Board chair jobs

Job Description – Chief Executive Officer

Post Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Reports to: Board of Trustees
Location: Northampton (with flexibility for some remote working)
Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 p.a.
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Direct Reports: Senior Leadership Team

Purpose of the Role
The Chief Executive Officer will provide inspirational and effective leadership to Northampton Hope Centre, ensuring delivery of its mission to tackle poverty, hunger and homelessness. The CEO will lead strategy, fundraising, governance and organisational development, while building strong external relationships that enhance the charity’s profile and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership
- Lead the development and implementation of the charity’s strategy in partnership with the Board of Trustees.
- Ensure delivery of Hope’s vision, mission and values across all services and enterprises.
- Identify opportunities for growth, innovation and impact in both charitable and social enterprise activity.

Governance & Compliance
- Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to ensure effective governance.
- Ensure full compliance with charity law, safeguarding, employment legislation, and regulatory requirements.
- Provide timely reports, insight and recommendations to the Board.

Financial & Resource Management
- Lead the organisation’s financial planning, budget management and long-term sustainability.
- Oversee the development of Hope Enterprise to generate surplus income.
- Secure diverse funding streams including grants, contracts, trading income, and philanthropic support.

Operations & Services
- Provide leadership to the Senior Leadership Team to ensure services are high quality, trauma-informed and impactful.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, safeguarding and accountability.
- Ensure staff and volunteers are well-supported, motivated, and aligned with organisational values.

External Relations & Advocacy
- Act as the public face of Hope, representing the charity locally and nationally.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with funders, commissioners, statutory bodies, community partners and the media.
- Advocate for people experiencing poverty, homelessness and hardship, influencing policy and practice where appropriate.

Person Specification

Essential
- Proven track record of senior leadership in the charity, public or social enterprise sectors.
- Strong strategic planning and organisational development experience.
- Demonstrable success in income generation (grants, fundraising, social enterprise or contracts).
- Excellent financial management skills, including budget oversight.
- Experience of working with or reporting to a Board of Trustees or equivalent governance body.
- Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff and volunteers.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, safeguarding, and the mission of Northampton Hope Centre.

Desirable
- Experience of homelessness, housing, or poverty-related services.
- Knowledge of charity law and governance best practice.
- Experience in social enterprise start-up or development.
- Established networks in the charity, housing or local government sectors.

Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £50,000 – £60,000
Location: Northampton (with some flexibility for hybrid working)

Northampton Hope Centre is at a pivotal moment in its journey. With a strong financial position, ambitious plans for the future – including the potential to move into a new home – and a superb, committed team, we are seeking an inspiring leader to guide the charity into its next chapter.

The Hope Centre is a leading charity tackling poverty, hunger and homelessness in Northamptonshire. Through our vital services, campaigning, and social enterprise activity, we support some of the most vulnerable in our community and strive to create lasting change.

We are now looking for a Chief Executive Officer who will:
- Provide strategic leadership and work with our Board of Trustees to shape and deliver the charity’s future direction.
- Build on our strong reputation to strengthen partnerships and raise our profile locally and nationally.
- Drive growth in both our services and our social enterprise arm, ensuring long-term sustainability.
- Inspire and lead a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who share a passion for making a difference.

The successful candidate will bring proven senior leadership experience within the charity, public, or social enterprise sectors. You will combine strategic vision with strong financial and operational acumen, and have a track record of generating income, building partnerships, and motivating teams. Most importantly, you will be committed to our mission of tackling homelessness, hardship, and inequality.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a respected and values-driven charity at a time of growth and innovation.

Closing Date: Friday 31st October 2025
Interviews: Thursday 13th November 2025

Join Evolve Music as our next Executive Director — and lead a creative, purpose-driven charity using music to change lives across the South West.

We’re looking for an inspiring, strategic and compassionate leader to guide Evolve into its next exciting chapter.

Since 2017, Evolve Music has grown into one of the South West’s leading community music organisations, working in partnership with health, education and cultural organisations to deliver inclusive, creative and high-impact programmes. From Sound Lab for neurodivergent young people to Dads Rock for fathers and male caregivers, our work reaches thousands each year, using music as a catalyst for wellbeing, confidence and connection.

