Charity director jobs

Are you passionate about building relationships, inspiring others, and making a real impact? This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in growing support for our charity by connecting with local communities, businesses, volunteers, and supporters. You will be at the heart of developing meaningful partnerships, identifying new fundraising opportunities, and increasing awareness of the vital work we do. Through your energy, creativity, and relationship-building skills, you will help generate income, maximise community engagement, and strengthen our presence across the region. Every conversation, event, and partnership you create will contribute to making a positive difference in the lives of those we support. If you thrive on meeting people, creating opportunities, and being part of a passionate and purpose-driven team, this rewarding role offers the chance to make a lasting impact while helping our charity grow and succeed.

Job Summary 
 
To manage and ensure control of the funding, financial and corporate resources of the Charity to ensure a financially secure service, delivering value for money. 

Work with the Co-Directors to advise and develop the financial strategy, model new projects, prepare annual and project budgets, and report on financial performance, contributing to the overall future strategic direction of the Charity.

Manage the day-to-day finances for the Charity. Ensure all aspects of the financial systems are accurate and up to date, including banking, sales and purchase ledgers, payroll and cash management.

The postholder is expected to foster excellent working relationships with all staff, volunteers, senior colleagues and trustees. 

The postholder will be expected to attend the following meeting groups: 

• Monthly All Staff: regular attendance 

• GDPR/Data Working Group 

• Finance and Income Generation (FING) Committee Meetings 

• Responsibilities to and attendance at all other meetings: attendance only as and when required and/or at the direction of the Co-Directors 

Key Responsibilities 

• Supervision and management of Senior Finance & Admin Officer (SFAO) 

• Day to Day Financial Management 

• Provision of accurate reports to Board and senior managers 

• Payroll, Pensions, and Tax Management overview and control 

• Budget Process Management 

• Statutory Reporting & Charity compliance 

• Account Management – Key Suppliers/Contractors 

• Financial Risk Management 

• Governance support to FING Committee and Trustees 

Core External Relationships 

• Payroll Provider 

• TPT Pensions 

• HMRC 

• All Banks 

• Charity Commission 

• Companies House 

• Charity Auditors 

• IT Contractor & Insurers 

Day to Day Financial Management 

• Regularly review and maintain financial policies and procedures. 

• Review the monthly reconciliations carried out by the SFAO thereby ensuring all transactions are properly and efficiently recorded. 

• Oversee the management and appropriate allocation of Restricted Funds, ensuring the monies are allocated according to the donor’s wishes and ensure that records are always maintained 

• Regularly review and make recommendations for improvements to financial controls and ensuring methods are documented and made clear to staff.

• Support with funding bids and reports back to donors 

• Management of all charity bank accounts, acting as authorised signatory with Banks 

Payroll, Pensions and Tax Management 

• Supervise the payroll process carried out by SFAO 

• Responsible for the effective management Charity’s Pension Scheme

• Ensure payments to HMRC are made accurately and on time, and ensure all available allowances are claimed. 

Budget Process Management 

• Take the lead on preparing the Annual Budget, working closely with SLT to capture all spending plans Develop and run a process which is thorough, consistent and inclusive of all managers. 

• Alongside the Co-Director, present the Draft Budget to Board for approval 

• Present monthly management accounts and Cost Centre reports for all managers

• Work closely with all SLT to ensure they fully understand their budgets and ongoing organisational performance against budget 

• Monitor variations against spend and integrate within an overall Cashflow analysis 

• Recommend corrective actions to Co- Directors and/or Board as necessary 

Statutory Reporting & Charity compliance 

• Act as lead member of staff with the Charity’s Auditors 

• Oversee the preparation of the Annual Accounts plus any supporting papers required to enable an efficient and effective annual audit to take place 

• Maintain fixed asset register and inventory of all equipment contracts/agreements 

• Ensure the Charity is fully compliant with statutory bodies and key external institutions, and act as lead on behalf of the charity with the following bodies: 

• Charity Commission 

• Companies House 

• Pensions Regulator 

• HMRC 

• Valuation Office 

• All Banks 
   

Account Management – Key Suppliers/Contractors 

Insurance 

• Take the lead in managing the insurance renewals process, and ensure that a comprehensive suite of insurances is in place to cover key risks across the Charity 
   

Financial Risk Management 

• Ensure appropriate financial risk management techniques and controls are in place at strategic and operational levels. 

