Chief executive jobs in Edinburgh, scotland

We are seeking a Community Development Officer to lead a major in-progress project improving recognition, support, and care for people with smell and taste disorders at a local level across England. 

This three-year, volunteer-led programme, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund has achieved significant success in its first eighteen months. We are now recruiting a new postholder to take this strong foundation forward through the next phase of delivery. 

Over the past eighteen months, we have recruited and established a thriving network of volunteers and local groups across England. This momentum is expected to continue. The Community Development Officer will work closely with existing volunteers and groups, primarily remotely, while also attending in-person events and meetings in different parts of England as needed. 

The postholder will lead the ongoing recruitment, training, and support of volunteer groups, working with them to identify opportunities for local outreach and engagement. Together, you will ensure that more people affected by smell and taste disorders access the information, support, and recognition they need, while continuing to raise awareness of these often-unrecognised sensory impairments. 

Our volunteer groups bring together people with lived experience alongside experts from the food, beverage and fragrance sectors, and other relevant fields. 

We are looking for a motivated, forward-thinking individual with experience in leading and inspiring others. You will bring energy, creativity, and excellent communication skills to drive the project forward and help build an innovative, sustainable programme of volunteer-led activity, supporting our volunteers to influence change within their communities. 

You will empower volunteers to play an active role in transforming public understanding of how essential smell and taste are to our lives, whether they are running peer support groups, organising local events, delivering talks in community settings, or representing the charity at information days. 

You will join a small, friendly and ambitious team committed to your professional development as the charity continues to grow. 

If you are passionate about making a difference, enjoy working with people, and want to contribute to a pioneering and collaborative organisation that values and empowers its community, we would love to hear from you. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. 

Role overview

We are seeking a proactive and creative senior marketing and communications officer with excellent writing skills and a strong understanding of digital marketing. This role is suited to an early-career professional with a passion for writing and a strong interest in global health and nonprofit work. The ideal candidate will have a strong grasp of marketing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. You will be responsible for producing high-quality content that supports our mission and engages our international audience.

Key responsibilities

• Write, edit and publish news stories for the World Physiotherapy website and newsletters
• Develop clear, engaging web copy and digital content aligned with our values and strategic priorities
• Write and edit press releases, briefs, statements, and CEO/leadership communications as needed
• Create and schedule social media content across platforms (eg, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X/Twitter). Monitor comments across platforms
• Assist with marketing key campaigns and initiatives the organisation undertakes, including World Physiotherapy congresses, held every two years
• Assist with keeping World Physiotherapy websites updated
• Assist with the production of the annual report and other publications
• Work with the marketing and communications manager to implement strategies that strengthen global reach and engagement
• Collaborate with internal teams and external contributors to gather accurate and timely information
• Ensure all content is inclusive, accessible, and relevant to a global health audience
• Monitor performance of published content and suggest improvements based on analytics
• Maintain consistency in tone, style, and messaging across all communications
• Editing and proofreading of organisation documents and materials to ensure accuracy and consistency

Qualifications and experience

• Undergraduate degree in marketing, business, communications, or a related field is highly desirable
• Professional qualification from a recognised body such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) or the Institute of Data and Marketing (IDM) is advantageous
• Proven experience in marketing, copywriting, or digital content creation
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Familiarity with SEO principles and content management systems (eg, WordPress)
• Experience managing social media accounts for organisations or brands
• Experience working in or writing for NGOs, nonprofits, or the medical/healthcare sector is highly desirable

Skills and attributes

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines
• Collaborative mindset and excellent interpersonal skills
• Sensitivity to cultural diversity and global perspectives
• Interest in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or global health issues is desirable

About World Physiotherapy

World Physiotherapy is the global voice for physiotherapy, representing more than 600,000 physiotherapists worldwide through its 129 member organisations. As a nonprofit organisation, we advocate for high standards in physiotherapy practice, education, and research, and promote the profession’s role in improving health and wellbeing globally.

Application instructions

How to apply: interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter detailing their suitability for the role.  Applications must be received by 17:00 GMT on 7 January 2026

World Physiotherapy is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects our diverse membership. We adhere to best practices in equity, diversity, and inclusion in our recruitment process.