As Executive Director, you’ll shape our strategic vision, lead fundraising and partnership development, and nurture a talented and passionate team. If you believe in the power of music to transform lives, we’d love to hear from you.

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin an independent local charity, and a member of the national Age UK network of charities. They are committed to delivering the networks shared strategy and to supporting our local older people to ‘Change the Way we Age’.

The organisation has a robust governance structure, overseen by and active, highly skilled Trustee Board who bring a range of expertise and knowledge to support their Chief Executive and Senior Management Team.

They are now seeking to appoint a new Chief Executive to lead the senior management team provide leadership, develop and implement our strategic and operational plans, lead on income generation, partnerships, influencing and business development, acting as an effective advocate for the charity and its beneficiaries.

Key responsibilities:

• To support and advise the Chair and Board of trustees in setting the vision, strategy and business planning and implanting agreed decisions
• Create an organisation able to support its communities with easily accessible support
• To create and sustain effective multi-channel, multi-purpose income generation.
• Lead on organisational change: identifying and responding to internal and external challenges and influencing organisational culture so the organisation is supportive, inclusive and cohesive.
• Be a key influencer, ensuring the voices of older people are heard, and shaping local strategy, policy and partnerships.
• Ensuring financial stability though financial planning and risk management
• Deliver an ambitious, aspirational and innovative strategy that has a clear measurable impact.

The new Chief Executive will be responsible for the day to day running of the Charity, providing effective leadership and direction for the organisation. The successful candidate will instil the positive culture of the organisation and motivate the team to achieve fantastic results. You will be a problem solver who understands the bigger picture, with a passion for supporting older people, and will be able to demonstrate this through your experiences. You will be able to develop highly effective partnerships, be an active listener, excellent communicator and be an influencer and ambassador for the charity.

If you feel you have the values and skills to succeed in this role, we very much look forward to hearing from you.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is an equal opportunities employer and actively supports human rights, diversity and inclusion as well as all equality legislation. Our ethos is to respect and value people’s differences and to help everyone achieve more at work, as well as in their personal lives, so that they feel proud of the part they play in our success.

Applications should be submitted via the Charisma Charity Recruitment website and include your CV and supporting statement. For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment.

Closing date for applications: 26 October 2025

Charisma interviews must be completed by: 30 October 2025

1st Interview date: Friday 14 November at the client’s office

2nd Interview date: Monday 24 November at the client's office

Company Description

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end of life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end of life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end of life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness, they’re likely to die from.

Job Description

You’ll join Marie Curie’s Policy & Public Affairs team in Scotland – part of our award-winning UK Policy & Research Directorate. We are a collaborative, passionate, and evidence-driven team working to influence national and local government, challenge inequalities, and ensure palliative and end of life care is accessible and high-quality for everyone.

As Senior Policy Manager, you’ll play a leading role in shaping Scotland’s end of life care agenda. You will develop evidence-based policies, build influential relationships with decision-makers, and lead strategic campaigns to drive meaningful change. Working alongside colleagues across the UK, you’ll help deliver Marie Curie’s vision of a Scotland where everyone’s right to palliative care becomes a reality.

Your Impact:

• Lead development of high-impact policy projects to influence end of life care in Scotland.
• Build and maintain relationships with MSPs, ministers, government officials, and sector leaders.
• Develop and deliver public affairs and campaign strategies to influence decision-makers.
• Analyse and respond to government consultations and legislative developments.
• Represent Marie Curie Scotland externally through media, conferences, and events.
• Collaborate with colleagues and partners across the UK to deliver evidence-led, coordinated policy change.
• Contribute to the Scotland policy team’s strategic direction and deputise for the Associate Director when required.

Key Criteria:

• Significant experience leading policy and public affairs work, ideally in health or social care.
• Strong political awareness and proven ability to influence at national and local levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting high-quality reports and briefings.
• Strategic thinker with strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Understanding of Scottish Government and Parliament structures, and health and social care policy context.
• Experience engaging with media and speaking at public events.
• Commitment to tackling inequity and improving end of life experiences for all.

Please see the full job description .

Additional Information

Application & Interview Process

• As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and supplementary details. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
• Close date for applications: 28 Oct 2025.

