Charity director jobs

Volunteer Lead

What is the opportunity

Balance is seeking a persuasive and values based role model to work with its leadership team and operational managers to build the volunteer offer across the charity and its services. This is a part time post based on 25 hours per week based at our offices in Kingston with additional flexibility for home working.

About your values and strengths

You are someone who strengths and values will align with the following attributes:

• Shows independence and can think on their feet to bring new ideas to the table
• See’s volunteers as valued contributors to support the visibility and inclusion of with learning disabilities in our communities.
• Is collegiate and outward facing in their working style.
• Sees problems as opportunities particularly in building you own knowledge and that of others you work with

What you can expect from us

A charity that works hard to put its people, those who it supports and those who provide its services at the heart of what we do. A charity that takes its mission and values seriously in developing its services, operational approach and commercial relationships That supports and encourages its staff to participate as partners in our development as a business, our outcomes and the delivery of our values.

You can also expect

A commitment to training and professional development to support internal progression in and beyond the charity. Inclusion in and a 3% employers contribution to the charity's pension scheme. Generous annual leave allowance of up to 25 days a year plus bank holidays and an additional day off for your birthday. Access to a range of discount schemes including Blue Light Card Access to the charity's employee assistance programme. Access to travel card loan, and bike to work scheme.

To Apply

Please follow the link to our recruitment site and ensure that you submit both a current CV and supporting statement that addresses the strengths and values set out in the person specification.

We are an inclusive employer

This charity employs and welcomes applications from backgrounds and communities that are widely representative of the SW London communities in which it works.

As Senior New Business Manager, you will lead the new business function of our high-performing and ambitious Corporate Partnerships team. You will be responsible for driving new corporate income by identifying, cultivating and securing major partnerships. You will lead all new business activity with the New Business Manager, from proactive outreach and developing compelling propositions to successfully negotiating and onboarding new partners. 

Working closely with teams across the Charity and The Royal Marsden, you will create partnership proposals that align corporate objectives with those of the Charity. You will also lead long‑term strategic planning of the function, support the development of our Corporate Partnerships Board, and ensure the highest standards of reporting, forecasting and data management. 

This is a highly visible and impactful role, ideal for someone who combines creativity, commercial insight and strategic thinking with a passion for building relationships that create meaningful impact. 

Key responsibilities 

• Lead the New Business function, building a strong pipeline and securing high‑value, multi‑year corporate partnerships. 

• Drive income growth, meeting ambitious six‑ and seven‑figure annual and multi‑year targets while managing financial performance, budgets and forecasts. 

• Develop and deliver compelling, tailored corporate propositions, collaborating across the Charity and hospital to create standout proposals and pitches. 

• Support senior leadership, including maximising the value of the Corporate Partnerships Board and strengthening key internal stakeholder relationships. 

• Oversee new partner onboarding, negotiating partnership agreements and ensuring a smooth transition to the Partnership Management team. 

• Lead and develop the New Business Manager, providing clear direction and supporting their growth. 

About you

You will be an experienced and driven partnerships specialist, with a strong track record of securing high‑value relationships in the charity or commercial sector. Confident, creative, highly proactive and a natural leader, you will bring a blend of strategic thinking and hands‑on delivery.
 

You will bring:
 

• Proven success in corporate fundraising or business development, ideally within the charity sector. 

• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders. 

• Strong negotiation and influencing ability, with experience delivering high‑impact pitches and presentations. 

• Creative and strategic thinking, with a flair for writing compelling proposals. 

• Strong organisational, analytical and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. 

• A collaborative, solution‑focused approach and the confidence to work both independently and as part of a high‑performing team. 

What we offer: 

• Competitive salary of £45,000-£50,000 

• Hybrid working between home and Chelsea with occasional travel to Sutton 

• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm 

• 27 days annual leave rising with length of service 

• Training, support and development opportunities 

• Access to the Blue Light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities 

• Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes 

• Opportunities for training and career development. 

