Chief of staff jobs

Finance Manager Job Description

Brent Mencap has been passionate about a healthier and fairer Brent since 1979. We’ve developed and run successful housing, employment, health, advice, wellbeing and self-advocacy services. During austerity and Covid we diversified, successfully taking on NHS work with people with long-term health conditions. We provide social prescribing support and health and wellbeing coaching to patients for Brent GPs. In 2024-25 we helped over 18000 people. We’re a leading partner on the Brent Health Educators Programme.

Our income has substantially  increased from £382k in 19/20 to £1.71 million in 23-24. We’ve had to adapt quickly, developing and retaining a much larger staff group, using our data better and improving our marketing.

Brent Mencap offers fantastic free creative and wellbeing activities for people with a learning disability, autism and long-term health conditions. These have flourished since Covid. People love yoga, poetry, singing, gardening, Breathe and Move, self-advocacy, campaigning, awareness raising, CREATE art activities for young people, external trips and parties. Small grants, donations and our reserves fund this while we get longer term funding. Our self-advocates want us to focus on paid employment, youth services and making Brent Council use accessible information properly.

Our current finance manager has been pivotal to Brent Mencap’s recent growth, adapting to paying more people, dealing with complicated invoices, making sure we get paid promptly, being as diligent about a project budget worth 5k as our overall budget and supportive with staff  wage queries. While there is lots of data input, reconciling, processing purchase orders, the role involves real involvement in project development, monitoring with other managers and face-to-face involvement with users and staff. It’s never boring and definitely not for the faint hearted!!

As Finance Manager for Brent Mencap, you will have a key leadership position. You will be responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of our finances, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements while ensuring our services are sustainable through sound financial planning. You will work closely with the Executive Director and Trustee Board to provide accurate insights and projections that support long-term growth and resilience.

You will play a pivotal role in reviewing and maintaining our robust finance and administrative system and procedures, managing risks and ensuring our charity finances can support delivery of our mission. You will also contribute to the development of funding applications, tenders, and financial strategies. You will play a key role in supporting funding applications, demonstrating impact through financial reporting, and building processes that enable future growth.

This post is:

• subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure

• subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. It will be necessary for a disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and barring Service for details of any previous criminal convictions.

• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK

• Please note our office base is on the first floor of a Victorian building

To be shortlisted,

· Candidates must fully complete our application form, and show clearly how their previous experience and knowledge meets all aspects of the person specification with examples given of actual actions/experience relating to the person specification. Please go to our website to complete the application by 9.00am on 28th August. We do not accept CVs

Interview details

· A 2-part Interview with senior staff will take place at Brent Mencap on Monday 8th or 15th  September 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be given a paper-based scenario to complete and print at Brent Mencap before the interview

· We anticipate the interviews will take 2.0 hours with a 15-minute break  between scenario and actual interview.

The INSPIRE Foundation, a charity whose objective is to promote research into the development of practical systems for people with damage to the spinal cord by the use of the latest advances in electronic, mechanical, and medical technology.

JOB PURPOSE

The Director is involved in every aspect of the running of INSPIRE, which includes raising funding from a variety of sources, formulating a winning strategy to grow INSPIRE, husbanding resources in the most effective and efficient manner and leading a small staff in their support roles.

SCOPE OF THE JOB

As Director, you will have a large amount of freedom to drive change, grow the charity, set the strategic vision going forwards and use your talents and leadership to ensure INSPIRE thrives. You are to ensure the charity has sufficient funds to cover all routine day-to-day expenses, to pay invoices quarterly for current projects and to plan for taking on medical research projects which are vetted by the National Science Committee (NSC) and agreed by the Board of Trustees. You will be actively supported by a Board of Trustees, to whom you report in your role as Director.

You should be qualified to degree level, ideally with an MBA or an equivalent business qualification. Some knowledge of spinal cord injury and its effects on an individual or of disability more broadly would be advantageous, as well as having a proven fundraising background from working in the 3rd Sector. The ideal candidate will have the following skills:

• Financial management or accountancy knowledge

• A high level of written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent inter-personal skills and the ability to interact with people from all backgrounds

• Standard keyboard skills including the ability to summarise meetings succinctly and clearly

INSPIRE is based in offices at Salisbury Hospital, Wiltshire and you will have a small, dynamic team to help and advise you as you settle into the role.