Salary: £45-50,000 per annum

Contract: Full-time (35 hours per week), permanent

Based: Home-based with regular travel to Edinburgh

Benefits you’ll LOVE:

• Flexible working. We’re happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
• Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• Industry-leading training programmes
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
• Access to Blue Light Card membership
• Subsidised Eye Care

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We are seeking to appoint an experienced General Manager/CEO to take on a pivotal leadership position, responsible for overseeing the strategic and operational direction of Wrexham Tennis & Padel Centre, ensuring its continued growth, sustainability, and community impact.

The successful candidate will bring substantial senior management experience within a comparable sports, leisure or charity environment, with a proven track record of delivering strategic objectives, managing complex operations, and leading high-performing teams. This is an outstanding opportunity to shape the future of a vibrant and ambitious organisation, committed to providing inclusive access to tennis, padel, and pickleball across all levels of the community.

Lead a Community-Focused Charity as General Manager - Winchester

Location: Winchester
Salary: £35,000-£40,000 (depending on experience)
Hours: Full-time (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm)
Contract: Permanent
Reporting to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

We are proud to be working in partnership with a long-established, impactful charity based in one of Winchester's most underserved communities. This organisation has been a vital lifeline for children, families, and vulnerable individuals since the early 1990s, offering a wide range of services that promote wellbeing, inclusion, and personal development.

From a well-regarded nursery and welcoming café to a soft play area and essential food support services, this charity is a vibrant hub of hope and transformation.

About the Role

As General Manager, you'll lead the day-to-day operations of the centre, driving strategic growth and ensuring services continue to meet the evolving needs of the local community. You'll work closely with a passionate team of staff, volunteers, and Trustees to deliver the charity's mission with energy, creativity, and compassion.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of the Business and Strategic Plans
• Secure sustainable funding and manage budgets
• Inspire and support dedicated staff and volunteer teams
• Develop inclusive programmes based on local needs
• Build strategic partnerships and represent the charity externally
• Oversee governance, compliance, and communications

About You

We're looking for a visionary leader who's community-focused, values-driven, and ready to roll up their sleeves. You'll bring:

• Proven leadership experience
• Strong financial and strategic planning skills
• A track record in income generation and grant success
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• An understanding of charity operations and governance (desirable)

Why Apply?

• Be part of a mission-driven team making real impact
• Enjoy employee discounts and free on-site parking
• Benefit from a government-approved pension scheme
• Work in a supportive, inclusive environment
• Lead a charity that's open, non-judgemental, and truly community-first

This is a hands-on, in-person role based in Winchester, with occasional evening and weekend commitments (time off in lieu provided).

An enhanced DBS check will be required.

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

About Khulisa
Khulisa (meaning “to nurture” in Zulu) is an award-winning national charity. We work with young people aged 11–25 whose lives have been affected by trauma or adversity. Trauma can profoundly impact a young person’s development — limiting their self-confidence, resilience, and ability to thrive.

For more than 18 years, Khulisa has provided evidence-based programmes that build social and emotional skills, helping young people to overcome barriers and reach their potential. We also train professionals, parents and carers to create trauma-informed environments, ensuring that all young people are cared for by adults who understand and respond to their needs.

The Role
We are seeking an inspiring Chief Executive Officer to lead Khulisa into its next chapter. The CEO will provide strategic leadership, financial and operational oversight, and the vision to grow our impact — building on strong foundations and trusted partnerships.

We are looking for an individual with:

• Proven business development skills and the ability to diversify income.

• Significant experience in stakeholder engagement — including funders, statutory bodies and partners.

• A strong track record of leadership, with a commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and professional development.

• The confidence to act as Khulisa’s primary spokesperson and ambassador, championing our trauma-informed, person-centred approach at every level.

Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to lead a charity with deep, long-standing relationships and a growing national profile. The CEO will play a central role in shaping the future of Khulisa, ensuring we continue to nurture young people and the communities around them.

How to Apply
To apply, please read the last page of the Job Pack. If you have questions before applying you can send these to the email address listed in the Job Pack. Someone will then be in contact with you and arrange a time to speak. 

First-round interviews will start in the first week of November. 

Use your leadership excellence to shape the development of a Bristol-based charity serving homeless and vulnerable clients.

