Chief executive officer jobs in south east

Are you an experienced finance professional looking to make a real difference in your community? Do you want to use your skills to support a fast-growing, purpose-driven charity making a positive impact across Northamptonshire?
We’re looking for a proactive and values-driven Finance Manager to join our expanding team at an exciting time of growth. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to shape and lead the finance function of our award-winning charity. As part of the senior leadership team, you’ll work closely with the CEO and Chair of the Finance Committee to ensure we continue delivering life-changing work.

Why Join Us?
Purpose-Driven Work – Be part of a team transforming lives across Northamptonshire through innovative, community-focused programmes. Flexibility – Enjoy a part-time role with hours that work around you, including hybrid working options. Autonomy & Impact – Take ownership of the charity’s financial strategy and systems, with direct input into decision-making. Supportive Environment – Join a passionate and collaborative team that values integrity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
Ongoing training and CPD – Join a passionate and collaborative team that values integrity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Do
•Lead financial planning, reporting, and budgeting processes.
• Manage day-to-day finance operations and oversee internal controls.
•Support funding, grant management, and compliance with charity finance regulations.
• Work closely with the CEO and Board to guide sustainable growth.
•Play a key role in driving the charity’s impact and future success.

What We’re Looking For
• Qualified or part-qualified accountant (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, AAT) or equivalent experience.
• Strong financial management skills – ideally with charity sector knowledge.
• A confident communicator who can explain finance clearly to non-financial stakeholders.

Someone who’s hands-on, detail-oriented, and passionate about making a difference.

Benefits
• Access to bespoke CPD and training from our partners including the Premier League, EFL, Northampton Town FC & the FA.
• Ongoing support and development via monthly one to ones and an annual training plan to support your personal and professional growth.
• Free tickets to NTFC men’s and women’s matches
• Work laptop provided.
• Flexible working patterns and remote working available.
• Free NTFC Community Trust kit worth £150
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with wellbeing perks and counselling

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in their place of education. We are currently reaching over 2.6 million children every school day, across 16 countries.

We are recruiting for a dynamic, visionary leader to join us as Director of Strategic Initiatives – a vital role in helping us grow our global movement. Reporting to our Chief Growth Officer, you’ll lead a talented team responsible for designing and delivering bold new strategies to increase revenue and build long-term, sustainable income growth and grow the strength of our National Affiliate network.

You will:

• Drive a programme of high-impact, global initiatives, from new fundraising products and digital solutions to youth and faith engagement strategies.
• Provide expert support and coaching to Executive Directors leading National Affiliates across the world.
• Guide strategic planning and change programmes with measurable outcomes, clear delivery plans and a deep focus on stewardship.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team of specialists focused on audience insights, product development and market expansion.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership across our global family to ensure alignment, shared learning and sustainable growth.
• Support the development of effective governance, technology and safeguarding practices across affiliates.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the MMI Executive Leadership Team and contribute regularly at the highest levels of decision-making.

About you:

You will bring significant senior-level experience in strategy, programme leadership, and/or business development – ideally in a global or multi-entity context within the charity sector.

• A strong track record of driving income growth and leading successful change initiatives.
• Experience working across cultures, with the ability to influence, inspire and build trust in diverse settings.
• A sharp focus on what works in fundraising, product innovation and audience engagement – particularly in the context of international development.
• Experience collaborating closely with technology teams to deliver digital and tech-enabled solutions.
• Proven leadership and coaching experience, with the ability to build high-performing teams and work with autonomy, agility and purpose.

Most of all, you’ll be motivated by our mission and ready to play a key role in helping us reach the next child waiting for Mary’s Meals.

About us:

We believe in the innate goodness of people, respect the dignity of every human being and family life and believe in good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In line with our values, Mary’s Meals is fully committed to a culture of safeguarding. Mary’s Meals is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work and we expect all the Mary's Meals family to share this commitment and work in the best interest of the communities we serve. Our safe recruitment practices ensure that only those that are committed to our high standards join our movement.

Salary advertised is for UK based candidates, our salary philosophy ensures consistency across locations where Mary’s Meals operates, please reach out for more information on salary & benefits if you are based outside the UK. 

To apply:

If you are inspired to join our movement and our vision, mission and values resonate with you, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please click below to send your CV and a short covering note (no more than 1 page) telling us why you are a great fit for this role and why you would like to work for Mary’s Meals International.

Would you like to play an important role in running an organisation that improves the way science is covered in the news?

Diet, microplastics, climate change, e-cigarettes, Alzheimer’s....if it's in the news and it’s controversial, the SMC will be working hard to pump out accurate, evidence-based science into the 24 hour news media.