Join us and contribute to a connected global community dedicated to health and wellbeing through physiotherapy!

This new role at Young Sounds UK will lead on securing grant income from and coordinating relationships with Trusts and Foundations. This will include identifying and researching funders, submitting compelling applications and completing timely and accurate reports.

You'll need to be comfortable with managing budgets, using CRMs, and demonstrating our impact through writing case studies that bring our work to life. You'll also need to have excellent communication and relationship building skills, and be organised, flexible and with a great attention to detail.

We're looking for someone who has at least three years experience of fundraising in a charity, especially if they’ve focused on fundraising from Trusts and Foundations, and who is looking for an opportunity to take the next step in their career.

For full information on this role, including key responsibilities and person specification, please view the job pack.

The closing date for applications is Monday 19 January 2026 at 12 noon.

About Young Sounds UK 

Young Sounds UK exists because musical talent is everywhere but opportunity isn’t: family finances and other obstacles too often get in the way. We’re here to change this in two key ways:

• We support young musicians from low-income families with funding and other help 
• We support music education through training, advocacy and research.

Established in 1998 we work across genres and across the UK. Our four programme areas are: 

• Discover: training teachers in how to spot young people’s musical potential 
• Connect: targeting and sustaining young people’s emerging talent through strategic support
• Thrive: funding young talent UK wide through annual grants and tailor-made help for individual musicians
• Innovate: leading new thinking and action on talent development

We’re hiring a Fundraising Officer at WeSwim, this is a relationship-led fundraising role with real ownership and influence.

At WeSwim, we support disabled adults to swim in welcoming, inclusive volunteer run clubs across London. For many of our swimmers, the water offers a new freedom, easing pain, building confidence, and opening up new ways to move and connect. Our work is powered by community, care and people who believe swimming should be accessible to everyone.

We’re now looking for a Fundraising Officer to lead our community fundraising and individual giving efforts and help shape the future of WeSwim’s income.

We already have a strong community of swimmers and volunteers who care deeply about WeSwim. In this role, you’ll work with the community to create more fundraising activitym supporting our members to fundraise in ways that feel achievable, inclusive and meaningful. You’ll be the main point of contact for community fundraisers, creating simple tools and resources that help people feel confident getting involved.

You’ll also work closely with the CEO to develop and grow WeSwim’s individual giving and monthly donations, helping to transform our mix of income over time. 

You’ll build thoughtful supporter journeys, create simple and engaging fundraising resources, and help deliver campaigns that clearly show the impact of WeSwim’s work. No two weeks will look the same, but every week will be purposeful and people-centred.

This is a part-time role (15 hours per week) with a high level of trust, autonomy and collaboration. It’s ideal for a proactive fundraiser who enjoys building relationships, thinking creatively and taking ownership. Someone who wants to be close to the ground and see their work make a tangible difference in a small charity.

Every strong supporter relationship you build will help to keep our clubs running, welcomes new swimmers into the water, and strengthens the community that makes WeSwim possible.

Key Responsibilities:

Community Fundraising

• Inspire & support individuals and groups to run their own fundraising activities (e.g., bake sales, swim challenges, quiz nights).
• Act as the primary contact for all community fundraisers, including swimmers, volunteers, supporters, and local groups.
• Develop accessible fundraising resources and an annual plan of community fundraising activities, moments and campaigns.

Individual Giving & Monthly Donations

• Lead the development and growth of WeSwim’s monthly giving programme.
• Deliver a high-quality stewardship programme for individual donors including welcome and impact communications.
• Use data to track donor retention, upgrade opportunities, and areas for improvement.

Campaigns, Communications & Community Engagement

• Plan and deliver key fundraising campaigns (e.g. Christmas Appeal, Giving Tuesday).
• Create engaging fundraising content and stories across email, social media, the website and fundraising platforms.
• Build relationships with community groups and partners, representing WeSwim at relevant events.

Systems, Data & Reporting

• Maintain accurate fundraising records and supporter data.
• Monitor fundraising performance and produce reports and insights.
• Contribute to improving fundraising systems and digital tools.