We are seeking an exceptional leader who brings experience of supporting organisational growth and excellence.

InHope helps people in Bristol overcome the insecurities of homelessness, hunger, addiction, and poor mental health. Working in partnership with individuals, churches, community groups and companies our vision is of communities where everybody can reach their God-given potential free from injustice and insecurity.

As the largest city in the South-West, Bristol has always had a challenge with rough sleeping, particularly amongst women. In recent years the need for our services has risen with acutely increasing rents and food prices. 

This has led us to a thorough redesign of the way inHope functions. Instead of being organised by venue, since April 2025 we have been organised by the services we offer to clients through all of our venues. These cover provisions, shelter, client pathways and housing. The restructure is enabling us to provide better, more joined up services and for our clients, to not only meet  their immediate needs, but to help them reach their God-given potential.

As Chief Executive you will lead our efforts to realise our vision, embedding the new structure, provide leadership to our skilled and proactive staff team of 40 and nearly 400 volunteers, and shape the development of our next five-year plan.  

If you enjoy working in a dynamic and passionate organisation and are attracted to the challenge of working with highly committed staff, serving people with complex needs in a faith context, we would love to hear from you. 

For more information please see the job pack attached. Closing date 10th November. 

About the role

As Senior Philanthropy Manager, you will be responsible for delivering sector-leading fundraising, sitting at the heart of a successful team to drive relationships and income from some of the UK’s leading philanthropists.

You will thrive in personally engaging with donors to proactively solicit major gifts, alongside leading and inspiring a team of major gift fundraisers. We have a well-connected and engaged Trustee Board and an experienced fundraising Chair.

This role reports to the Head of Philanthropy and Capital Campaigns and will line manage the Philanthropy Manager (currently being recruited) and Trusts Fundraising Manager (in post), with potential for further direct and indirect reports in the future.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a talented high-value fundraiser who brings significant major giving experience (at a five-figure level+), a proven track record of the full donor cultivation journey, including researching prospects, building relationships and securing donations to deliver income.

Management experience would be beneficial, as would an understanding of fundraising for the NHS, healthcare, or a similar setting.

Our fundraising department

Our dynamic fundraising department generated £4.5m through donations in 2023/24, and we are now preparing for an ambitious £50 million campaign to fund the construction of a ground-breaking cancer centre on the site of the Royal Free Hospital.

We pride ourselves on being a supporter-focused and agile function, working at the heart of the charity to deliver impact for patients and staff across our hospitals. Responsible for attracting and retaining donors, and delivering an outstanding supporter experience, the fundraising department comprises of two teams which work closely together to achieve our shared objectives:

• Our Philanthropy & Capital Campaign team builds relationships with individual philanthropists, trusts, foundations, corporate organisations and intermediaries, giving or facilitating donations of £10,000 or more to the charity each year. They lead major appeal activity for the charity, currently focused on our forthcoming cancer campaign, the charity’s first patron programme, and special events to support these activities.
• Our Public Fundraising team harnesses the support and energy of individuals and groups, helping them to give back in the way that works for them. This includes committed giving, in memory support, gifts in wills, and fundraising events and challenges.
• Our Fundraising Operations team underpins and supports the entire department.

Person specification

• Significant major giving experience within the not-for-profit sector, or equivalent experience from a comparable sector with demonstrable transferable skills.
• Proven track record in developing and managing a portfolio of donors (or customers)
• Track record of setting and achieving income targets and managing budgets.
• Evidence of outstanding written skills, including creating proposals, reports and internal briefings.
• Experience of making successful asks for financial support, which have achieved contributions in excess of £50,000.
• Experience in monitoring and managing KPIs and activity plans.
• Experience of proactively engaging in-person/virtually with major donors (or similar) to achieve relationship development objectives, including presenting personally and briefing senior colleagues to lead meetings.

We are delighted to be recruiting the first CEO for Young Southampton - a new partnership focused on making sure Southampton has the very best to offer all young people, and they can thrive in our city.

We’ll do that through collaboration - bringing together everyone with a passion for Southampton, and for children and young people. Together, we know we can make a huge difference.

As our first CEO, you’ll be shaping Young Southampton from the very start - working closely with our trustees, members and supporters to co-design and deliver an ambitious strategy.

