Chief executive jobs

Arvon, the UK's most renowned creative writing charity, is looking for an experienced and dynamic Management Accountant (Maternity Cover) to work closely with its CFO on the preparation of management accounts, budgeting and forecasting processes, as well as other key finance tasks. Arvon has been delivering courses from its three beautiful houses for over 57 years, and you would be joining a dedicated and spirited national team, all of whom are passionately committed to delivering on Arvon's transformational charitable mission.

Join Us and Make an Impact

This is an exciting time to join the Centre for ADHD & Autism Support (CAAS). As part of a growing charity, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping two vital functions that provide information, advice, and support to neurodivergent people, their families, and professionals. Our mission is to improve quality of life and build inclusive communities – we want you to help us make that happen.

As Fundraising and Communications Manager, you’ll influence strategy while driving hands-on delivery. You will lead and develop our fundraising and communications functions, ensuring they work seamlessly together to increase income and engagement.

You’ll oversee the operational running of these two key areas, line-managing our Fundraiser and Communications Officer, and working closely with the management team to ensure our messaging reflects the impact of our work.

To apply, you need to submit a completed application form alongside a supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, detailing how you meet the requirements of the role.  Deadline to apply is by 10am on Monday 23rd February 2026.

More details about the job and additional information about the person specification can be found in the job description and in our recruitment pack, but in summary the key responsibilities of the role are:

• Leadership
  • Supervise the Fundraiser and Communications Officer, supporting their development and ensuring effective use of resources.
• Fundraising
  • Develop and deliver strategies to grow income from individual giving, corporate partnerships, and community fundraising.
  • Create compelling campaigns and messaging aligned with CAAS branding and tone.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, partners, and community fundraisers, providing excellent stewardship.
  • Develop and maintain a CRM system to manage donor relationships in line with GDPR.
  • Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations and best practice.
  • Produce and submit reports to funders to demonstrate impact and accountability.
• Communications
  • Oversee the development and delivery of CAAS’s communications strategy, ensuring clear, consistent, and engaging messaging across all channels.
  • Drive storytelling initiatives by sourcing and sharing case studies and impact stories that inspire donors and the wider public.
  • Ensure all communications reflect best practice in accessibility, inclusivity, and neuro-affirmative language.
• Strategic Collaboration & Governance
  • Work closely with the CEO and management team to deliver a fundraising and communications plan that supports CAAS’s strategic objectives.
  • Prepare risk management, quality assessment, and process documents to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
  • Monitor and evaluate output, outcome, and impact measures across fundraising and communications activities, ensuring continuous improvement.
  • Provide written reports as required by the CEO and Board.

You may be required to attend events, so occasional travel is necessary.

About You

You’ll bring experience in marketing, ideally within charity fundraising, with a proven ability to grow income and deliver successful campaigns across multiple channels. You are:

• Skilled at crafting persuasive copy and using data to drive decisions
• Confident in managing projects, analysing trends, and leveraging social media for fundraising
• Highly organised, solutions-focused, and thrive in a busy environment
• Collaborative and clear in communication
• Creative, detail-oriented, and proficient with Microsoft Office and donor databases
  A passion for our mission is essential.

CAAS values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority communities, people who identify as having a disability, and LGB+, Trans and non-binary candidates.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS disclosure.

How to Apply

Ready to make a difference? Visit our website to download the full job description and application form.

Life is a national charity committed to delivering high‑quality, compassionate and person‑centred support to people facing crisis. Guided by our values of Humanity, Solidarity, Community, Charity and the Common Good, we work across multiple sites to provide safe, effective and life‑changing services.

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional Director of Quality Improvement and Compliance to join our Senior Leadership Team at an exciting time of organisational development.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a senior, influential role with strategic responsibility for quality, safeguarding, compliance, estates and continuous improvement across our national portfolio of services.

