Chief executive officer jobs in bristol, city of, bristol

This is a critical and exciting leadership role for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust which will take the Trust forward to the next phase of organisational growth, building on the superb achievements to date of our retiring CEO. 

You’ll need passion and energy to work on some of the most profound challenges of our time. Nature needs its champions, and you’ll need to harness all of your skills, all of your personality, and your network to grow our influence, our impact, and our outcomes. You’ll excel at galvanising others to take action  enabling  us to achieve our aims and ensure bumblebees are thriving and valued by everyone.

This is an incredible opportunity to join a very special organisation with passionate and high-performing teams who are truly dedicated to our vital purpose. 

Please refer to the CEO pack for further information.

The Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer.  This means that whilst seeking employment or during such employment with the Trust, we will seek to ensure equality of treatment for all persons regardless of sex, race, age, marital or civil partnership status, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity status. 

At the Trust, we have a clear goal: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work. We pride ourselves on reaching for our vision, through the hard work and dedication of our passionate and creative employees. 

Camwch i mewn i daith drawsnewidiol gyda Cyfleodd Dysgu mewn addysg

Step into a transformative journey with Working Options. We're on a mission to empower young people aged 14–19 across the UK — and you can help make a real difference.

Over the past 18 months, our team has been building a movement of support for young people across Wales, having a significant impact on their life chances and working towards the aim of inspiring every young person in the country.

So far, we’ve already reached 19,000 students in-person and are connected with a third of all Welsh state secondary schools and colleges. In 2025, we’re aiming to reach 13,000 more young people — and we’re looking for a passionate colleague to help us make that happen.

About the role

As North Wales Project Coordinator, you’ll play a crucial role in:

• Connecting volunteers with schools and colleges, ensuring young people benefit from inspiring talks and workshops.
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with schools, employers, and volunteers.
• Listening and adapting to the needs of young people, ensuring our programme creates real value for them and the stakeholders we work with.

You’ll be part of a flexible, entrepreneurial, and collaborative team that works remotely across Wales but comes together for events, volunteer training, school meetings, and team meet-ups. We set high expectations for ourselves and each other, value individual contributions, and celebrate shared success.

We’re seeking someone who is:

• Passionate about helping young people succeed.
• Fully committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with a “can-do” attitude.
• Highly organised, able to juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Skilled at building strong relationships, particularly with schools and colleges.
• Resilient, tenacious, and excited by new opportunities.
• Creative and open to trying new ideas.
• Ambitious for themselves and the charity.
• Confident with technology and has strong computer literacy.

Desirable:

• Experience within educational settings or working with young people in Wales.
• The ability to communicate in the medium of Welsh.

Essential:

• Based in North Wales, or locations within England that are near to the border (e.g. Liverpool, Chester, Manchester)
• While not required, we particularly welcome applications from people who have experienced some of the challenges young people across Wales face today.

At Working Options, we believe in:

• Empowering volunteers to deliver high-quality talks and workshops.
• Providing a first-class service for schools that trust us with their students.
• Supporting each other to innovate, grow, and make real impact.

You’ll be joining a team that’s already changing lives — but we’re just getting started. With your help, we can reach even more young people and open up new opportunities for their future.

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

Good luck with your application!

Sue Maskrey
Chief Executive, Working Options in Education

Step into a transformative journey with Working Options

We're on a mission to empower young people aged 14-19 across England and Wales, and you can help make a real difference.

Following our successful Wales pilot supporting 15,000 young people since launching in 2024, we're scaling regionally. In 2025 we're focusing on Bedfordshire, and that is where we need you, while also responding to needs across England and Wales, aiming to reach 90,000+ young people in-person and 2.5 million+ online across both nations.

As a Project Coordinator you'll connect volunteers with schools and foster impactful relationships within our dynamic, entrepreneurial environment. We believe in inclusivity, trying new things, setting high expectations, and creating real opportunities for young people.

Working from home with occasional team meet-ups, events, and school visits, you'll join a dedicated team that values high expectations and individual contributions to help young people achieve positive outcomes.

If you're passionate, self-motivated, and eager to contribute to a great mission, this is your chance to join a team that's helping young people to transform their career and life chances.

Don't just take our word for it, here's what one of our young people had to say: "My personal experience has been exceptional. There is a collaborative atmosphere, and it is truly empowering to be part of a charity that values student input and involves us in decisions that directly affect our lives." – Working Options Alumnae.

Find out more about the role, and hear from our Chief Executive about our charity's ambitions, via the applicant pack linked below.