Diversity and Inclusion: We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, and abilities. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people from the Global Majority, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those underrepresented in charity employees. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our decision-making and help us better serve our community.

Join us in making a difference to increase opportunities for disabled people to swim in London.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.

As Director of Policy & Research, you will:

• Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
• Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
• Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
• Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
• Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
• Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
• Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
• Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
• Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
• Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:

• Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
• Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
• Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
• Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
• Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and visionary thinker.
• Collaborative and inclusive leader.
• Politically astute and intellectually curious.
• Practical, focused, and reliable.
• Committed to personal and professional development.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• 3% pension contribution
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.

The Local Storytelling Exchange (the Exchange) exists to change the conversation about the ‘green transition’ in the UK. We tell the human stories of how everyday people, communities, and places are building fairer, greener futures, especially where narratives around climate action are more contested. Our place-based storytellers use community insights, journalistic expertise, and creative storytelling to shift narratives and humanise the transition.

About the role  

We are looking for a Digital Innovation Lead to position us at the cutting-edge of digital, locally based storytelling about the climate transition.

Part of this role will be overseeing our approach to social media. But more than that, the successful candidate will bring their know-how and entrepreneurial flair to help us reimagine our digital storytelling on the climate transition.

From TikTok to hyper-local Facebook groups, from AI-powered analysis to multimedia experimentation, you will help the Exchange build a digital game that’s contemporary, sector-leading, ethical and true to both our mission and our USP as locally rooted, authentic, people-led storytellers.

In depth technical expertise (for example, in the mechanics of video creation) is not essential. Knowing where to get it, how to use it - and what great looks like for an organisation like us - is.

The Digital Innovation Lead will deploy audience and platform insight, social listening, and restless creativity. They will ensure our digital storytelling has scale, reach and narrative-shaping impact in its own right, and as a complement and added dimension to our existing, sector-leading print, broadcast and online journalism.

We want someone who can work collaboratively to challenge our assumptions and try new things, while holding on to what makes the Exchange’s storytelling special: our authenticity and people-first approach.

Key responsibilities  

• Shape and deliver a digital innovation strategy that harnesses the Exchange’s USP and place-based focus to impactfully engage audiences, share stories, and measurably influence local narratives.

• Working with the Executive Director and Head of Programmes, secure partnerships and funding to put the strategy into practice – ranging from partnering with local influencers and campaign groups, to national media platforms, data platforms, or creative tech collaborators, and more.

• Lead experimentation with emerging tools – including AI, community insights, social listening tools, multimedia storytelling and audience analytics 

• Design systems for (digital) social listening and audience intelligence that build on our existing USP as a place-based, storyteller-led organisation.

• Build a roster of associate content creators so we can generate excellent content, quickly.

• Build digital confidence and capacity across the organisation and key external partners, mentoring colleagues and associates to use digital tools creatively and ethically.

• Ensure the Exchange uses technology ethically and responsibly in line with the Exchange’s mission.

• Balance working at pace under own initiative, with working collaboratively and supportively within a small, hybrid organisation.

 About you  

You are likely to be a creative digital communications and/or engagement specialist who combines vision and innovative spark with the determination to build networks, projects and partnerships to turn ideas into real world impact. You can bridge big picture strategic thinking and tracking the latest ideas, with practical application to prototype, test and learn fast.

You will have a strong instinct for what makes for brilliant content that has impact at scale, and how to get it seen. You will be audience, mission and impact-led, innovating around how best to reach people across platforms and wider engagement.  You will have a strategic mind, up-to-the-minute understanding of today’s information and digital environment, and a rich network of intelligence and contacts. You'll understand how digital content can complement ‘traditional’ journalism and be excited to combine these approaches in new ways as part of shaping local narratives across the country.

Whatever your background, you’ll be excited to join a journalism, narrative shaping and storytelling organisation with a strong reputation for “traditional” media impact, which is evolving that to also excel in the digital world.  You will be fascinated by how digital storytelling can be used brilliantly, within current and emerging information system and technological frontiers, to be a positive counterforce to misinformation and culture wars around climate action.

Cord is an international charity working to make peace a reality where people don’t have the freedom to exercise their rights. We work to build the relationship between those in power and local communities. 

