Chief executive officer jobs in sutton, greater london

About us:

Drinkaware is the UK’s leading alcohol charity with a vision of working together to reduce alcohol harm. We use our expertise to give governments, industry, communities and individuals the knowledge and support to make informed decisions about alcohol and how to reduce the harm it can cause. We deliver public-facing campaigns and digital services, information and guidance, evidence-led advice to governments and industry and independent research, consumer insight and evaluation

The Drinkaware Trust is funded primarily through voluntary, unrestricted donations from alcohol producers, wholesalers, and on- and off-trade retailers, but acts entirely independently

Vision: Working together to reduce alcohol harm across the UK

Mission: Using our expertise to give governments, industry, communities and individuals the knowledge and support to make informed decisions about alcohol and how to reduce the harm it can cause. Delivered though:

• Public-facing campaigns and digital services, information and guidance
• Evidence-led advice to governments and industry
• Independent research, consumer insight and evaluation

Values: Solid Reasoning; Clarity with Empathy; Understanding and Connecting; Principled Partnership; Determination and Curiosity

Our Drinkaware staff team is friendly, professional and inclusive.  We care about what we do and how we work together and bring our values to life.  Drinkaware invests in staff development through regular one to one meetings, a generous individual training budget, teatime tutorials and staff awaydays, and an annual learning and wellbeing grant. 

Location: 35 Chiswell St, London EC1Y 4SE

Drinkaware’s benefits include:

• Hybrid working arrangements
• 30 days leave (plus Bank Holidays, and your birthday)
• Matched company pension scheme
• Life assurance cover
• BUPA Private Healthcare
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee assistance programme
• Annual learning and wellbeing grant
• Perks and discount platform. 

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About the role:

The Alcohol Behavioural Change Specialist is responsible for collaboratively designing and implementing, evidence-based programmes applying appropriate behavioural change models aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm, and promoting long-term behavioural change related to alcohol consumption.

As a leading charity focused on alcohol harm reduction, the postholder will be Drinkaware’s internal expert regarding alcohol harm to individuals and will have a good understanding of brief interventions, as well as information, advice and guidance including quality assurance across our work. They will work across the organisation providing expert advice and guidance.

Programme & Intervention Development

• Work with the Head of operations to develop and implement personalised intervention strategies to help individuals reduce alcohol consumption, using evidence-based behavioural change techniques through our app and other digital tools.

• Collaborate with lived experience panel and Independent Advisory Panel to create comprehensive alcohol-related behavioural health programmes.

• Utilise your experience of motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and other evidence-based practices to promote lasting change in alcohol use behaviours across Drinkaware’s activity.

• Stay up to date on the latest research in alcohol use, behavioural change methods to inform programme development and interventions.

Content & Communication

• Work with the Marketing & Content team to produce engaging content for public audiences ensuring accuracy and effectiveness of advice and guidance in all Drinkaware messaging.

• Work with the Digital and Content team to ensure the Drinkaware website content is relevant and up to date.

• Presenting our insights, programmes and tools to external stakeholders including funders, public health departments etc.

Insight & Evaluation

• Work with the Research team in the translation of research insights and publications into programme development.

• Work with the Impact team to ensure impact monitoring and quality assurance is embedded in all work undertaken by Drinkaware and support colleagues to monitor and measure the quality of its work with a view to ensuring high quality standards and continuous improvement.

Governance & Safeguarding

• Work with the Head of Operations to ensure Safeguarding is embedded within all programme delivery.

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About you:

This role requires a deep understanding of psychological theories, behavioural science, and addiction, along with practical experience in behavioural interventions.

Qualifications and/or experience

• Degree or higher in Psychology, Behavioural change, Public Health, or a related field. Certification or training in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or other relevant therapeutic approaches is highly desirable.