You will provide visible, values‑led leadership, ensuring that everything we do is safe, effective, person‑centred, financially sustainable and fully compliant with regulatory requirements. This role has a real opportunity to shape the future of Life – and to positively impact the lives of hundreds of people we support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership on quality improvement, compliance and continuous improvement across supported housing, estates and services
• Hold senior accountability for safeguarding governance, complaints and assurance frameworks
• Lead audit, inspection and review activity, ensuring consistently high standards and strong regulatory outcomes
• Embed a culture of quality, learning and improvement across multi‑site services
• Oversee property compliance, health & safety and estates management, ensuring safe and welcoming environments
• Use data, insight and digital systems to drive performance, manage risk and support innovation
• Act as the organisation’s senior lead with regulators, inspectors and professional bodies
• Work collaboratively with fellow Directors to deliver a joined‑up, high‑quality client journey
• Develop, coach and inspire senior leaders, fostering a high‑performing, values‑driven culture

About You

You will be a credible, values‑led leader with a strong background in regulated services and a passion for quality and safeguarding.

Essential experience and qualifications include:

• Senior leadership experience within supported housing, homelessness or a closely related regulated sector
• Proven success leading multi‑site services and senior operational leaders
• Strong track record in quality improvement, safeguarding, compliance and inspection readiness
• Sound financial and commercial awareness, including managing significant budgets and resources
• Lean Six Sigma qualification
• Level 5 Safeguarding qualification
• Health & Safety qualification (IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent)

You will also bring:

• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into practical delivery
• A collaborative, visible and approachable leadership style
• Integrity, humility and purpose in how you lead
• A commitment to co‑production, continuous learning and innovation
• Strong communication, influencing and relationship‑building skills

Information about the role: 

For further information, please see the attached job description on our website. 

Salary: £50,285 per annum

Hours: 32 hours per week

Location: Home Based with travel across sites in the UK

Benefits:  

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:  

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours) 
• Birthday Leave  (applicable after 1 years service)
• Additional annual leave for long term service    
• Company Pension Scheme  
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge 

Safeguarding and Equality:   

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.   

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.  

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.  

As Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will help ensure London Youth is a credible, influential voice on issues affecting young people and the organisations that support them. Sitting within the Fundraising and Communications Directorate, you will work closely with the CEO, senior leadership, and youth participation, communciations, fundraising and delivery colleagues to deliver demonstrable external influence and impact. 

You will craft clear, evidence-based policy positions that shape debate and influence decision-making at London and national level, ensuring the policymakers understand and respond to the realities facing young people in London. Through effective internal engagement, you will also ensure colelagues and our members are well-informed and equipped to respond to key policy developments. 

You will successfully represent the voice of London Youth's members and the young people they support, helping to secure greater recognition, investment, and support for youth services. By building strong relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, and sector partners working to address the issues affecting young people inthe capital, you will help position London Youth as a trusted and respected contributor to relevant policy discussions. 

At a time of significant change across the youth sector, you will play a central role in campaigning for systematic change and in building the profile of London Youth and the wider voluntary sector as the Government's 10-year National Youth Strategy, Youth Matters, is implemented. You will help ensure commitments translate into meaningful outcomes for young people, particularly in relation to youth services, enrichment opportunities, and support for young people not in education, employment, or training, and strengthen long-term investment in youth provision. 

What you will be doing 

You will lead the development and delivery of London Youth's policy and public affairs work, building a clear and consistent understanding of the London and national context for young people and youth organisations. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, including communications, fundraising, delivery, and MEL, you will help develop a clear and compelling case for support and influence. 

You will work in close partnership with the CEO and CEO's office, acting as a trusted policy adviser, supporting the CEO's external policy engagements, positioning, and relationships with senior policymakers and influencers. 

You will monitor emerging political and policy developments and relevant funding announcements, providing insight and analysis to identify opportunities for engagement. You will draft swift organisational responses to key policy announcements, in collaboration with the CEO and communications team, and ensure relevant intelligence and opportunties inform the work of the fundraising team. 

You will develop, maintain, and communicate evidence-based policy positions, insights, and priorities, convening our members regularly to inform clear policy asks and advocacy. You will shape briefings and consultation responses that reflect the needs of London Youth's members and the young people they support. You will shape policy positions and provide high-quality briefings ahead of key senior-level engagements. 

You will oversee and track our policy influencing activity, identifying emerging policy developments, coordinating internal input, engaging stakeholders and representing London Youth in external policy and public affairs forums, and reporting on the impact of our policy work. 

You will strengthen policy work through insight and engagement, analysig relevant data and research from our membership and working with the Learning and Impact Lead to ensure insights from London Youth's network inform policy development. You will also identify opportunities for members and young people from our Youth Board to engage in policy work, including through consultations, networks, and events. 