Job Title: Young Person's Advocate

Location: The GAIA Centre (Lambeth, London)
Salary: £28,857.12 per per annum
Contract type: Full time, Permanent 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Young People’s Advocate. Suitable candidates must be experienced in advocating in a multi-agency setting to secure positive life outcomes for your clients and to making the service a success.  A Safe Lives qualification is desirable.

You will be self-sufficient, assertive and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills combined with empathy and sensitivity to build and develop supportive relationships with young people. You will maintain professional boundaries and adhere fully to Refuge’s safeguarding policies and procedures.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 6 August 2025

Interview Date: 13 August 2025

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services, and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development.

Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.

Are you passionate about people with lived experience of the justice system being at the forefront of its ongoing design and improvement? Do you want to play a pivotal role in successfully promoting and raising funds for our charity that puts lived experience front and centre of its leadership, operations and influencing work?

User Voice is a pioneering charity that works with people with convictions to support and develop their confidence, skills and mindsets. They then deliver our programmes to many more people who are impacted by the criminal justice system.

80% of our staff have convictions, meaning we’ve been there – in court, in prison, or on probation – we own our own pasts, so we understand the challenges first hand and use our own lived expertise to inform everything we do.

This exciting role will involve coordinating communications to promote our work and engage stakeholders, and assisting in the development and implementation of plans to secure financial support for the charity, by aligning fundraising and communication strategies.

Vision North Somerset is the leading charity supporting people affected by sight and hearing loss in North Somerset through a wide range of tailored services and support. We are proud of the wide range of services delivered by our small, dedicated team and fantastic volunteers.

If you thrive where you have clarity of purpose, produce your best work when working in a supportive, collaborative environment and are motivated by seeing how your contribution makes a positive impact on the lives of people affected by sight and hearing loss, you could be just who we are looking for!!

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Operations Manager to join our successful and experienced team.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

We seek to raise standards of care through our numerous campaigns and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers, who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch

The RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The main activity of our branch is specialised in the rehoming of small animals including cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs and hamsters. The animals come into our care from various sources such as those which are rescued, abandoned, neglected or given up by their owners. Each animal is medically and characteristically assessed to ensure it is fit and well before being available for rehoming. This all costs money, and could not be achieved without your support. 

Job Summary

This role is responsible for the development, implementation and operation of appropriate financial and business management tools to support the day-to-day business and financial administration of the Branch.

Reporting to and working closely with the Chief Executive Office (CEO), you will be expected to make use of the full capability of the Branch’s existing software systems (Google Workspace, and Quick Books) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery and develop management information to aid the Trustees & CEO in decision making.

You will be responsible for all financial management across the charity. This includes bookkeeping; financial statements; financial planning; financial policies, processes and controls and budgeting. 

You must ensure that all activities are carried out in compliance with current legislation, Branch and Society policy, relevant Health & Safety regulations and any associated statutory or legislative requirements.

Note: Branch targets and budgets are agreed on an annual basis and these will inform the personal targets agreed at the annual performance review. Progress towards personal targets will be reviewed at regular one-to-one meetings with your line manager.

This role is home based, with occasional travel across South Bucks.

Principal Accountabilities

Financial Management & Operations

• Support the CEO as a key strategic and operational partner, acting as second-in-command and deputising in their absence where appropriate.

• Maintain all financial records and accounting systems (the Branch currently uses Quick Books accounting software), registers and statistics as required by the CEO & Branch Trustees.

• Work with the CEO and Branch Trustees to develop financial plans and an annual financial budget.

• Maintain close oversight of the branch’s budget in collaboration with the CEO, proactively identifying and addressing any discrepancies, overspend, or unplanned financial activity to ensure effective financial control and informed decision-making.

• Process, monitor, record and manage all receipts & payments to/from the Branch in accordance with the agreed procedures and in liaison with the appropriate staff and volunteers including weekly banking, cash handling, invoice creation and processing, Branch payments (including those made via credit cards and petty cash) and account reconciliation.