We believe that people flourish when all parts of society work together. Peaceful relationships make that possible. The simple act of talking begins a journey of growth which transforms mistrust, includes the excluded and turns adversaries into allies.

Cord operates in eight countries and implements programmes in the following areas:

• Empowering Women & Girls
• Accessing Fundamental Freedoms
• Climate & the Environment
• Economic Empowerment
• Supporting Stronger Societies

We are a small, committed team who love working together to make a huge impact. If you like the sound of us, then take a look at the recruitment pack and come and join our team!

About the Role

Are you someone who is passionate about seeing positive change in our world? Can you analyse data efficiently, present information clearly, and work collaboratively?

We are looking for someone to join our Programme Operations Unit, which exists to provide support to country programme teams Finance, Programme Quality, OMEAL (Organisational, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning), Operations (which includes human resources facilities including digital working).

The Programme Operations Officer role reports to the Programme Quality Lead (PQL) who has overall responsibility for quality oversight of programme compliance including reporting and project implementation across Cord’s country programmes and provides support in developing overall capacity for implementing programmes. The PQL also leads on Cord’s OMEAL system linked to learning and knowledge, ensuring that impact is monitored and learning is disseminated.

The Programme Operations Officer will support the Programme Quality Lead to deliver programme quality and OMEAL oversight and support to country teams and partners. Additionally, the role will support the wider Programme Operations Unit to ensure country programmes teams have the facilities and operational systems needed to deliver their work effectively. This role work closely with country teams to ensure they have the support required and will involve travel to programme locations.

The four focus areas of the role are: programme compliance, country programme support, OMEAL, and global operational support.

This role would suit someone with M&E and project cycle experience gained within a peacebuilding or development iNGO. You will have qualitative and quantitative skills, be able to analyse data efficiently, present information clearly, and work collaboratively demonstrating understanding the needs of a range of stakeholders.

If you like what you read and are passionate about real and lasting change, come and join us and be part of the Cord story.

Application Instructions

To apply please send you CV and a covering letter that explains your interest in Cord and the role, and details how you fulfil the requirements of the role.  

This is a UK based remote role and applicants must have the right to work in the UK and the ability to travel to Coventry for team meetings. 

Are you an experienced content creator? Do you have excellent editing skills? Can you spot a good story and create engaging narratives for editorial? Are you familiar with publications processes? 

We are seeking a Communications and Content Editor to support our communications output across multiple channels, including production of the SLA’s flagship publication, The School Librarian. This new role will be pivotal to elevating our publication, and supporting strong narratives across our communications.This is a hands on role, with an opportunity to help shape our communications and TSL as we approach the SLA’s ninetieth year in 2027. 

You will be an experienced editor and content creator. Creative and with a strong eye for detail, you will be confident in overseeing the publications process, alongside copy-editing, proofing and commissioning content and associated administration. You will enjoy opportunities to apply your creative skills to creating interesting and engaging content to support our outputs. As we develop new ways of working, your insight and ideas will help support new activity. You will be comfortable working with a variety of stakeholders and happy to get stuck in as needed. Areas of work include managing production of The School Librarian journal which publishes three times per year, developing a strong understanding of the TSL audience, its circulation and readership figures to inform content development and identify opportunities to attract new subscribers. You will also contribute to digital communication and content strategy across the organisation, helping to determine the best platforms or channels for a variety of content types. While leading on TSL, you will also support content creation for our newsletters, website and social media, working with the Publicity and Partnerships Manager to determine the most appropriate format for different stories, features or news items.

The salary for this position is £24, 324.32 per anum (based on FTE £30,000) for 30 hours per week, and comes with a 6% employer pension contribution.

Find out more about the role including full job description and how to apply by downloading the job specification pack.  

Application deadline: 12th January 

Interviews will take place as follows:  

First round interview (online):  26/28th January  

Second round interview in person TBC:  3rd /4th February  

Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. No agencies please.    

Due to the volume of applications we cannot provide individual feedback. We really appreciate your interest. If you haven’t heard from us within four weeks of the deadline, it means we’ve moved forward with other candidates on this occasion. We encourage you to apply again in the future. Please note we may close recruitment early should the right candidate be identified.   

