and senior colleagues, helping guide key decisions that support the charity's long-term sustainability and impact.

No two days will be the same. One moment you could be presenting financial insights to the Board, the next working alongside NHS colleagues to identify where charitable funding can make the greatest difference for patients, families and staff. You might be leading an operational improvement project, overseeing risk and governance, supporting investment decisions, or helping develop our people and culture. You'll also have opportunities to meet the incredible supporters, donors and fundraisers whose generosity makes our work possible, giving you a direct connection to the impact of the charity and the communities we serve.

You'll lead and support a talented team, including our Financial Controller, Head of Grants and Head of Operations, creating an environment where people can thrive and continue delivering outstanding results.

About you

We're looking for a qualified accountant with significant senior leadership experience in the charity sector and a track record of providing strategic financial leadership at executive or director level.

You'll bring:

• Strong experience presenting to boards and trustees and influencing decision-making.
• Expertise in financial strategy, budgeting, cashflow management, reporting and audit.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to make complex financial information clear and accessible.
• Experience of charity governance, risk management and regulatory compliance.
• A collaborative leadership style and a talent for building trusted relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience leading operational, digital or systems improvement initiatives.

Most importantly, you'll share our commitment to improving healthcare and making a lasting difference for patients and communities across Bristol, Weston and beyond.

Please note we are looking for the successful candidate to start in early to mid October to ensure a handover period with the substantive Director of Finance & Operations before she goes on maternity leave.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to use your financial and operational expertise for a cause that matters. You'll join a passionate and supportive team and play a key role in helping the charity deliver extraordinary impact in our hospitals every day. In addition, you'll enjoy: 

• 27 days annual holiday entitlement plus an additional day off on your birthday and a wellbeing day. Plus, an additional two days leave after five years of service.

• Commitment to hybrid and flexible working. 

• Competitive pension scheme. We'll match employee pension contributions up to 8% (minimum 5%). 

• Additional support via our enhanced Employee Assistance Programme, including up to eight sessions with a licensed counsellor. 

• Life assurance cover - 4x annual salary 

• Commitment to training and development with budget set aside 

• Medicash health plan - claim cash towards a range of medical costs 

• Free Blue Light Card that allows access to hundreds of discounts at major retailers. 

If you're an experienced charity finance leader who combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, we'd love to hear from you.

1st stage interviews: 23/24th September.2nd stage interviews: 29/30th September.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.

We are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process and use anonymised recruitment, removing personal details such as names and email addresses during shortlisting.

As a Disability Confident and Mindful Employer, we will offer an interview to a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who meet the eseential criteria for the role. If you wish to share information about a disability or long-term condition and would like us to consider any adjustments, please let us know in your application.

Do you believe communities should have a stronger voice in shaping services and opportunities? 💜🩵🩷

Compass Wellbeing CIC is looking for a new Non-Executive Director to join our Board and help ensure community voice, lived experience and partnership working continue to shape our strategy and decisions.

We are a small social enterprise (and subsidiary of East London NHS Foundation Trust) that helps communities thrive by bringing people, organisations and opportunities together, from earlier access to support, to employment and skills, to partnerships that make a real difference locally.

This NED role has a particular focus on strengthening our relationships with voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations.

📍 London (hybrid) | 🕐 c. 1 day/month | 💷 £250/day + expenses | Closing 3 September 2026, 10:00

You don't need previous Board experience. Community leadership, VCFSE sector experience or lived experience relevant to the communities we serve all count. What matters is a genuine commitment to social justice and inclusion, and the confidence to be a constructive, challenging voice in the room.