Person specification

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine interest in our work and in the greater Bedfordshire area and/or South of England in easy reach of Bedfordshire.
• Is fully committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. 
• Is self-motivated.
• Has excellent attention to detail. 
• Can juggle multiple priorities, sticking to deadlines and flagging when priorities need reviewing. 
• Has a flair for developing great relationships, particularly with schools and colleges. 
• Is proactive and tenacious, able to seek out new opportunities and remain resilient. 
• Is creative and likes coming up with new ideas. 
• Is ambitious for themselves and for the charity. 
• Has high computer literacy.

While we don't specify this in our person specification, we are particularly interested to hear from applicants who have experienced some of the challenges that young people across England and Wales face today.

If you like the sound of this environment, we would love to hear from you.

Good luck with your application!

Head of Campaigns & Sales

• Are you a growth-focused sales and campaigns leader who thrives on delivering results?
• Do you have the drive to win new business, upsell existing customers, and lead multi-channel campaigns that generate real revenue?
• Do you want to put your commercial skills to work in a role that directly transforms post-16 education?

Then this could be the role for you.

Learning on Screen is looking for an ambitious Head of Campaigns & Sales to drive our next stage of revenue growth. This is both a strategic and hands-on role: you will lead targeted, multi-channel campaigns while also engaging directly in the sales process to win new business and upsell existing customers.

From building and managing a strong pipeline to pitching, negotiating, and closing deals, you’ll ensure ambitious income targets are achieved and exceeded. Working closely with the Chief Revenue Generation Officer, you will lead a small team and align sales and marketing to maximise impact.

Success in this role will mean surpassing revenue targets, growing our customer base, securing high-value partnerships, delivering campaigns with measurable ROI, and strengthening retention so that existing members and customers remain engaged. In short: you will be at the heart of sustainable growth, with every success directly contributing to transforming education.

Role Overview

• Job Title: Head of Campaigns & Sales
• Salary: £36,000 actual (£45,000 FTE)
• Hours: 28.8 hours per week (4 days, 80%)
• Contract: Permanent, part-time
• Location: Remote
• Reports to: Chief Revenue Generation Officer

What you will be doing 

• Sales growth – Deliver organisational revenue targets by driving new sales and upselling across membership, sponsorship, training, and partnerships, while supporting strong retention.
• Pipeline management – Build, track, and convert a robust pipeline of prospects and opportunities.
• Sales execution – Lead sales conversations, pitches, and negotiations through to closing deals.
• Campaign delivery – Design and deliver integrated, multi-channel campaigns (digital, events, outreach, social media, partnerships) that generate leads and conversions.
• Content and messaging – Oversee compelling, sales-focused content and communications that cut through the noise.
• Digital marketing and analytics – Use CRM, SEO/SEM, social media, and analytics to generate leads, track performance, and optimise ROI.
• Team leadership – Line manage the Business Development Officer and Marketing Assistant, setting clear priorities and motivating them to deliver results.
• Collaboration – Work with colleagues across Membership, Development, and Digital to maximise growth opportunities.
• Performance reporting – Report on revenue delivery, pipeline health, and campaign ROI to senior leadership.
• External profile – Represent Learning on Screen at events, conferences, and sector networks to raise visibility and generate sales.

What we are looking for

• A proven track record of delivering sales growth — winning new business and upselling existing customers.
• Success in delivering multi-channel campaigns with measurable financial results.
• Experience in building and converting a pipeline, negotiating, and closing deals.
• A commercial, results-driven mindset with a focus on ROI.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing a small team.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to pitch, influence, and inspire.
• Agility to adapt quickly and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Bonus if you have

• Experience in a membership or education-based organisation.
• Experience selling sponsorships, partnerships, or training services.
• Knowledge of event or training programme marketing and sales.

This is a rare opportunity to apply your commercial skills in a meaningful way — driving growth while shaping the future of digital learning.

About Us

Learning on Screen is a membership organisation that champions the use of moving image and sound in post-16 education. We give educators and learners access to millions of films, TV programmes and radio broadcasts—spanning over a century—and support our members to use this content confidently and creatively. From expert copyright advice to innovative partnerships, we help bring teaching to life and open up new possibilities for learning. If you're passionate about education, media, and meaningful impact, you will feel right at home here.

 How to Apply

Please submit the following documents via the 'apply' button below:

• Your CV
•  Cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications
• Completed equality and diversity monitoring form

Application Deadline: Monday 22nd September 2025 by 12pm
1st Interviews: W/C 29th September 2025 (held remotely)

Please note that this is a part-time, permanent position. The job description is subject to occasional amendments and not considered part of the employment contract. Flexibility is required within the broad scope of the role.
 