But this frenetic media operation must have rock-solid operations support behind it.  It needs a highly competent, confident, organised and efficient individual who supports the SMC’s mission but loves running the operations behind the scenes.  The successful candidate will be a calm, self-sufficient problem solver who makes the charity run smoothly and who takes satisfaction from ensuring that the team of energetic, dynamic press officers can make a difference to science in the media every day.

The Head of Operations and Governance is a key member of senior staff.  You will be either a practised operations specialist looking for a new challenge or someone with relevant experience looking to step up to their first role leading operations.  In this role, you will:

• Be responsible for financial management, fundraising admin, preparation of annual accounts and bookkeeping
• Support the CEO in fundraising initiatives and project admin
• Provide the operational underpinning for the Centre ensuring the smooth running of IT, events, contracts and all office systems
• Act as secretariat to the Board of Trustees, Advisory Committee, Remuneration Committee and Audit and Risk Committee
• Guide the governance of the charity and complete statutory reporting. 

You must be highly organised and have a clear head for numbers and systems.  Often working under your own steam and multitasking to tight deadlines, you will need to be efficient and committed to the unique needs of this role without being drawn into the science and media activities of the Centre. 

Experience of the charity sector, finance and/or governance is an advantage. 

You must have the right to work in the UK.  We cannot provide visa sponsorship. 

Starting salary: £41,400-£56,700 depending on experience, with an annual performance-related pay increase

Application deadline: 9am Monday 4th August 2025

Interviews: Tuesday 19th August 2025

To start: October/November 2025

Location: We are an in-person Central London office where staff work on site 5 days a week, but opportunities for flexible working will be considered.

For information

For an informal discussion about the role please contact (between 14 and 25 July):

• Selina Kermode (current post holder) [email listed on the jobs page of the Science Media Centre website]
• Fiona Fox (Chief Executive) [email listed on the jobs page of the Science Media Centre website]

The application deadline is 9am on Monday 4th August, and interviews will take place on Tuesday 19th August. Click on the 'Redirect to recruiter' button below for instructions on how to apply.

Anna Freud Centre
Salary: £110,000 FTE + 6% pension
Location: London (Hybrid working: 2 days/week in office)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time (35 hours/week)

Anna Freud is a world-leading children’s mental health charity with over 70 years of pioneering research, innovation and practice. Its mission is to close the gap between mental illness and mental wellness for children, young people and their families—and to create a more compassionate society for all.

The organisation is entering a transformative new chapter and is seeking a visionary, values-driven Executive Director of Finance to join the Executive Team. This is more than a finance role; it is a strategic leadership opportunity with deep social purpose.

The Opportunity to Make a Lasting Impact

The Executive Director of Finance will work closely with the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees to shape Anna Freud’s long-term financial and operational strategy.

They will oversee a talented team of professionals across Finance, IT, Facilities, Procurement, Risk and Information Governance—ensuring the systems, infrastructure and financial stewardship are in place to support ambitious goals and life-changing services.

This role will play a central part in finalising and delivering the organisation’s new corporate strategy—helping Anna Freud reach more children, young people and families with the support they deserve.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive strategic financial leadership: Translating vision into robust financial strategies, rolling 3-year business plans and sound capital management.
• Champion a culture of excellence and collaboration: Leading a multidisciplinary team of 21 with five direct reports, embedding proactive business partnering across the organisation.
• Ensure operational resilience and innovation: Overseeing IT and estates strategies to enhance systems, infrastructure and space planning.
• Lead information governance and risk management: Acting as Senior Information Risk Officer (SIRO) to maintain the highest standards of data protection and compliance.
• Enable ethical and impactful growth: Managing procurement and investment strategies that deliver best value while aligning with Anna Freud’s values and mission.
• Be a trusted advisor: Providing insight, challenge and confidence to the Executive Team, Board and stakeholders in pursuit of a more compassionate, mentally healthy society.

Candidate Profile

Anna Freud seeks a strategic, values-led finance leader who brings:

• Proven executive-level leadership in finance and operations within a complex, mission-driven organisation.
• Strong expertise in financial planning, governance and business partnering, with the ability to translate data into strategic decisions.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams (finance, IT, estates, risk, procurement).
• A collaborative and emotionally intelligent leadership style, leading with empathy, clarity and purpose.
• A deep commitment to inclusion, ethical practice and the wellbeing of children and young people.

Why Join Anna Freud?

