Associate director of finance jobs in Edinburgh
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This is a new role, working remotely from the UK and reporting to the Directors to handle the increased financial and logistics workflow of the organisation as we embark on a new 18-month EU-funded grant. In this respect, the role involves day to day operational and financial administration but is also an opportunity for a flexible and pro-active person to support the organisation’s development and expand its capabilities, and also to engage with project partners and learn more about our work. While this is a fixed term contract, the role may be extended (subject to funding) and evolve to meet changing needs. As a small team, we are open to flexible working.
Grant management:
- Financial administration: ensure accurate records and supporting documentation is kept for all financial transactions, including regular entry of data into the relevant financial and budget management systems.
- Manage sub-grants to partners and consultants as allowed for within project budgets, ensuring timely receipt and processing of financial reports, and checking accuracy of invoices, timesheets, receipts and all supporting documentation, contracts, etc. in line with donor requirements.
- Budget monitoring and tracking: Preparing monthly forecasts and expenditure updates, to enable timely and efficient expenditure of project funds in accordance with the deliverables and budgets in grant contracts.
- Prepare quarterly financial reports for donors ensuring accuracy, accountability and alignment with donor contract requirements and Indie Peace policies.
Logistics support: Supporting the organisation and financial administration of Indie Peace project initiatives. Includes:
- Remote support in organising events, meetings and project activities in the regions where Indie Peace works, e.g. arranging meeting/conference venues within budget limitations, organising transport/accommodation bookings, ensuring documentation is in place (e.g. financial documentation, participant lists, etc.).
- Support Indie Peace Directors’ activities while travelling on business, as required, including supporting logistics, preparing expense reports with supporting receipts, maintaining timesheets, etc.
Other:
- Entry of financial transactions into accounting software, ensuring all financial records are recorded and all payments reconciled in a timely manner.
- Prepare monthly expense and financial reports, maintaining and updating cash flow forecast.
- General administrative support as agreed.
Line-management and relationships: While the position works with both Directors of the organisation, day to day line management and supervision is provided by the Director responsible for operations. Other people the post will need to liaise or maintain communication with on a regular basis include: in-country partners, consultants, and donor representatives. While this is a remote role, we would require occasional in-person meetings, usually in London which is where Indie Peace is based.
EXPERIENCE: Minimum of two years of proven experience in UK-based international non-profit organisation, involving financial management of EU grants.
Related Skills or Knowledge:
- Experience of EU grants and financial management.
- Experience in reporting and accounting in the not-for-profit sector, including donor reporting.
- Experience with budget monitoring and oversight.
- Experience of a range of finance functions (bookkeeping, reporting, audit, etc.).
- Experience of systems management (financial or otherwise)
- High level of professionalism and attention to detail.
- Ability to work on own initiative.
- Proficiency in MS Office Applications, especially Word and Excel, is required.
- Experience using accounting software, such as Xero.
- Ability to communicate effectively. Strong written and oral skills in English. Russian is a strong advantage.
Contract hours and time-frame: 15 months (July 2026 – September 2027) fixed term contract.
To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV (maximum 3 pages) and a cover note explaining your motivation, interest and relevant experience for the post (max 1-2 pages) by 25 May 2026.
Interviews will take place in early June. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.
Research, analysis, training & dialogue facilitation for conflict transformation
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.
You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement.
You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.
By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).
You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
Strategic Leadership:
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Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities
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Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required
Comms & Marketing:
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Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources
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Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience
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Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice.
Influencing & Public Affairs:
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Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful
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Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities
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Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:
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Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact
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Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do
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Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries
Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:
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Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels
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Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector.
Membership, Events & Communities:
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By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).
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Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications
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Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth
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Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach
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Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity
General Responsibilities
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Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity
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Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend
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Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group
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Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities
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Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group
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Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design
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Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies
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Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required.
Personal Development
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Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing
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Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions
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Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession
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Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.
Organisational Responsibilities:
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Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.
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Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.
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Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.
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Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.
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Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.
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Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.
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Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.
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Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.
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Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.
This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.
Person Specification
Job Title
Director of External Relations
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Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills
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Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills
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Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships
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The ability to work effectively within a small team
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Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload
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A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work
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A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative
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A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity
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Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post
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Fit to undertake the duties of the post.
Experience/Skills/Competencies
Essential
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Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success
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PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR
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Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback
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Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development
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Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making
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Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making
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Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT
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Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders
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Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms
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Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.
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Experience managing budgets and associated reporting
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Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events
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Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team
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Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector.
Desirable
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Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity
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Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment
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Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications
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Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)
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Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events.
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Experience supporting and manging a remote team
Education and Qualifications:
Other Requirements:
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Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.
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Regular travel to attend meetings and events.
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Occasional evening meetings.
Legal requirements:
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Enhanced DBS check.
Your application should include an up to date CV together with a supporting statement detailing how your skills and experience align with the job description and person specification.
Please note that we will be unable to progress applications from candidates who do not answer the screening questions.
Our vision is a society where everyone can enjoy the same rights and opportunities
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking a dynamic Head of Housing Support to lead our national Housing Support Services, ensuring clients receive exceptional, trauma‑informed care in safe, compliant and high‑quality homes. This is a pivotal role that influences service delivery, operational performance, and the long‑term vision for Life’s housing provision.
As Head of Housing Support, you will:
Lead & Inspire
- Provide strategic leadership for Housing Support Services across the UK.
- Manage and motivate Support Services Managers and Tenancy Sustainment Officers to deliver outstanding client‑focused support.
- Embed a culture of collaboration, high performance and trauma‑informed practice.
Drive Operational Excellence
- Oversee the implementation of the Housing Strategy, ensuring the safety, compliance and quality of all homes.
- Work closely with the Estates Team to maintain high housing standards and meet regulatory obligations.
- Oversee tenancy management, rent setting, arrears management and income recovery.
Shape the Future
- Influence policy, develop best‑practice procedures and contribute to organisational strategy.
- Build strong partnerships with local authorities, housing developers and external stakeholders.
- Represent Life at networking events and act as an ambassador for the charity.
Lead with Purpose
- Champion safeguarding, ensuring training, oversight and adherence to all safeguarding policies.
- Produce reports and KPIs for the Board, Senior Leadership Team and Operational Leadership Team.
- Support the financial sustainability of the Housing department, including budget management and cost‑saving initiatives.
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
- A values‑driven leader committed to Life’s mission and vision.
- Experienced at senior management level within supported housing (multi‑million‑pound scale desirable).
- Skilled at leading high‑performing teams and developing individuals.
- A confident communicator with excellent relationship‑building and presentation skills.
- Knowledgeable in tenancy support, housing compliance, safeguarding and quality service delivery.
- Highly organised, strategic, creative and able to work under pressure.
- Passionate about trauma‑informed practice and delivering outstanding client outcomes.
Relevant housing or management qualifications (such as CIH Level 4) are desirable but not essential with strong experience.
About Life:
Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish.
Our services include
- Supported housing and community support
- Counselling and skilled listening
- Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies
Our values
All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values:
- Humanity – All people are special and equal
- Solidarity – We’re with you and for you
- Community – We’re better together
- Charity – Doing good for one another
- Common good – Building a better world
Information about the role:
For further information, please see the attached job description.
Please note, driving licence and own vehicle are required.
Salary: £45,655 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week, 5 days per week
Location: Home Based with Extensive Travel across Midlands and South East
Benefits
At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:
- Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours)
- Birthday Leave (applicable after 1 years service)
- Extra annual leave for long term service
- Company Pension Scheme
- Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge
Safeguarding and Equality
Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.
We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.