Learning on Screen is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace.
 

Unfortunately, we are unable to consider any applications received after the deadline.

Chief Executive officer

£56,000 per annum - pro rata

 (32 hours based on 37 hours per week FTE)

The CEO needs to be a strategic leader who can inspire and manage teams, drive fundraising and financial sustainability, and represent the organisation to stakeholders. You will need to be capable of building relationships, fostering a positive organisational culture and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

You will work with the Chair of the Board of Trustees (Chair) and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to formulate and regularly review the organisation's mission and strategic plan. You will develop deep and trusting relationships with the Community we serve as well as with a wide range of external stakeholders and funders who can support the ideas generated from within the community.

We need an innovative, enthusiastic entrepreneur who is keen to connect with people from all backgrounds and abilities, encouraging and bringing out the best in us all.

At a more operational level you will work with the SLT to develop operational plans and key performance indicators (KPI) to ensure that GL11 can always demonstrate the value it brings to the community and wider stakeholder network.

You will be responsible, with the SLT, to set the values, behaviours and tone for the whole organisation and support the SLT to lead and manage their teams so that the strategic goals you set are reflected throughout the organisation.

This role is based at the Community Hub in Cam, Gloucestershire. Remote working opportunities are very limited as community connection is an important part of the role although the CEO will often be offsite given the networking nature of the role.

ABOUT US

The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats. 

Join our Online Information Session! We are hosting an Online Information Session with the CEO and existing Director of Brand and Communications (Supporter Mobilisation) to give candidates an opportunity to learn more about the role and to ask any questions.

The session will last no longer than 45 minutes and will be held at 15:30 on Monday 1st September. 

THE ROLE 

We are looking for an experienced, visionary leader to join our Executive Leadership Team as Executive Director of Supporter Mobilisation. This is a newly refocused position, shaped with the future in mind, and designed to deepen the public’s relationship with trees and woods.  We are fighting for the health of people and the planet with every tree. 

You will be at the helm of our strategy to engage millions-inspiring action, growing income, and strengthening our brand. Leading a talented and passionate team, you’ll develop bold, integrated campaigns that move hearts and minds. You’ll oversee communications, digital and community fundraising, membership,  and our high-profile campaigns and Trees for All programme that builds public awareness and inspires a mass movement of support for our cause. 

Working closely with the CEO and fellow Executive Directors, you’ll also play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the Trust and ensuring alignment across our work, people, and values.  Helping the Trust protect and restore woodlands that have stood for centuries - the crown jewels of the natural world in the UK - and create the woods of the future, means this role will leave a legacy which will last for generations.  It’s an opportunity to lead with purpose, engage and inspire others, and literally change the nature of the UK landscape for the better. 

THE CANDIDATE 

We are looking for a senior leader with a track record in large-scale communications, supporter engagement and mobilisation, or fundraising. You’ll have a strong understanding of how to use inspiring stories, quality data, and digital innovation to move people to action-and how to build momentum around a mission. 

You’ll bring strategic insight and a collaborative spirit, with the gravitas to influence at the highest levels and the heart to connect with people from all walks of life - helping us to bring trees and woods to all. 

Just as important as your skills is your alignment with our cause. You’ll be values-led - passionate about our cause and excited by the potential of this pivotal role to shape lasting change. 

Our Organisational Nature enables us to better understand what it means to be part of the Woodland Trust, empowering us to make an impact, every day. We want you to be able to role model our values; ‘Grow Together’, ‘Focus’, ‘Explore’ and ‘Make it Count’ to ensure each of us plays our part in helping to protect, restore and create our woods and trees. 

Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer: 

• Enhanced Employer Pension 

• Life Assurance 

• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options 

• Generous Annual Leave (25 days + bank holidays) 

• Annual leave buy and sell 

• Enhanced Parental Pay 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: The Woodland Trust embraces diversity and inclusion. We want our team to reflect the UK's diverse community. We support people from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who are under-represented. 

Application Advice: Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply. Your enthusiasm for the environment and our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count-are what matter most.

To maintain fairness and reduce bias during shortlisting, we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from hiring managers, please help us to maintain your anonymity by removing personal details from your CV prior to submission. 

Apply Now: If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make a positive impact on our planet. 