• Develop, update and produce long term cashflow forecasts to evidence that the Charity can operate as a going concern. 

• Provide up-to-date dashboards and reports of the financial position, projections and scenarios, considering the financial implications of alternative business models, advice on new and current business income generation initiatives and analysis of financial risk and performance. 

• Work with the Co-Directors, to ensure that the appropriate processes are in place for the long-term financial viability of the charity, advising on the financial consequences of proposed actions 
   

Governance support to FING Committee and Trustees 

• Assist the Chair of FING Committee (Treasurer) 

• Prepare all associated papers and minutes 

• Prepare finance papers for Treasurer to deliver to Board of Trustees 

• Attend Board of Trustees meetings and present information as requested 
   

General 

• Postholder to adhere to their relevant Code of Ethics as laid down by their professional body, being mindful that adherence to the code takes precedence over charity policy and practice should a conflict ever arise. [NB Sections A + C of the current professional code are applicable.]

• Keep abreast of financial developments across the charity sector and ensure any opportunities for tax reliefs, cost reduction, value for money and more effective systems are seized as appropriate.

• Undertake any other duties as determined by the Co-Directors. 

 
Personal Specification 

• Personally committed to Caring in Bristol’s vision and values and collaboration-focused method of work. 

• Committed to reflection and learning, including sharing failures and uncertainties; openly taking feedback from the team and members of the community on your behaviour and work. 

• Bring ideas for improvements and is open and honest in all communications where relevant and appropriate. 

• Awareness of your own needs: the homelessness sector can be challenging – you will be good at knowing your limits under pressure and will be confident to ask for help when you need it. You will receive support from your team, and we are keen to nurture an environment where no-one feels worried about asking for help or support when they need it. 

• Resilience working under pressure, ability, and willingness to both give and take constructive feedback. 

• Willingness to work the extra hours where needed, with a flexible working policy. 

• Growing levels of self-awareness, including an understanding of how your background has shaped the opportunities afforded to you and how you relate to people from different backgrounds to you. 

• Willing to develop emotional intelligence, including a growing ability to empathise with and appreciate others, creating opportunities for those you work with to grow. 

• A passion for social justice and to change Bristol for the better. 

Essential 

• Minimum part qualified accountant or qualified by experience with strong financial management experience, with an ability to understand the practical impact of finance decisions and processes across the whole charity. 

• Specialist knowledge of Charities required, including Charity SORP guidance and procedures, underpinned by strong theoretical knowledge and practical experience. 

• Ability to work with the Co-directors to lead the formulation of long-term financial plans and strategies which will influence the long-term direction of the charity. 

• Experience in developing major finance policy development. 

• Experience in budgeting and financial planning.

• Experience in management accounting. 

• Ability to receive, process and provide highly complex or sensitive financial information including ability to analyse and clearly communicate financial information.

• Strong IT skills including the Microsoft Office suite, in particular Excel, and experience of using databases. 

• Solid organisational skills including consistency, accuracy, and an eye for detail. 

• Experience of line management and supporting and developing staff. 

• Knowledge and understanding of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion practices. 

Desirable  

• Experience in using QuickBooks accounting software is desirable or transferrable knowledge of similar online accounting packages. 

About the role

Cardiomyopathy UK's Director of Research and External Affairs leads the charity's research, policy and advocacy, and communications and marketing functions, with a team of four staff. The post-holder sets the strategic direction of the directorate, drives high-quality delivery,  upholds the charity's values, and represents the charity externally. The Director is a member of the charity's Leadership Team, working closely with the CEO to steer the charity forward. 

For the right person, this is an opportunity with real strategic scope. We want to build on our strong policy positions and evidence base and translate them into more proactive campaigning and influencing, moving from good policy thinking to concerted public affairs activity, strategic stakeholder engagement, and campaigns that achieve real change. 

The Director will also lead the next phase of our research work, following our inaugural research grant-funding activity and James Lind Alliance top ten work. They will work with the Research Manager and our clinical and academic partners to better define and deliver our ambitions.

Raising awareness of cardiomyopathy, its signs, symptoms and genetic risk, is also within the team's scope. Too many people are still diagnosed late because neither they nor their GP knew what to look for. The Director will drive our communications and marketing agenda purposefully, equally ensuring the charity’s external profile is actively managed and enhanced.