Essential Criteria / Key Skills

• Strong understanding of behavioural science theories and experience of how to apply them to alcohol use, with proficiency in delivering behavioural change techniques.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing behavioural change interventions, particularly in the context of alcohol or addiction.
• Experience with digital health applications is desirable.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and motivate individuals at all stages of behavioural change.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess, plan, and implement effective behavioural change programmes.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of working in the health sector and have a passion for reducing alcohol harm in the UK.
• Experience working in partnership with internal and external agencies and organisation
• Experience of working collaboratively across internal departments and teams
• Knowledge of public health initiatives and policies related to alcohol use.
• Data analysis and program evaluation experience.
• Confident public speaker able to represent Drinkaware at events, conferences and in the media.
• Ability to work independently and autonomously, prioritise tasks, and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Understanding of safeguarding legislation and practical application in delivery of programmes
• Able to manage sensitive conversations with professionalism and care and resilient when under pressure.
• An energetic and committed ambassador for Drinkaware, our mission and values

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To apply

For further information please refer to the attached job description, our applicant privacy policy and read more about Drinkaware on our website.

Closing date: 9am, Tuesday 26 August 2025

Apply for this post by clicking on the 'Apply' link.  You should submit an up-to-date CV and a brief covering letter (maximum two pages) that outlines how you meet the requirements outlined in the 'About You' section and what you would bring to Drinkaware.

Interviews may be carried out on Teams or in person at our Moorgate offices.

Drinkaware is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds and sections of the community. 

No agency support is required

Are you passionate about using your financial skills to make a global impact? At Emerging Leaders, we believe in unlocking potential and empowering individuals to lead themselves out of poverty. As our Finance Manager, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring the financial health and integrity of an organisation that delivers life-changing training across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. You’ll work closely with a diverse, values-driven team and contribute directly to our mission of transforming lives through leadership, financial literacy, and purpose-driven action. This flexible, part-time role offers autonomy, meaning, and the chance to do work that truly matters.

We are looking for a professionally qualified accountant (or qualified by experience) with financial management, audit, book-keeping and project-based accounting experience.  Familiarity with charity finance or international development would be an asset, or this could be the role to enable you to move in to that sector. If you are a team player, proactive and detailed-orientated but also keen on the big picture we'd love to hear from you. Interviews will be on a rolling basis, early applications are encouraged.

Senior Manager for Philanthropy Products

Contract type: Permanent, Full Time – 35 hours per week

Location: London, United Kingdom

UK hybrid working – a minimum of 40 % of working time is spent face-to-face (London office, external meetings or travel).

60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person.

Salary: £48,867 – £54,654 per year with excellent benefits.

Change starts with water. Change starts with you.

Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.

About WaterAid

We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.

About the team

Part of the Fundraising and Communications Directorate, this role reports directly to the Strategic Partnerships Director and works closely with philanthropy teams across the federation (particularly those in the UK and US), with programmes colleagues across the UK and Nepal and with the UK Communications department, to deliver first class donor engagement.

About the role

As our Senior Manager for Philanthropy Products, you will engage and inspire philanthropists through a new high-value proposition. This proposition will create transformational change whilst also delivering sector leading stewardship, piloting new channels and formats for reporting and engagement.  

In this role, you will:

• Lead this initiative - driving progress, ensuring global coordination and overseeing the global funding pipeline.
• Develop innovative, sector leading communications for donors and prospects
• Represent the proposition externally
• Champion WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding.

Requirements

To be successful, you will need:

• Experience working with high-net-worth individuals and creating tailored, impactful content.
• Proven ability to develop innovative stewardship and reporting products.
• Skilled at influencing senior stakeholders and driving collaboration across teams.
• Strong project management skills with a focus on delivery and results.

Although not essential, we’d prefer you to have:

• Experience engaging ultra-high net worth individuals, particularly in the UK and US.
• Experience developing and managing digital donor reporting tools, such as private portals.
• Understanding of international development issues.
• Experience working in large, complex international organisations.

Closing date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on Monday 11th of August 2025.

- First round interviews will be held online on the 19th and 20th of August 2025.

- Second Round interviews will be held in person at WaterAid offices in Canary Wharf on the 3rd of September 2025.

How to apply: Click Apply to complete the pre-screening question and upload your CV and cover letter.

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?

At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.

Pre‑employment screening

To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Benefits

• 36 days’ holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays)

• Option to buy an extra 5 days’ annual leave
• Employer pension contribution up to 10 %
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Season ticket loan
• Free annual eye tests
• ‘Give as you Earn’ charitable giving scheme
• Enhanced parental leave (maternity, adoption/surrogacy, shared parental and paternity)
• Sabbaticals
• One paid volunteer day each year

Our Global Commitment:

Our people promise

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.