1st Stage Interviews will be held via Teams on Wednesday 8 October 2025.
2nd Stage Interviews will be held in-person at our Grantham Office on Tuesday 14 October 2025 

Details of both events will be shared with shortlisted candidates prior to each stage. 

ABOUT US 

The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats. 

Join our Online Information Session! We are hosting an Online Information Session with the CEO and interim Director of Fundraising to give candidates an opportunity to learn more about the role and to ask any questions.

The session will last no longer than 45 minutes and will be held at 14:00 on Friday 5 September.
Please register your interest by emailing Charlotte Hines (full details available via our website). 

THE ROLE 

 Due to the retirement of a long-standing executive team member, this newly repurposed Executive Leadership role has a clear focus on our long-term financial sustainability and mission impact. As Executive Director of Fundraising Development, you will lead our strategic partnerships, philanthropy, and major income generation programmes. 

 You’ll be responsible for inspiring significant financial support through trusts, major donors, corporates, legacies, and philanthropic networks. Working closely with the CEO and fellow Executive Directors, you’ll play a key role in shaping and delivering our Strategy to 2030 - ensuring we have the income, influence, and innovation to match our ambition. 

 Protecting and restoring woodlands that have stood for centuries - the crown jewels of the natural world in the UK - and creating the woods of the future, means this role will leave a legacy which will last for generations.  It’s an opportunity to lead with purpose, engage with powerful networks, and literally change the nature of the UK landscape for the better. 

THE CANDIDATE 

We’re looking for a proven senior leader with extensive experience in fundraising, income generation or strategic partnerships - ideally within the not-for-profit sector. 

You’ll bring: 

• Strategic fundraising expertise across major giving, trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships, and philanthropy. 

• Inspiring leadership - able to guide, develop and motivate high-performing teams. 

• Strong external profile - with a track record of building and leveraging influential networks. 

• Collaborative mindset - experienced in working at Executive level, shaping cross-organisational strategy. 

• A personal commitment to nature recovery, equity of access, and environmental impact. 

Most importantly, you’ll be values-led - excited by the potential of this pivotal role to shape lasting change. 

Our Organisational Nature enables us to better understand what it means to be part of the Woodland Trust, empowering us to make an impact, every day. We want you to be able to role model our values; ‘Grow Together’, ‘Focus’, ‘Explore’ and ‘Make it Count’ to ensure each of us plays our part in helping to protect, restore and create our woods and trees. 

Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer: 

• Enhanced Employer Pension 

• Life Assurance 

• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options 

• Generous Annual Leave (25 days + bank holidays) 

• Annual leave buy and sell 

• Enhanced Parental Pay 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: The Woodland Trust embraces diversity and inclusion. We want our team to reflect the UK's diverse community. We support people from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who are under-represented. 

Application Advice: Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply. Your enthusiasm for the environment and our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count-are what matter most.

To maintain fairness and reduce bias during shortlisting, we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from hiring managers, please help us to maintain your anonymity by removing personal details from your CV prior to submission. 

Apply Now: If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make a positive impact on our planet. 

1st Interviews will be held via Teams on Friday 3 October 2025 
2nd Stage Interviews will be held in-person at our Grantham Office on Monday 13 October 2025 

Details of both events will be shared with shortlisted candidates prior to each stage. 

This is a new role at Befriending Networks, as we seek someone who is up for the challenge of fundraising to support the continuation of our work in supporting the network of befriending organisations and ensuring that meaningful social connection is available to all.

The role will work closely with the CEO to deliver a fundraising strategy, which will focus on trusts, grant-givers, and corporate collaborations across the UK.  

You will be a skilled communicator, and you will be influential in how you present our work. You will be a self-starter and someone who takes pride in producing high-quality work. You will be courageous and curious as you work to position Befriending Networks as an investable charity. 

The key focus of this role

1. Generate income from small grants from trusts and foundations for specific projects and activities over the short to medium term.  

2. Assist the CEO in the preparation of strategic grant applications for work across the UK, with an initial focus on England, Scotland and Wales to deliver key priorities of our Strategic Plan over the longer term.

3. Development of potential corporate partnerships and collaborations. 

We are looking for an experienced finance professional wanting a new challenge that offers flexibility and purpose. CHASE Africa is a growing international NGO seeking a dedicated and qualified Part-Time Finance Manager to join our small, friendly team in Somerset.

This is a unique opportunity for someone with extensive financial expertise, who is seeking a part-time position where they can apply their skills to a meaningful mission.