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of mental health for generations to come. Anna Freud offers:

• A values-led culture with meaningful work
• Flexible, supportive hybrid working (2 days in-office)
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Competitive salary and generous benefits
• Access to professional development opportunities

Ready to lead with purpose?
Those inspired by the opportunity to lead finance and operations in an organisation rewriting the future of children’s mental health are encouraged to apply and help build a world where every child and young person can thrive.

To apply please express your interest by applying. Rosemary Pini from Allen Lane is parnternity with Anna Freud on this appointment and happy to ask any questions regarind the role. 

Our expert care staff and trained volunteers provide clinical, emotional and practical support for families across North and Central London and Hertsmere. Designed by families, for families, our hospice building - The Ark - provides a space where children who are seriously unwell are accepted as they are, safe to play, explore, express themselves and build confidence. 

Shortlisted in three categories for the prestigious 2023 Third Sector Awards, including Charity Chief Executive of the Year and Fundraising Campaign of the Year, the charity has seen sustained growth over the past three years. We are looking for high quality professionals to be a part of our ongoing success.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

We are hiring two Community Engagement Officers to join our ambitious team. Reporting to the Community

Engagement Manager, these two roles will work closely together to support the growth of our Community Giving Program from £310,000 to £650,000 over the next three years.

The Community Engagement Officer will be be responsible for implementing, and supporting the development of, our donor acqusition and retention strategies for key organisations across our catchment area; identifying new opportunities for growth, and analysing the effectiveness of fundraising initiatives to ensure targets are achieved. The post holder will excel at providing exceptional stewardship and using data insight to guide decision-making.

ABOUT YOU

We are seeking a professional fundraiser with demonstrable experience in community fundraising or corporate partnerships. Experience managing a portfolio of community groups or in securing successful long-term partnerships is essential. 

You will be a friendly, empathetic and confident public speaker who enjoys networking with a variety of internal and external stakeholders – able to instantly connect with others and communicate effectively about our work. 

You will hold a full UK driving license and be willing to travel across our catchment area to meet supporters.

Occasionally undertaking weekend, early morning, and evening work – time off in lieu will be given.

Kindly see the attached job description for more information about this opportunity. We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close this role early if we receive sufficient applications. 

Please note an enhanced DBS disclosure with Child Barring will be required for this post. Our recruitment checks, induction, ongoing support and supervision,  reflect our commitment to safeguarding the families we support.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to close this role early. We therefore encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Noah's Ark Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from groups who are currently under-represented in our staff.

Our diversity council is working hard to construct positive changes within our organisation. We are a disability-confident employer and part of our commitment is to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities.

We’re looking for a Head of People & Organisational Development to lead our people function, drive culture change, and support our incredible staff and volunteers.

You’ll work closely with the CEO and leadership team to deliver our 2030 vision, fostering a culture of learning, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Are you a strategic, people-focused leader ready to shape the future of a respected local charity?

We’re looking for a Head of People & Organisational Development to lead our people function, drive culture change, and support our incredible staff and volunteers. You’ll work closely with the CEO and leadership team to deliver our 2030 vision—fostering a culture of learning, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Do:

- Lead people operations, L&D, and organisational development

- Champion EDI and embed inclusive practices across the charity

- Use data and insight to drive performance and engagement

- Deliver cross-functional change projects that make a real impact

What You’ll Bring:

- Senior HR/OD experience, ideally in the VCSE sector

- Level 7 qualification (or equivalent)

- Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills

- A values-driven mindset and passion for people and purpose

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a trusted, forward-thinking charity with a clear appetite for change. If you’re ready to lead with heart and ambition, we’d love to hear from you.

About Blagrave

We are a social justice funder committed to shifting power, dismantling oppression, and supporting communities to thrive. We fund organisations and young people creating change, with a strong focus on lived experience, anti-oppression, and systems change.

We are committed to centering the voices of those we seek to serve. Our board and staff team have relevant lived and learnt experiences to help us fulfil our mission. We listen to the communities we seek to serve both directly and broadly to have as accurate of an understanding as possible about the issues that they are facing. 

As we come to the end of our current strategy cycle we are ambitious to explore how we can put our full asset base to work in support of mission and we have some exciting plans unfolding. This new role will be instrumental in ensuring collaboration is at the heart of our next strategy, with our funder peers, young people, the youth sector and local government.

We fund work in England, as well as having a specific focus on several counties in the South East of England. 
 

About you  

You believe in the power of young people to lead change and are passionate about social justice. You’re a natural relationship-builder with experience working across public, private and voluntary sectors, confident engaging at both national and local levels. You understand how to develop partnerships that are equitable, transformational, and that centre the voices and needs of young people. You have a track record in bringing in substantial partnerships in service to organisational goals.