About EMMS International

EMMS International is Scotland’s longest-serving international healthcare charity, founded in 1841. From its Scottish base, it works with partners in India, Malawi, Nepal, Rwanda, Scotland and Zambia to improve healthcare for people in some of the world’s poorest and most marginalised communities.

Its work focuses on four strategic priorities:

• Non-Communicable Disease: Improving access to care and quality of life for people with NCDs and life-limiting conditions.

• Global Healthcare Workforce: Training and empowering healthcare workers, especially women from low-income backgrounds, to address workforce shortages.

• Health Emergency Response: Supporting health systems to prepare for and respond to disasters and crises such as floods, earthquakes and food shortages.

• Sustainable Healthcare: Strengthening healthcare facilities and services, including infrastructure such as solar power, so they can withstand economic and environmental pressures.

EMMS works through local partners, takes a rights-based and inclusive approach, and designs sustainable programmes that respect the environment and promote human rights. Its origins lie in the Christian faith, and it serves people of all faiths and none.

Following an organisational review, EMMS is creating a new Director of Fundraising role, separating fundraising and communications into two Director posts. EMMS is financially stable with healthy reserves, currently raising around £400,000 per year in fundraised income, plus a significant time-limited major donor gift ending in 2028.

The Director of Fundraising will:

• Lead the development of a diverse, sustainable fundraising strategy across multiple income streams (trusts and foundations, major donors, individual giving, community, corporates, legacies).

• Be hands-on in delivering this strategy, supported by an experienced Head of Partnerships and Philanthropy and a Stewardship Manager.

• Manage and grow relationships with donors and stakeholders, meeting ambitious income targets.

• Oversee budgets, forecasting and reporting, and contribute to organisational strategic and business planning.

• Line manage fundraising staff, setting objectives/KPIs and supporting their development.

• Sit on the Executive Leadership Team and play a proactive role in the wider management and development of the charity, including reporting to the CEO and attending some Board meetings.

What they’re looking for:
An experienced senior fundraiser with a strong track record of strategic income growth across multiple channels, excellent relationship-building skills, strong leadership and team management experience, and knowledge of the Scottish charity and fundraising landscape. You should be confident operating strategically and operationally, familiar with fundraising regulation and good practice, and able to communicate effectively with both Christian and secular audiences in line with EMMS’ faith-based heritage and health mission. Degree-level education or equivalent experience is required; membership of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (or willingness to join) is expected.

Terms and benefits:

• Salary: £63,313 – £70,347 (depending on experience) with annual inflationary rise

• Remote role with monthly meetings in central Edinburgh (more frequently in first three months)

• 25–30 days annual leave (depending on length of service) + 10 public holidays

• 8% employer pension contribution with salary sacrifice

• Salary sacrifice scheme for electric vehicle lease

• Flexible working, travel expenses to office, access to Edinburgh office, some international travel

• Life assurance (three times salary) and Aviva Digi-Care app

Application:
Apply by CV and covering letter (each up to 2 pages) by Monday 12 January 2026.
Interviews in Edinburgh: First stage – Thursday 29 January 2026; second stage – Tuesday 3 February 2026.
You must live in Scotland and have the right to work in the UK.

The Support Officer’s key objective is to enable Mermaids to deliver exceptional, high-quality services by providing effective operational, administrative and coordination support. Working closely with the Operations Manager and across the Communities, Youth, Support Line and Training teams, the role will ensure smooth day-to-day operations, strong communication, accurate systems and consistent quality standards. By increasing organisational capacity and supporting continuous improvement, the Support Officer will allow frontline teams to focus on what matters most; delivering positive impact for the people and communities we serve. 

AMR Action UK is the United Kingdom patient organisation for people impacted by antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Our legitimacy comes through our small-scale research projects, our engagement with patients and their families, and from our direct support of patients through our information service and peer-support activities.   

AMR Action UK seeks to empower patient, families, and carers to have their voices heard on matters that affect their lives and to be able to influence research priorities, policy and implementation changes at government level, and changes in NHS practices across the four nations of the UK.  