About CHASE Africa

We are a UK-based international NGO with ambitious plans for growth. We work through local partners in East Africa to improve health and wellbeing in marginalised communities, focusing on reproductive health, and a one-health approach that also incorporates environmental protection.

We are a small but dedicated team, committed to a collaborative approach to partnership. We're currently going through an exciting period of transition and growth, with a new CEO in 2022, a new charitable structure in 2023, and registering of a new entity in Kenya in 2025. Our income is forecast to exceed £1 million in 2025. Your role will be vital in helping us achieve our future goals.

The Role

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will oversee all financial aspects of our UK and international operations. This is a critical role that ensures our financial stewardship is sound and our systems are effective.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.

• Ensuring timely and accurate bookkeeping and preparing monthly management accounts.

• Preparing statutory accounts and managing the annual audit process.

• Managing donor grants, including producing budgets for applications and preparing financial reports.

• Ensuring compliance with UK charity financial regulations (Charity SORP).

• Providing financial capacity-building support to our in-country partners.

About You

You are a qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA) with at least five years of experience in financial management, including some in the charity or NGO sector. You have a strong working knowledge of UK charity financial regulations and are proficient with accounting software, especially SAGE, and Microsoft Excel.

You are a proactive self-starter with excellent analytical and communication skills, able to work both independently and as part of a small, dynamic team. Most importantly, you are committed to CHASE Africa’s mission to improve health and wellbeing in East Africa.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to shape a growing organisation during a critical period of transition.

• A flexible, hybrid working arrangement with the potential for occasional travel to our programme countries.

• The chance to contribute your skills to a mission-driven organisation that is making a real difference.

• Pro-rata benefits including 28 days of paid holiday (plus bank holidays), a contributory pension scheme, and enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption benefits after one year of service.

We are looking for a Director of Income and Investment to lead all UKMSA’s income generation, and to ensure we steward and invest our income effectively. You’ll work in partnership with the CEO, Board and leadership team to ensure UKMSA has the financial resilience to provide practical and strategic support to Men’s Sheds across the UK, and in partnership with our colleagues in the international Shedding movement.

It’s about shaping the financial future of the UK Shedding movement. In the immediate term, you’ll lead efforts to address our income deficit, while also laying the foundations for a long-term, sustainable and diverse income model.
 

This role is about more than just fundraising though; it’s about realising the power of relationships, and funding, to transform communities and societies. Working alongside the CEO and SLT, and in partnership with the Board, the UKMSA team, volunteers, men’s health stakeholders, partners, and Shedders, you will make connections that strengthen the movement and make it truly sustainable. In a world that feels increasingly polarised and divided, Shedding provides an inspiring antidote. This is about individuals, but it’s also about strengthening the communities where those Shedders live and contribute.

You will lead on the development of new partnerships, unlock opportunities for Men’s Sheds, and champion a creative, values-led approach to income generation and financial stewardship.

The Director will also work proactively as part of a collective senior leadership team, working closely with the CEO, and sometimes deputising for her, offering continuity of leadership, maintaining momentum, and stepping into key internal and external forums when required. This includes leading in partnership with other senior staff and board members and representing UKMSA at high-level meetings and events. The Director is expected to make sound decisions in the best interests of UKMSA and lead others with clarity and purpose.
 

Closing date: 1200hrs 10th September 2025
First Interviews: Wednesday 17th September 2025

We are looking for an experienced Finance Director to join our team of nearly 100 staff, ideally before the end of 2025.

This is a full-time, home-based, permanent position. You can be based anywhere in mainland UK or Ireland, with some travel and occasional overnight stays to meeting and conferences mainly in England and Wales.

We offer flexibility around working hours, including the option of a 9 day fortnight - time off in lieu is also available. We offer 25 days holiday pro rata (rising to 28 days) plus statutory public holidays. We are happy to make adjustments for people with disabilities and/or caring responsibilities, and we welcome applications from all communities.

The role is a grade 7 position with a starting salary circa £75,000 plus benefits including 9% employer pension contribution.

The Finance Director (“FD”) works alongside the Chief Executive and Operations Director to manage the finances and governance of The Rivers Trust, a leading conservation charity with three associated trading subsidiaries operating across the UK and Ireland, with a collective annual income approaching £10m.

Given the prospective retirement of the current postholder at the end of 2025, we are seeking a well-qualified and experienced individual to take on this senior leadership role as soon as possible to enable handover to occur.

The role is very varied and wide-ranging, including presenting financial information to the Trustees and senior management on a quarterly basis, reviewing monthly management accounts, leading on annual budgeting, appraising internal project concepts and contracts, statutory compliance administration and liaising with auditors.

