Chief fundraising officer jobs

Reports to: CEO
Location: Leighton Buzzard / Hybrid
Hours: 3–4 days per week (0.6–0.8 FTE)
Salary: £40,000–£50,000 per annum pro rata (depending on experience)
Duration: Permanent

We are seeking an experienced and qualified Management Accountant to play a central role in ensuring strong financial management, robust controls, and high-quality reporting across KidsOut. Working closely with the CEO and Trustees, you will provide clear, strategic financial insight while also taking a hands-on approach to day-to-day operations, shaping processes, strengthening governance, and supporting sustainable growth. This is an opportunity to contribute at both a strategic and operational level within a collaborative and well-established organisation.

We are looking for someone who thrives in a supportive, values-led environment and is confident communicating financial information to a range of stakeholders. In return, KidsOut offers a flexible, part-time role with hybrid working, a welcoming team culture, and a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will have the autonomy to lead financial management while working alongside committed colleagues. If you are ready to bring your expertise to a role where your contribution will be recognised and valued, we encourage you to apply.

Application Process:

Closing date: 5th May

First stage interviews (online):  w/b 11th May

Second stage interviews and assessment (at our office in-person): TBC

How to apply:
Please upload your CV (no more than 2 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 600 words) outlining your relevant experience and suitability for the role.

About Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK)

RFUK is a values‑driven organisation working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities to protect the world’s rainforests and uphold their human rights. Since 1989, RFUK has partnered with forest peoples and grassroots organisations to secure land rights, challenge destructive industries, and influence laws and policies that safeguard forests and the people who depend on them.

Our mission is clear: to combine human rights and environmental protection to tackle deforestation. From the Congo Basin to the Amazon, our work has helped communities protect millions of hectares of rainforest. With a growing team of passionate advocates for social and environmental justice, we are committed to scaling up our impact to confront the accelerating climate and biodiversity crises.

RFUK is now embarking on an ambitious new 2033 vision to scale up our work and impact in these regions and globally. All our work is delivered in close partnership with Indigenous and grassroots organisations in rainforest countries who are at the heart of what we do. We have a growing team of 30 staff members who are mainly based at our London office in the UK, in France or in DRC.

About the role

Do you want to lead fundraising efforts that make a global impact?

This is a key role to help drive RFUK’s income generation and donor engagement strategies. As Senior Fundraising Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in the creation and delivery of RFUK’s fundraising strategy to sustain and broaden the organisation’s scale and impact. Reporting to the Head of External Relations and part of the Fundraising and Communications team, you will lead a range of activities and are responsible for developing and cultivating partnerships with institutional donors, trusts and foundations, ethical corporates, and individual supporters.

Based in London with hybrid working options, we offer flexibility, a supportive culture, and the chance to make a lasting difference.

For further details regarding the role and specific qualifications required, please consult the attached job description.

About you

You are an organised, self-starter and experienced fundraising professional with a proven track record managing a diverse fundraising pipeline from identification and cultivation through to securing gifts and successful stewardship. You have confidence engaging with foundations, corporates, individuals and major donors, and are excited to build long-term relationships with diverse stakeholders. You are eager and ready to implement new digital tools and a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to streamline processes and maximise long-term donor engagement and support. You have excellent communication skills, can juggle multiple tasks, thrive in a collaborative environment, and bring resilience and cultural sensitivity to everything you do.

If you’re passionate about social and environmental justice and ready to help shape RFUK’s future, we’d love to hear from you.

Application process

To apply, complete the online application form via our website by 9AM, Thursday 14th May 2026.

Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held in-person on Thursday 21st May 2026. Please let us know in your application if you are available to attend an interview on this date.

As a Fundraising  and Awareness Officer she  will help Pathway to achieve the ambitious income generation targets set by the Board so that we can continue to support clients with the lifesaving services we deliver.

She will lead and shape the drive to build new and maintain existing relationships within the community to generate fundraising opportunities and raise funds with supporters  by building great connections and relationships.

She will lead on engagement with businesses to ensure we have a steady flow of business support and engagement by building solid relationships that re mutually beneficial.

She will have the scope to be creative with fundraising  and awareness ideas and lead on the delivery of these with colleagues.

About Pathway Project

We are a domestic and sexual abuse service based in Lichfield & Tamworth, Staffordshire.

We offer a range of support services and run two refuges in confidential locations.

We have been operating for over 30 years helping adults and children overcome domestic abuse, and to build a future where they live in safety and are free from fear.