You bring strong problem-solving skills and experience managing people. You’ve worked in, or alongside, organisations going through growth or transition and thrive in complexity. You care deeply about genuine partnerships and have a track record of working collaboratively to build collective power and challenge injustice.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from people who can help diversify the voices shaping philanthropic work. We are committed to creating an equitable environment where everyone can thrive.

Purpose of the Role

This exciting new role is about creating connections, building ecosystems and developing and strengthening relationships that power social justice movements. As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will work closely with the CEO to lead our partnerships and community engagement work — creating the enabling conditions and networks that help youth-led movements grow, sustain, and make lasting change.

You will take lead on:

• Partnering with other funders to resource youth-led change, including co-designed and co-held programmes with other foundations.
• Developing community partnerships based on the needs and priorities of the young people we are here to serve - including charities, local businesses, and local authorities.
• Understanding the landscape of youth-led change and social justice work, identifying gaps in support and guiding our investment to help fill them, both at the national and local level.
• Monitoring and communicating the impact of our work with external audiences.
• Ensuring our work is grounded in safeguarding practices that minimise harm and uphold our commitment to care, equity and justice.

Success in this role looks like:

· A stronger Blagrave presence and impact at a local level.

· Growing networks of trust and solidarity across youth-led social justice movements, nationally and locally.

· Greater capacity, visibility, and long-term sustainability for youth-led organisations.

· Strengthened support for collective action and systems change.

· Young people and communities feeling ownership of, and connection to, the work.

Are you an outstanding Christian leader with a track-record of collaborative international working? Are you looking for the next opportunity to use your skills and experience for the benefit of a global organisation? If this is you, then you are invited to apply for the role of Chief Finance Officer at Open Doors International.

The global Chief Financial Officer of Open Doors International has a key leadership role both within the line-managed Open Doors International entity, and more widely across the Global Finance Network of development and field offices. The CFO reports to the CEO and works closely with other executives on all strategic and tactical matters as they relate to Financial Planning & Analysis, Financial Accounting (including transactional management and audit), Risk & Compliance, Treasury & Cash Management, Financial Data & Systems, Field Finance, Development Finance and Transformational Programs.

The CFO ensures Open Doors International is known for its excellent stewardship by delivering world-class and well-coordinated financial functions that contribute to excellent operations, risk management, forward-planning and mature governance.

You will:

• Be an experienced CFO with a strong track record of operating in international organisational structures, with exposure to developing markets, complex treasury and money transfer functions, and high-risk environments.
• Have experience of leading strategy formation, team supervision and timely delivery in a complex network or matrix style structures.
• Enjoy and have a matured gift of forward-planning, helping the Board, Executive Leadership Team and colleagues benefit from transparent budget plans in a dynamic missional context that will demand agility.
• Employ wise risk assessment in a context of faith, so that Open Doors can, with effectiveness and great sophistication, deliver its ministry in very challenging and at times restrictive environments.
• Bring a servant-hearted leadership gifting, including the ability to lead through influence and build consensus amongst divergent senior stakeholders; inspire trust; and take a highly relational and capacity-building approach with their colleagues.
• Have excellent communication skills - written, verbal and able to deliver insights with data; effective with a range of audiences from local staff to Board level
• Exhibit grace, to patiently but persistently mature a complex organisation moving through significant phases of growth in a rapidly evolving external environment

Your responsibilities are under the following headings (for a full explanation, please read the attached pdf):

• Strategic Financial Leadership
• Management Reports & Communication
• Accounting & Financial Controls
• Treasury and Cash Management
• Risk Management & Compliance
• Innovation & Transformation
• Leadership and People Management

Person Specification

KEY QUALITIES

Open Doors believes that spiritual maturity, character and behaviour are as important as financial competence, therefore the CFO is:

• A devoted follower of Jesus with a heart to strengthen persecuted Christians.
• Prayerful and able to take financial decisions, founded on faith in God.
• Able to build strong relationships across national cultures.
• Able to empower others and intentionally develop future finance leaders.
• Prepared to make difficult decisions and have honest conversations with grace.
• Active in a local church that supports their vocation and provides spiritual support.
• Emotionally intelligent and aware of the impact of their leadership on people.
• Experienced in negotiating and influencing at a senior level, combined with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.