The postholder will lead a team of eight in the Finance department and join a very welcoming team of 95 highly engaged and passionate staff at The Rivers Trust.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Working alongside the CEO, the Finance Director will provide commercial, financial and governance management and leadership for The Rivers Trust ("the Charity") and its associated subsidiaries (“The Companies”). The FD will not only be an exceptional accountant, with executive oversight of the finance function, but will be commercially astute and have the confidence to represent robustly the best interests of The Companies. The FD will also be an experienced manager of people.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Act as a business partner to support and constructively challenge the CEO in the general management of the Charity and the Companies, reporting to the board.
2. Lead all aspects of the finance function (including maintaining and developing the financial control environment; robust financial accounting; cashflow management; incisive management information; clear and concise reporting to Board) to ensure that the Charity and the Companies’ assets are secured, risks are managed, and the Board of Trustees, subsidiary boards and committees can make well-informed decisions.
3. Manage relationships with auditors, funders, IT specialists, banks, investment platforms and other external organisations.
4. Provide support to project bids and the development of other commercial opportunities to ensure that bids/opportunities are optimised for the Charity and the Companies as a whole.
5. Provide input to project and programme delivery from time to time, to ensure that performance is maximised for the Charity and the Companies.
6. Attend Board meetings and Business Audit and Risk Committee meetings to guide the Board and the Senior Management Team on financial, commercial and governance issues.
7. Ensure compliance with the requirements of the Charity Commission and Companies House and, from time to time, provide guidance to members of the Rivers Trust movement on good governance practice.
8. Maintain the finance department operational manual for business continuity.
9. Serve as the Company Secretary for the Charity and Companies.

Staff Management:

1. Lead, manage and develop the finance team (who work remotely) and ensure the team understands their respective and collective contribution to achieving the Charity's and the Companies’ objectives.
2. Support the team in their professional development.
3. Ensure the team delivers a high-quality service focused on internal and external customers and funders.

Knowledge, skills, experience, and personal qualities:

Essential

• Significant experience in financial management and senior leadership roles, ideally gained in a range of organisations.
• A strategic thinker, able to see the big-picture, shape long-term direction and balance this with attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills combined with creativity and openness to innovate.
• Strong IT and digital skills, with experience of using technology to improve efficiency and automate processes.
• Proven people leadership experience, with a track record of managing, developing, and inspiring teams and creating a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative culture.
• Excellent relationship builder, with the interpersonal skills to influence, collaborate, and provide constructive challenge while maintaining positive relationships across the organisation, including with trustees and senior stakeholders.
• Experience reporting to boards of trustees and/or directors, with the confidence to contribute to board-level discussions as a trusted adviser.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills, able to distil complexity into pertinent, concise and understandable messages tailored to diverse audiences.
• The courage to make and communicate tough decisions and be open about risks and setbacks.
• Resilient and calm under pressure, with the ability to maintain focus and steady leadership in challenging circumstances.
• Impeccable standards of integrity and personal ethics, acting as a role model for the organisation values.
• Knowledge of Sage financial software packages.
• Work to a good standard in Microsoft 365, especially Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams.

Desirable

• Experience of working in the charitable sector.
• Experience of being a Company Secretary.
• Understanding of the environmental sector or a passion for making a positive impact.
• Familiarity in using Sharepoint, Sage and Slack.
• Knowledge of Partial Exemption VAT rules.
• A basic understanding of Irish tax law, Irish and UK payroll taxes and corporate governance.

Qualifications/ Education

• Qualified Accountant, preferably ICAEW or ACCA.

Additional information

Everyone who works for us is expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive working culture and follow our policies and procedures including Health & Safety, EDI, Cybersecurity and GDPR.

Please note we can only accept applications made through this site, and not sent by email or other methods.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If you would benefit from any adjustments to support you through the process, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

To apply please send your CV and a covering letter.

Closing date: Wednesday 24th September 2025

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a strong pool of applications, so we encourage early submission

The Head of Safeguarding is a senior leadership role within the organisation, responsible for driving safer cultures and safeguarding strategies across the organisation. 

You will serve as the organisation’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, working closely with the Chief Officer, Board of Trustees, and a dedicated Safeguarding Subcommittee.

You will lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of safeguarding and safe recruitment policies and practice across the organisation — supporting staff, volunteers, and members in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all, especially children, young people, and vulnerable individuals.You will also supervise our internal safeguarding practitioners and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and improvement by overseeing case reviews, leading appeals processes, and advising on training and the development learning tools and materials in relation to safeguarding policy and practice.