Since our founder, Kathy Coe MBE, created Pathway Project, we have helped over 25,000 people, with 5,814 hours of support provided in the last year.

We offer a wide range of services, including adult and children outreach and community support, mental health, wellbeing and financial advice.

We support the relatives of those who have experienced domestic and sexual violence and offer specialist counselling, advocacy and support to all who need us.

Pathway Project believes in working as a cohesive team and are service user led.

Our helpline is access to all and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Why work for us?

Pathway Project is an inspiring  place to be, we are a charity with big ambitions and huge energy.

We are have a bold new strategy, refreshed values  and a passion for excellence in service delivery.

Supported by a driven and energetic board of trustees the new Chief Executive is leading Pathway Project through their ambitious plans.

It’s a really fantastic time to join our amazing charity as we move into the next phase of our exciting journey.

We are a flexible and supportive employer, committed to the personal and professional development and wellbeing of our employees. We welcome applications from women with lived experience of domestic abuse and from minority  or under-represented groups.

We offer the following benefits:

· 25 days paid leave plus statutory holidays (pro rata)

· A competitive pension scheme

· Employee Assistance Programme delivered by Health Assured which offers incredible support to staff and their families

We value our colleagues and are constantly reviewing our policies and practice, looking for ways in which we can better demonstrate this. We also recognise the potential impact of working in this field and provide clinical supervision to all of our employees, whatever their role.

Key Responsibilities

1. Income Generation

· Maximise fundraising and revenue opportunities through community engagement delivering a number of community based initiatives to generate income over the year.

· Lead on delivery of the fundraising strategy to maximise funding opportunities.

· Developing Business links to encourage fundraising from the business community &  to develop lasting partnerships.

· Research trust and foundations and write targeted applications to support our work and achieve fundraising targets.

· Use your passion and creativity to identify innovative ways to attract funding that we can then deploy.

· Work with volunteers to create a fundraising team who will deliver  income generation activities.

· Manage the income generation activities and income generation steams and monitor them for efficiency and value.

· Proactively research and identify suitable local events, fairs, and community activities where the charity can have a presence.

· Manage the full process of registering the organisation for these events, including submitting applications and arranging any required payments.

· Complete and submit all necessary risk assessments or compliance documentation to ensure safe and accountable participation.

· Plan, create, and deliver a range of internal fundraising events that engage supporters, promote the charity’s mission, and generate income.

· Coordinate all aspects of event delivery, including logistics, promotion, volunteer involvement, and post‑event evaluation.

2. Awareness

· Leading on publicity/awareness raising campaigns throughout the year and working with the Social Media Officer to deliver new interesting activities.

· Develop links into the local community which can be used to raise awareness, generate income and deliver activities or events.

· Give a range of talks and presentations to local organisations to increase awareness and support for Pathway that will then generate income opportunities.

· Participate in networking opportunities.

3. General Duties

• Work with the Volunteer Officer to create a cohesive team of fundraising volunteers who will support events and activities to generate income.
• Help to support and train  volunteers / peer mentors in gaining experience and skills so they are confident to deliver fundraising activities without staff support.
• To manage and maintain effective records of activities and income generated so this can be evaluated.
• To record and manage donations of goods and services as well as gift vouchers so we have accurate records of usage
• Lead on standard merchandise production and of items such as pens and other logo items as well as the hidden phone number items.
• Be the primary point of contact for all promotional or networking  opportunities and working with the Head of Enabling Services and the CEO to maintain those relationships.
• Act in a professional manner in a way that reflects Pathway’s overall aims and values
• Attend meetings where appropriate  both independently and with colleagues.

Person Specification

Essential

• Clean Driving License.
• Able to network and make pivotal contacts.
• Ability to make cold calls and initiate meetings with companies etc.
• Experience of managing multiple projects at any one time.
• Experience in raising funds for Charities.

• Desirable
• Experience in delivering large fundraising events.
• Experience in corporate giving.
• Experience of networking.
• Experience of Gift Aid.
• Familiarity with payment platforms such as PayPal, Zettle or Enthuse.

This role description cannot cover every eventuality or task that may arise within this position and the post holder will be expected to carry out other duties from time to time which are broadly consistent with the role.

Other information:

Pathway Project is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes diversity across our services. All employees are required to adhere to our Equality & Diversity policies and to challenge discrimination wherever it is appropriate.