You will build and maintain strong relationships with key London and national stakeholders, identifying opportunities for partnership working with other organisations and ensuring London Youth has a visible, credible voice in debates affecting young people. 

You will contribute to London Youth's communications, campaigns, and profile, working with colleagues to shape policy activity across digital channels, produce engaging written content including articles and speeches, craft organisational messaging, support youth-led engagement, and contribute to London Youth's thematic networks, influencing events and media opportunities. 

What you bring to the role 

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Strong understanding of how policy is developed in the London and national context, and experience of engaging with political agendas on behalf of a charitable or membership organisation. 
• Experience in developing robust policy positions, responses, and solutions, and influencing politicians and decision-makers. 
• Up-to-date, proven experience in public affairs, parliamentary engagement or a related policy-influencing role, with a clear track record of driving meaningful change. 
• Good understanding of UK parliamentary and government processes, and of current policy areas impacting young people in London and across the UK. 
• Experience of producing a range of briefings and written materials, including research findings, public statements, consultation responses, and briefings for senior colelagues. 
• Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with opinion-formers and other key stakeholders. 

Attributes and Behaviours: 

• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, especially when it comes to policy partners. 
• Demonstrate confidence to engage and build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including those at senior level. 
• A confidence verbal communicator and presenter able to represent London Youth within policy forums, consortia, and networking events. 
• Demonstrate ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team, with proven ability to innovate and deliver change. 
• Demonstrate ability to analyse, summarise, and present evidence to different audiences. 
• Demonstrate a commitment to ensuring young people have prominent platforms to voice their views directly on the issues that affect them. 
• Demonstrate a commitment to strengthening London's Youth sector. 
• Be willing to work some evenings and the occasional weekend. 
• Understanding and supporting the vision, mission, and aims of London Youth. 

Demonstrate living our values of being: 

• Ambitious
• Collaborative 
• Inclusive 
• Accountable 

Why work at London Youth 

• Generous holiday allowance - 39 days paid holiday each year (including bank holidays and closure days). Pro-rata if you work part time. 
• Employer 4% pension contribution
• Additional leave granted to support voluntary activity 
• Free Health Care Cash Plan 
• Free access for you and your family to the Employee Assistance Programme 
• Free access to the 'Headspace' app for you and your family
• Flexible working opportunities considered 
• You'll be working with a fantastic team of passionate colleagues across London Youth 
• You will be making a difference to the lives of young people

About

Scrubditch Care Farm is a rural working farm, founded in 2010 and exists to provide therapeutic farm based activities for vulnerable people and adults with learning disabilities, through hands on work including animal care, gardening, cooking and woodworking. We are open Monday to Friday and deliver structured sessions for our students, plus community events and Outreach visits with other organisations.

Our work improves people’s confidence, health and social connection through hands-on farming and nature-based activities. We follow the Care Farming Code of Practice.

The role

We are looking for a hands-on, committed leader to manage the day-to-day delivery on the farm and keep improving what we offer.

You will lead staff and volunteers, manage all aspects of safeguarding, and work closely with the CEO and fundraiser to plan delivery, build partnerships and evidence impact.

We actively encourage applications from people with lived experience or a strong understanding of disability.

Responsibilities include

• Manage all aspects of the day-to-day delivery of the Care Farm’s activities.

• Manage staff and volunteers.

• Plan, communicate and support a programme of farm and nature-based activities.

• Act as safeguarding lead.

• Build strong relationships with partner charities and referrers to reach and benefit vulnerable people as well as building our student numbers.

• Lead on evaluation and outcomes monitoring.

• Coordinate group visits and relationships with outside agencies.

• Provide regular updates to the CEO and quarterly reports to Trustees.

Skills and experience

Essential

• Experience leading and line managing teams.

• Strong organisation and communication skills.

• The ability to plan and deliver to deadlines.

• Full clean UK driving licence and confidence travelling to and from a rural site.

Desirable

• Experience of care farming or delivering farm or nature-based activities.

• Budget oversight and basic financial tracking experience.

Scrubditch Care Farm is committed to safer recruitment. Any offer will be subject to references and appropriate checks (including an enhanced DBS).