About you

We're looking for a leader who is a collaborative and inclusive, able to build trust with staff, colleagues, external partners and the Board. They will have strong strategic, analytical and planning skills, with the ability to develop coherent strategies. They will have experience as a senior leader/ manager in a charity, health, research or patient-focused organisation. See the Person Specification for further details.
 
Why join us?

Cardiomyopathy UK is the national charity for people affected by cardiomyopathy. We provide specialist nurse support, peer support, wellbeing services and trusted information to thousands of people each year, as well as influencing policy, supporting advocacy, and funding and enabling better research.

We are ambitious about our future. We are committed to quality, accountability and continuous improvement. Most importantly, we are committed to ensuring that everyone affected by cardiomyopathy can live well with the condition.

We are a family friendly employer with flexible and hybrid working. We offer an enhanced Employee Assistance Programme, additional annual leave linked to length of service, and an extra special occasion day each year.

We are midway through our five-year strategic plan, at a genuinely exciting moment, both for the charity and for cardiomyopathy more broadly. If you are excited by the opportunity to shape our Research and External Affairs work, lead a strong team and ensure we can clearly demonstrate the impact of our work, we would love to hear from you.

For over 30 years, RASASC has provided specialist, trauma-informed support to survivors of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse across Cheshire and Merseyside. 

As Managing Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, working closely with our Board of Trustees, staff team, funders, commissioners and partners to ensure RASASC continues to deliver high-quality, survivor-centred services while building a sustainable future.

The opportunity:

• Shape and deliver RASASC’s strategy, growth plans and future direction
• Lead and inspire a committed team, creating a culture of excellence, collaboration and learning
• Ensure strong governance, financial sustainability and organisational resilience
• Develop relationships with funders, commissioners, partners and stakeholders
• Champion survivor voices and influence the wider sexual violence support sector
• Drive innovation, service improvement and long-term impact

We are looking for an experienced senior leader who can demonstrate:

• Strategic leadership experience within the charity, public, voluntary or social purpose sector
• A strong track record of managing budgets, resources and organisational performance
• Experience working with Boards, Trustees or Non-Executive Directors
• Success in securing funding through grants, contracts, tenders or partnerships
• The ability to lead people, manage change and build effective relationships
• A commitment to equality, inclusion, safeguarding and survivor-centred practice

This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected organisation with a powerful mission — ensuring survivors of sexual violence receive the support, advocacy and voice they deserve.If you are an ambitious, compassionate and strategic leader who wants to create lasting change, we would love to hear from you.

Director of Finance and Systems

Are you a qualified accountant with experience at a senior level in a finance role?

We are looking for a Director of Finance and Systems to join the Strategy Team, responsible for shaping the organisations long-term strategy and financial sustainability.

Working for an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from under-represented groups; in particular from Black, Asian, Mixed Race & other ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ+ communities.

Position: Director of Finance and Systems

Location: Hybrid working: two days a week in the Bolton or London offices (based in White City) combined with home-working and travel across our Youth Zone network as required.

Salary: £80,000 - £85,000 per annum

Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours/week)

Contract: Permanent

Benefits: Agile working with flexibility in working hours; 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising to a maximum of 30 days); birthday leave, additional annual leave purchase scheme; company matched pension; company sick, maternity, paternity & adoption pay; Employee Assistance Programme, active and engaged networks to join (including Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) and access to Charity Worker discounts.

Closing Date: 12noon on Wednesday 8 July 2026 (We may close this role early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.)

First stage interviews (virtual): Wednesday 15 July 2026

Second stage interviews (in-person): w/c 27 July 2026

There will also be a short, values-based phone interview between Stage 1 and 2.

About the Role

As a key member of the Executive Team, you will partner closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees to develop and deliver a financially resilient and scalable organisation, supporting both the charity’s and its growing national network of independent Youth Zone charities.

You will lead the organisation’s finance, systems and data capability ensuring strong financial stewardship, high-quality insight for decision-making, and efficient, innovative ways of working.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the financial and operational model of one of the UK’s most ambitious youth charities, with influence extending across a growing national network.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Financial Strategy & Sustainability
• Financial Leadership & Governance
• Systems, Data & Insight
• Network Support & Influence

About You

You will be a fully qualified accountant (CCAB recognised) with strong leadership skills and the ability to develop team members to their full potential

You will have experience of

• Working at a senior level in a finance role with responsibility across the whole finance function (ideally also including responsibility for the systems function)
• Substantial financial leadership across scaling organisation or multi-entity structure spanning organisational planning, analysis and improvement, ideally a national-level charity
• Effective collaborative working with senior colleagues at Executive and Board Level

Above all, you’re motivated by purpose and excited by the opportunity to help deliver spaces that enable young people to thrive.