Safeguarding Statement

Pathway Project is committed to safeguarding the vulnerable adults and children who we work with. We have a range of policies and procedures in place to support us to promote a Safeguarding culture  and safe working practices. Pathway Project will employ a safer recruitment process which will include disclosure and baring service checks where applicable and references for all posts.

We strive to be as inclusive as possible and look to recruit individuals with the right skills, experience and attitude, however, for genuine occupational requirement reasons we are looking to appoint a female only for this post (exemption under the Equality Act 2010 Part 1 Schedule 9).

The role is subject to a 6 month probationary period.

Evolve Counselling is a long‑established Cambridgeshire charity providing professional, affordable mental‑health support to individuals, organisations and communities. Each year, Evolve delivers thousands of counselling sessions through a team of trained, accredited counsellors working across the East of England region.

Our mission is to deliver counselling services to adults at the lowest possible cost, wherever possible seeking to subsidise sessions for those on low incomes. We do this through a mixed model of commissioned services, private counselling, and grant‑supported provision. By working to grow and foster a membership body of professional counsellors, Evolve strives to improve access to quality counselling and psychotherapy for all, and to create a positive working environment for those in the profession.

The CEO role provides strategic and operational leadership to drive Evolve’s growth, sustainability and impact. The position delivers effective organisational management, high‑quality service delivery, robust governance, regulatory compliance, and a positive staff culture.  Working in conjunction with the board, this is an exciting opportunity to shape the organisation’s future, ensuring that Evolve remains a trusted, quality and sustainable source of mental health support for years to come. 

Following several years of successful internal stabilisation—strengthening governance, staffing, and operational systems—the charity is ready to enter a critical period of transformation and growth. Our current CEO plans to retire in September 2026, having laid strong foundations for what must come next.

Our new CEO will lead Evolve into this next phase—strengthening partnerships, expanding referral pathways, stabilising revenue streams, and championing accessible counselling across our communities.

Position:

We’re hiring: A fixed term Gift Aid Officer. Location: Hybrid London Are you detail-focused, analytically minded, and have experience of working with Gift Aid?

MSF UK is looking for a Gift Aid Officer to be part of our Gift Aid team, helping unlock vital additional funding for our lifesaving medical work around the world. In this role, you’ll: Oversee the administration of Gift Aid, and other forms of tax-efficient giving, to maximise MSF UK’s income. Claim Gift Aid income across multiple income streams ensuring that MSF UK remains compliant with HMRC regulations. Support on delivering regular Gift Aid communications to supporters following HRMC best practice. You’ll be part of a fast-paced, ambitious team with a big impact. Join us and be part of the world’s leading emergency medical aid organisation.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Mon Fri

Duration: 9 Month Fixed Term Contract

Location: London - hybrid, 2 days per week in London office (Including Wednesdays)

Salary:£ 36,437.07 to £ 44,534.19 per annum

Salary is offered in line with our pay framework and typically starts at the entry point of the band. Salary increases are considered annually and are subject to our appraisal and performance review process.

Job Purpose:

The primary role of the Gift Aid Officer is to oversee the management of Gift Aid Claims, and other forms of tax-efficient giving, within the Fundraising team. This includes reviewing the production and submission of MSF’s Gift Aid claims to HMRC each month via a 3rd party, preparing data and submissions for other types of tax efficient giving, such as Discretionary Trusts and identifying and implementing opportunities to maximise this income channel for MSF.

They are also the main point of contact for the Fundraising team, providing training and advice on Gift Aid, and maintaining relevant user guides and documentation. The Gift Aid Officer will also liaise directly with supporters on Gift Aid queries.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience: 

• Experience in the practical use of personal IT equipment and Microsoft Office 365 suite. The ability to effectively collaborate and communicate within a hybrid working environment utilising Teams, SharePoint, One Drive and Yammer.
• Demonstrable working knowledge of HMRC’s Gift Aid Scheme and processes
• Considerable experience of Gift Aid management within a fundraising environment
• Experience of UK charity database systems, within a fundraising environment
• Experience of working with 3rd parties on Gift Aid claims and processes
• Demonstrable knowledge of Microsoft Excel to an intermediate level including the ability to produce and manipulate pivot tables
• An excellent level of numeracy, combined with accuracy and an attention to detail is a must
• A systematic and organised approach with a proven ability to follow things through and meet regular deadlines
• Self-motivated, flexible and able to work without close supervision within a team environment
• Confident interpersonal and negotiating skills which show an ability to manage and build relationships with supporters, external suppliers as well as with colleagues
• An excellent communicator with training experience and the ability to deliver complex information to a variety of internal stakeholders in an accessible and relevant way
• A proven track record in managing a busy workload to deadlines whilst maintaining attention to detail on the job at hand
• Professional telephone manner with a friendly, empathetic, calm manner and an ability to connect with supporters
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to convey Gift Aid and its complexities to MSF’s supporters
• Flexibility to take on other related tasks combined with a willingness to learn
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Commitment to the aims and values of Médecins Sans Frontières

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in growing a major donor programme that directly supports life-changing eye care services in the Holy Land. You will work closely with the Executive Director, UK (EDUK) and senior leadership, including the CEO and Trustees, to contribute to the long-term sustainability of a respected and impactful international charity.