We are seeking someone with passion, creativity and ambition - who can bring together the children and young people’s sector, our public sector partners, funders and businesses and children and young people themselves.

Director of Development – Dundee Heritage Trust

Abeer Macintyre Consultancy is recruiting, on behalf of Dundee Heritage Trust, for a Director of Development.

About Dundee Heritage Trust
Dundee Heritage Trust is a charity dedicated to preserving and sharing Dundee’s rich cultural and scientific heritage. It operates two award-winning visitor attractions, Discovery Point, home of the RRS Discovery (the ship that took Scott and Shackleton to the Antarctic), and Verdant Works, an 1833 flax and jute mill that tells the story of the industry which shaped Dundee for almost 200 years.

The Trust generates around £2.2m annually through admissions, cafés, events, venue hire, fundraising and the capital appeal. To sustain and grow this work, Abeer Macintyre Consultancy is seeking, on behalf of the Trust, an exceptional Director of Development to lead the fundraising strategy and team.

As Director of Development, you will

• Lead the fundraising team and nurture their potential following a period of leadership change.

• Shape and deliver a multi-channel fundraising strategy, with a focus on major gifts, high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, legacies and international networks.

• Work closely with the Executive and Commercial Directors to align fundraising with earned income.

• Draw on the strength of a highly engaged Board, a well-connected Chair, and high-profile Patrons such as Brian Cox, Dan Snow and Lorraine Kelly.

This is a senior leadership role with the freedom to create your own strategy, supported by colleagues who understand what it takes to make fundraising thrive. The potential is significant, from polar exploration enthusiasts and the Scottish diaspora to corporate partnerships and legacy giving, and the platform is already set.

Person specification

Essential experience

• Development and management of donor giving for not-for-profits or member-based organisations, or client development for commercial income generation and business development.

• A track record of achieving revenue targets from campaigns, activities and events.

Essential skills, abilities and attributes

• Strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial, self-motivated approach.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a dynamic, evolving organisation.

• Proven success securing major gifts and or regular subscriptions from individuals, philanthropists, corporates and supporters.

• Creative thinker with strong written and verbal communication skills, able to craft compelling narratives that influence at the highest level.

• Experience of developing international networks and gifts.

• Personable, with excellent collaborative and team skills.

• Knowledge of the Scottish, UK and international philanthropic landscape and, ideally, a well-connected personal network.

How to apply

Please send a CV and covering letter, both no longer than two pages, by 31 October 2025.

• First-stage interviews: Thursday 20 November 2025 in Dundee.

• Second-stage interviews: Tuesday morning 25 November 2025 via Zoom for top-placed candidates. Please keep this date free unless you are notified that you have not progressed.

If you have questions not covered in the candidate pack, please email the address above to arrange a convenient time to speak.

In the UK, there are more than 1.3 million disabled children and nearly four million children living in poverty. Variety exists to improve their lives. We believe every child has a right to live their best life and reach their full potential, whoever they are. We fund and deliver life-changing programmes that enhance their quality of life and give children and young people across the UK a better future.

Over the past 75 years we have supported over one million children by funding almost 6,000 Sunshine Coaches, almost the same number of wheelchairs, and giving thousands of grants to individual children, schools, youth clubs and other organisations for specialist equipment. Variety is also involved with a number of capital projects which transform the facilities of hospitals and SEN schools. In addition, each year tens of thousands of children take part in day trips, special events and educational activities as part of our Variety Great Days Out programme and every single day we are improving more young lives. We do it with practical, tangible help. Help that makes a real and immediate difference.

We’re not content to rest on our laurels – we have recently completed a leadership transition that will provide the strategic and operational foundation for the charity to be more effective than ever. We plan to double our income in the next three years and grow our support for children and young people across the UK.

Role Summary

The Finance Officer will support the Finance and Operations team and regional teams with key areas of responsibility around financial administration and general office and governance administration tasks.