• Monitor, review and reconcile monthly receipts & payments on the Quick Books accounting system.

• Produce monthly management accounts which include bank reconciliations, balance sheets, Branch/departmental profit & loss statements, departmental comparisons and performance against budget and such other financial reports/management information as may be required including monthly reporting to the board of trustees.

• Coordinate bank accounts across the charity, including set-up and balance management.

• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns.

• Prepare annual financial statements and coordination of annual audit review.

• Support the staff and volunteers with day-to-day financial operations and ensuring departmental financial records are maintained and that monies received or expended are accounted for correctly.

• Work with the RSPCA Society National team regarding legacies, submission of care contribution funds, renewals of insurances etc.

• Ensure that strict protocols are followed for cash handling and that unbanked cash remains within the insured limit for cash held at each premises.

• Liaise with the Branch’s payroll provider to ensure staff hours are submitted and salary payments processed on a monthly basis and within the appropriate timescale.

• Process all staff and volunteer expenses in a timely manner.

• Manage all bookkeeping processes and functions, including the asset register, ensuring annual accounts are produced no later than the end of March each year.

• Develop, implement and maintain appropriate financial administrative procedures and processes.

Business Administration

• Responsible for day-to-day financial administrative support for the CEO and Trustees.

• Ensure that all administrative paperwork, including external correspondence is processed in accordance with Branch and Society procedures, including completion of all appropriate records for insurance and risk management purposes.

• Ensure financial data processing, retention and destruction conforms to the relevant policies such as GDPR.

• Ensure regulatory and legislative compliance of financial charity policies.

• Work closely with relevant operational staff to ensure appropriate responses are issued to all enquiries whether from members, supporters & volunteers, RSPCA colleagues or the general public.

• Liaise with staff and volunteers to facilitate the ordering of materials, supplies and equipment for the effective operation of the Branch, ensuring budgetary controls are maintained at all times.

• Work with the CEO and other staff to manage relevant licences, vendor relationships, service agreements and invoicing.

• Work with staff and volunteers across the whole charity on financial processes and controls.

Fundraising & Donations

• Identify, assess, and apply for appropriate grants and funding streams to maximise income for the branch, ensuring applications are timely, well-prepared, and aligned with funder criteria to support the branch’s strategic and operational objectives.

• Ensure that all donations (financial or otherwise) are acknowledged in a timely manner, receipts are issued for financial donations and the banking of all funds raised.

• Responsible for the accurate recording and banking of the funds raised.

• Develop, and manage relationships across relevant stakeholder groups, both within and outside the charity.

Gift Aid

• Ownership of the Gift Aid process.

General

• Attend meetings and training courses as required.

• Undertake such other duties as directed from time-to-time by your line manager.

Essential skills, qualifications and experience:

• A finance qualification or working towards level 3 AAT or ACCA with proven experience in charity financial operations.

• Good general level of education.

• Strong experience in financial reporting, budgeting and compliance.

• Demonstrable experience of managing small to medium size budgets (circa £400,000) & accounting systems (ideally with experience of Quick Books software).

• Proven experience of cash handling and financial management procedures. 

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Proven ability to work to tight deadlines, be proactive and work autonomously.

• Proven IT literacy including use of business software and accounting packages (including Quickbooks), and Google Workspace.

• Strong numeracy and analytical skills.

• Experience supporting audits and implementing robust financial controls.

• Knowledge of Charity and Company Law.

• Proven ability to work under direction from superiors but equally able to use their own initiative.

• Proven ability to prioritise workload and meet tight deadlines.

• Proven ability to complete essential management paperwork and analyse data.

• Personable and with an open, positive approach to new ideas coupled with drive and enthusiasm.

• A flexible and collaborative approach to colleagues both staff and volunteers.

• Honest, trustworthy and reliable.

• A calm and friendly approach particularly when working under pressure.

• Sympathy for animal welfare and the work of the RSPCA.

• Full valid UK driving licence.

• Willing and able to travel around the Branch area on occasions.

Desirable skills, qualifications and experience:

• Experience of management & leadership.

• Training, coaching & mentoring skills.