As part of a small, ambitious and collaborative UK team, you will play a major role in shaping and developing the major donor programme, building meaningful relationships with supporters and seeing the tangible impact of your work on patients and communities.

The St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group (SJEHG) is a UK-registered charity delivering expert eye care to the people of the Holy Land, regardless of ethnicity, religion or ability to pay. It operates through two locally-registered charities to provide services in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in shaping Sift's future at a pivotal moment in our journey. 

We support people affected by self-harm with compassionate, non-judgemental services, and demand for our work is growing. As we look ahead to the next phase of development, we are investing in fundraising to help us reach more people who need support. 

We are looking for an experienced, values-led fundraiser who is excited by the opportunity to build, influence, and make a tangible difference. 

Working closely with the CEO, you will lead our fundraising efforts and help us move from a reactive to a more proactive, strategic approach to income generation. 

What you’ll do 

You will play a key role in developing our fundraising including: 

• Leading on fundraising for trusts and foundations fundraising

• Building and managing a strong pipeline of funding opportunities

• Supporting the development of a major donor pipeline

• Overseeing delivery of targeted appeals and up to two campaigns per year

• Strengthening funder relationships and long-term stewardship

Why this role matters 

This role is central to our future. 
Your work will directly increase access to safe, compassionate support for people affected by self-harm and enable us to widen our influence across systems and communities. 

Why join us? 

• Real impact: Work that makes a tangible impact

• Flexibility: A part-time role with flexibility to work 16 hours per week, remotely. 

• Autonomy: Scope to shape and develop our fundraising approach 

• Purpose-driven culture: A small, collaborative team that puts people first

• A pivotal moment: Be part of an organisation evolving and growing its reach

What we’re looking for 

We’re looking for someone who brings both experience and a strong alignment with our values: 

• Proven fundraising experience (particularly trusts and foundations)

• Ability to work independently and prioritise effectively

• Strong writing skills and the ability to tell compelling stories

• Confidence in building and managing relationships

• A thoughtful, proactive approach with a high level of self-direction

If you’re looking for a role where you can shape strategy, work with purpose, and see the real-world impact of your work, we’d love to hear from you. Download the full recruitment pack for more details. We look forward to your application. 

Please note: Although we are based in Bristol, the role can be remote for the right candidate and the 16 hours per week can be flexibly split throughout the week or worked across 2 days. 

We are Gingerbread. We’re here to fight for single parents and their families.

We campaign against the injustices that single parents face every single day, and we challenge the stigmas around being a single parent. We provide information to support all single parents so that they have the tools to support their children and themselves. And we provide a support network so that, with Gingerbread, no single parent is ever alone.

Join us today. Together, we can create a world where all single parents and their children don’t just survive but thrive.

Why join Gingerbread?

The work we do has a real impact. We make a difference in the lives of single parents. We do this through collaborative, focused working. We care passionately about the work we do, and we care for each other.

Overview of Job

The Fundraising Manager will play a key role in developing and delivering Gingerbread’s fundraising plans. The role leads our trusts and grants programme, producing strong, well‑evidenced proposals, building positive relationships with funders and ensuring our reporting clearly reflects our impact. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, they will help ensure fundraising is embedded in our work and aligned with Gingerbread’s strategic goals.

For more information about the role, please see the Advert Pack.

At Eastbourne Foodbank, we’re looking for a creative, inspiring and brilliant Individual Giving Fundraiser to join our team!

Bring your communication and digital brilliance to help us build relationships, thank our donors beautifully and share our cause across the town.

This is an exciting opportunity to help Eastbourne Foodbank realise its vision of continuing to be a strong and effective anti-poverty charity challenging social injustice in Eastbourne.

In order to realise this ambition, we need to increase our fundraised income and develop our expertise in different areas of fundraising.