Role and responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

Financial Administration - (95% of role):

Supporting the Finance team with

o Day-to-day financial administration

o Bookkeeping on Xero, raising invoices, chasing debtors, dealing with supplier statements

o Ensuring correct VAT categorisations.

o Tracking expenditure on Xero in accordance with funder requirements

o Processing monthly expenses and petty cash claims

o Responsible for preparation of the weekly payment run (approval max and Xero)

o Day-to-day financial administration

o Banking of cheques

o Managing control accounts for CAF, Charities trust, and Justgiving

o Managing shopify, worldpay, stripe, paypal and other payment processing platforms

o Organising card machines for events

Administration: (5% of role)

Some tasks listed below are less frequent and ad-hoc.

o Opening post and electronic filing

o Weekly franking of post, topping up funds when required and taking post to nearby post office

o Supporting the Director of Finance and Operations with preparation of board and audit committee papers and materials, minutes and actions

o Supporting the finance and operations team with writing and editing documents and presentations and arranging online and in-person meetings as required.

o Overseeing the general email address forwarding queries to relevant team members

Other

o Undertake any other duties that may from time to time be required.

Person specification

Essential

- AAT accounting qualification or equivalent

- Experience within the charity sector

- Experience with Xero accounting software

Other essential:

- IT skills- Knowledge of MS office

- Understanding of VAT

- Experience of donations platforms, stripe, shopify

- An understanding of fund accounting, restrictions and unrestricted funds

- Enthusiastic and creative self-starter.

- Ability to multi-task

Desirable

- Experience of CRMs - Sales force

- Understanding of disability, diversity and equality issues.

Further Information

· Limited travel around the UK may be required. 

· Variety, the Children’s Charity, is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

· Proof of eligibility to work in the UK is required.

·9-5pm 3 days per week (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 2 days will be in the office, 1 day work from home).

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Inclusion is one of our key values. It is our ambition to recruit great people from diverse communities. We welcome and encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment/identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy/maternity and or marriage/civil partnership status, race, religion or belief.

You will be working with a supportive and knowledgeable team who are regularly in our vibrant office in the heart of Camden, London.

This role will require a DBS check.

Benefits 

· Enhanced Pension (7% contribution from Variety with 2% employee contribution).

· 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. In addition, after one year's continuous service, an extra 2 days annual holiday for every complete year of service will be added, up to a maximum of five days' extra holiday. (pro rata will apply for part-time)

· 3 additional days between Christmas and new years given as discretionary leave

· Membership to a health and well-being cash plan scheme

·  Life Assurance scheme offering 4 x salary

· Company Sick Pay

How to apply

If you would like to apply, then please submit the following:

1. CV (up-to-date)

2. Cover letter (max 1 page) on why you are interested and how you meet the essential and desirable skills and experience.

Please also advise if you may require any reasonable adjustments for the interview process.

Applications should reach us by 5pm on Monday 27th October 2025, with interviews to be held w/c 3rd November 2025.

We are looking for a candidate ideally to start by December 2025.

Young Lives Consortium are recruiting a Business Operations Manager

Location: Based at Lightwaves Leisure Centre, Wakefield WF1 3LJ

Hours: 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday, core hours of the day are open to negotiation.

Contract: Permanent

Salary: Pay Band D £30,976 - £34,055 pa Commencing pro-rata salary will be £25,116 to £27,612 pa.

Application deadline: 20th October 2025

Are you eager to participate in supporting Voluntary, Community Sector organisations in Wakefield District promoting positive outcomes for children, young people, and families in Wakefield District?

Young Lives Consortium seeks a Business Operations Manager to spearhead the back-office functions and provide essential support to the Chief Executive Officer. As a key member of the Management Team, you will play a crucial role in enhancing business processes, maximising efficiency to support Young Lives Consortium’s development.

In this rewarding position, you will be tasked with managing the business’s day-to-day operations, overseeing financial management, and ensuring operational excellence across all support functions.

If you are a results-orientated professional with a passion for making a difference and possess strong organisational, communication, team, and leadership skills, this role could be a perfect fit for you.