Inclusion matters 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and walks of life. 

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you. 

Do you want to work for a dynamic, creative, fast-paced charity?

At Action Together we see the amazing things people achieve when they work together to make the lives of others better. If you share our values: believe it’s possible, strengthen others, and be true, we’d love you to consider joining our team.

Operations Director

The ideal candidate

We are looking for a values‑driven operational leader with significant experience in senior operations, systems, or transformation roles. You will bring strong technical capability in designing and embedding systems and processes, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to produce high‑quality management information for senior leaders and Boards.

You will be an influential communicator who can lead through change, build strong relationships across the organisation, and support others to work in consistent, effective, and collaborative ways. With a strong grasp of governance, risk, compliance, and organisational assurance, you will balance strategic vision with hands‑on delivery. Above all, you will share Action Together’s commitment to social justice, equity, and strengthening people, places, and partnerships

The role

The Operations Director will lead the development, optimisation, and continuous improvement of Action Together’s systems, processes, and organisational infrastructure. Working as part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will co-design, develop, and maintain internal systems and processes that enhance operational delivery and organisational efficiency, ensuring they are fully embedded into day-to-day use with clear ownership, guidance, and effective performance monitoring.

You will oversee core central functions including HR, Communications and Impact, Data Protection and Information Management, and Health & Safety. You will play a key role in internal digital transformation, policy development, risk management, and organisational compliance. You will produce high‑quality management information that supports strategic decision‑making, work closely with Locality Directors to standardise and enhance delivery models. In addition, with reference to our constitution and Scheme of Delegation you will be responsible for supporting governance at Board meetings, and the AGM.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Action Together we value diversity, promote equity and challenge discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.

In order to ensure that our workforce reflects our communities across all levels of seniority, Action Together is offering a guaranteed interview to any candidate who meets the essential criteria listed in the person specification and who is also:

• A disabled person and/or
• A member of a community experiencing racial inequality

Action Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees to demonstrate this commitment.

Right to work

We do not hold a Sponsor License and are unable to accept applications which require sponsorship to work in the UK

Please note, the successful candidates will be required to undertake a basic Disclosure and barring Service (DBS) check. A positive Disclosure of Offences will not automatically bar an applicant from being appointed and suitable applicants will not be refused employment because of offences that are not relevant.

Director of Learning, Grants & Partnerships

We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to drive impactful learning, grant-making and partnerships across a national educational charity.

Position: Director of Learning, Grants & Partnerships
Salary: £75,000 to £79,000 per annum
Location: Hybrid, based in Gloucestershire with UK travel
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 6 April 2026
Interview Dates: 13 April (virtual), 21 April (in person)

About the Role
This is a senior leadership role responsible for delivering a learning-led strategy that maximises impact through education, grant-making and partnerships. You will lead a multidisciplinary team and play a key role in shaping how learning is delivered across the organisation’s estates and programmes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading strategic development of learning, grants and partnerships
• Driving a culture of excellence, innovation and impact measurement
• Developing and managing national and regional partnerships
• Representing the organisation externally and influencing sector practice
• Leading and developing high performing teams
• Embedding inclusive, collaborative and values-led ways of working
• Contributing to wider organisational strategy and leadership decisions

About You

• Proven senior leadership experience within a charity or not for profit organisation
• Experience in learning delivery and/or grant-making
• Strong strategic thinking and decision making skills
• Ability to lead, inspire and develop teams
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship building skills
• Passion for improving outcomes for children and young people
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

About the Organisation
A well established educational charity and landowning organisation, focused on improving life chances for children and young people through outdoor learning. The organisation works through direct delivery, partnerships, grants and advocacy to create meaningful, long term change and connect people with nature.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Director of Education, Head of Programmes, Director of Grants, Director of Partnerships, Director of Learning, Head of Impact, Programme Director

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

Our client is a charity that believes education is the most powerful tool to help a child fulfil their potential. Fundraising is instrumental in delivering that belief and the growth of fundraising income will be down to the new Director of Fundraising and their team to reach ambitious strategic objectives.