• Experience of working with the general public and/or in a customer care environment.

• Experience of managing change in the workplace.

• Experience of managing small projects.

• Good basic knowledge of employment law.

• Knowledge of data protection requirements.

• Willingness to learn and acquire new skills through training.

We promote an inclusive working environment in which diversity is recognised, valued, and encouraged. We acknowledge the multi-cultural and diverse nature of the UK workforce and society in general. We are committed to principles of fairness and mutual respect where everyone accepts the concept of individual responsibility. 

Carers First is a charity that works directly with, and for unpaid carers, providing personalised information, advice and tailored support making it easier for those caring for someone else to continue living their lives to the fullest.

We have a committed, dedicated staff team and you could be just the person we are looking for to join us to make that valuable difference in carer’s lives. We live and work through our values in all that we achieve by being positive, collaborative and ambitious and we have clear plans to scale our reach, support and impact for carers.

About this role

As a Director of Income and Engagement your responsibilities would include: -

• Lead, inspire and manage an integrated Income, Data and Communications Team to diversify and increase income to reach and engage more carers.

• Drive a substantial increase in voluntary income and the charity’s supporter base.

• Lead on communications and campaigns to support delivery of the charity’s strategy. 

• Take an active role as a member of Carers First Leadership Team to shape and implement the charity’s strategy and unlock the whole organisation’s potential.

About you

To be successful in this role you will need -

• Experience in strategic planning with an ability to produce and deliver creative and impactful income generation and communications plans with targets and measures. 

• Demonstrable achievements in planning and delivering significant income growth within a charity, from a diverse range of sources, including trusts and foundations, community fundraising, individual giving, major donors, legacies and corporate partnerships.

• Demonstrable experience in writing compelling, robust and evidence-based proposals and cases for support for funders. 

• Extensive experience of planning and delivering national and local communications/marketing tailored to key audiences, across multiple channels, to increase reach and engagement with key audiences. 

We are looking for passionate people who are committed to the overall aims and objectives of the Charity. Carers First is committed to providing a supportive, vibrant, diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Carers First can offer you 

In return for your contribution, we have an amazing package of staff benefits including 26 days annual leave entitlement which increases with length of service, flexible working options, paid carers leave, access to our work-place pension, staff discount scheme, employee assistance programme and a Benenden Healthcare package.  Whatever you are aiming to achieve in your career, we are here to encourage, help and support you grow, through our excellent training and development programmes. 

How to apply

To apply for our exciting opportunity and make a real difference to the lives of carers, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application. Appointments are subject to Carers First receiving an appropriate disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service that we consider acceptable. 

Interview process 

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 8 August 2025. There will be a two-stage process.

Candidates who have fully evidenced they meet the requirements of the Personal Specification to a satisfactory standard will be long-listed and invited to Stage 1. 

Stage 1: Informal online meeting with the Chief Executive to discuss their application. Please note that applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis and therefore it would be helpful to make an early application. 

Following the informal meeting, candidates will be short-listed and successful candidates will be invited to Stage 2: 

Stage 2: Week commencing 18 August 2025 - formal face-to-face interview in London.  As part of the formal interview, candidates will be asked to give a presentation, and details will be provided in advance. 

Carers First is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Positive      Collaborative      Ambitious

Are you interested in being part of a team making a tangible difference in Norfolk? Can you harness technology, data, and communication strategies to amplify community impact? Do you have experience in CRM, data analytics, and systems optimisation? If so, you might just have found your dream job.

This new role is pivotal to Norfolk Community Foundation’s desire to harness technology, data, and communication strategies to amplify community impact.

About the role

The Head of Digital Transformation and data strategy reports to the Director of Finance and Operations and is part of the Senior Management Team working closely with the Chief Executive.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Modernising systems and workflows to enhance organisational efficiency and resilience.
• Leveraging data insights to inform strategic decisions.
• Strengthening digital communications for stakeholder engagement.
• Driving responsible innovation, including AI and automation, to improve efficiency and impact.

About you

We are looking for someone with a strong track record in strategic leadership and digital transformation, who can confidently set a vision and drive innovation across an organisation. You will be experienced in managing CRM systems (particularly Salesforce), data analytics, and optimising systems to improve performance and efficiency.