The Policy and Advocacy lead will ensure that AMR Action UK is both well-informed across the broad-spectrum of topics relating to AMR and is impactful in its influencing work. 

To be successful in the role you will need energy and enthusiasm to hit the ground running in order to make an immediate impact on appointment.

Closing date 12th January 2026, with a view to holding interviews week beginning 19th January 2026. 

The Director is the senior leader of Firefly International, responsible for driving the charity’s mission to support war-affected children through the provision of education, mental health and peacebuilding programmes delivered in genuine partnership with our overseas partners. This is a hands-on leadership role within a small, donation-dependent charity, suited to an adaptable all-rounder who is motivated to lead growth and change rather than maintain the status quo. Firefly has a good track record and a good reputation and has both the will and the capacity to do more and do better, for the children it exists to serve.  To do that, it needs to recruit the right Director.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Essential:

• Experience in fundraising from individuals, charitable trusts and foundations, and companies: developing successful grant proposals, managing implementation of grants and reporting to funders
• Experience of working in a small charity
• Experience in organisational strategy development and implementation
• Experience of management, working with Trustee boards and of managing partnerships
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including representing an organisation in public

Desirable Skills and Knowledge:

• Experience of international humanitarian relief and development
• Experience of safeguarding policies and practices
• Demonstrated ability in budget setting and in management of budgets and financial reporting
• Capacity to plan and prioritise and to manage multiple, sometimes competing demands efficiently
• Experience of event management
• Experience of using social media to build awareness and engagement and for fundraising
• Experience of developing and managing close working relationships with partners
• Understanding of the contexts in which our partners work, in Bosnia, Palestine/Cairo and in Syria, and of the contexts for fundraising in the UK for these areas
• Awareness and sensitivity to the needs of war-affected children and the concerns of the individuals and organisations who support them
  

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Director’s role is to lead Firefly International in its mission to safeguard, extend and develop the activities conducted by its overseas partners.  Within that over-arching goal, to:

• Provide strategic leadership in collaboration with the Chair of the Trustee Board
• Secure sufficient funding to sustain long-term growth
• Manage existing partnerships in overseas project areas and build new ones, overseas and in the UK, in response to any new opportunities to meet the needs of war-affected children where we have relevant experience to offer.
• Lead and support the staff team and any volunteers
• Represent Firefly International as an ambassador for the organisation, its partners and more broadly for war-affected children

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Lead Firefly’s strategic direction in Scotland, ensuring alignment with the charity’s mission and values
• Build Firefly’s visibility, credibility, and influence with its key stakeholders.

Income Generation

• Strengthen existing funder relationships and develop new funding opportunities
• Develop a compelling case for support

Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent Firefly at events and within networks relevant to its mission and objectives
• Build our supporter base and opportunities for engagement

Communications

• Ensure production of a high quality Annual Review and newsletters
• Take prime responsibility for the website as an attractive, user-friendly communications tool and mechanism for giving
•  Extend and develop our social media presence, ensuring high quality content.

Financial Management and Compliance

• Work with the Treasurer and Finance and Admin Officer to develop budgets and manage expenditure against them, providing accurate and timely information for the Board.
• Work with the independent examiner to facilitate a smooth process of examination of the annual accounts
• Ensure that Firefly remains fully compliant with all statutory authorities such as OSCR and that statutory reports and accounts are produced and filed to time.

OTHER DETAILS

• Our office is in central Edinburgh.  If you live further afield, you may still apply.  One of our team lives and works from home in south west England.
• The role requires travel within the UK and occasionally to project areas overseas.
• Reports to: Chair of the Board of Trustees
• Manages: staff team of three/four plus ad hoc volunteers
• Contract: Permanent, 35 hours pw.
• 25 days leave plus 8 public holidays
• Time Off In Lieu (TOIL)or extra hours worked
• Pension contribution.
• Open to discussing part time or flexible working arrangements

The Cyber Helpline is a fast-growing, innovative charity that supports individuals impacted by cybercrime, digital fraud and online harm. As we enter our next stage of growth, we are seeking a senior operational leader to transform, scale and strengthen our Helpline service.