About the Organisation

A national charity that believes all young people should have the opportunity to discover their passion and their purpose that fund and build state-of-the-art, multimillion-pound youth centres called Youth Zones in the country’s most economically disadvantaged areas. The organisation trains the amazing people that run them and offers continuing support to youth zones nationwide through a national network of independent youth charities.

It’s about opportunity.

You may have experience in areas such as Accountant, Business Account, Finance Manager, Director of Finance, Head of Finance, Finance and Systems, Director of Finance and Systems, Finance and Systems Manager, Finance and Systems Lead.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity
Location: Sheffield
Reporting to: Director of Fundraising

Salary: £45,721.96 to £60,963.64 per annum

Hours and basis: Full Time 37.5 hours per week / Permanent position

Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity is looking for an ambitious and inspiring fundraising leader to join us as Head of Philanthropy, Trusts & Foundations. This is a unique opportunity to shape and drive high-value fundraising strategies that directly transform the lives of children and families.

About the role

In this pivotal leadership role, you will lead and grow our philanthropy and trusts income streams, developing and delivering a long-term strategy that drives sustainable income growth and meaningful impact.

You’ll work closely with senior leaders, clinicians and colleagues across the Charity and NHS Trust to bring compelling, high-impact projects to life, engaging new supporters and strengthening relationships with our existing donors.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a strategic plan for philanthropy, trusts and foundations fundraising
• Secure significant gifts and long-term partnerships from major donors and funders
• Personally manage a portfolio of high-value prospects and supporters
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of funding opportunities
• Oversee compelling cases for support, proposals and grant applications
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing fundraising team
• Work collaboratively across the organisation to identify impactful funding opportunities

About you

We’re looking for a collaborative and driven fundraising professional with a proven track record in securing high-value gifts (ideally six-figure+).

You will bring:

• Strong experience in major donor and trust fundraising
• Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills
• Strategic thinking and a results-driven approach
• Experience leading and motivating high-performing teams
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling funding propositions
• A proactive, creative mindset with strong organisational and analytical skills

For further details please read the full job description which outlines behaviours and qualities we are looking for along with skills and experience.

Why join us?

At Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, you’ll be part of a passionate, ambitious team committed to making a real difference. You’ll have the opportunity to work on inspiring projects, build meaningful relationships, and shape the future of philanthropy which supports the Sheffield Children’s Hospital to enable healthier futures for children and young people.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply today with your CV and a covering letter.

Initial closing date: Wednesday 1st July 2026 - 9am

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to all applicants. If you are shortlisted for interview, we will contact you directly. We thank you for your interest in joining Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.

Agencies: We are not accepting unsolicited agency contact or applications for this role. Any CVs submitted by agencies without prior agreement will not be considered.

This is an exciting time to join Discover 

In spring 2026 we delivered a major programme of business transformation including rebuilding site infrastructure, new visitor spaces, an improved ticketing model and revised accounting system and procedures. 

We’re now looking for a permanent, part-time Finance Director to join our Senior Management team, shape and manage the finance department and bring financial insight to all areas of decision making. 

Overview of the role 

• Overseeing and continuously improving our financial systems, controls and processes 

• Leading, mentoring and developing the finance team 

• Producing management accounts and reports to funders 

• Analysis of financial performance and drivers 

• Leading budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes. 

• Cash and treasury management 

• Prepare statutory accounts and run the external audit processes. 

• VAT checks and returns 

• Ensuring compliance with charity, company and tax regulations and funder requirements 

More information and a Job Description can be found on our website.

Hitchin Youth Trust is a small charity with a big heart. We support local young people (up to the age of 26) through the award of individual grants and bursaries, and we provide grants to local charities and organisations carrying out vital work with young people across our community.

We are also home to the Hitchin Charity Youth Hub at our base on Walsworth Road in Hitchin — a shared space where several local youth charities work side by side, because we know that collaboration makes everyone stronger.

In addition, we provide a meeting space at the Charity Hub.  It is offered free of charge to local youth groups and charities, to help them to provide support and a wide range of other opportunities for the young people in our community.

As Youth Trust Manager — our sole employee — you’ll work closely with an engaged and forward-thinking Board of Trustees. The role is fabulously varied – one day you might be attending an investment meeting in London; the next, liaising sensitively with an individual or organisation enquiring about grant support; the next, checking toilet roll supplies and making sure the building is running smoothly. 