Through this new role, you’ll proactively create and grow fundraising income opportunities with individuals and regular donors. You’ll be at the heart of our local community, bringing our cause to life and fostering excellent, lasting, personalised relationships with our donors.

Chief Executive Part-time role - £48,000 - £50,000 per year FTE plus pension. 15 hours per week, usually balanced across 3 or 4 days per week. Reports to Chairman.

Location: Hybrid role. Must reside in Hertfordshire and be flexible to work from Welwyn village office and home as needed. Must have own transportation for occasional meetings / events all over Hertfordshire.

About CPRE Hertfordshire

CPRE Hertfordshire is the countryside charity for Hertfordshire. We campaign to protect, promote and enhance the beautiful countryside across the county for the benefit of everyone. We are an independent charity federated with 40+ county charities and a national office, giving us local, regional and national reach. Our CPRE National Patron is King Charles III.

Job description

We are looking for an exceptional individual who can work with and motivate volunteers, take a strategic view on issues affecting the Hertfordshire countryside and represent CPRE Hertfordshire at events and through media. The role also involves management of a small staff team, the oversight of our Governance including finances, reporting, budget, fundraising, communications and volunteer management.

This is an exciting time to join CPRE Hertfordshire, as the candidate will be able to build and influence the new long-term strategy and annual plan with our Board of Trustees in advance of 2027.

The Chief Executive is responsible for:

1. Contributing to and driving the implementation of CPRE Hertfordshire’s strategy.

2. Delivering effective and efficient operational performance of the charity including robust contingency arrangements.

3. Providing exceptional leadership and management of the team – both paid staff and volunteers – and further growing our volunteer cadre.

4. Delivering the marketing and communications strategy, including membership acquisition and retention communications, email and social media marketing.

5. Leading and managing local Branch campaigns and projects as agreed by the Board of Trustees. 

6. Devising and overseeing activities to increase recruitment of new CPRE members. 

7. Devising fundraising activities in line with agreed targets in collaboration with the Board of Trustees. 

8. Overseeing our planning activities, including interaction with those in national and local government roles and community groups, and ensuring the charity keeps up to date with current national and local planning policy.

9. Attending regular meetings with national CPRE and other county branches to share knowledge, formulate “one CPRE” policy positions, and participate in national campaigns.

10. Ensure that the annual operating budget is met and continually look for cost savings across all lines of expenditure.

11. Ensuring that all risk factors faced by the charity in undertaking its activities are clearly understood and mitigated as appropriate.

12. Ensuring the charity keeps up to date with appropriate external best practices and maintains compliance with relevant charity commission and other regulations such as HSE and GDPR.

Essential

1. Successful track record of organisational leadership from a not-for-profit sector role.

2. Demonstrable evidence of exceptional people and team leadership and management skills.

3. Good communication skills and knowledge of social media and websites to support delivery of a marketing strategy.

4. Experience presenting to large groups, taking part in media interviews and writing formal reports. 

5. Experience of operational delivery, a completer-finisher.

6. Good financial management and budgeting skills.

7. Full UK driving license with access to own transportation (for occasional meetings and events around the county).

8. A passion for the countryside and protection of the environment. 

Desirable

1. Experience with a variety of digital tools and technologies.

2. Knowledge of income generation/fundraising.

3. Good understanding of marketing and communications.

4. Strong project management skills.

5. Able and committed to taking on new knowledge, in particular of the planning system, sufficient for effective oversight of the planning team and activity.

How to Apply:

 Please provide your CV along with a covering statement describing how your achievements, skills and experience match the requirements of the role and apply via Charity Jobs.

Recruitment Timetable and Process

 Closing date for applications is Saturday 2nd May 2026 at 11.30pm and we will aim to respond to candidates on first interviews by Friday 8th May 2026. First interviews will be held on Wednesday 20th May at our office in Welwyn Village.

This is not a “keep things ticking over” role.

This is a build, grow, and lead role.

We are looking for someone who sees opportunity everywhere. Someone who doesn’t wait for funding rounds to open—but creates them. Someone who can turn a powerful mission into compelling investment cases that unlock serious income.

If that’s you, keep reading.

About Us

The Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre (MDSC) is a specialist charity transforming access to physical therapies for people with muscular dystrophy across the Midlands.

Founded by people with lived experience, we now support 700+ individuals through long-term therapy and community support—something almost no one else in the UK provides at this scale.

We’re ambitious. We’re growing. And we’re ready to take our income generation to the next level.