KEY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES

• A highly skilled Finance professional, who demonstrates an appetite for continued learning and personal development.
• Approximately 15 years of senior finance operational leadership experience prefered in multi-national commercial sector and/or international charity sector.
• Significant team management experience, including remote working across different time zones.
• Proven ability to lead change, including working well across many operational disciplines (Field programs, IT, Legal and HR teams, for example).
• Oversight of a complex treasury function providing financial access across geographical locations.
• Experience communicating and providing reports to Board Audit & Finance Committee.

Open Doors International will offer a competitive salary for the post. We are open to applications from anyone who is suitable for this role, regardless of their current location, with a willingness to be located within -6hours/+2 hours Central European Time zone for ease of communication within a dispersed global ministry.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an MS Teams Interview with the Open Doors International search panel. Finalist Candidates will be asked to come to Netherlands for in-person interviews on 5 September. The Open Doors International search panel members are very aware that this is a two-way discernment process, therefore we encourage each applicant to pray to the Lord and consult their trusted and closest fellow Christians as they consider this opportunity. The successful candidate will be expected to take up the post of CFO as soon as is reasonably possible.

Thank you for taking the time to prayerfully consider this opportunity and to learn more about the work of Open Doors International.

Be bold. Be compassionate. Be part of something life-changing.

At The Brain Tumour Charity, we’re here to accelerate a cure and improve life for everyone affected by brain tumours. We’re leading the way in research, support and advocacy – and we’re just getting started.

As we continue to work toward our ambitious strategic priorities, we’re looking for an exceptional leader to join us as our new Director of Services. We are looking for someone who shares our ambition, who connects with our values which are bold, collaborative, innovative and community-first. And someone who shares our deep commitment to creating real change for the brain tumour community.

This is more than a leadership role. It’s a chance to shape how care, support and information are provided to the brain tumour community, and to inform and shape faster diagnosis and care outcomes. We want to ensure that no one faces a brain tumour diagnosis alone.

About the role

Reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on our Senior Leadership Team, you’ll lead a talented team of around 20 colleagues to design, deliver, and evaluate services in collaboration with other teams within The Charity and with external partners.

We’re looking to you to lead our strategic priority for improving quality of life and quality of care for all those affected by a brain tumour. This includes:

· Tackling healthcare inequalities.

· Expanding and improving our counselling, peer support and information services.

· Equipping healthcare professionals to spot the signs and to deliver better care.

· Partnering with others to amplify the voice of our community and to drive systemic change.

You’ll be responsible for strategy and leadership oversight, budget oversight, safeguarding leadership, and service evaluation, ensuring our work is grounded in evidence, shaped by lived experience, and built for impact.

Who we’re looking for

We’re seeking a strategic, values-led leader who is ready to step into one of the most meaningful roles in the sector. Your professional background may stem from health, charity, or wider social impact; what matters most is your belief in the power of people and communities to shape and deliver change, your commitment to equity, and your readiness to lead with compassion, clarity, and courage.

You’ll bring:

· Proven experience designing, delivering and evaluating impactful services – ideally in a health, care, or social impact context.

· A deep understanding of the communities you serve, and a track record of collaborating with others to reduce inequity and increase access.

· Strategic confidence – from service transformation to budget ownership and cross-functional planning.

· A creative and inclusive leadership style, grounded in empathy, clarity and purpose.

· A commitment to equity, co-creation and continuous improvement, and a personal motivation to make a difference.

Whether you’re already a Director or a high-performing Head of/Assistant Director looking for the next step, we’d love to hear from you.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to lead change at scale, joining a bold, inclusive and emotionally intelligent charity at a pivotal moment in its journey.

We offer hybrid and flexible working options; a strong commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and learning; and the chance to be part of an organisation that listens deeply to the people it serves and acts with courage.

You’ll be joining a team connected by a shared purpose – to do more, for more people, faster – and supported to lead with authenticity and heart.

· Head of Programmes and Operations

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and dedicated individual to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a vital role in driving the day-to-day operations and future growth of the charity.

As Head of Programmes and Operations, you’ll ensure our team is empowered, supported, and aligned in delivering outstanding community projects. You will oversee all operational activity across departments, manage our programme leads, and support the CEO in shaping the strategic direction of the organisation.

This role is ideal for a people-focused leader with strong organisational expertise and a passion for delivering positive social impact. You’ll bring the ability to coordinate diverse programmes, manage risk, and embed a values-led culture that enables staff and services to thrive.

We don’t expect every candidate to tick every single box. If your experience differs slightly but you’re excited about the opportunity and believe you can add value, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

Working at Northampton Town FC Community Trust isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to change lives. You’ll be part of a dedicated, purpose-driven team committed to making a real difference across Northamptonshire.