You will be joining us at a time that holds the greatest potential for fundraising in our history, following the launch of the UK Government’s Delivery Plan for ME and initial findings of the DecodeME genetics study (co-led by Action for ME) in Summer 2025. 

Building on our charity’s already established level of support from major donors, you will provide exceptional relationship management to existing donors alongside growing our network of high value supporters.

Working closely with the CEO, alongside managing a portfolio of donors and prospects ensuring excellent stewardship, you will support our Breakthrough-ME Group (a group of high net worth and highly networked individuals). There is an established level of support from major donors at Action for ME so this is a role that will require exceptional relationship management to retain our current valued supporters while growing this crucial area of fundraising. 

This would be an ideal role for an experienced philanthropy professional seeking to work for a small but ambitious charity, helping us to achieve our mission to improve the lives of all people affected by ME – better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow.

Key duties

Major Donor Fundraising

• Successfully develop and implement the philanthropy strategy to secure and maximise funds from high value individuals for Action for ME achieving annual income of £250k+

• Set plans and budgets which will deliver income through major gift fundraising and philanthropic giving through family trusts and foundations, including quarterly forecasting.

• Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors at the £5k to £100k level, to develop and maintain strong and long-standing partnerships

• Work closely with the Director of Fundraising and Development and other colleagues to ensure that plans and activities for fundraising from high value individuals are integrated into the overall fundraising strategy and plan for significant growth.

• Be responsible for our Breakthrough-ME Group with high quality proposition development.  Contribution to Group fundraising activities with a specific focus on ensuring their networks support pipeline growth for future fundraising.

• Lead the delivery of our biennial fundraising gala dinner, maximising income and new opportunities from attendees.

• Develop engaging and inspiring opportunities to steward and cultivate support creating a calendar of activities including events, presentations, approaches, networking and meetings.

• Utilise the CRM database (Raisers Edge) to provide the data required to strategise your approach to philanthropy, monitor progress and provide a high-quality donor experience.

• Ensure utilisation of insight & data, producing management information data to inform planning and strategy development.

• With the Director of Fundraising & Development, create inspiring cases for support and resulting propositions with clear budgets and outcomes.

• Create adequate systems and processes to support the major donor programme.

• Undertake and manage research into prospects and major donors, preparing for approaches and presentations and briefing senior leadership and trustees for donor meetings and events.

• Develop and maintain relationships with donors, a wide range of staff and volunteers from trustee level down.

• Provide regular feedback and internal reporting to line management.

• Work with other fundraisers to ensure that all fundraising opportunities and leads are followed up – particularly in corporate, community and trust fundraising.

• Work with Trustees, the Chief Executive and members of the Leadership Team to develop relationships with major donors.

• Self-administrate including managing your own diary and meetings, keeping accurate and up to date records of activity

• Occasional travel to London, Bristol & events

Other duties

• To positively promote the work and activities of Action for M.E. at all times.

• To contribute to the team’s overall, ongoing and annual planning and budgeting.

• To undertake any other reasonable activity in line with the responsibilities of the post as requested by the Director of Fundraising and Development, Chief Executive or any other senior Action for ME management.

• Act as an advocate for the Charity and its work.

• To work in accordance with Action for ME’s values of collaboration, equity and empathy.

The National Youth Agency is looking for a new Chief Operating Officer to join our Executive Leadership Team.

Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time - 37 hours per week
Salary: £85,000 per annum
Remote: This role is homebased (within the UK) with occasional to meetings, events and conferences.

What we do

As the national body for youth work, the NYA has a dual function. We are the professional statutory and regulatory body (PSRB) responsible for qualifications, quality standards, and safeguarding for youth work and services in England. In line with our charity mission and aims, we also champion youth work through research, advocacy, campaigns, and programmes.