Safeguarding

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).

Together, we’ll change the world through water.

Join us and be part of the change!

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Director of Finance and Services with a Christian membership charity, on a full-time, permanent basis. Due to the values of this organisation, this vacancy is open to practicing Christians only (exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1). As Director of Finance and Services, you will play a critical role in enabling the necessary resource and support to colleagues to deliver, and also provide advice and guidance as required to the volunteer leaders, including the Board of Trustees, and ensure that the charity operates within its means and in compliance with the laws of England and Wales.

Please note, there is hybrid working in place with this organisation with 2 days per week required in the office.

As Director of Finance and Services, you will:

- Have responsibility for all financial aspects of the charity

- Lead a Team of 5-6

- Lead on strategic and operational planning for the organisation, ensuring effective forecasting, budgeting, reporting and risk management

- Provide appropriate advice to the volunteer Boards of over 60 affiliated local charities in Britain and Ireland, and on an as-needs basis with Provinces worldwide, to ensure compliance with statutory requirements

- Have oversight of IT strategy and implementation

- Provide organisational leadership as part of the Senior Leadership Team

The successful applicant will:

- Have significant demonstrable experience in finance within the charity sector, in a similar role

- Be fully qualified (ACCA, CIMA, ACA etc)

- Have good working knowledge of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP)

- Have experience of planning and implementation of process improvement or change programmes

- Have significant demonstrable experience of working at senior level (with Board contribution), contributing and leading on an organisation’s strategic plans

- Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

If this sounds like you and you're keen to hear more, please do get in touch ASAP!

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in delivering our mission by selecting and distributing brand-new, publisher-donated books to over 190 libraries and NGO partners around the world. These books open opportunities for millions of people to read, learn, and shape a more equal future.

As Partnerships Manager, you’ll be responsible for managing and growing our global network of partners. This includes:

· Selecting appropriate books to meet partners’ needs

· Coordinating book selections with our Operations Team

· Preparing accurate documentation to support timely shipments

· Managing partner enquiries and communications

· Building and sustaining strong, collaborative relationships across our network

You’ll also support the onboarding of new partners and help share insights into the impact of our work, both within the Programmes and Partnerships Team and across the organisation.

We’re looking for someone with:

· Knowledge or experience in international education or development

· Experience with books or book distribution (highly desirable)

· A proactive, detail-oriented, and highly organised approach

· Strong written and verbal communication skills

· Excellent administrative skills and a collaborative mindset

· Experience with databases or CRM systems (highly desirable)

· A willingness to undertake occasional international travel

If you have experience managing stakeholder relationships, thrive in a mission-driven environment, and are passionate about creating access to books and education, we’d love to hear from you.

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

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

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

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

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

About the Role

Are you someone who is passionate about seeing positive change in our world? Can you bring knowledge and creativity in designing innovative and effective peacebuilding programmes?

We are looking for someone to support our programmes and institutional fundraising with excellent writing skills, who is passionate about addressing the root causes of and inequalities caused by conflict. You will be someone passionate about the work Cord does and who can bring technical institutional funding expertise alongside peacebuilding knowledge to our small and committed team.

In this role you will lead the development of new programmes and institutional funding bids in line with Cord’s peacebuilding approach and 5 main programme areas. You will manage proposal submissions to Cord's key donors such as the EU, US State Department, GIZ, SDC, UN Peacebuilding Fund etc. You will be working closely with country teams to design and write proposals based on strong project designs developed in partnership with our local partners.

The role will also operate at a strategic level by managing Cord’s relationships with key donors and shaping how Cord communicates about its programmes and the added-value that Cord brings.

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

Application Instructions

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

Please note:  Funding for this position is contingent upon the successful award of external funding that is currently in process and expected to be finalised in Autumn 2025. Whilst the recruitment selection process will run concurrently, the official appointment of this role will take place after funding is officially secured.