The organisation trains teachers to work in the schools that need the most, equipping school leaders with evidence-led training as well as plugging education leaders into supportive professional networks.

Offered on an initial 18 month contract, the Director of Fundraising will be responsible for the leadership of the Fundraising Department, its twelve strong team of fundraisers, and setting strategy to grow the supporter relationship portfolio across corporate partners, philanthropy, and trusts and foundations. The team specifically see growth in corporate partnerships and the Director of Fundraising will represent the organisation to inspiring stakeholders and build support for the charity.

To ideally start no later than May 2026, the selected candidate will have experience of leading fundraising departments at a strategic senior level and will be an expert in managing high-value fundraising cycles; from prospecting, developing proposals and securing funding at the six and seven figure level. You will be an inspiring leader comfortable with change and will enjoy hands-on fundraising yourself too.

The organisation have office locations across the UK, so this position can be based flexibly in the UK. There will be regular travel to London required for executive team meetings and donor meetings.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Rhiannon Mehta or Ryan Burdock at Prospectus.

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you. For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Rhiannon or Ryan at your earliest convenience.
 
In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon. 

The Finance and Business Operations Director will lead VAST’s financial and operational strategy, ensuring robust financial management, effective HR and IT systems, compliance with Health and Safety, and the efficient running of The Dudson Centre.

The postholder will act as Company Secretary, overseeing governance and compliance, and also serve as the organisation’s Money Laundering Reporting Officer.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the role contributes to strategic planning and organisational development, as well as supporting VAST’s day-to-day delivery.

What we're looking for

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, etc.)
• Significant experience in financial management and business operations in the VCSE sector.
• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills
• Knowledge of charity finance, governance, and compliance.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to travel locally and work occasional evenings/weekends.

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with a leading international NGO working to accelerate the global transition to sustainable, plant-rich food systems. We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Global Director of Strategic Communications to lead a high-performing international team and shape a compelling global narrative that influences policymakers, businesses, media and partners.

Recognised internationally for its impact and collaboration with major global institutions, the non-profit organisation (NGO) combines evidence, strategy and advocacy to deliver measurable change. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a global communications function at a pivotal moment for food, climate and public health.

Reporting to the Global CEO, you will:

• Develop and deliver a global communications strategy aligned to organisational priorities
• Secure high-impact international media coverage (e.g. Financial Times, BBC, The Guardian, The New York Times)
• Provide senior counsel on reputation and crisis communications
• Oversee brand integrity, messaging and digital channels globally
• Build alignment and clarity across distributed international teams

You will bring significant experience influencing B2B and policy audiences, leading global communications functions, and delivering results within complex structures. An established international media network and strong crisis judgement are essential. It’s essential that you have a strong alignment with sustainability, food systems, climate and/or public health agendas.

• Location: Remote (UK-based). Travel required ad-hoc for meetings and conferences.
• Contract: Full-time, Permanent.
• Salary: £56,000–£63,000
• Fantastic benefits package: including enhanced family leave policies, increasing holiday allowance yearly, inclusive, values-driven culture, and dedicated professional development budget.

Firm closing date: Sunday 22^nd March. Please get in touch today to find out more!

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Bedford Foodbank is an independent charity operating as a member of the Trussell Trust network of foodbanks. We employ 2 paid full time and 5 part time staff and are supported by 120 volunteers each week. The mission of Bedford Foodbank is to provide emergency food and support to individuals and families in crisis, ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry. The vision is to be a beacon of hope and support for those facing financial difficulties providing a minimum of 3 days of emergency food and support.