We work in partnership and believe in collaborative leadership, listening to youth workers and the youth work sector so that we can understand their needs and respond to the challenges they face. We are ambitious for youth work and for young people and integrate youth voice and influence across our work

About the Role

Responsibilities will include:

• The COO leads the day-to-day functioning of the organisation to ensure smooth, efficient, and effective delivery of services. This is vital for maintaining operational stability and achieving strategic outcomes.
• They design and execute strategies that align with the organisation’s mission and long-term goals ensuring resources are used effectively and priorities are clear.
• They promote a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement through supporting employee engagement, productivity, and organisational success.
• The COO collaborates closely with the CEO/CFO and other senior leaders to drive strategic initiatives and business growth, ensuring unified leadership and coherent decision-making.
• They partner with the CFO to manage budgets, forecasts, and resource allocation. Financial oversight ensures sustainability and supports informed investment in strategic priorities.
• Strengthen governance and risk management frameworks, aligned to regulatory expectations and best practice while proactively managing reputational and operational risks.
• The COO cultivates strong relationships with partners, clients, and stakeholders to enhance service delivery and reputation. These relationships are key to influence, collaboration, and impact.
• They lead efforts to improve processes and adopt best practices across the charity to enhance efficiency and keeps the organisation competitive and responsive.
• They ensure that daily activities support the charities long-term objectives.
• The COO mentors other directors and departmental heads and fosters leadership capabilities across teams.
• They establish and track KPIs to identify inefficiencies and guide improvements through data-driven decision-making to enhance accountability and results.
• They evaluate and refine workflows to boost productivity developing efficient processes to reduce waste and improve service quality.
• They act as a bridge between departments and the CEO to ensure cohesive execution of strategic plans preventing silos and promoting organisational synergy.
• The COO serves as a senior figure in national and cross-sector forums, conferences, and strategic partnerships to strengthens the organisation’s voice and influence.
• They demonstrate commitment to Equality, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging in both internal culture and external programmes to foster a fair and inclusive organisation.
• They work with the CEO, CFO and Director of Growth to identify and pursue new revenue streams and strategic partnerships. This expands the organisation’s reach and sustainability.
• They engage in public speaking, media interactions, and external representation demonstrating clear communication, credibility, and stakeholder engagement.
• They develop and embed evaluation frameworks to assess progress against strategic goals. The measuring of our impact ensures accountability and informs future planning.
• They promote the organisation’s brand at events and through networking.

The COO takes on other responsibilities as needed to support the organisation’s mission.

About You

Essential competencies of the Chief Operating Officer:

• Extensive experience in senior leadership with a proven track record in operations, financial and risk management, and delivering high-performing teams, ideally in the charity sector.
• Strong understanding of business functions such as HR, Finance, Marketing, etc.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think strategically and execute effectively.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Commercially astute, process-driven, and highly pragmatic in approach.
• Experience in driving performance and fostering a collaborative culture.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field; MBA preferred

Why Work for NYA?

• NYA operates as a people-first organisation, prioritising the well-being and needs of its employees.
• NYA offers an exceptional flexible working approach which encourages our team to balance professional responsibilities with their personal life.
• A remote based team, spread across England, fostering inclusivity and diverse talent. Despite geographical distances between team members, NYA maintains a highly motivated and connected team through the optimisation of digital tools.
• NYA is committed to supporting the continual personal and professional development of our team and helping them achieve their ambitions.
• We provide 25 days leave plus 8 days, life assurance scheme, 5% employer pension contribution and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme via Spectrum.life with unlimited specialist support available to all NYA employees.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit the following via our online application platform by 11:59pm on Monday 29th September 2025:

A detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements in line with the person specification in the About You section.
A covering letter highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the requirements in the About You section.
We will request data for our EEDI monitoring purposes, providing this is optional.

Please note: The covering letter is an essential part of the application process and will be assessed as part of your full application. We use AI detector software, so cover letters or CV’s with over 80% AI generated content will be disregarded. We understand that AI tools can offer support to candidates who have learning differences, which is why we will accept applications with some AI assistance. CV’s will not be accepted without a cover letter.

The National Youth Agency is an equal opportunities employer.

At NYA our inclusive culture means that we embrace individual differences and understand that we need a diverse team to achieve our organisations mission.

We wish to recruit candidates from all backgrounds to ensure our team reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion, socio-economic background and political beliefs but we particularly welcome applications from global majority candidates and those from other minoritised ethnic groups in the UK as they are currently underrepresented in our team.

Youth Work changes lives

Which is why we’re committed to ensuring that as many young people as possible get to benefit from it.As the national body for youth work in England, the National Youth Agency (NYA) exists to champion its transformative power. We believe all young people should have the opportunity to benefit from the life-changing impact of extraordinary youth workers and trained volunteers.

We help to grow youth work provision in ways that keep it effective, relevant, safe and engaging, to help millions of young people reach their potential and thrive. We do this by providing guidance, support, advice, training and staff development opportunities for youth workers and youth work organisations. At the heart of everything we do are young people themselves. We work hard to ensure their voices are integrated into all our work, to develop provision that truly meets their needs.

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