The Head of Helpline and Service Delivery will provide strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of service delivery - people, processes, quality, tooling and innovation. This role is accountable for the overall performance, resilience and impact of the Helpline, ensuring we offer exceptional trauma-informed and victim/survivor-centred support across channels.

This is an executive role requiring someone who can operate strategically while staying close to operational realities. You will lead managers, staff and volunteers, drive cultural and structural change, support growth of service models, deliver high-quality outcomes and ensure the Helpline is equipped to meet demand.

This opportunity is exciting for an experienced service-delivery leader to build a mission-driven Helpline at scale.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Service Direction

• Develop and deliver a multi-year operational strategy for the Helpline aligned with organisational goals.

• Shape the future service model, including workforce planning, channel strategy, automation and technology.

• Provide executive-level leadership and insight to the CEO, Executive Team and Trustees.

• Represent The Cyber Helpline externally with partners, regulators, law enforcement, funders and the wider sector.

Service Performance

• Lead the day-to-day and long-term operation of the Helpline, ensuring stability, quality, responsiveness and continuous improvement.

• Own and deliver KPIs, SLAs, performance dashboards and quality standards.

• Ensure effective processes, incident response, risk management and signposting and referral pathways.

• Oversee the helpdesk, telephony, triage, case management processes and other service initiatives.

People, Culture and Capability

• Lead the team members across functions such as supervisors, case support, QA and training

• Build a high-performing workforce of staff and volunteers, ensuring strong recruitment, onboarding, development, supervision and succession planning.

• Foster a supportive, trauma-informed and collaborative culture with clear expectations and accountability.

• Set and embed structures, role clarity, operational guidelines and communication frameworks across the Helpline.

Quality, Compliance and Risk

• Own the QA framework alongside the Case Support Team, ensuring consistent, accurate and compassionate support to victims and survivors.

• Work in partnership with the Head of Safeguarding to ensure compliance with safeguarding policy and strong practice across the team.

• Oversee high-risk escalations, operational risk identification and mitigation.

• Ensure compliance with internal policies, such as data protection and cybersecurity.

Service Development

• Lead service improvement initiatives, including redesigning processes, upgrading systems and embedding new technologies.

• Collaborate with data, product and technology teams to enhance automation, workflows and case-handling efficiency.

• Ensure the service evolves in response to threat trends, victim needs, and organisational strategy.

• Drive innovation in digital service delivery and multi-channel support.

Partnerships, Impact and Growth

• Work with stakeholders such as police, funders, commissioners, corporates and international partners to strengthen and expand our model.

• Support fundraising and business development opportunities by providing operational insight, impact reporting and case studies.

• Contribute to the expansion of the Helpline model into new geographies.

• Act as a senior ambassador for the service and organisation.

Internal Leadership and Collaboration

• Partner with operations, finance, safeguarding, comms and data teams to ensure integrated and effective organisational delivery.

• Contribute to organisational strategy, planning cycles, and Executive Team decision making.

• Lead or support cross-organisational projects where operational expertise is required.

Requirements

Candidates must be 18 years old or older and resident in the UK with the right to work in the UK. Successful candidates will need to have their background and criminal records checked, as they are likely to have access to sensitive personal data. 

Essential

• Significant leadership experience in a senior operational role within a helpline, support service, contact centre, victim support environment or other complex service-delivery setting.

• Proven ability to scale a service, introduce new operational models and lead organisational change. 

• Experience managing multi-layered teams (including volunteers), ideally across remote environments.

• Strong understanding of QA, safeguarding principles, operational risk, and compliance.

• Demonstrated ability to set KPIs, manage performance, analyse data and make evidence-informed decisions.

• Exceptional people leadership, communication and stakeholder-management skills

• Experience improving processes, implementing new systems or delivering service innovation.

• High emotional intelligence with a calm, pragmatic approach to problem-solving.

• Alignment with The Cyber Helpline’s mission and a commitment to victim-centred support.

Desirable

• Understanding of cybercrime, cybersecurity, online harms or digital victimisation.

• Experience working in a charity or volunteer-powered environment.