Your work will span six key areas:

• Financial management — keeping our accounts accurate, reconciling income and expenditure, liaising with our investment broker and auditors, and producing monthly reports using Sage.

• Grant applications — receiving and processing applications, supporting applicants, preparing summaries for Trustees, and managing award payments.

• Representing the Trust — networking with local and national organisations, keeping our website and social media fresh, and organising events.

• Trustee clerking — preparing agendas and minutes, managing Charity Commission and Companies House returns, and supporting the annual audit.

• Buildings & facilities — managing the Charity Hub, overseeing bookings, maintenance and H&S compliance, and being the go-to person for building users and contractors.

• General administration — first point of contact for the Trust, maintaining our annual calendar, and keeping us compliant with legislation and best practice (including GDPR).

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who has a genuine passion for supporting young people in our community.  In addition, you will need to offer:

· A great eye for detail.

· Be organised, proactive and self-motivated.

· Enjoy the variety a day will bring you, manipulating a spreadsheet, preparing Board papers, following up grant enquiries or representing the Trust at a local event.

· Have a warm manner.  Be equally comfortable liaising charity directors, educational professionals and individual parents who may be desperately reaching out to the charity for urgent support.

Director of Operations – Finance & Support Services
Dartington (& Torquay as required)
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, ideally Monday-Friday 08.30-16.30
Salary: £51,663.00 - £59,597.00 per annum (DOE)

Are you a skilled operations professional with a background in finance?

We have a brand-new opportunity at Lifeworks Charity, for a Director of Operations (Finance & Support Services) to play a crucial role in our Central Support team. You will drive the sustainable growth and operational efficiency of the charity, directly contributing to our charitable impact.

You'll blend your financial expertise with your keen eye for operational oversight in this hybrid role, ensuring our resources are managed effectively to benefit the young people and families we support.

Who we are:

Since 1996, we've been empowering people with learning disabilities in Devon to achieve their dreams and build fulfilling lives. Our core values of kindness, respect, and positivity guide everything we do.

What you’ll do:

Finance

- Manage and maintain all financial aspects of the charity, including (but not limited to), budgeting, forecasting, reporting, ledgers, balance sheets, bank reconciliations, debtor accounts, cash flow management, insurances, property and procurement.
- Take a lead on the development of financial and fundraising processes and strategies.
- Manage and be the main point of contact for all aspects of ESFA and DfE funding compliance and reporting.
- Lead a small team to deliver outstanding support to the charity and act as a key financial advisor to managers across the organisation.
- Produce clear and concise monthly management accounts and provide financial insights to senior managers and the Board of Trustees.
- Working closely with external auditors, prepare and oversee our year end accounts.

Operations

- Ensure that charity governance and compliance is upheld, by contributing to record maintenance, managing registers and supporting with reviews of policies and procedures.
- Work with our external IT partners to manage our technology. You will make sure that the correct infrastructure, systems and processes are in the right place at the right time.
- Lead on IT security for the charity, implementing regular reviews to monitor compliance.
- Act as the Data Controller and manage all areas of data protection regulations, always prioritising data security.
- Develop and review charity policies as necessary, ensuring they align with best practices and legal requirements.
- Ensure compliance of Health and Safety policies, liaising with external advisors to maintain safety within the workplace.

Last but not least, we are looking for someone that is an advocate for people with learning disabilities and shares our common goal of making sure the people we support achieve their best lives with us. You may not be involved in the day-to-day work with our service users, but the work you will do is vital to the success of our charity.

What we're looking for:

You'll be a motivated and experienced professional who is passionate about making a difference. You should be:

- ACCA/CIMA/ACA part-qualified with significant experience (or fully qualified is a bonus!).
- A proven leader with the ability to inspire and develop a team.
- An expert in financial management, from budgeting to reporting.
- An excellent communicator who can clearly explain complex financial information to all audiences.
- Experienced in managing a broad portfolio, ideally including Health and Safety, IT, or facilities.
- Knowledgeable about governance frameworks and risk management.

If you are a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and a desire to contribute to a vital cause, we would love to hear from you.