We invest in our people because we know they’re key to our success. That means strong leadership support, regular training and development, and a culture where your growth is just as important as our own. You’ll be working with a team of likeminded professionals who are equally as committed as you are.

Benefits Include:

• Access to bespoke CPD and training from our partners including the Premier League, EFL, FA, and Northampton Town FC
• Personal development support through monthly 1:1s and an annual training plan
• Free tickets to NTFC matches
• Flexible working patterns
• Free NTFC Community Trust kit package (worth £150)
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with wellbeing perks and 24/7 counselling support
• 25 days annual leave, plus additional time off between Christmas and new year

Job Summary

Location : Requirement to attend our sites in Basildon, Harlow and Thurrock if required and to team meetings quarterly.

Type: Remote

Salary: £48,000.00 per annum

Hours :  37.5 hours per week

Term: Permanent

Main Responsibilities:

Leadership

1. As a member of the Operational Leadership Team and wider Senior Leadership Team, work collaboratively and take collective responsibility for the strategic management and leadership of the organisation.

2. Work closely with the CEO, Treasurer and Board of Trustees to facilitate good governance and risk management.

3. Manage, maintain and develop all financial systems and control; increasing their impact and quality, and implementing best practices in financial management.

4. To supervise finance assistants and ensure that they are adhering to financial code of practices.

Financial Management

1. Lead and manage all aspects of the financial cycle, including budgeting, forecasting, fixed asset management, reserves & designated fund management and financial reporting.

2. Work with HR & Payroll Officer to manage and retain oversight of the day to day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking and general ledger maintenance, including the reconciliation of petty cash, credit cards and all bank accounts on a monthly basis reviewing and approving payment runs and payroll.

3. Work with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to prepare the annual budgets and forecasts.

4. Lead and manage the provision of regular budget monitoring and reports to budget holders.

5. Assist with the budget preparation for funding bids. Manage, monitor and keep track of any grants, funding or commissioned income, working with relevant managers to provide relevant financial information for inclusion in monitoring reports.

6. Lead and manage the provision of quarterly financial reports to the Board and advise them on financial issues as appropriate

7. Provide insightful financial analysis and reporting to inform and support organisational management, development and decision[1]making, and funding applications across the organisation.

8. Work with the CEO to prepare medium term financial forecasts for the organisation to support strategic decision-making and delivery of strategic priorities.

9. Lead on the audit process and the preparation of year end accounts to trial balance including preparation of the audit file and the closing down of the accounts on our accounting management system to ensure that the organisation is compliant with legal requirements and good practice.

10. To work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and designated Trustees to advise, review and cost the annual pay award.

11. To provide back-up and holiday cover for the processing of monthly payroll.

12. To work with and support the HR & Payroll Officer in providing payroll information and reconciling payroll monthly.

Governance and compliance

1. Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements (e.g. Companies House, HMRC and the Charity Commission).

2. Attend Trustee Board meetings to report on financial matters, including the identification and management of financial risk, and provide any relevant reports.

3. To support the Trustees, SLT and line managers in managing our finances carefully and within our financial means, through provision of advice, guidance, support and training.

4. To be the main point of contact with external auditors.

5. To ensure that robust financial controls are in place, underpinned by appropriate financial policies and procedures and to ensure that they are adhered to and that the organisation is protected from fraud and error.

Closing date for applications : 21st July 2025

Closing Date: midday 21 July

Reports to: Chief Executive

Hours of work: 0.8 FTE (30hrs per week) (flexible for the right candidate)

Holidays: Uncapped annual leave, plus two week-long shutdowns

Main work address: Hybrid - a mix of remote working and time at our Abingdon office. The role involves regular travel across Oxfordshire to meet funders, partners, and community supporters, and occasional evening or weekend work for events and networking.

Closing date: midday 21 July

Interviews: w/c 28 July or w/c 4 August

About Quest for Learning
Quest for Learning is an education charity on a mission to close the gap for primary school children in Oxfordshire who are falling behind - often due to complex and compounding disadvantage. Many of the children we support are growing up in poverty, with limited access to books, low parental literacy, and challenging home environments. Some face health inequalities, live in areas affected by crime, or have recently arrived in the UK as refugees or asylum seekers.

We work closely with schools to provide targeted, high-impact literacy and numeracy programmes that give these children the chance to catch up, thrive, and believe in their potential. On average, our small-group tutoring helps pupils make 13 months of progress in just 10 hours - building not only essential skills, but also confidence, motivation, and a renewed sense of possibility.