Help improve the life chances of young people through physics education. We’re looking for an experienced, creative Marketing and Communications Manager to raise awareness of our work, strengthen our brand, and inspire engagement across schools, teachers, industry partners, and supporters.

Physics Partners is a charity dedicated to improving young people’s life chances through high-quality physics teaching. We work with schools, teachers, and industry partners to make physics accessible for every student, helping to build the skilled workforce the UK needs for the future.

As our Marketing and Communications Manager, you’ll lead campaigns that tell our story, grow our reach, and celebrate the impact of our programmes. You’ll manage content across digital, print, and social media, shape our online presence, and develop creative materials that connect with diverse audiences.

We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with hands-on creativity - confident in digital communications, content creation, and stakeholder engagement. You’ll join a small, collaborative team where your ideas will make a real difference.

Key details

• Hours: 14 hours per week (0.4 FTE) – flexible working arrangements available

• Contract: 6-month initial term, with potential to become permanent

• Salary: £35,000 FTE (negotiable depending on experience and contract type)

• Reports to: Chief Executive

• Location: Home-based, with occasional travel

• Contract type: Employment or freelance considered

Essential skills and experience

• Proven experience in developing, planning, and executing marketing communications campaigns.
• Strong digital communications skills (CMS, SEO, email marketing, social media, Google Analytics).
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling ability with a strong eye for design and detail.
• Track record of managing external agencies and multiple stakeholders.
• Creative and proactive mindset
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• A genuine commitment to diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and Physics Partners’ mission.

Application process

The full role description is available to download.

Submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

• Deadline: 5:00 pm, Sunday 1 March 2026

• First interviews: Online on 9 and 10 March 2026

Physics Partners is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Role Purpose

The Finance Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day financial management of the charity, ensuring accurate bookkeeping, robust financial controls, and timely financial reporting. The postholder will work closely with the CEO to support budgeting, grant and tender applications, procurement, and financial reporting to the Board of Trustees.

This is a key role in ensuring the charity’s financial sustainability, compliance, and effective use of resources.

Key Responsibilities

Bookkeeping and Financial Operations

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records using appropriate accounting software.
• Manage day-to-day bookkeeping, including income, expenditure, bank reconciliations, and petty cash.
• Process purchase orders, invoices, and payments in line with financial procedures.
• Monitor cash flow and flag any concerns to the CEO.
• Payroll and expenses responsibility

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Support the CEO in developing and monitoring the annual organisational budget.
• Assist with the preparation of budgets and finanical reporting for grant and tender applications as requested.
• Track expenditure against budgets and provide regular updates.

Financial Reporting and Governance

• Prepare quarterly financial reports for the Board of Trustees.
• Contribute to the annual budget report for trustee approval.
• Support year-end financial processes, including preparation for independent examination or audit.
• Ensure financial records meet charity and regulatory requirements.

Procurement and Ordering

• Source suppliers and obtain quotes for subscriptions, resources, services and any other relevant needs.
• Place orders for materials and equipment (e.g. laptops, office equipment) in line with budget approvals.
• Maintain records of assets and equipment.

Support to the CEO and Organisation

• Work closely with the CEO on financial planning, reporting, and decision-making.
• Provide financial information and analysis to support organisational planning.
• Undertake any other finance-related duties appropriate to the role.

Person Specification

Essential

• Qualified and experienced bookkeeper (e.g. AAT or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience of bookkeeping and financial administration, ideally within a charity or not-for-profit setting.
• Experience of preparing budgets and financial reports.
• Strong numerical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.
• Experience with bookkeeping software such as “Zero”
• Good IT skills, including accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection.

Desirable

• Experience of charity finance and funder reporting.
• Experience of supporting grant or tender applications.
• Knowledge of charity governance and trustee reporting.

Working Arrangements

This is a hybrid role, with a mix of office-based and home working subject to performance, needs of the charity and agreement. Working days are flexible, with a preference for Monday, Wednesday, and/or Friday, subject to agreement.