You will have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex data into meaningful insights and actions. A deep understanding of cybersecurity, GDPR, data governance, and risk management is essential, as is a forward-thinking approach to emerging technologies, including AI and automation. This is a fast-paced role that requires initiative, adaptability, and a passion for continuous improvement.

What can we offer you?

We have a range of benefits that we offer our staff, including:

• 25 days holiday (pro rata) plus bank holidays.
• Up to 3 ‘Development Days’ a year to pursue passions, volunteering or learn new skills.
• Flexible working options available.
• A health and wellbeing plan, providing money back on optical, dental, physiotherapy and more, access to advice and support, and discounts and rewards from hundreds of leading retailers, restaurants and destinations.
• Pension scheme.
• Death in service cover.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Visits to see the impact of the difference the Foundation is helping to make happen.

Who are the Norfolk Community Foundation?

We are a local charity with a clear vision of strengthening communities from the bottom up to make Norfolk a vibrant and fairer place to live. Working in partnership with local charities and community groups by providing them with funding, leadership and guidance, we help to inspire local people and those with an interest in Norfolk to give funds, time and resources to support their communities.

About the role

This is a fixed-term opportunity for an experienced Charity Shop Manager to join our team at our Exeter-based charity.

This new role will combine providing support and/or absence cover to our existing shops, along with getting involved in other opportunities for growth and development across the retail team (e.g. volunteering). Working in the shops may involve working to support the shop manager, or stepping in for them at short notice (and quickly getting to grips with their shop, processes, staff, volunteers and customers). This will be balanced according to business needs.

The nature of this role means that you will need to be capable of both leading or being part of a team consisting of shop assistants and volunteers.

There will also be times when you will be working on your own or with our Head of Retail and Enterprise at our Exeter base. The most important thing is that you will be helping us to achieve and exceed business targets for sales, growth and profits.

You will be based either at one of our charity shops, or at our main base in Exeter (to be discussed at interview).

About you

We’re looking for someone with prior management experience in charity retail, and demonstrable knowledge of the sector and its challenges. You will be self-motivated, commercially aware with a creative eye for displays, and constantly seeking new business opportunities. You will be comfortable with both acting as shop manager, and supporting the existing shop team, depending on the situation.

You will have excellent interpersonal, communication and customer care skills and be a person who motivates their team and creates a safe and energetic working environment.

There is a need to travel to different shops in Exeter and East Devon (depending on business needs) so a driving licence and willingness to drive InFocus vehicles is important.

As an Executive Assistant (EA) based in the Headquarters of Care after Combat, your role will be busy and dynamic and will include working with the whole team and across all aspects of Care after Combat’s business. You will work to the CEO but will also support the Management Team (Deputy CEO/Operations Lead, Deputy Operations Lead). You will be the focal point for HR, Policy & Plans, and Communications. You will be the Office Manager at the Headquarters. You will also be allocated Change Management tasks as required and will be involved in overseeing the arrangement and execution of charitable Fundraising Events.

You will be supported in your role by the CEO (your Line Manager), the Management Team, Finance Manager, Senior Administrative Officer, the Administrative Assistant, and the wider Care after Combat Team.

You will be enthusiastic, enjoy working on a variety of tasks, and motivated to deliver tangible outcomes. You’ll be a good team-player who is conscientious, well organised, and has excellent written and communication skills.

Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Responsible for: Executive Administration, HR, Policy & Plans, Communications, Change Management & Office Management

Location: Newark-on-Trent

Closing Date: 3rd August 2025

Duties can include but will not be limited to:

• Executive support to Trustees of Care after Combat, providing secretarial function to board meetings and tasks associated with governance of the charity.
• Close working with the CEO and Management Team, providing executive administration support as required
• Confidently and competently liaise with partners and other organisations at a high level, on behalf of the Trustees, CEO and Management Team
• Produce high quality staff work and briefing packs to support both internal and external business at Trustee, CEO and Management Team level
• Provide a secretarial function to Management Team meetings and other meetings as required
• Be the HR focal point for all staff, maintaining confidential electronic HR records within an approved repository, including (but not limited to):