The impact extends well beyond the classroom. By supporting children early, we help prevent the need for more complex and costly interventions later in life, from mental health support to exclusion and social care. Our work contributes to stronger, fairer communities by giving every child the foundation they need to participate fully in society. In doing so, we are advancing social sustainability and helping to meet global goals such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals for Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, and Good Health and Wellbeing.

Role Purpose

This is a hands-on and outward-facing role for a confident, capable fundraiser ready to lead Quest for Learning’s income generation efforts. As our sole dedicated fundraiser, you’ll take ownership of securing income across a broad mix of streams - including trusts and foundations, community fundraising, individual giving, and corporate partnerships.

You’ll be out and about representing the charity, building relationships with local businesses, community groups, and supporters, and bringing our mission to life with energy and clarity. You'll need to be a proactive self-starter who enjoys meeting people, thrives in a varied role, and is motivated by delivering results that improve life chances for disadvantaged children.

This is a busy and varied role which often involves working on multiple fundraising activities at once. A typical day could include working on an application to a new funder, designing a supporter newsletter, gathering information for an end of grant report, and researching new prospects.

This role would suit someone with experience of securing funding, managing funder relationships, and developing new opportunities - all with a focus on practical delivery. You’ll work closely with the CEO, leadership and programme teams, and our board of trustees to help grow a diverse and sustainable income base.

Key Responsibilities

Trusts and foundations

• Research and identify prospective funders, building a robust pipeline
• Write and submit compelling, tailored funding applications
• Deliver timely, high-quality reports with evidence of impact
• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders through clear, proactive stewardship
• Monitor success rates and financial information and adapt strategy to improve performance

Community fundraising

• Initiate and grow partnerships with local community groups (e.g. WIs, Rotary clubs, schools, churches)
• Support or coordinate local fundraising events and campaigns (e.g. fun runs, quizzes, coffee mornings)
• Attend community events to represent the charity and engage new supporters
• Equip and support individuals and groups to fundraise on our behalf

Corporate partnerships and other earned income

• Build relationships with local and regional businesses to secure sponsorship, gifts-in-kind or Charity of the Year support
• Develop creative, mutually beneficial opportunities to engage corporate partners
• Work with the CEO and board to identify and cultivate prospects
• Explore other potential income streams including education consultancy or training offers

Individual Giving and supporter engagement

• Support the development of campaigns to encourage donations from individuals
• Help create a compelling case for support across our communications
• Identify opportunities to increase visibility and supporter base (e.g. speaking engagements, community fairs)
• Ensure Quest for Learning is regularly engaging with our supporters
• Champion the use of storytelling and pupil outcomes to inspire giving

Marketing and communications (fundraising-focused)

• Develop fundraising messaging and materials with the CEO and team
• Lead on all communications relating to fundraising and supporter engagement
• Ensure consistent branding and tone across all fundraising-related comms
• Share our impact with passion and clarity to motivate supporters

Planning and systems

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in our Beacon CRM
• Track income performance and contribute to budgeting and forecasting
• Create and deliver realistic workplans to manage multiple deadlines
• Liaise with programme staff to gather data and stories for funders
• Report on income and fundraising activities to CEO and trustees

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience in fundraising, with a track record of securing income across multiple streams
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain our mission clearly and persuasively to a wide range of audiences
• Excellent bid writing and reporting skills
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Confidence in networking, public speaking, and relationship-building
• Proactive, self-motivated, and happy to work independently
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Values-led, personable and enthusiastic - able to represent the charity with warmth and professionalism

Desirable

• Experience working in a small charity or education setting
• Knowledge of the Oxfordshire funding landscape or local networks
• Experience with community fundraising, challenge events, or individual giving
• Skills in Canva, Mailchimp or similar content creation tools
• Familiarity with Beacon or similar fundraising CRMs
• Understanding of primary education and the barriers disadvantaged children face
• Experience producing fundraising workplans or reports for trustees

Why work with us?

Quest for Learning is a friendly, values-led education charity with a big mission and a supportive culture. We’re committed to flexibility, wellbeing and professional growth, and we believe in helping our team thrive while doing meaningful work.

We offer:

• Unlimited annual leave (minimum 28 days pro rata, plus bank holidays), with full charity shutdowns in August and at Christmas
• Flexible hybrid working with autonomy over your schedule
• A culture of trust, kindness, and high standards
• Opportunities to test ideas, develop skills and shape a growing organisation

My client is an environmental charity that works to protect the green spaces of the UK. Working with local partners and landowners, they ensure that these vital areas remain accessible for today and long into the future, benefiting the local community and the natural environment.