Role Purpose

The Operations Director role is responsible for the effective day-to-day management of the foodbank, ensuring sustainable service delivery while driving income generation and fundraising growth. You will oversee operations, fundraising strategy, partnerships, and compliance, ensuring the charity can meet increasing community need in a financially sustainable way with a passion for tackling poverty.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all operational aspects of the foodbank, ensuring efficient, safe, and compassionate service delivery.
• Oversee logistics including food sourcing, storage, distribution, and volunteer deployment.
• Deliver a fundraising and grant writing strategy to ensure long-term financial sustainability
• Monitor operational performance and report regularly to the Trustees.
• Managing employees and volunteers to ensure they are supported, motivated, and aligned with the charity’s mission
• Build strong relationships with local authorities, faith groups, businesses, schools, and other charities.
• Represent the foodbank at events, networks, and public forums to raise profile and funds.
• Maintain compliance with all policies and procedures including Health and Safety and Safeguarding

Person Specification

• Demonstrable success in fundraising, income generation and grant writing.
• Passionate about tackling poverty with empathy for people from disadvantaged, marginalised or socially excluded backgrounds
• Understanding and sympathetic approach to clients, volunteers and referral agencies
• Running a small to medium size charity operation.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
• Commitment to the mission and values of a foodbank.

· Willingness to support and promote the Christian values of Bedford Foodbank

Requirements:

· Right to work in the UK

· Clean UK driving license

· Some evening and weekend work required

Use of AI in applications

We recognise that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support aspects of their application – such as grammar, formatting, or drafting. We understand that using AI tools in this way can help you express your strengths more clearly. However, your final submission must be a genuine, accurate reflection of your own skills, experience, and understanding of the role. 

To support integrity and transparency in our recruitment process, we ask that you include a brief note explaining where and how AI tools were used. Applications that appear overly generic, inconsistent with interview performance, or rely heavily on generative AI without clear attribution may raise concerns during the selection process.

Equal employment opportunity

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.

Are you an inspirational leader looking for your next challenge? Would you like the opportunity to guide a respected mental health charity through the next exciting stage of its journey?

York Mind is a vibrant and compassionate organisation dedicated to promoting recovery from mental ill-health, improving emotional wellbeing and supporting independent living. Through a wide range of services, including 1:1 support, advocacy, social activities, training and workplace wellbeing programmes. York Mind provides both face-to-face and digital support to people across the region.

Driven by the belief that mental health matters and that everyone has the right to thrive, York Mind works tirelessly to challenge stigma and ensure that support is accessible to those who need it. Last year alone the organisation supported more than 4,500 people experiencing mental health challenges, helping them move towards healthier and more fulfilling lives. Guided by values such as Being Brave, Standing Up, Developing Together, Actively Seeking and Being Pragmatic, the team is united by a shared commitment to making a genuine difference.

We now have a career-defining opportunity for a new Chief Executive Officer to lead York Mind into its next chapter, strengthening its impact and ensuring more people receive the support they deserve.

The Role

The Chief Executive Officer will report to the Board of Trustees and will be responsible for the overall strategic leadership, management and development of York Mind.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing clear strategic leadership and direction for the organisation in line with its vision, mission and values.
• Working closely with the Board of Trustees to shape and deliver the long-term strategy and ensure effective governance.
• Leading and inspiring a committed team to deliver high-quality services that support recovery, wellbeing and independence.
• Ensuring strong financial management and sustainability, including developing income streams and funding opportunities.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with partners, commissioners, local authorities, communities and the wider voluntary sector.
• Championing mental health awareness and advocating for the needs of people experiencing mental ill-health across the region.

The Person

We are looking for an inspiring and values-driven leader who is passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing. The successful candidate will bring the credibility, energy and vision required to lead a growing and impactful charity.