We're passionate about supporting our staff just as much as we are about supporting our service users. When you join our team, you can expect:

- An hourly rate above the Real Living Wage
- A holiday entitlement of 33 days’ holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
- A fully funded DBS check and update service to ensure a smooth onboarding process
- Access to valuable resources including an employee assistance program to support your mental and emotional health

Building a diverse and safe team:

At Lifeworks, we're committed to fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community. As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals with disabilities who meet the job criteria, and we guarantee qualified candidates with disabilities an interview.

Lifeworks is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. To achieve this commitment, we will ensure the continuous development, improvement and review of robust safeguarding processes and procedures that continuously promote a culture of vigilance in respect of safeguarding within our organisation. All staff undergo Safer Recruitment checks which include pre-employment checks, reference checks, and a DBS check with Barred List checks (where applicable).

Early applications encouraged!

This vacancy is scheduled to close on the 19th of July, but may close earlier if suitable candidates are identified. So, to ensure your application is considered, ensure you apply early!

The interview format will consist of 3 parts; a formal interview assessment, a short presentation and a Q&A with staff members. If you are selected for interview, further details will be shared ahead of the above date.

Apply today and tell us why you'd be a great fit for our team.

Please note that this role was previously advertised as Operations Manager. We ask that previous applicants of this role need not reapply.

We’d appreciate no contact from agencies regarding this role. We are only accepting direct applications.

Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: Full-time
Reports to: Chair; Board of Directors 
Location: Hackney
Salary: £50,000-60,000 depending on experience.
Pension: HSoF participates in the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pension scheme and contributes 3%.
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, free onsite lunches .
Probation period: Six months.

About Hackney School of Food

Hackney School of Food is an award-winning food education hub based in the grounds of Mandeville Primary School in Clapton, East London. Through our teaching kitchen and educational garden, we help children, families and communities build the skills, confidence and knowledge to grow, cook and eat good food.

Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 visits to our kitchen and garden, delivering curriculum programmes for schools alongside community cooking courses, gardening projects, holiday clubs, corporate volunteering and public events. Since becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2023, we have expanded our facilities, strengthened our governance and built a strong reputation as a leader in food education.

We're now looking for an exceptional Managing Director to build on these strong foundations and lead Hackney School of Food through its next phase of growth and impact.

About the role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director (MD) will provide both strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the organisation delivers its mission while remaining financially resilient, well-governed and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

The Managing Director is responsible for all aspects of the organisation, including strategy, income generation, finance, governance, partnerships, programme delivery and people leadership. Working closely with a small, committed team and an engaged Board, they will build on strong foundations to grow Hackney School of Food's impact, reach and long-term sustainability.

This is a varied, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with practical delivery. One day you may be developing a new partnership, meeting a prospective funder or working with the Board on future strategy; the next you could be supporting the team, welcoming visitors to the garden or solving day-to-day operational challenges.

Key priorities

In your first 12 months you will:

• Build on Hackney School of Food's strong foundations to deliver the next phase of our strategy and growth.

• Increase and diversify income through fundraising, partnerships and commercial opportunities to strengthen long-term sustainability.

• Lead, support and develop a small, ambitious team, fostering a positive and inclusive culture where people can thrive.

• Strengthen relationships with funders, partners and local businesses, helping Hackney School of Food deepen its impact.

• Work closely with the Board to embed strong governance, organisational systems and long-term planning for the future.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership 

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for Hackney School of Food, ensuring delivery of its mission, vision and long-term objectives. 

• Lead the development and implementation of Hackney School of Food's annual business plan and organisational priorities.

• Work with the Board to evolve organisational strategy, identify opportunities, manage risks and support sustainable growth.

• Monitor, report on and respond to organisational performance against agreed objectives and impact measures. 

• Champion Hackney School of Food externally, strengthening its profile and influence.
   

Financial sustainability and income generation 

• Oversee organisational budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and cashflow management, working closely with the Treasurer and accountant.

• Lead income generation across the organisation, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, sponsorship and earned income.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, sponsors and strategic partners.

• Ensure all funding commitments are met, including grant reporting, monitoring and evaluation requirements.

• Identify new opportunities to diversify income and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.

Partnerships & External Relations

• Act as the main point of contact for HSoF’s key partners, LEAP Federation and Chefs in Schools to ensure the partnerships are effective and positive.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with other key stakeholders, including local authorities, funders and sponsors.

• Represent Hackney School of Food at meetings, events, and public forums.

• Champion the value of food education and contribute to wider local and national conversations. 

• Ensure programmes remain responsive to community needs through ongoing engagement and consultation. 