• Experience delivering training, public speaking or representing an organisation externally.

• Experience with helpdesk systems, CRM, or telephony/triage systems

• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice.

What we offer

• Enhanced annual leave - generous leave package with an extra day off to celebrate your birthday.

• Pension scheme - 8% employer contribution to your workplace pension scheme

• Employee discounts - thousands of discounts on travel, shopping, wellbeing, entertainment and more.

• Remote working cost budget - an annual allowance to cover eligible remote working costs

• Flexible, remote-first working - we are a remote-first organisation, you’ll have the freedom to work from home (or away - subject to approval), supported by a flexible working culture. 

• Cybersecurity at home - we offer free cybersecurity tools, including endpoint protection and VPNs to protect your personal devices.

• Professional development - access to ad-hoc training based on your role and professional growth interests

• Enhanced leave - including sick pay, paternity/maternity, compassionate and bereavement leave. We operate with flexibility during periods of illness, family need or unexpected events.

• Cybersecurity community - Join a supportive network of over 150 cybersecurity professionals in the UK and USA.

• Time off for learning - request time off to pursue training or development opportunities

• Accelerate building decarbonisation, support Paris goals & resilient buildings
• Strategic communications leader for new global hub shifting climate narratives
• Europe/UK-based, remote; built environment/climate expertise ideal

The Organisation
  
The Global Strategic Communications Council (GSCC), hosted by Meliore Foundation and funded by philanthropy, is a network of communications professionals in the fields of climate, energy, and nature. A collaborative network in over 20 countries, across 6 continents, GSCC covers themes including climate science and impacts, food and nature, finance and economics, energy, transport, industry, and multilateral climate processes.

With a focus on media debate and public discourse at the global level, and in major economies across Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, and the Americas, GSCC supports partners in a variety of sectors and geographies via unbranded strategic communications strategies to support the goals encapsulated by the Paris Agreement.

Decarbonising the built environment is among the most urgent and under-communicated climate imperatives but is often framed as costly, bureaucratic, or politically challenging. To address this, GSCC is establishing a dedicated Built Environment Strategic Communications Hub, within the broader GSCC network. The hub will bring together strategic communications expertise and campaign delivery to support the transition to near-zero and resilient buildings.

Benefits & Culture

• Build and manage a new team of international climate communications professionals across Europe and Asia.
• Huge growth potential. Collaborates with the global climate network and ecosystem partners.
• Competitive remuneration, generous holidays.
• Full time 24-month fixed-term contract with possible renewal subject to performance and funding.
• Global, remote, ideally in Europe, work/visa sponsorships and relocations are not provided.

• Shape and implement the overall vision and strategy of the Hub.
• Build, manage, and develop a high-performing, cross-cultural team of up to 7 communications professionals in the initial phase, fostering strong collaboration across countries, disciplines, and political contexts.
• Identify policy issues to shift via strategic interventions for maximum impact.
• Oversee effective national campaigns, ensuring they are achievable and evidence-based.
• Manage the budget, financial reporting, and stakeholder relationships.

• Leadership of campaigns, media, and digital teams across European geographies, with experience collaborating across global markets.
• Strong geopolitical nous and political strategy expertise to influence change.
• Budget management (€1M min), compliance, and reporting experience.
• Ability to operate successfully — and lead others effectively — in complex, dynamic, political, and cross-cultural contexts.
• Excellent English communication skills: a European language is a plus.

If you are a skilled strategic communications leader in Europe, with the decarbonisation expertise to drive the visibility, ambition, and action needed to place buildings at the centre of the climate transition, then please  apply by submitting a CV and cover letter, responding to the skills and experience required, quoting # 1408448. 

Alternatively, request a full information package call Lois Freeke in Melbourne on +61 (0) 3 8080 8978 for a confidential discussion.

Please note there is no formal closing date for this role, if you are interested, we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

NGO Recruitment values equitable recruitment practices and is committed to representing candidates reflective of the diverse organisations and communities we work with. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds, ages, and identities, and are happy to adjust our recruitment process to support accessibility needs. If you are interested in this position and have most of the skills or experience we are looking for, please go ahead and apply.