-Ensuring that the appropriate recruitment & employment documents are generated and logged as required and reviewed when necessary

-Liaising with the Finance Manager as required regarding pay

-Co-ordinating Supervision activity and associated records when due

-Collating and co-ordinating leave records

-Overseeing DBS administration – manage applications, ID verification and submissions, collate, check, and file certificates

• Generate and maintain an up-to-date suite of Policies and Plans that are required to be in place, ensuring that staff are aware of, and positively acknowledge, all policies and changes to policies
• Be the custodian of the Business Continuity Plan
• Be the owner of the Communications Plan
• Be the primary conduit for the posting of Website and Social Media content
• Maintain oversight of emails received via the official Care after Combat ‘enquiries’ email address.
• Co-ordinate the Official Helpline out-of-hours coverage rota
• Manage all aspects of the HQ office including liaising with landlords and / or support contractors, as required, to rectify any infrastructure or equipment issues
• Ensuring that, between EA, SAO and AA, there is always an office presence during working hours, excluding main holiday periods
• Change Management tasks as required
• Overseeing the arrangement and execution of Care after Combat fundraising events.
• Represent Care after Combat as required and always work in line with the identified aims, values and plans of the charity
• Additionally, for Business Continuity purposes, the EA will occasionally cross-cover the SAO duties
• Other duties that are relevant to the EA role may be assigned by the CEO.

Person Specification

Qualifications:

• Employment rights to live and work in the UK.·
• Have a full driving license

Experience/ Knowledge:

Essential

• Previous office, administrative and organisational experience, preferably at an Executive level.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and grades.
• Excellent analysis, analytical and innovative technical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience of preparing high quality reports.
• An understanding of working with clients involved in the Justice System

Desirable

• Previous experience as an Executive Assistant or similar within a charity.

Skills:

Essential

• Efficient typist with excellent IT skills including excellent working knowledge of Microsoft 365
• Experience of, or relevant skills to evidence confidence in, managing Executive function and administrative tasks
• Excellent interpersonal skills: ability to network and communicate effectively with relevant outside agencies.
• Able to accept responsibility and to respond confidently and calmly when managing a very demanding workload.
• Able to work on own initiative, self-motivate and progress own work to deadlines once guidelines have been set.

Desirable

• Previous use of Canva and Salesforce.
• Knowledge of Charity Commission and Companies House regulations and guidelines.

Values:

• Approachable, cooperative, and respectful of others.
• Dynamic and pro-active with a strong commitment to team working.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and application of independent thinking.
• Trustworthy, honest, ability to work automatously, take responsibility and demonstrates integrity.
• Ensure that the level of service provided is to the highest quality standards.

Working Conditions

Care after Combat takes the safety of its staff and volunteers seriously. A lone-working policy is in place to cover office staff.

This role will be subject to a full enhanced DBS check.

Hours: 37.5 Hours Monday to Friday.

Advert closes: 3rd August 2025

No contact from external recruitment agencies please.

We reserve the right to close this job posting early if the required number of applications has been reached.

We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic retail professional to lead our extensive operation and experienced teams. You will drive performance, develop managers and nuture our growing volunteer base.

Some of the key responsibilities are:

• Use a commercially focused approach to continually maximise opportunities and drive income.
• To significantly grow and develop the online retail offer.
• To provide leadership, direction and coaching to a large team of staff.
• Ability to travel independently across Coventry and Warwickshire.
• Weekend working on a routine basis and able to respond to out of hours emergencies.

Essential criteria include:

• Full driving licence and access to own transport for work purposes.

Sitting within the Chief Executive’s Office, this new position of Internal Communications and Team Executive, will play a key role in delivering high-quality internal communications across ARUK. The Internal Communications Team exists to ensure every employee feels valued, included and informed. We are facilitators, ensuring employees have the tools they need to feel heard and empowered to engage authentically within the organisation, leading us closer to a cure.

Reporting to the Senior Internal Communications Officer, they will be a key member of the Chief Executive Office Team. They will also provide administrative support to the team, the Director of Strategy and Governance and our Board of Trustees to carry out their roles efficiently and to support delivery of ARUK’s strategy and CEO office team objectives.