The Opportunity

This is a brand-new senior role, created to drive our next phase of growth.

You’ll work directly with the CEO to:

• Build a bold, multi-year income strategy
• Secure unrestricted and multi-year funding
• Open up new income streams (corporate, major donors, partnerships)
• Shape the story of MDSC so it lands powerfully with funders
• Build relationships and keep them for the support of our long term journey

Right now, fundraising is full of potential.
With the right person in post—it becomes transformational.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Strategy & Leadership

• Design and deliver a 3-year income generation strategy
• Build a strong, diverse funding pipeline
• Spot and secure high-value opportunities
• Work with the CEO to influence and report to the Board

Income Generation

• Lead on trusts & foundations, corporate partnerships, and major donors
• Develop new fundraising models and propositions
• Create compelling cases for support and funding bids
• Build long-term, strategic partnerships

Relationships & Impact

• Own supporter stewardship—make funders feel like true partners
• Lead on impact reporting and storytelling
• Ensure everything we communicate shows real, measurable change

Systems & Performance

• Strengthen internal fundraising systems and CRM use
• Track pipeline, performance, and return on investment
• Ensure compliance (GDPR, best practice, etc.)

Growth

This role is designed to grow.
You won’t just deliver income—you’ll help build the future fundraising team and structure.

Who We’re Looking For

You’ll likely bring:

Experience

• A strong track record of securing funding (£££)
• Experience developing and delivering fundraising strategy
• Success with multi-year and unrestricted income
• Confidence working across multiple income streams

Skills

• A brilliant storyteller—you can make people care, fast
• Commercial mindset—you think in terms of investment and return
• Strong organisation—you can manage pipeline, priorities, and pressure
• Financial confidence—budgets, forecasts, funding models

Mindset

• Proactive. You don’t wait—you make things happen
• Creative. You see opportunities others miss
• Tenacious. You follow through until it lands
• Collaborative. You bring people with you
• Values-led. You care deeply about impact

Why This Role

· You’ll work directly with the CEO—high influence, high visibility

· You’ll shape a function from the ground up

· You’ll have real freedom to innovate and build

· You’ll see the direct impact of your work on people’s lives

This is the kind of role people look back on and say:
 “That’s where everything changed.”

Our Offer

• Salary: £42–45k per annum – reviewed annually
• Pension contribution (3%)
• 22 days annual leave + bank holidays (+ increases with service)
• Discretionary organisation Christmas Shutdown 
• Generous training & development budget
• Real opportunities for rapid progression and growth
• Supportive, ambitious, and purpose-driven team

An acquired brain injury can happen to anyone at any time. The impact on individuals, their friends and family, can be devastating. Headway Luton is here to help those impacted by an ABI move forward with their life. 

Headway Luton is a registered charity that provides support, advice and services to people with an acquired brain injury and to their families and carers.

We deliver centre-based activities and community support services aimed at helping people live as independently as possible, maximise their potential, and improve their quality of life.

Our work is rooted in person-centred care, dignity, respect and inclusion. We collaborate closely with local partners, funders and the community to ensure that our services remain relevant, accessible and sustainable.

Role overview

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the overall leadership, management and development of Headway Luton.

They will ensure that the charity delivers high-quality, person-centred services in line with regulatory standards, while working with the Board of Trustees to secure the organisation’s long-term sustainability and growth.

The CEO will promote a culture that reflects our core values:

• Person-centred care
• Dignity and respect
• Safeguarding and safety
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Professional standards

Key responsibilities

1. Strategic leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of the charity’s strategic direction.
• Identify opportunities for growth, partnerships and service development.
• Ensure services continue to meet the needs of the local community.

2. Governance and board engagement

• Work closely with the Board of Trustees to support effective governance.
• Attend trustee meetings and provide clear and timely reports.
• Ensure compliance with the Charity Commission, Companies House and relevant legislation.
• Support the planning and delivery of the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

3. Service delivery & operations

• Oversee the delivery of safe, effective and high-quality services.
• Ensure compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards.
• Monitor service performance and outcomes.
• Ensure safeguarding is embedded across all services.

4. People leadership

• Lead, support and develop staff and volunteers.
• Line manage senior staff and oversee performance management processes.
• Promote a positive, inclusive and collaborative working culture.
• Ensure the appropriate recruitment, training and development of staff.

5. Financial management & sustainability

• Oversee budgets and financial performance in partnership with the Board.
• Ensure resources are managed effectively and responsibly.
• Support the development of funding streams, grants and partnerships.
• Contribute to long-term financial planning and sustainability.