Governance and public benefit 

• Ensure the organisation operates in line with its CIC objectives and delivers clear public benefit. 

• Support the Board of Directors to fulfil its governance responsibilities through high-quality reporting, planning and decision-making.

• Prepare Board papers, reports and agendas, ensuring timely and accurate information is available to support effective governance.

• Oversee and report on organisational performance to the Board of Directors quarterly.

• Act as the primary link between the Board and the operational team.

• Maintain effective governance, delegated authority and accountability frameworks. 

• Support the Board in meeting all statutory and regulatory obligations relating to the CIC.

People, Culture and safeguarding

• Provide leadership to a small core team (currently c.4 employees), directly managing staff and fostering a positive, inclusive culture. 

• Provide oversight and support for a wider network of approx. 15 freelance contractors to ensure consistently high-quality delivery.

• Lead recruitment, induction, performance management and professional development in line with safer recruitment and equality principles. 

• Ensure effective organisational structures, clear roles, and performance accountability.

• Oversee HR processes including appraisals, performance management, and professional development.

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, embedding safeguarding throughout the organisation maintaining compliance with all relevant requirements. 

• Develop organisational systems, policies and practices that support an inclusive, high-performing workplace.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Maintain and regularly review the organisational Risk Register and report key risks and mitigations to the Board.

• Oversee organisational policies, procedures and continuous improvement, ensuring policies and legal requirements are up to date, clearly communicated and embedded across the organisation. 

• Ensure compliance with employment law, health and safety, safeguarding, GDPR and other relevant legislation. 

Personal specification

Essential experience 

• Senior leadership experience with responsibility for organisational performance and accountability. 

• Experience securing income through fundraising, partnerships and/or commercial activity.

• Experience of financial leadership, including budget setting, forecasting and cashflow oversight.

• Experience working closely with a Board, Trustees or governing body to translate strategic vision into operational delivery. 

• Experience building and managing successful partnerships with funders, businesses and community stakeholders. 

• Experience in managing and motivating a team, creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture. 

• Experience of governance, compliance and organisational risk management.

• Experience of safeguarding within an education, youth or community context.

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, make sound decisions and remain resilient in a resource-constrained environment.

Essential skills and attributes

• Passion for Hackney School of Food's mission and the role of food education in improving health, wellbeing and community connection. 

• Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable with hands-on operational leadership. 

• Entrepreneurial, resourceful and committed to building long-term financial sustainability and identifying growth opportunities.

• Ability to lead a team through change with sensitivity, clarity and kindness.

• Strong communicator with excellent relationship-building skills. 

• Confident decision-maker with a high level of personal accountability. 

• Committed to equity, inclusion and community-led practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within a Community Interest Company (CIC), social enterprise or charity.

• Knowledge of Hackney, its communities and local stakeholder landscape.

• Experience of working in food education, community food, gardening, environmental education or a related field.

• Experience reviewing and managing contracts, service agreements or other legal documentation.

An inclusive workplace

We know that diverse teams make stronger organisations and are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment and will consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We particularly encourage applications from people who are under-represented in our sector and in leadership roles, including people from the global majority and those whose lived experience brings valuable perspectives from the communities we serve. We also welcome applications from people who live in Hackney or East London.

How to apply

The deadline to apply is Monday 20 July at 9am. Please apply by filling out this application form.

You'll find the link to the application form on our Recruitment Pack which provides more information. 

Stage 1: A one-hour online interview with the Senior Team and Board (24 July) 

Stage 2: On-site interview at Hackney School of Food (30 July), including a short presentation. 

We may also invite the preferred candidate to an informal meeting with the wider team and Board before making a final appointment. 

The successful applicant will need to pass an enhanced DBS check and provide two suitable references. 

We may close the application window earlier if we are inundated with applications, so please don't wait to apply.

If you have any questions about the role or your suitability, please feel free to get in touch with us. You will find a Recruitment pack and email address to contact via our website.

Steamship Shieldhall is seeking to appoint an experienced freelance Commercial Manager to build new income streams to support the ongoing operation, conservation and sustainability of one of the country's most significant historic ships.

Shieldhall is berthed year-round in Southampton and welcomes passengers and visitors on board from 110 Berth in the Western Docks. She is capable of carrying up to 220 passengers and from spring to autumn each year operates a programme of public sailings ranging from two hour trips to full day cruises. She is also open for alongside events, and is available for private charters. In addition, she can be hired for use alongside such as for training activities, meetings, functions and filming.