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

The post-holder will maintain a manageable caseload of clients needing support with their welfare rights and benefits. The role is to support the Welfare Rights Advice Project Team with the following:

1. To carry out an initial client assessment, identifying any issues with their benefits and any claims they can make to maximise their income.
2. Provide casework (including challenging decisions) for welfare benefits available to clients with mental health difficulties and their carers: i.e. Personal Independence Payments, Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit.
3. Provide information and advice as appropriate about issues related to a client’s particular situation.
4. Provide advice and casework for mobility and discretionary schemes and personal grants that could be of benefit to clients.
5. Take referrals directly from service users, carers or staff from other agencies (encouraging use of our online referral form)
6. Signpost and refer clients to agencies that assist with transition from hospital to community living, or to tackle social isolation and improve mental wellbeing.
7. Maintain records in accordance with Hear Us policies and procedures, including the handling of confidential and private documents and keeping written and computer records up to date and secure.
8. Liaise with GPs, CMHT’s and other agencies to obtain supporting documents, by telephone, letter and e-mail.
9. Taking confidential telephone messages from clients and outside agencies.
10. Take part in weekly WRAP team meetings regarding case allocation, and stay up to date with changes in benefits legislation. 
11. Attend regular supervision and yearly appraisals with line manager.
12. Assist WRAP manager to write reports and evaluate the project for funding bids and to support and promote the project.
13. Collect and distribute flyers and leaflets for signposting purposes.
14. Attend Hear Us staff meetings, staff development days, and other Hear Us events (e.g. Hear Us Open Forum) where directed by line manager.
15. Attend identified training and other personal development activities that will support you in this role.
16. Develop and maintain healthy working practices for yourself, with clear personal and professional boundaries.

As Director of Operations and Fundraising you will play a key role in driving forward the mission of Notre Dame Refugee Centre, dedicated to supporting those seeking sanctuary in the UK.

Lead a small yet impactful team to deliver a range of vital services including IAA immigration advice and ESOL lessons, with social activities.  You will work closely with our trustees, staff and volunteers to ensure that we continue to deliver life-changing support to those who seek our help.

The Barbican is a multidisciplinary international arts centre in the City of London.

Across its theatres, concert halls, cinemas, galleries, business venues, public and community spaces, the Barbican showcases the most exciting artists and performers from around the world, pushing traditional artistic boundaries and helping us understand our lives in new and unexpected ways. Each year, the Centre presents hundreds of different performances, events and exhibitions that entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in.

Firmly rooted in its neighbourhood, the Barbican collaborates on projects with local communities, and supports young people and emerging talent to develop their artistic practice and access jobs in the creative industry.

Our core values are: Inclusive, Connected, Sustainable, Joyful and Daring. 

As we enter an exciting new stage of the Barbican’s life, there couldn’t be a better time to join us. Focussed firmly on the future, we’re working on ambitious plans to create better access to the arts, transforming our building and reimagining what an arts centre can be. Through our work on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, we’ll ensure the Barbican becomes a place where everyone belongs – where creativity, enterprise, and learning coexist, and everybody can achieve their fullest potential.

The role

Are you passionate about fundraising and supporting an inspiring programme of artistic events, learning activities and community work?  

We are seeking a Philanthropy Officer to play a key role in supporting and delivering excellent stewardship for our Patrons and most generous individual donors. From dance and film, to music, theatre and visual arts the Philanthropy team works across the whole of our ambitious and joyful cross-arts programme, giving you the chance to share the best of the Barbican with our closest supporters.

The Philanthropy Officer will be the main point of contact in the Philanthropy team, primarily account managing our lower-level Patrons and supporting the stewardship and recruitment of higher level donors. Alongside the delivery of our Patrons scheme, they will lead on all individual giving events and manage the philanthropy team’s participation in Development-wide events such as exhibition private views. The Philanthropy Officer also provides key administrative support to the Philanthropy team, keeping track of financial reconciliation, preparing invoices, and managing accurate income data in our CRM Spektrix.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone eager to build on their experience of relationship management and develop their career in fundraising while contributing to the work of an exciting multi-arts venue at a key point of change for the

organisation. The successful candidate will be supported to gain experience across all aspects of individual giving, and to develop themselves as an ambitious and high-achieving fundraiser. The Barbican offers an excellent range of staff benefits full details can be found on our website.