Equality and Diversity

The charity is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Hours: 14 hours per week (worked over 2–3 days - to be agreed)

Preferred working days: Monday / Wednesday / Friday (to be agreed)

Salary: £15–£20 per hour(£10,920–£14,560 per annum for 14 hours/week, equivalent to £29,260 upwards FTE) depending on experience 

Benefits:

25 days annual leave excluding bank holidays (pro rata)

Extra leave: +1 day after 3 years’ service, +1 more day after 5 years

Birthday Leave

Sick pay package

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Giving back Scheme - Volunteer day leave

Cycle to work scheme

Specsavers Partnership

Help a Black-led national youth music charity run brilliantly behind the scenes. We’re hiring an experienced operations manager to own the systems, administration and reporting that enable our work with young people to thrive.

UD Music Foundation is a Black-led National Youth Music Organisation based in Stratford, Newham, with a 25-year track record rooted in Black music culture. Founded by musicians in 2000, UD educates, empowers and creates life opportunities for young people, addressing racial and socio-economic inequality through talent development, skills building and pathways into the music industry.

This is a senior, hands-on operational role in a small, mission-driven organisation. You will take ownership of our core operational, administrative and reporting systems—bringing structure, consistency and follow-through across calendars, documentation, records, deadlines and organisational processes. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, you will help ensure UD runs smoothly, reliably and responsibly.

You’ll play a key role in:

• maintaining strong operational and administrative systems and accurate records

• coordinating funder reporting, monitoring returns and evidence collation across grants

• supporting financial administration (invoices, expenses, contractor payments) and audit readiness

• coordinating governance administration with the CEO (board papers, registers, policy updates)

• supporting project delivery administration including events, workshops and performances

• overseeing operational compliance administration (data protection, safeguarding, health and safety)

This role is for someone who enjoys being the organisational “glue”—methodical, calm, and highly organised—with strong judgement, attention to detail and confidence managing competing deadlines. It is not a programme-leading or strategy role.

UD is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and warmly welcomes applications from candidates underrepresented in the arts and cultural sector. We are happy to discuss access needs or reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process.

Grade: NJC Point 16 - £18,310.80 per annum (FTE £30,518)
Hours: 22.5 hrs per week (excluding breaks)
Days: To be worked over three days, including a Monday
Contract: Permanent contract, subject to funding and the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period
Responsible to: Deputy Chief Executive
Place of work: Salford CVS’ offices in Eccles, Salford, M30 0FN.

Main Purpose of the Post 

To take the lead for Human Resources within Salford CVS, under the direction of the Deputy Chief Executive.

Salford CVS is recruiting a proactive Human Resources Officer to lead our HR function. Working closely with the Deputy Chief Executive, you’ll manage HR records, support recruitment and induction, ensure compliance with legislation and GDPR, and maintain up‑to‑date HR policies and processes. You’ll also coordinate staff training, benefits, and HR metrics to support organisational development.

This role is ideal for someone organised, confident with HR systems, and passionate about supporting a positive workplace culture.

Specific Duties

• Maintain all Human Resources records for staff members including holiday and absence records, staff appraisals and reviews
• Ensure that current Human Resources legislation is being correctly implemented across the organisation.
• Identify and recommend areas for system improvement
• Ensure that appropriate policies are in place and being followed by the workforce
• Support recruitment process lifecycle
• Support staff inductions and help staff to understand Salford CVS policies and values
• Coordinate any external staff benefit schemes, for example Hospital Saturday Fund
• Coordinate staff training and development requirements and to incorporate these into an organisation-wide training and development plan
• Compile and analyse information on HR issues, training, or other areas within the remit of this job function
• Use and manage SharePoint and MS365 tools to support Human Resources processes and document management
• Ensure compliance with GDPR and data protection regulations for all Human Resources records and processes
• Monitor and report on Human Resources metrics (e.g., turnover, absence rates) to inform decision-making

To apply

Please complete our online application form via the ‘Apply’ button.

If you would like to know more about the role, or would prefer a paper copy of the application form, please email our recruitment team.

Closing Date: 12 noon, Monday 16th February 2026
Interview Date: Friday 27th March 2026

Ataxia UK is in an exciting phase of expansion in its Fundraising activity, specifically regarding investment in a Philanthropy function with a dedicated member of staff. In the past, High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) have been managed reactively by the CEO and other Fundraising staff as opportunities have arisen. Ataxia UK (AUK) now wants to make a step change, in response to identified potential within the current fundraising landscape, towards strategic management of a pipeline of HNWI. As part of this, AUK is looking to engage a consultant on a fixed term contract, to work closely with the Senior Philanthropy Manager to undertake comprehensive research & scoping, in order to populate a HNWI pipeline for AUK. 

