Charity operations manager jobs in nottingham, derbyshire

Are you a visionary, hands-on leader with a bold passion for transforming childhood cancer outcomes? We're looking for a driven and dynamic CEO to lead our small but mighty charity through its next phase of growth and impact.

As CEO, you will shape and execute an ambitious strategy to accelerate change in the childhood cancer space—through fundraising and grant-giving, policy influence, partnerships, and compelling digital storytelling and campaigning. This is a rare opportunity to lead from the front, catalyse meaningful change, and work directly with researchers, funders, and leading hospitals and universities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the charity with integrity, compassion, and vision—building a high-impact organisation centred on outcomes and change.

• Manage the Azaylia PhD Scholarship grant-giving fund with transparency and in alignment with the charity’s funding criteria.

• Design and execute a robust income strategy across corporates, trusts, foundations, major donors, crowdfunding, events, and sponsorships.

• Leverage your network to secure and steward significant gifts and partnerships, particularly in the childhood cancer space.

• Develop digital and in-person campaigns that inspire action, influence policy, and build coalitions for change.

• Actively engage in every aspect of the charity’s operations—from strategy to hands-on delivery, in a lean and resource-limited environment.

• Guide our growing social media presence with a focus on mission-driven engagement, supported by data and storytelling.

• Build strong relationships with high-profile ambassadors, media, and influencers to amplify our voice and cause.

• Ensure financial sustainability through effective planning, budgeting, and income diversification.

• Create a purpose-driven, supportive, and high-performing team culture rooted in transparency, equity, and empathy.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Proven success in multi-channel fundraising, with a track record of securing and growing major gifts.

• Existing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and stakeholders in the childhood cancer space.

• Deep understanding of systems change, with experience in driving policy and institutional transformation.

• Professional experience in the childhood cancer, paediatric healthcare, or rare disease sector.

• Expertise in financial management, charity governance, and regulatory compliance.

• Excellent leadership and team-building skills with the ability to nurture and retain top talent.

• Confident operating autonomously in a remote setting, with strong organisational and self-management abilities.

• Passionate about eradicating childhood cancer and creating systemic change for affected families and communities.

What We Offer

• A unique leadership role with high visibility and potential for sector-wide impact.

• Flexibility in a remote working environment, with occasional domestic travel.

• A passionate, values-driven team committed to collaboration, bold thinking, and impactful outcomes.

About The Azaylia Foundation

The Azaylia Foundation was founded by Ashley Cain and Safiyya Vorajee after the passing of their eight-month old daughter, Azaylia. Childhood cancer is the number one killer of children in the UK, yet it receives less than 3% of cancer research funding. Backed by a large community of supporters, The Azaylia Foundation is committed to reversing this systemic underfunding through advocacy, PhD research grants, and family support for treatments not freely available via the NHS. Our flagship programme, The Azaylia PhD Scholarship Program, aims to fund 20 new childhood cancer PhDs and their research over a period of 5 years.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the charity that helps young people build lifelong belief in themselves, supporting them to take on their own challenges, follow their passions, and discover talents they never knew they had. Because when you prove to yourself that you’re ready for anything, nothing can hold you back.

Young people want to create a better future. With your help, they can.

Do you have the comms vision to keep DofE relevant, engaging and inspiring for young people? Can you tell our story in ways that resonate with different audiences? Are you a universally respected and respectful team leader? If so, we’d love you to apply to become our Head of Communications.

You will be responsible for delivering on shared strategic goals through compelling communications, externally and across our network of participants, staff, volunteers and organisations which offer the DofE. You’ll amplify the voices of young people, support relationships with funders and other partners, and continually promote the charity’s influence, reputation and brand profile.

The Head of Communications is one of two senior leadership roles in a wider Engagement team, which in December 2024 won Team of Year in the prestigious CharityComms Inspiring Communicator Awards. Working in partnership with our Head of Brand Marketing, you’ll build on that success, bringing a collaborative approach as we evolve our objectives and ways of working. You’ll play a key role as we mark DofE’s 70th birthday in 2026, then pivot to a new organisational strategy for 2026-31.

Critically, you will lead and shape the engagement of our network of almost 5,000 licensed organisations, 38,000 amazing volunteers and more than half a million participants, working closely with senior Operations colleagues. You’ll oversee staff communications, media and PR, and lead on corporate and crisis comms. Members of your team deliver our Youth Ambassadors programme and crucial support for DofE’s Fundraising and External Affairs.

We’re looking for someone who is versatile – able to switch between the big picture and the detail, with antennae equally alert to risks and opportunities. You’ll be an accomplished diplomat and influencer, with an ability to spot and make connections within and beyond the team. Given the breadth of the role, the successful candidate would ideally bring prior experience of different elements of the brief, together with proven experience of team leadership.  

How to apply:

If you are excited about the prospect of working for the DofE and believe you have the desired skills and experience to make a real success of this role, then we are keen to hear from you.

 If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us.

• Applications will close on: Sunday 18th May – Midnight
• 1st Interviews will take place: 13th and 16th June (to be held virtually via MS Teams)
• 2nd Interview will take place: WC 23rd June (interview will be in-person at the London Office)

​The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.   All successful applicants will be required to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.

**The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.