With a focus on fostering a positive work environment and promoting growth and development the Young Lives Consortium provides an exciting opportunity for individuals committed to promoting Voluntary Community Sector organisations supporting children, young people, and families

JOB TITLE: Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications

LOCATION: Flexible, with regular travel to London

RESPONSIBLE TO: Chief Executive

DIRECT REPORTS: Senior Trusts & Grants Manager, Marketing Manager, Fundraising Manager

HOURS OF WORK: Full time, 35 hours per week

DURATION: SALARY / GRADE: £65,000 to £75,000 (dependent on experience) plus benefits

TEAM SIZE: 6 FTE (with growth plans of up to 12 fte by 2030)

JOB PROFILE

ABOUT ADOPTION UK

Adoption UK is the leading national voice for adoptive families. We exist to ensure that every child and young person who cannot grow up with their birth parents gets the right support at the right time – from childhood into adulthood.

Every year, thousands of children in the UK are adopted – most having experienced trauma, loss, or neglect. Adoption transforms their futures, but it is rarely the end of the story. Adoptive families face unique challenges: children struggling to trust, thrive in school, or feel safe; parents battling to secure the right support; young people navigating identity and belonging. Without the right help, too many families reach breaking point. Adoption UK is there to change this. We are a lifeline for families – offering community, advice, advocacy, and practical support. We champion their voices with government and professionals, driving changes in policy and practice so that no adoptive family feels they are facing the journey alone.

With over 6,000 members, strong credibility with policymakers, and a powerful lived experience community, we are uniquely placed to influence change. Our mission is urgent and nationally significant: to ensure that every adoptive family can thrive, and every adopted child has the chance to fulfil their potential.

DIRECTORATE PURPOSE

The Fundraising, Marketing and Communications directorate is responsible for:

• Income generation across trusts and foundations, corporates, major donors, community fundraising, public donations, and legacies, alongside relationships with commissioners and public sector funders.

• Partnership development, engaging businesses, philanthropists, trusts, and volunteers.

• Marketing of services and membership to families, adoptees, commissioners, and professionals in health, education, and social care.

• Awareness raising and thought leadership, ensuring adoption and permanence issues have a strong voice nationally.

Currently a team of six, the directorate has strong ambitions to grow in size and scope, with scope to re-imagine its structure to meet future needs.

THE ROLE

This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of fundraising, marketing and communications at a charity of national importance.

As Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications you will:

• Build unrestricted income in a competitive funding environment

• Lead the transformation of Adoption UK’s income model, scaling from £500k to £2m+ contribution (by 2030) to organisational income growth from a £4.2m baseline.

• Develop and deliver a bold, integrated fundraising, marketing, and communications strategy.

• Build Adoption UK’s brand and profile with families, adoptees, commissioners, policymakers, funders, and the wider public.

• Inspire, coach, and grow a talented team, embedding a culture of confidence, creativity, and innovation.

• Personally cultivate and steward high-value donor, corporate, and foundation relationships, working with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and ambassadors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the design and delivery of a multi-year fundraising, marketing, and communications strategy aligned to organisational priorities.

• Act as a cultural change leader, shifting from risk-averse to confident, outward-facing engagement.

• Contribute fully to the Senior Leadership Team, influencing strategy, governance, and financial planning.

Income Growth & Diversification

• Oversee all voluntary income streams – trusts, major donors, corporates, community/public fundraising, legacies – while also strengthening public sector and commissioning relationships.

• Oversee marketing and growth of membership as a core element of income and impact.

• Deliver long-term growth targets.

• Use and promote data-driven decision-making, supporter journeys, and digital fundraising/marketing effectively.

• Design and deliver a signature annual Showcase event, alongside new products such as a Giving Circle and Corporate Club, ensuring clear ROI and upgrade potential.

• Personally lead cultivation of transformational donor and partner relationships, supported by trustees, ambassadors, and patrons.

• Identify and test new funding streams and partnerships to diversify income and reduce risk.

Marketing & Communications

• Oversee a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy covering fundraising, membership, services, training, campaigns, and advocacy.

• Ensure a compelling and consistent case for support and brand identity across all channels.

• Raise Adoption UK’s national profile with media, commissioners, professionals, and the public.

• Lead digital transformation: CRM upgrade, supporter journeys, analytics, social media, and digital marketing.

• Manage media relations and reputation, including crisis communications alongside the CEO.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead, inspire, and grow a team of talented and motivated individuals.

• Model authentic, adaptive, and inclusive leadership – balancing ambition with staff wellbeing.

• Act as a coach and mentor, supporting professional growth and building the next generation of leaders.