Please note, due to the large number of applications we receive, you will only be contacted should we wish to invite you to interview.

Prison Fellowship (PF) is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated Head of Volunteer & Church Engagement to lead and develop our work with volunteers and churches across England and Wales.

Reporting to the Chief Executive and sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, this role offers both strategic influence and hands-on leadership. You will shape the development of PF’s volunteer engagement and church partnerships, ensuring that volunteers are inspired, equipped and mobilised to deliver transformational support for people in prison and their families.

You will lead volunteer recruitment, induction and leadership development, supporting a large and geographically dispersed volunteer base. Working closely with colleagues, you will help ensure volunteers are aligned with PF’s programmes and priorities, while developing new and innovative ways for people to engage in PF’s work.

A key element of the role is church engagement. You will develop and lead PF’s church engagement strategy, building and sustaining strong relationships with churches across denominations. You will represent PF at churches, events and festivals, and work with the Chief Executive to cultivate relationships with senior and denominational church leaders.

About you

The successful candidate will have experience in volunteer management and leadership development, strong communication and public-speaking skills, and a good understanding of the UK Church. You will be a collaborative and resilient leader, able to think strategically while delivering operationally. Experience in a faith-based organisation is essential, and experience in prisons or criminal justice is desirable.

Working arrangements

The role requires regular travel across England and Wales, flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed, and operates on a hybrid basis combining national travel, home working and PF’s London office.

Genuine Occupational Requirement:
This role is subject to a Genuine Occupational Requirement for the post holder to be a practising Christian, in accordance with Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.

About Figurative

Figurative is a new organisation, and this is a brand new role. Our mission is to bring new funding capital to the cultural and creative sectors, and to deploy it in ways that optimise for social impact and for sector sustainability.

We bring together deep expertise through Arts & Culture Finance (formerly part of Nesta) and New Philanthropy for Arts & Culture to unlock new and innovative ways of funding and supporting the UK’s arts ecosystem.

Figurative manages three investment portfolios that have supported over 60 organisations and raised more than £30 million in investment capital over the last decade.

About this role

Culture and creativity are essential to human flourishing, yet the financial models supporting them are in need of a serious reimagining. Public subsidy is declining in real terms, traditional philanthropy can't fill the gap, and commercial investment often doesn't align with how cultural and creative sector organisations work best.

Figurative exists to create a third way: impact investment that brings new capital to culture and creativity, while respecting what makes the sector special. But scaling a genuinely new funding model requires more than good intentions - it needs robust infrastructure, diversified capital sources, and deep credibility with the organisations we exist to serve.

This is a unique opportunity to join Figurative in its infancy, and to take responsibility for growing Figurative from £30m to £100m+ over the next 3-5 years. Your work will directly enable cultural organisations to access capital they couldn't reach through traditional routes - capital that allows them to take creative risks, sustain their missions, and amplify their social impact without compromising their values.

You will be joining a dynamic, inclusive, collaborative team that is committed to learning on the job, and in the open. This involves testing out new ideas, and finding partners who are keen to explore innovative ways in which their money can be used to bring about their desired outcomes through the power of culture and creativity.

Key Responsibilities

The Development Director will:

• lead our efforts to raise money into our own parent charity, from primarily new sources;
• support the CEO and investment team to raise investment capital (which may take the form of repayable grants) into our investment funds;
• lead our efforts to support organisations in the sector to raise philanthropic giving as a source of income for themselves, particularly focused around place (including the development of our existing Arts Council funded place-based philanthropy networks) and social impact (including our Big Give Arts for Impact match funding campaign);
• develop and implement our place-based strategy, which will aim to demonstrate the power of blended finance.

The Development Director will be a member of the senior leadership team and report directly to the CEO, working closely on strategy and communicating strategic priorities and progress to existing and potential grant funders (into Figurative) and investors (into our funds); whilst providing philanthropic expertise to cultural organisations and partners to optimise social impact and sector sustainability.