Person specification

Essential criteria

Experience

• Experience in the charity, health or social care sector
• Experience of managing teams and organisational performance.
• Experience of financial oversight and budget management.

Skills and knowledge

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Ability to work effectively with a Board or senior stakeholders
• Good understanding of governance, compliance and risk
• Strong communication and decision-making skills

Personal attributes

• Reliable, motivated and able to work independently
• Able to prioritise workload and manage competing demands
• Committed to the values and aims of Headway Luton

Desirable criteria

• Experience in a senior leadership role (e.g. CEO, Director or equivalent).
• Understanding of CQC or regulated services
• Experience of fundraising, commissioning or contract management
• Relevant qualification (e.g. business, leadership or management)

Position: Chief Executive Officer
Employer: Headway Luton Ltd (Registered Charity 1080775)
Location: 49-53 Alma Street, Luton, LU1 2PL
Responsible to: Board of Trustees

Hours: 25 hours per week (flexible, Monday to Friday)
Salary: £30,277 per annum (pro rata)
Contract: Permanent, subject to a six-month probationary period

Annual leave: 28 days plus bank holidays (pro rata)
Pension: 5% employer contribution
Other benefits: Flexible working, TOIL for additional hours and free on-site parking

Appendix 1: Initial priorities (first 6 months)

• Build strong relationships with staff, trustees and key stakeholders.
• Develop a clear understanding of services, operations and funding.
• Review the current financial position and identify risks or opportunities.
• Ensure governance and reporting processes are effective.
• Identify early opportunities for service improvement or development.
• Contribute to future strategic planning. 

The Interim CEO will provide immediate, focused, time-bound leadership to drive through an extended period of organisational change, ensuring that Ubele’s existing strategy and transformation plans are implemented effectively, consistently, and at pace.

As Ubele has just produced a new 5 year strategy (April 2026 - March 2030) this is not a role to redefine strategy, but to deliver against it - bringing structure, clarity, and momentum to implementation across the organisation. The Interim CEO will focus on:

• Embedding systems, processes, and consistent ways of working
• Strengthening leadership accountability, line management, and performance oversight
• Improving organisational coordination, decision-making, and operational effectiveness
• Providing visible, steady leadership to support confidence and cohesion across teams

Working closely with the Advisory Board and Executive Chair, and Senior Leadership Team, the Interim CEO will support Ubele to move from a prolonged period of transition into a more stable, aligned, and effectively operating organisation.

Lead the implementation of Ubele’s strategy, ensuring it is clearly prioritised, understood, and translated into deliverable plans across the organisation.

Organisational stability and change delivery

• Drive delivery of Ubele’s transformation programme, ensuring that plans are implemented with clarity, pace, and discipline.
• Bring structure and coordination to change initiatives, ensuring clear ownership, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
• Identify and address delays, barriers, or areas of ambiguity, ensuring momentum is maintained.
• Support the organisation to move from a prolonged period of transition to a more stable and consistent operating environment.
• Ensure change is embedded into day-to-day practice, not remaining at the planning or design stage.

Operational leadership & management

• Provide strong operational leadership across all areas of the organisation, including programmes, partnerships, consultancy, training, enterprise development, and community asset management.
• Ensure clarity of roles, responsibilities, and decision-making across the organisation.
• Line manage the Senior Leadership Team, holding them accountable for delivery, team management, and performance within their areas.
• Embed consistent performance management practices, including clear objectives, regular review, and timely intervention.
• Strengthen internal systems, processes, and ways of working to improve coordination, efficiency, and organisational effectiveness.
• Ensure policies and procedures are actively used, understood, and adhered to across teams.
• Oversee the development and use of high-quality data, reporting, and management information to support decision-making and track performance.

Governance & advisory board relations (CIC)

• Work closely with the Chair and Advisory Board to ensure strong and compliant CIC governance.
• Provide clear and timely reporting on organisational performance, finances, risk, and progress against strategic priorities.
• Support the Advisory Board to maintain effective oversight and fulfil its strategic and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Ensure appropriate governance structures and processes are in place and operating effectively.

Finance, risk & sustainability

• Provide oversight of financial performance, ensuring robust budgeting, forecasting, and financial controls are in place.
• Hold the Head of Finance accountable for financial accuracy, compliance, and reporting.
• Ensure clear visibility of financial position, risks, and sustainability planning.
• Work with the Advisory Board and SLT to support income diversification and long-term financial resilience.