Key skills and experience include:

• A strong track record of senior strategic leadership, ideally within the charity, public or health sector.
• Experience of working effectively with Boards or Trustees to deliver robust governance and organisational oversight.
• Demonstrable financial and organisational management experience, ensuring sustainability and operational excellence.
• Excellent networking, partnership and influencing skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to inspire staff, partners and the wider community.
• A genuine commitment to York Mind’s mission and values and to improving mental health outcomes.

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a highly respected organisation making a tangible difference to people’s lives. As CEO of York Mind, you will have the chance to shape the future of mental health support across the region, working with a passionate team and committed trustees to expand the charity’s reach and impact.

If you believe you could lead York Mind through the next phase of its journey, we would love to hear from you.

Closing date: 10th April

Interviews: 27th and 28th April

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Leanne at Charity Horizons.

To apply, please send a comprehensive CV and supporting statement outlining how your experience meets the person specification and your interest in the role.

Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format, such as audio or video upload, please contact either Charlie or Leanne who will be happy to advise on this.

Please also be aware that Charity Horizons use anonymous recruitment methods when submitting shortlists for all our roles and we only work with organisations that are happy to engage with us in this way.

Charity Horizons is an equal opportunities employer and as such actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates irrespective of age, disability, hidden disability, race or national origin, religion or belief, gender, gender expression, political view, sexual orientation, medical condition and pregnancy.

Project Accountant ​

​Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

​This is a fantastic time to be joining our ambitious and growing charity and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. Brain Tumour Research is seeking a qualified and experienced accountant who is able to join our team on a Fixed Term contract (2-4 months) to support our team and undertake some important projects.

​​As the Project Accountant you will play a crucial role in helping the charity meet its strategic plans and objectives. You will be reconciling transactions between our internal records and those of our external partners, developing our cashflow model for our granting programme, housekeeping on our VAT records and more.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Do you have outstanding attention to detail and experience working with Access Financials and/or Access CRM?
• Are you a qualified and experienced accountant?​
• Are you able to start as soon as possible?

​Have you answered yes to these questions?

Do you want the chance to make a real difference? 

​If you are excited to learn more about this position, please take a read through our recruitment pack. 

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we welcome your application. We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!

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We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

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​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

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Closing Date: 29th March 2026

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We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

We’re Bank Workers Charity – the only UK charity dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of UK bank workers, past and present, and their families.

Each year, we help thousands of people facing financial difficulty, health challenges, caring responsibilities, domestic abuse and more through our 40 strong passionate staff team and by investing £5.4m. Through advice, specialist referrals and financial assistance, we offer practical, personalised support to those who need it most.

Demand for our services continues to be high – and the financial pressures on our organisation have grown. That’s why we’ve launched a new strategy focused on deepening our impact, building long-term resilience, and reaching those most in need. 

Director of Client Services
Bank Workers Charity
Hybrid with typically three days a week in the London Office (City)
£75,000 to £80,000 depending on experience

It’s an exciting time to join Bank Workers Charity as we evolve the way we work, grow new income streams and strengthen our influence across the banking sector.  We’ve embarked on a new three-year strategy which will see us develop an impact framework, proactively review areas of service provision and ensure insight is at the heart of our decision making.

As Director of Client Services you will oversee the Service and Grants and Wellbeing teams of 23 people and an annual budget of c£3.5M. You’ll be instrumental in reviewing our services, ensuring our support meets our clients’ needs. You’ll also play a key role in ensuring organisational effectiveness alongside other members of the senior team.

We’re looking for a visionary leader who will inspire their team and bring:

• A proven track record of leading high-quality client facing services such as wellbeing, information, advice and grants, at a senior level
• Demonstrable experience of change management, including implementing successful change
• Strong experience in client advocacy and engagement
• A collaborative, supportive and visionary leadership style
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders

Bank Workers Charity believes that diversity enriches our workplace and enhances our ability to innovate and excel. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us.

For further information, to access the appointment brief and to apply to this role, please visit the Prospectus website. 

If you have any queries or wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors Anna Gardet and Erica Ritchie via email with a copy of your CV.

Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications:  Monday 6th April 2026
Interviews with Prospectus: 13-21st April 2026
Engagement meeting with BWC: 24th April 2026
Panel interviews with BWC: w/c 27th April 2026

Purpose and responsibilities of the post

Reporting to the DARE UK Director, the Deputy Director is a senior strategic leader responsible for shaping and delivering the programme’s next phase of impact.

The post-holder will provide intellectual and operational leadership across the programme, translating strategic ambition into executable plans while ensuring delivery at pace and scale. They will work across research communities, funders, infrastructure providers, technology partners and senior stakeholders across UKRI and government to embed community voice into the design of a UK-wide secure data research ecosystem.

This is a high-profile role requiring visible sector leadership, strong partnership-building capability and confidence operating at Board and executive level. The Deputy Director will deputise for the Director as required and play a central role in positioning DARE UK nationally and internationally.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

· Co-develop and evolve the DARE UK strategy, roadmap and future phases in response to emerging opportunities, policy developments and sector needs.

· Shape the long-term vision for a federated UK sensitive data research ecosystem, including shared standards for governance, ethics, metadata and interoperability.

· Identify strategic partnerships and funding opportunities to secure programme sustainability beyond the current phase.

· Represent DARE UK at senior forums, influencing policy, research and infrastructure agendas.

Programme Delivery and Oversight

· Lead end-to-end delivery of the programme, ensuring alignment between strategic objectives, commissioned work and measurable outcomes.

· Oversee commissioning, governance and performance management of programme activities and working groups.

· Ensure robust financial oversight, risk management and reporting in collaboration with HDR UK and UKRI partners.

· Maintain effective systems, governance structures and delivery frameworks across partner organisations.

Stakeholder and Community Leadership

· Build and sustain trusted relationships across UKRI councils, academia, government departments, devolved administrations, technical suppliers and public contributors.

· Convene and align diverse stakeholders to co-design standards, services and technical-social specifications.

· Lead strategic engagement and communications activity to secure sector-wide buy-in and adoption.

People and Organisational Leadership

· Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team spanning programme management, communications, public involvement and engagement, and community engagement.

· Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture aligned with HDR UK values.

· Provide clarity, direction and stability in a complex and evolving landscape.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

· Senior leadership experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments spanning research, government, infrastructure and/or technology.

· Proven track record of delivering large-scale, strategically significant programmes in fast-paced and ambiguous contexts.

· Experience working with executive teams, Boards and senior stakeholders, demonstrating sound judgement and political awareness.

· Strong strategic thinking capability, with the ability to translate vision into structured delivery plans.

· Demonstrable experience influencing, negotiating and building consensus across diverse communities.

· Strong programme governance, risk management and financial oversight experience.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent programmes at national level.

· Effective line management experience, leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-impact outcomes.

We are seeking an exceptional leader who can act as a credible spokesperson and ambassador for the Catholic Union, building trusted relationships across the Church, parliament and wider society and helping to grow the Catholic Union’s influence and engagement in the years ahead.

Founded in 1870, the Catholic Union of Great Britain brings Catholic laity and Catholic social teaching to the public square across England, Wales and Scotland. Working in partnership with dioceses, parishes, MPs, MSPs, MSs, peers and Catholic organisations, our vision is of a society in which Catholic laity are informed, equipped and encouraged to engage in public life.

Our work is shaped by three key themes: engagement, education and encouragement. Through these we foster informed participation in public debate, help Catholics and the wider public understand contemporary social and political issues through a Catholic lens, and inspire greater confidence for Catholics to contribute to civic and community life.

In recent years the Catholic Union has developed from being largely volunteer-led into a more professional and strategically focused organisation, strengthening relationships across the Church and wider society. Our Weekly Briefing, now read by around 6,500 people each week, has become a key channel for parliamentary reporting, Catholic news and reflection.