In this role, the successful candidate will have to be/demonstrate: 

• Strategic infrastructure builder: Proven track record designing and implementing fundraising/investor relations systems and processes in growth-stage organisations - not just using existing ones.
• Financial literacy: Comfortable with impact investment concepts, fund structures, and articulating risk/return/impact trade-offs to sophisticated investors. You can speak credibly to family offices and institutional investors, not just traditional arts funders.
• Cross-sector translator: Ability to articulate culture's value to investors whose primary focus is climate, social impact, or economic development. Fluency in making the case for why culture matters to non-arts audiences. Ability to build and manage partnerships across philanthropy, commercial creative industries, and the public sector, navigating complex stakeholder environments with diplomacy and credibility.
• Cultural sector credibility: Deep understanding of how arts organisations operate, their funding challenges, and why they might be sceptical of intermediaries. Genuine commitment to supporting sector sustainability, not extracting from it.
• Proposition development: Ability to craft compelling narratives for complex funding models. You can explain why impact investment in culture is different from traditional philanthropy and why it complements (rather than competes with) existing funding.
• Scale-up mentality: Comfortable moving from £30m to £100m+ - you understand what infrastructure and processes are needed at different stages of growth.

Core Skills

Essential:

• Strategic Philanthropic Fundraising: Demonstrated ability to design and execute philanthropic fundraising strategies aligned to mission-driven objectives, including multi-year funding pipelines and donor portfolios
• Major Donor and High Net Worth Engagement: Proven experience cultivating and stewarding relationships with, and securing gifts from high net worth individuals, family offices, and trusts and foundations, and confidence engaging sophisticated donors around arts and the creative industries.
• Foundations and Institutional Giving: Strong capability in identifying, soliciting, and managing relationships with foundations, philanthropic trusts, and institutional funders in the UK and internationally.
• Cultural and Creative Philanthropy Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of arts and cultural fundraising ecosystems, including experience working with artists, cultural organisations, and creative industry stakeholders, to aid in the development and delivery of place-based philanthropic initiatives.
• Relationship Management and Stewardship: Advanced relationship management skills, including donor stewardship, reporting, and long-term engagement, ensuring trust, transparency, and repeat support
• Proposal Writing and Funding Submissions: Strong written communication skills, with a track record of producing high-quality funding proposals, pitches, grant applications, and tailored donor materials
• Stakeholder Engagement and Representation: Confidence representing the organisation externally at events, briefings, and convenings, including presenting to boards, donors, and advisory groups.
• Data-informed Fundraising and CRM Use: Competence in using CRM systems and fundraising data to track prospects, manage pipelines, and inform strategy, with attention to compliance and good governance
• Project Management and Delivery Strong organisational and project management skills, enabling delivery of fundraising campaigns, events, and reporting requirements on time and to a high standard.
• Judgement, Discretion and Ethical Practice: High level of professional judgement, discretion, and integrity when handling sensitive donor information, complex funding arrangements, and reputational considerations
• Leadership and Team Management: Proven ability to lead and develop teams, work effectively with Boards and senior stakeholders, and collaborate within the wider organisational structures. Experienced in managing direct reports, aligning team delivery with organisational priorities and maintaining strong internal relationships.

Desirable:

• Experience in impact investing, social finance, or blended finance - ideally in a growth/scale-up phas
• Existing relationships with family offices, climate investors, or foundations exploring innovative funding models
• Understanding of place-based funding partnerships and multi-stakeholder models
• Track record of investor diversification - successfully broadening an organisation's funding base

What We Offer

• Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 FTE, depending on experience
• Location: Hybrid working arrangement based at Somerset House in central London, with flexibility and some travel within the UK.
• Reports to: CEO
• Hours: 3 days/ week (0.6 FTE)
• Location: Hybrid working arrangement based at Somerset House in central London, with flexibility and some travel within the UK.
• Benefits:
  • 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + ability to buy additional holiday
  • Pension (Employer Contribution 8% + a further 4% where the employee contributes 4%
  • Life Assurance
  • Post probation - Private health and dental insurance 

Making an Application

To apply for this role, please submit your application below before midnight Sunday 22nd February 2026. Please include a one-page cover letter covering the following questions

• What are the main challenges you think Figurative will have to navigate within this phase of development
• What are the most important messages to convey to existing and potential stakeholders about Figurative’s mission and motivations?

First interviews will be held virtually on Wednesday 4th March 2026.