• Champion Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and embed values-led behaviours across the team and all external engagement.

• Foster cross-organisational collaboration so fundraising and marketing are understood and supported across Adoption UK.

Financial & Governance

• Lead financial planning, budgeting, and ROI analysis for the directorate.

• Report regularly to CEO and Board of Trustees on progress, opportunities, and risks.

• Lead fundraising due-diligence and reputational risk processes, with regular reporting to Trustee-led committees (e.g. Finance & Risk).

• Ensure compliance with the Fundraising Code, GDPR, charity law, and safeguarding standards.

• Embed robust CRM, data, and analytics to support continuous improvement.

External Engagement

• Act as a visible ambassador for Adoption UK with donors, corporates, trusts and foundations, policymakers, and media.

• In collaboration with the CEO and Chair, direct ambassadors and patrons to open doors, advocate, and steward transformational relationships.

• Represent Adoption UK externally at events, forums, and national platforms.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Significant experience leading multi-stream fundraising, with success in at least two of: trusts, corporates, major donors, public fundraising.

• Experience developing marketing and communications strategies beyond fundraising – including brand, service promotion, membership, campaigns, and digital engagement.

• Track record of delivering growth, innovation, or transformation in income and/or organisational profile.

• Strong people leadership skills: ability to coach, inspire, and develop staff, including senior managers.

• Exceptional relationship-builder – credible with philanthropists, corporates, trustees, commissioners, and media.

• Strategic thinker with financial acumen (budgets, ROI, investment planning).

• Authentic communicator with excellent storytelling ability.

• Commitment to Adoption UK’s mission and values, with an inclusive and collaborative leadership style.

• Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of role at all times.

• Contributes to an open and honest culture

• Supports, encourages, and motivates colleagues.

• Encourages challenge, creativity and innovation.

• Leads by example.

• Values transparency and consistency.

• Understands the role of individual and collective accountability.

• Actively contributes to Adoption UK’s mission.

• Has a clear understanding of other colleagues’ roles and responsibilities

• Shares skills and knowledge.

• Promotes Cross Functional team working.

• Offers outstanding service to members.

• Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values in all interactions with external stakeholders.

• Identifies and uses the most appropriate form of communication.

• Communicates clearly, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others.

• Treats colleagues and other stakeholders with respect, honesty, fairness and courtesy

• Is responsive to colleagues, third party professionals and service users.

• Takes pride in own development.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving high standards and meeting agreed objectives.

• Takes an active interest in recognising professional and personal development needs and priorities within Adoption UK.

Desirable

• Experience in child welfare, family support, education, or adoption.

• Evidence of leading digital transformation in fundraising, marketing, or CRM.

• Existing networks in philanthropy, corporate CSR/ESG, or foundations relevant to Adoption UK’s mission.

This role profile is a guide to the nature of the work required and may involve other such duties as deemed necessary by the Organisation. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive. The role profile will be reviewed with the post-holder at significant points for the Organisation.

Postholder is expected to abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice, and to work within a framework of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.

The Opportunity

This is more than a fundraising role — it is an opportunity to lead transformational change for a cause of national importance. You will:

• Shape and lead a directorate spanning fundraising, marketing, and communications.

• Deliver transformational income growth and secure Adoption UK’s sustainability.

• Build Adoption UK’s brand and reputation as the national champion for adoptive families.

• Market services, membership, and campaigns so more families and professionals engage with our work.

• Lead cultural change, inspiring a confident, outward-facing, and innovative fundraising and marketing function.

Few roles offer such scope to combine fundraising growth, brand leadership, and culture change in a mission of such national importance. This is your chance to make a lasting impact – on Adoption UK, on your career, and on thousands of children and families across the UK.

Timetable:

The closing date for this role is 20th October 2025. However, Adoption UK reserves the right to end the application period sooner so we would recommend you complete the application form as soon as possible.

Shortlisting will be carried out on 22 to 24 October 2025 and you should be notified of an outcome within fifteen working days of the closing date.

The panel will shortlist based on those applicants who best meet the criteria for the role.

The date(s) scheduled for first interviews will be 3rd November 2025. These dates may be subject to change and applications will be advised in advance should this happen.