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

Internal Communications

· Manage monthly intranet metrics and reporting.

· Support teams on Internal Communications events, including the all-employee away day, annual picnics, Monthly Coffee Mornings, Board/Trustee activity, and other relevant areas.

· Work as part of the Internal Communications Team to deliver regular CEO Comms.

· Support the wider CEO Office Team with their internal communications needs.

Strategy and Governance

· Work with the Director of Strategy and Governance to provide support on key priority projects relating to strategy delivery and internal communications.

· Provide administrative and logistical support for our annual planning and budgeting process.

· Support the team with the logistics and organisation around Board meetings.

Administrative and Team support

· Learn how to use/and be proactive in using the organisation's CRM system (Salesforce) to record key activity for the CEO Office Team.

· Help arrange and service CEO Office team activities throughout the year, including team meetings, away days and development opportunities.

· Support the Executive Support team in providing administrative support to the Chief Executive and other Directors as required, including completing expenses, arranging travel and booking meeting rooms.

What we are looking for:

· Proven work experience in a similar role

· Comfortable using Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel) and willing to learn new tools (e.g. intranet)

· Experience working with different people and working styles.

· Strong administrative experience and attention to detail

· Ability to liaise and communicate with staff at all levels

· Strong inter-personal skills, with an ability to build and maintain relationships, trust, empathy at all levels.

· Excellent listening skills, demonstrating flexibility, curiosity and a willingness to learn.

· Excellent organisation and time management skills.

· Strong team player who can work both independently and collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a high attention to detail.

· Strong ethical standards and a high level of personal integrity.

· Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality at all times.

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £26,000 per annum, plus benefits.

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 3rd August 2024, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.  Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website.

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure. 

In 2024, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement. This is the second consecutive time; we have been awarded a Best Companies 3-star accreditation.

We were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:

· 18th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.

· 10th in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.

· 2nd in the 30 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.

ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference. 

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

BACKGROUND
Over the past 90 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster.

The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.

IRC UK
IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England.

In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm.

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

The External Relations (ER) unit comprises four complementary functions: Private Fundraising, Marketing & Mobilization, Policy & Advocacy and Operations & Analytics. To enable IRC to deliver our Strategy100 commitments, the ER unit established a bold new approach that enhances our ability to raise diverse and flexible funding aligned with IRC’s top priorities, while raising our profile and influence. The ER unit is international, with colleagues in more than 10 offices globally.

The Purpose of the Role

As Director of Communications, UK, you lead IRC UK’s core communications strategy with the objectives of growing our profile, influencing policy, driving income, and building our reputation. This is done by taking a strategic approach to generating effective messaging for cross-team use, creatively collaborating to produce cut-through external products across media and digital channels, and generating top tier media coverage in collaboration with communications, advocacy and fundraising colleagues globally. In this role you will be expected to use expert judgment to manage IRC UK’s reputation, as well as ensure media and digital outputs protect clients, staff and programming from harm. 

The Director will report to the UK Executive Director and the Acting Senior Director of Global Public Affairs. The Director will collaborate closely with the Director for Digital Engagement, UK Advocacy Director, and the Director of UK Mass Markets to meet the organization’s strategic objectives surrounding profile, income and influence.

Scope and Authority

Authority:

●The role holder sets strategic direction for UK communications, with a focus on earned media, public advocacy and organic digital.

●The role oversees the UK comms operational budget, with access to the Global External Relations budget.

●The role has the authority to brief journalists with agreed messaging and act as spokesperson for the organisation.

●The Director will line manage the communications team and other positions when required.

●The role is a key member of the UK Senior Management Team, with collective responsibility for the leadership, culture and efficacy of IRC UK.

Key Working Relationships

●Reports to the UK Executive Director and Acting Senior Director Global Public Affairs & Communications.

●Close collaboration with External Relations staff in the UK, US and globally, including Policy and Advocacy, Mass Markets, Fundraising, Awards Management, Digital Engagement, Entertainment Relations, Creative Studio, and Experiential Marketing.

●Works closely with key country directors, country programme staff and technical unit colleagues.