We are a youth movement that empowers people with refugee backgrounds to build community, become leaders, and flourish into adulthood in the place that they call home.

There are thousands of young refugees and migrants arriving in the UK every year. We believe in the unbounded potential of these individuals and are driven to help them thrive. Our residentials and youth clubs are at the start of this journey, allowing us to create a space where we can build a community, teach leadership skills and spark ideas. With the right support, our ambition is to ensure that displaced youth have the agency to take control of their own lives.

The Trusts & Foundations Specialist will play a key role in identifying and securing grants from trusts and foundations. You will lead on researching new opportunities, crafting compelling applications, and stewarding relationships with grantmakers. We’re looking for a diligent and thoughtful writer with a sharp eye for detail and a deep interest in our work, who is also keen to contribute to the wider life of the organisation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Grant Prospecting & Pipeline Development

• Research and maintain a pipeline of trusts and foundations aligned with OSH’s mission and growth priorities.

• Work closely with OSH leadership to align fundraising priorities with programme plans and organisational growth.

• Maintain up-to-date records on potential and active funders in OSH’s CRM.
   

Bid Writing & Submission

• Write and submit high-quality, tailored applications that articulate OSH’s impact, values and plans.

• Ensure applications are accurate, persuasive, and meet deadlines and funder requirements.

• Collaborate with the team to gather supporting information, budgets, and case studies.
   

Reporting & Stewardship

• Prepare timely and engaging reports for successful grants, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and strong stewardship.

• Maintain excellent records and monitor deadlines for reporting and renewals.
   

Cross-Organisational Contribution

• Coordinate annual impact reporting, including data analysis, case studies, and visual storytelling.

• Build strong internal relationships and stay connected to OSH’s work by attending occasional programmes, events and residentials.

• Contribute ideas and support the fundraising team’s broader work (e.g. campaigns, supporter communications).

• Engage with programme staff to gather stories and data that demonstrate OSH’s impact.

• Other duties as may be required from time to time

ABOUT YOU

• Demonstrated experience writing successful funding applications to trusts and foundations.

• Excellent writing and editing skills — clear, concise, persuasive and adaptable to different audiences.

• Highly organised, diligent and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Ability to analyse funder criteria and align proposals strategically.

• Strong team player, willing to engage with programme staff, volunteers and young people to understand and communicate OSH’s work.

• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage funders and supporters with warmth and professionalism.

• Commitment to ethical fundraising practices and compliance with UK fundraising regulations.

• Familiarity with fundraising CRMs, in particular Beacon.

• Experience preparing budgets and financial reports for funders.

• Personal or professional understanding of issues affecting people from refugee backgrounds.

• Passion for OSH’s mission and commitment to centering people with refugee backgrounds.

• Ability to speak in other languages relevant to our community, including Arabic, Pashto, Farsi, Tigrinya, Amharic, Oromo, and Spanish.

We believe that diversity simply makes for a stronger team. We aim to create a workplace that is welcoming for all, inclusive of ethnicity, disability, age, religious belief, marital status, pregnancy, sexuality or gender. In order to reflect the ethnic diversity of our participants, we are particularly encouraging applications from applicants who come from global majority backgrounds, or applicants who have lived experience of seeking asylum.

Prospectus is supporting a London focused grant givng organisation in the search for a Director of Development. This organisation exist to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged people in London by working with donors to invest in small, local charities and community groups. They empower local community organisations and leaders to identify their needs and solutions and connect these groups with funders, distribute resources, and help increase their impact. Additionally, they promote the value of local organisations, encourage philanthropy, and build relationships between communities and funders, and have given £127 million in grants to grassroot organisations in London since 2010.

Director of Development

Permanent

circa £75,000 FTE

London with hybrid working 1 day per week

   

The Director of Development will be responsible for developing and achieving the organisation's income strategy, with particular focus on developing, prospecting, and building relationships with high value donors, corporates, financial advisors, and wealth management. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, this role will be a strategic Director, whilst also leading on key donor facing relationships. This role will be critical to leading and executing successful engagement strategies for both internal and external stakeholders, with the support of a small team of two.