At present they are looking to appoint an interim Finance Director who can deliver both on the hands on and strategic duties that this role requires.

Reporting into the Chief Executive, key responsibilities will include:

• Provide senior oversight as required on day-to-day financial transactions handled by finance junior.
• Support SLT with further development of the 5-year business plan as the charity transitions to a mixed income model.
• Analyse current financial data and help to evolve new fit for purpose set of management accounts.

The successful candidate will be a fully qualified accountant and have previous experience of working at a senior level within the charity sector. You will have a track record of taking organisations through strategic change, but also be willing to roll your sleeves up in a small accounting function.

My client offers flexible hybrid working practices, with 2 days a week in their London office. As a small organisation, this role qualifies for the Small Company Exemption from IR35.

Are you a powerhouse in partnership-led fundraising or business development? We’re recruiting an enthusiastic leader to drive six‑figure, multi‑year deals across major donors, trusts, foundations, and corporates, with an ambitious goal to grow income from £1.6M to £4.5M by FY30, in line with our strategic roadmap.

Job Purpose

As Director of Partnerships, you will:

•  Lead on partnerships fundraising, including major donors, trusts & foundations, and corporates with a focus on securing six-figure multi-year agreements to significantly grow funds raised in this area from £1.6 million to £4.5 million by FY30, in line with Operation Smile UK’s multi-year strategy.
• Foster and facilitate collaboration across different departments within OSUK.
• Ensure business as usual is achieved in line with operational plans, while also exploring and implementing innovative initiatives and campaigns to ensure the future success of partnerships' fundraising.
• Represent OSUK at a leadership level, building relationships with industry peers and peers within the Operation Smile global team to ensure best practice across all areas.

Key Responsibilities

Philanthropy Leadership

• Leads strategy, planning and operation of the major gift, trusts & foundations and corporate giving channels.
• Develops annual business plans and budgets in collaboration with the Executive Director (ED) and Executive Team.  
• Strategically identifies and qualifies potential new donors to grow the prospect pipeline.
• Prepares development communications: solicitation and acknowledgement letters; case statements and proposals; stewardship reports; briefing notes; gift agreements.
• Identifies, cultivates, and solicits major gift commitments from high-net-worth individuals
• Monitors activity of the team, ensuring that benchmarks are achieved, including submission of solicitations, donor contacts and meetings, confirmations of donations, and other performance indicators as related to the team checking their portfolio.
• Provides the organisation with the interpretation of market trends and emerging issues that could impact the organisation’s partnerships fundraising stream.
• Ensures the effective collection of donor information and tracking of points of contact in accordance with best practices; provides and presents statistical analysis to senior leaders.
• Leads on data mining, prospect research, and ensuring the quality of data as it relates to the donors they work with.
• Develops and manages relationships within their own portfolio, personally conducting cultivation visits, solicitation calls and stewardship activities as required.
• Effectively manages fundraising resources and practices ethical fundraising.

HR Management

• Leads, mentors, and manages a team; regular meetings to provide direction, coaching and delegation to the partnerships team.

Financial Management

• Manages and implements approved business plans, ensuring that the annual revenue objectives and budget are met or exceeded, and oversight of the partnership’s departmental budgets.
• Provides leadership in the delivery of statistical analysis, projections, and detailed reports on partnerships fundraising goals and performance that may be used to contribute to the development of internal budgets.

Partnership Sustainability

• Develops donor relationships by researching, sourcing, cultivating, and stewarding existing and potential partners.
• Works to broaden sources of revenue, including working with corporate partners in various industries.
• Develops and implements a stewardship program aimed at cultivating deeper ties with donors and corporate partners.
• Contributes innovative ideas to the development of new strategic partnerships and alternative revenue streams.

Other

• Other duties as assigned by the ED.
• Meetings with OSI and partner countries.
• Board reports/board meetings as required.

Recruitment

We are actively interviewing for this role on a rolling basis as suitable applicants apply. If you're interested in this role, it is advisable to apply as soon as possible.

Disability Confident Committed Employer

We're a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job.

At Operation Smile UK, we value individuals based on their performance and potential. We're dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone's needs. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

If you need this document in a different format, require any adjustments, or need help with your application, please contact us (further details contained within the job description).

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Operation Smile UK knows fundraising could better reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people the charity sector supports. If you don’t meet every requirement but believe your transferable skills align with the role, we encourage you to contact us for a conversation. 

We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We celebrate diversity and encourage you to bring your authentic self to Operation Smile UK. We are committed to supporting all applicants and ensuring a fair hiring process. All appointments will be made solely on merit, and we are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.