Second interviews will be held in person in our London offices on Thursday 12th March 2026.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those who are underrepresented in the investment sector to apply.

Please note that we actively screen for AI-generated applications. We are looking for authentic, personal responses that reflect your own experiences and motivations.

I look forward to hearing from you

Francesa Sanderson

CEO

This is a brand new leadership role at a pivotal moment for the Greyhound Trust.

We’re creating a new team, with a new remit, to take on a new challenge: driving our work across brand, income generation, marketing, communications and engagement so that more greyhounds can be supported, homed and championed.

As Head of Marketing, Communications and Income Generation, you’ll build and lead a compact, hands-on, multi-disciplinary team, bringing together specialist skills and embedding genuinely integrated, collaborative ways of working. This role will suit someone who enjoys shaping teams as much as shaping strategy — and who is excited by the opportunity to create something from the ground up.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you’ll be a key member of the senior management team, contributing to the organisation’s strategic development, long-term planning and operational effectiveness. You’ll work as part of a highly motivated, close-knit leadership group based at the National Greyhound Centre in Horley, Surrey, where collaboration, mutual support and shared accountability really matter.

Alongside leading the Trust’s brand, marketing and income generation activity, you will also develop and manage our wholly owned trading subsidiary, Greyhound Events Ltd — ensuring it grows sustainably and plays a meaningful role in both income generation and supporter engagement. You’ll see events not just as fundraisers, but as powerful opportunities to build relationships, tell our story and bring new audiences closer to our cause.

You’ll be responsible for creating and delivering an integrated brand, marketing and income generation strategy, grounded in audience insight and sector best practice, and flexible enough to evolve as we grow. From individual giving and digital campaigns to partnerships, events and retail, you’ll oversee a diverse income portfolio while ensuring supporters and volunteers have a consistently positive experience with the Greyhound Trust.

This is a role for a leader who combines strategic vision with practical delivery, and who leads with empathy, creativity and determination. You’ll support colleagues and volunteers across the organisation, champion high standards, and help ensure that everything we do reflects our values — committed, compassionate and determined — always doing what is best for every greyhound.

We are excited to hear from you if you bring experience, energy and a commitment to our casue.

Please see the full JD / Job pack below.

The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.

Leading national policy strategy

As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will work closely with the CEO to develop and execute a four-year influencing plan.  Together we’ll aim to shift local and national incentives on inclusion by 2030, which see the national trend of rising suspension and absence begin to fall. 

You will hold relationships with the Department for Education and Ofsted and advise on policy priorities ahead, such as:

• Widening the definition of inclusion beyond special needs, recognising the needs of those young people historically or currently interacting with social services

• Reducing perverse incentives for schools to alter their school roll through admissions and pupil exits

• Expectations for multi-academy trusts in capturing and analysing data on lost learning, including how it disproportionately affects different groups

• Improving local alternative provision eco-systems, to improve outcomes for young people

• National standards for inclusive school practice, at a universal and targeted level

• Professional development standards for school inclusion

Developing implementation expertise in the middle tier

In your first six months, you will advise on the internal development of a new programme for middle tier policy actors: multi-academy trust and local authority leaders.  You will support the Programme team in its design, to plan strategically for the recruitment of trusts and local authorities, and you will plan the research and influencing work which will seek to share their success nationally.

Building the evidence base

In your second six months, you will work with the CEO to build out our research function. Your influencing plan will include how The Difference can learn from the work across our multi-academy trust, local authority and internal AP pioneer partners over the next four years, to develop influential publications. Research work ahead will include publishing sector-facing publications of The Difference’s own research, carried out by our research lead and associates; alongside managing external contractors and internal colleagues to bid for and deliver aligned research disseminating our ideas.

Raising your voice

This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to inclusive policy change. The Difference has always punched above our weight in national and sector press reach. In post,  you will publish blogs and comment pieces, disseminating our shared ideas.  You will be a prominent voice on inclusion.

The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!

The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will: 

Design and execute an impactful influencing plan 

• Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones. 

• Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.

• Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks. 

• Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.

Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation

• Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives. 

• Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert. 

• Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability. 

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:

• Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic. 

• Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change. 

• Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.

• Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus. 

• Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact. 

• Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference. 

• Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time. 

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following: 

• Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice. 

• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).

We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply. 
We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.