Funding, partnerships & external relations

• Maintain and develop relationships with funders, commissioners, social investors, and strategic partners.
• Act as a credible and confident external representative for Ubele.
• Support the organisation to navigate a complex funding environment with clarity and focus.
• Ensure external partnerships align with organisational priorities and capacity.

Legal, regulatory & safeguarding compliance

• Maintain overall accountability for safeguarding, compliance, and organisational risk.
• Ensure appropriate systems, policies, and practices are in place and actively implemented.
• Hold SLT members accountable for compliance within their areas.
• Ensure regulatory requirements (CIC, employment law, contracts, data protection) are met.

Person Specification

We recognise this is an interim role with a specific organisational mandate. We are seeking a leader who can quickly assess, prioritise, and act, rather than someone looking to reshape the organisation over the long term.

Leadership & change

• Significant experience leading organisations through implementation phases of change, with a clear focus on delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to bring structure, pace, and discipline to complex transformation programmes.
• Experience stabilising organisations during or following periods of uncertainty or extended change.
• Confidence in making decisions, setting direction, and maintaining momentum.

Operational & leadership capability

• Track record of line managing senior leaders and holding teams to account for delivery and performance.
• Highly developed operational skills, with experience strengthening systems, processes, and organisational effectiveness.

• Experience embedding performance management frameworks and improving accountability.
• Ability to balance strategic oversight with close attention to operational detail.

Governance & organisational leadership

• Understanding of CIC governance, regulatory requirements, and Advisory Board relationships.
• Experience working closely with a Chair and Advisory Board on strategy, performance, and risk.
• Experience leading organisations of comparable scale and complexity (£3–4m+ turnover)

Funding & external environment

• Experience working within complex funding environments, including grants, contracts, and partnerships.
• Ability to maintain credibility with funders, partners, and stakeholders.
• Experience supporting income diversification and organisational sustainability.

Cultural competency & values

• Strong understanding of racial justice, community development, and the experiences of African Diaspora communities in the UK.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community empowerment.
• Ability to lead with clarity, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness.

Operational, financial & compliance

• Experience overseeing organisational finances, risk management, and compliance frameworks.
• Strong understanding of performance reporting, data, and evaluation.
• Familiarity with safeguarding and quality assurance in community or social impact settings.

Additional Information

This is an interim leadership role with a clearly defined mandate to reinforce the organisations foundations, embed change, and strengthen operational effectiveness.

The focus of the role is on delivery rather than strategy development, and on ensuring that existing plans are implemented in a structured, consistent, and sustainable way.

As such, we are seeking someone who can work at pace, make decisions, and bring clarity and direction, while supporting the organisation through a period of transition.

A visible and consistent presence at Wolves Lane is essential to support leadership alignment, team cohesion, and organisational effectiveness.

This role involves responsibility for socially impactful and occasionally emotionally demanding work. A commitment to wellbeing, reflective leadership, and resilience is essential.

This job description may evolve as Ubele continues its organisational development.

Fundraiser (part time)

£18.10 per hour | 15 hours per week | 12‑month fixed‑term contract 

Working pattern: 

• Two office‑based days between 9.00am–2.00pm (days to be agreed), one hybrid day 

• Occasional out‑of‑hours work may be required

Canterbury Food Bank - one of the largest charities of its kind in the UK - is recruiting a Fundraiser 

You will be part of a team helping to deliver food which makes more than 135,000 meals a year for people living in the district who are struggling. We have 200 volunteers and nine part-time staff who work daily towards this aim.

As our fundraiser, you will play a crucial role in securing funding and building relationships for our charity through compelling bid and grant applications. You will collaborate closely with various teams to gather information and translate our charitable initiatives into persuasive narratives that resonate with funders. This new role offers a unique opportunity to make a direct contribution to our core mission, caring for local people in crisis.

This post will contribute to Canterbury Food Bank being able to deliver its core objective of “supporting local individuals and families in financial crisis by providing emergency food”. 

Your covering letter is an important part of your application and will be used alongside your CV to shortlist candidates for interview. 

Please use your letter to clearly show how you meet the requirements in the job description. 

We encourage you to provide specific examples from your experience that shows your skills and achievements. 

We are unable to make assumptions about your experiencer or abilities, so it is important that you give clear evidence of how you meet the criteria within your application.

This is your opportunity to tell us why you are the best fit for the role and how your experience aligns with the charity.

Closing date is Monday 11 May 2026. Interviews will be held shortly after this date.