The successful candidate will be able to evidence setting strategy and delivering successful high value income generation growth. This person will be able to demonstrate identifying and securing gifts of a six-figure plus level. They will have a proven track record of developing and maintaining strategic senior networks. This person will have managed other team members before and be a strong communicator with other senior internal stakeholders and external donors.

   

Application information

Closing date for completed applications is midday on 24th August.

   

To apply

To apply for the role please upload your CV together with a supporting statement (of no more than 2 pages) onto the Prospectus website via the link below.

Prospectus is committed to providing equality of opportunity and welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds. For all job opportunities and progression, job applicants and employees will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. If you have any disability and would like assistance with completing an application, then please contact Rhiannon Mehta at Prospectus on      

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.

We're looking for a confident and compassionate Co-Director to lead our mental health charity using gardens, creativity & community for recovery.

**We offer mentoring support for applicants who might benefit from additional guidance - please see the full Job Description for further details**

About Sydenham Garden

Based in Lewisham in South-East London, Sydenham Garden is a unique wellbeing centre utilising its gardens, nature reserve and activity rooms to help people living with and recovering from mental and physical ill-health. We provide nature and arts based creative, social and therapeutic activities for co-workers (the name we give to our primary beneficiaries).

About the role 

Our Director has been in post since November 2021 and on returning from maternity leave in January 2026 she will be working 3 days a week.  We are seeking a Co-Director to jointly lead the organisation going forwards as we have made a positive decision to move towards a co-director model.  This is an exciting opportunity which can have benefits of increasing capacity, efficiency, and transparency and allow for a broader range of identities both to better reflect the diverse populations they serve and as a way to include more diverse leaders. It is a model that can also reduce burnout, build equity, and support flexible working.

As Co-Director you will be jointly responsible for leading and manage the day-to-day running of Sydenham Garden for the benefit of our co-workers.  This will involve overseeing implementation and regular review of Sydenham Garden’s strategic plan and to ensure all governance arrangements are in place to monitor the work of the organisation and to report to the Board of Trustees and to funders.

You will ensure fundraising and financial plans and processes are in place to deliver the agreed services, including fundraising from Trusts & Foundations, community fundraising and developing contracted services as necessary.

The Co-Directors will be jointly accountable to the Trustee Board for all aspects of the job description. You may take lead responsibility on particular areas which will be discussed and agreed with the existing Co-Director and Trustee Board.

About You

You are a confident and compassionate leader with a commitment to the mental health and wellbeing sector.  You bring a thoughtful, strategic and inclusive approach to leadership.

Your communication skills are excellent, and you’re able to build strong, trusting relationships with colleagues at all levels, as well as with external partners, funders, and stakeholders.  You are deeply committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, with a clear track record of putting these values into practice.

You have a proven experience in securing income for charitable work and are confident in financial management and planning. 

You also understand the value of co-production and have experience working collaboratively with volunteers and co-workers (service users), ensuring their voices are central to service design and delivery.

We’re looking for someone who is dedicated to the mission of Sydenham Garden and has relevant experience at management level in a mental health charity of similar organisation. 

How to apply

Candidates will be shortlisted based on:

· Experience of working at a management level in a mental health charity or comparable organisation. 

· An excellent strategic thinker with experience of input into strategic development and implementation.

· Good communication skills and the ability to build relationships with colleagues at all levels in an organisation and with external contacts and partners. 

· A proven commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

· Experience of line managing and developing staff, including through appraisal systems. 

· Proven ability to secure income, manage fundraising processes and to manage and produce fundraising applications. 

· Experience of financial management and planning, including managing budgets. 

· Experience of working with volunteers and co-workers (service users). 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Sydenham Garden is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). We want to build a diverse and inclusive staff, volunteer and trustee team where everyone feels that they belong and that reflects the profile of the communities we serve. Therefore, we will welcome and consider applications from candidates of all backgrounds and protected characteristics, and we particularly encourage applications from people of African or Caribbean heritage to ensure our staff team represents the communities we serve.

To apply, please send us a CV together with a supporting statement (maximum 2 pages, minimum font size of 11) that addresses how you meet the Person Specification listed above.