As Director, you will lead the Catholic Union at an exciting moment in its development. You will represent the Catholic Union publicly, strengthening relationships with bishops, diocesan leaders, parliamentarians and Catholic organisations. You will act as a trusted ambassador for the Union, grow our channels of influence and engagement, and work with Trustees, Council and a small experienced team to support the organisation’s continued development.

If you are inspired by the opportunity to serve as a public voice for a respected Catholic organisation and help foster thoughtful dialogue and engagement in public life, we would love to hear from you.

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

Job Title: Assistant Director of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnership
Reporting To: Deputy CEO/Director of Fundraising and Communications
Manages: Head of Trusts and Foundations, Head of Corporate Partnerships
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time (36 hours per week, flexible)
Salary band: £58,000 - £66,000 per annum
N.B. To ensure fairness and consistency across Home-Start UK, new colleagues usually join at the first point of the pay band for their role. This helps us maintain a clear and equitable approach to pay for everyone joining our team.

Location: Remote – with regular travel to meetings with donors, for events and to our central office in Leicester for collaborative meetings and team activities.

About Home-Start UK

Home-Start is a federated charity consisting of a central national office – Home-Start UK - and over 170 geographically dispersed local Home-Start organisations, all working together under the same identity.

We recognise that being a parent has never been easy. Every Home-Start volunteer is trained to work alongside parents to overcome the challenges they are facing. We work with parents to build on their strengths and give them the support that they tell us they need. We offer no judgement – just compassionate, confidential help and expert support. This peer-to-peer support is key to the difference Home-Start makes and often our volunteers have lived experience of the challenges their families are facing themselves.

About The Role

This is an important moment for us and for the families we support. Parents of babies and young children are facing huge pressures, and strong, values-driven partnerships matter more than ever. We’re looking for a senior leader who can help us meet this moment with confidence and ambition.

As Assistant Director of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnerships, you will help shape the future of our national work and support our federation of 170+ local Home-Starts working in communities across the UK. You will lead a talented team, build long-lasting relationships, and help make sure Home-Start has the funding, partnerships, and influence it needs to give every child the best possible start in life. This role will suit someone who is motivated by purpose, who values people and relationships, and who is comfortable working across a large and varied network.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record, someone who has already delivered high-value fundraising and partnerships at a senior level and is ready to take on a role with significant national influence. With responsibility for an annual income portfolio of circa £4 Million – with strong potential to grow this over the next 3-5 years to between £6Million-£8Million plus, you will work with a supportive Leadership Team and Board, who have already engaged external philanthropy expertise to develop a strategy and roadmap that you can build on. You’ll need to be confident working with high-value supporters: able to build trust, communicate clearly, and nurture long-term relationships with people who want to invest in families and early years support. You’ll bring the skills and confidence to grow a portfolio that is already strong and take it further, along with the ability to work well with others in a fast-moving environment.

You will be joining a warm, collaborative organisation that believes in the power of community, the strength of families, and the importance of early help. If you feel excited by the chance to make a national difference, to build partnerships based on trust and shared purpose, and to help shape the next chapter of Home-Start’s impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The people at Home-Start are its most important resource. Home-Start UK has been accredited with Investors in People since March 2005, which recognises the commitment we give to developing our staff.

Benefits of working for Home-Start

• Flexible working
• Family friendly policy
• PayCare health cash plan
• Enhanced employer contribution pension
• Learning and development
• DAS Employee Assistance

If it sounds like your type of challenge, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The closing date for applications is Friday 27th March at 4pm.
As part of our recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a full-day assessment centre at our Leicester office on Tuesday 14th April.
The assessment centre will include a mix of individual and group activities designed to understand your strategic thinking, relational approach, and leadership style.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Home-Start UK is committed to Equality of Opportunity and Diversity. We wish to encourage applications from all parts of the community irrespective of gender, race, colour, age, sexual orientation or disability. 

No agencies please.