The Commercial Manager will be responsible for identifying and realising new opportunities for revenue generation for Steamship Shieldhall, as well as supporting Shieldhall’s experienced volunteers with maximising income from existing activities.

This commission is an important element of the “Steamship Shieldhall: towards 2055, the next 10 years” project which is supported by a Development Phase grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.  The appointment is intended to cover both the Development Phase and the first two years of the Delivery Phase of our  project but will include a break-clause between the two phases. The Delivery Phase contract is contingent on a successful Delivery Phase grant application to the Heritage Fund

The successful candidate will have the right to set their own hours of work and will determine in agreement with the Shieldhall charity how best to undertake the work. This commision could be provided through self-employed individual, partnership or limited company.

The Young Ealing Foundation is a place-based charity based in Ealing, West London which brings together the voluntary, statutory and private sectors in the local area to increase and improve opportunities for children, young people and families.

The Young Ealing Foundation’s vision is to ensure all young people in Ealing can access the opportunities and support they need to grow up and lead happy and safe lives, fulfil their potential and become a valued and listened to part of the local community. We work towards this by working with and in the community to empower small, local charities to thrive and flourish to enable and advocate for sustainable, high quality service provision for children and young people.

The Young Ealing Foundation is seeking to appoint an administrator to join our small but impactful team. As a small, place-based charity, we often find ourselves responding in dynamic ways to local need, whether of the children and young people in Ealing, or the grassroots charities who form our membership. This role would suit someone who gets excited about approaching opportunities in innovative ways and moving quickly to enact these. 

Main purpose of the role:

· Administrative support for projects and internal operations

· Office administration

· Event administration and event planning support

Join the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting children and young people who have a parent with a mental illness.

We’re looking for an organised, proactive and detail-oriented Administration & Business Support Officer to help keep our growing charity running smoothly.

Working closely with the Director of Operations, you’ll provide essential support across administration, finance, HR, governance and organisational systems. From coordinating recruitment and processing invoices to supporting Board meetings and maintaining key records, you’ll play a vital role in enabling our team to deliver life-changing support to children and families across the UK.

This is a varied role suited to someone who enjoys bringing order to busy environments, takes pride in producing high-quality work and enjoys helping colleagues succeed. As a small charity, we value flexibility, collaboration and a willingness to get involved wherever support is needed.

The role is home-based, with occasional travel to meetings in or around York and other locations across the UK.

Please download the application pack for full details about the role, responsibilities, person specification and application process.

Location: Hybrid, one day a week in the London office (Borough)

Salary: £75,000-80,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent, full-time role - Spinal Research operate a 4-day/32 hour week

Spinal Research is seeking an exceptional Director of Research & Innovation to help shape the future of spinal cord injury research. The organisation exists to fund the research that will cure paralysis. This appointment comes at a pivotal stage as scientific advances in spinal stimulation, neurotechnology and rehabilitation move closer to real-world application, bringing renewed hope to people living with paralysis.

For over 40 years, Spinal Research has been the UK's leading charity dedicated to funding medical research into spinal cord injury, moving the global conversation from "if" paralysis can be treated to "when". With the first function-restoring therapies designed and licensed for spinal cord injuries now becoming available in the UK, this position will directly drive the next chapter of the charity's mission.

Reporting to the CEO and joining the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Research & Innovation will play a central role in reviewing, influencing and driving forward our established scientific and innovation strategy. The successful candidate will lead a diverse portfolio spanning discovery science, translational research, clinical development and neurotechnology, ensuring investment decisions are guided by strong scientific insight and a clear view of patient impact.

Crucially, the role involves building meaningful collaborations across academia, healthcare, industry and philanthropy to accelerate the delivery of treatments. The Director will also lead the establishment of a new Scientific Advisory function, recruiting world-class experts to guide the portfolio, while collaborating with fundraising and communications teams to bring scientific insights to life for major donors.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of developing complex research programmes and navigating the wider life sciences ecosystem. This position demands the ability to critically appraise scientific data, translate it into compelling narratives for non-specialist audiences, and collaboratively drive promising ideas into tangible patient outcomes.

For a leader with the strategic ambition and the drive to play a central role in turning scientific progress into life-changing reality, this role offers an extraordinary platform to help cure paralysis.

Please click through for the full Candidate Pack and details of how to apply. 

Closing date: 9am, Friday 10 July