Location: Hybrid / London
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: circa £75,000 FTE
 
Job Advert
 
The London Community Foundation (LCF) exist to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged people in London by working with donors to invest in small, local charities and community groups. LCF empower local community organisations and leaders to identify their needs and solutions and connect these groups with funders, distribute resources, and help increase their impact. Additionally, LCF promote the value of local organisations, encourage philanthropy, and build relationships between communities and funders, and have given £127 million in grants to grassroot organisations in London since 2010.
 
The Director of Development will be responsible for developing and achieving LCF’s income strategy, with particular focus on developing, prospecting, and building relationships with high value donors, corporates, financial advisors, and wealth management. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, this role will be a strategic Director, whilst also leading on key donor facing relationships. This role will be critical to leading and executing successful engagement strategies for both internal and external stakeholders, with the support of a small team of two.
 
The successful candidate will be able to evidence setting strategy and delivering successful high value income generation growth. This person will be able to demonstrate identifying and securing gifts of a six-figure plus level. They will have a proven track record of developing and maintaining strategic senior networks. This person will have managed other team members before and be a strong communicator with other senior internal stakeholders and external donors.
 
To apply for the role please submit your CV together with a supporting statement (of no more than 2 pages).
 
REF-223124

In the UK, in areas of disadvantage, up to 40% of children do not reach a good level of development by the age of 5. Our client’s vision is of a society that cherishes children’s development in the early years, where every child can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Using a collective impact approach, the organisation is driving and supporting collaboration between funders, the public, private and the voluntary sector to improve outcomes in the early years. Listening to the voice, and harnessing the power of parents, carers and families in local communities is central to the change that Thrive and Five seeks to make.

In just four years, our client’s work is making a difference, with positive progress of children who’ve had the benefit of the charity’s pilot programme.  The impact of our work was recognised in Parliament as the Secretary for State delivered the Best Start in Life Strategy and the charity was  invited to share our public/voluntary sector partnership model at the Government’ Summit to launch the Civil Society Covenant. The Department for Education is interested to see how our approach aligns with their mission to help 75% of children reach a Good Level of Development by 2028. 

Director 

North East, working in person in Teesside three days a week 

Up to £85,000, dependent on experience

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader, with a passion for giving children the best possible start and with a strong belief in the power of communities. The role will work both locally and nationally, as part of the wider team. 

The Director will manage our client’s existing programme in Redcar and Cleveland with a talented and committed team (10 staff). They will also develop and manage the new programme in Middlesbrough, currently in Discovery phase, and recruit a staff team of 8- 10 people, with support from the charity’s central team.  Once set up, the Director will lead the following across both areas: 

• Building relationships and networks in the areas, across the public, voluntary and private sector 

• Leading the team to support delivery of the charity's local early years strategy in the areas

• Leading the delivery of a portfolio of complementary workstreams, continuously refining and strengthening the work so that we make the greatest possible positive difference to local children and families 

• Working closely with local partners and the national team to ensure that data and learning is captured and fed into strategic thinking and our national model 

Supported by our central team, the Director will enable local stakeholders to collectively support parents and children under 5, to improve outcomes in the early years and particularly improve levels of school readiness. Crucial to this work will be engaging with and empowering local parents who are the key to successful delivery of the initiative.

This is an exciting opportunity for an impact focussed leader, who brings: 

• Experience of working at a senior level with public sector and/or voluntary organisations involved in the delivery of services and support to families with children under 5 

• A track record of implementing concurrent and complex workstreams effectively, with proven project management and evaluation skills 

• Experience at leading and developing staff teams

• Experience of building networks of solid relationships with a wide range of stakeholders

You will relish the opportunity to deliver a model that ensures strength in communities, achieves long term sustainability and aims to achieve long-term systemic improvements in early childhood development. 

We are committed to inclusion in all aspects of our work and our new Director will have the ability to collaborate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures and nurture differing views. They will work sensitively with the changing needs of our communities and be comfortable talking about the importance of inclusion to a range of audiences. 

Recruitment Timetable

Closing date:  Sunday 31st August 2025 

Initial interviews with Prospectus: 5-12th August 2025 

Panel interviews with our client: w/c 15th September 2025 

Queries 

If you have any queries or wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors Anna Gardet or Erica Ritchie with a copy of your CV.