●Supports policy staff in the IRC President’s Office on key UK messages and policy initiatives involving the IRC President.

●Works closely with counterparts in NGOs and donors particularly FCDO and the DEC.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic Direction

●Raise IRC UK's profile, income, influence and brand in the UK market by developing and delivering a 360 comprehensive communications & marketing strategy that reaches target audiences, attracts new supporters, and connects supporters with IRC clients.

●Partner with global external relations leadership to set Key Performance Indicators for achieving the strategy, and drive and monitor progress towards them with the support of your team.

●Contribute to the development and delivery of the UK Strategic Plan.

Team Management & Stakeholder engagement

●Manage a team of communications professionals, setting objectives, portfolio scope, and partnering on professional development opportunities

●Drive creative insights and strategic thinking within the UK comms team and influence / maximize policy, advocacy and fundraising outputs and results

●Lead strategic communications planning to maximize opportunities of partnering with income and influence objectives and outputs

●Ensure the UK Communications Team are clear on systems, processes and organization to drive efficiency and team productivity

●Review team performance quarterly and present on results to global stakeholders

●As a member of the UK Senior Management Team (UK SMT) support the UK Executive Director in the creation and delivery of IRC UK strategies and priorities, foster cohesion and collaboration among UK based departments, representing the needs and objectives of the team in the UK SMT and UK office.

Execution: Driving IRC profile, influence and income; and protecting the reputation of the IRC

●Work alongside global communications colleagues, Policy & Advocacy colleagues, Digital Engagement and UK Fundraisers to develop appropriate messaging on key proactive and reactive issue areas across the scope of IRC’s work.

●Plan and identify key moments of opportunity for IRC UK Communications according to internal and external landscape and timetables.

●Ensure pro/reactive message accuracy and cut through calls to action that engage audiences for proactive campaigns and news cycle opportunities.

●Develop, commission and drive creative cut-through tactics and products, from revealing IRC research and analysis to emergency media briefings.

●Secure top tier media coverage of IRC’s work, solutions and innovation, balancing mentions with long-form/features and profiles.

●Influence and shape key media and digital narratives around IRC UK priority issues.

●Oversee strategic media opportunities by commissioning, writing, editing and disseminating messaging for multi-channel use includingpress-releases, op-eds, statements, web and social content to secure coverage of the IRC in the UK across print, broadcast and online media.

●Work with global communications colleagues and country office staff to create strong, persuasive and impactful outputs, and to arrange interviews and media visits to frontline work.

●Act as a spokesperson for the organization in the media as needed.

●Liaise closely with Fundraising teams to collaborate on timely messaging, client-centered storytelling, digital outputs, and media coverage to bring in donations to the IRC during emergencies and other fundraising appeals.

●Manage the communications component of IRC UK’s relationship with the DEC and lead communications on DEC appeals.

●Use expert judgment to ensure the IRC’s brand is protected and to develop and enact strategies to enhance IRC’s reputation, as well as ensure media outputs protect clients, staff and programming from harm.

●Ensure coordinated and topical messaging across media outreach and digital channels.

●Establish close relationships with press counterparts within statutory donor organizations that lead to opportunities to promote IRC in the media.

●Leverage IRC’s President and CEO, and UK Executive Director to grow our profile in the UK, through proposing and implementing op-eds, interviews and other media activities.

●Support, prepare and coach staff, spokespeople and board members for media interviews and visits; and provide guidance across the organisation to dealing with media.

●Build expertise on current and potential issues in the humanitarian NGO arena via research and monitoring of national media and competitors and in liaison with global colleagues.

●Work with the global media colleagues to ensure that IRC has a system for managing media enquiries at all times, as needed.

●Responsible for reporting to the IRCUK board, subcommittees and Executive Director on press activity, trends and upcoming opportunities.

●Responsibility for the budget oversight, tracking & administration as well as ensuring adherence to financial processes

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience

●**Track record in creating, driving and evaluating a 360-degree communications and marketing strategy that focuses on media, digital and enabling income.**

●**Experience leading and managing media and digital teams.** 

●Experience navigating and influencing within large matrixed organizations.

●Extensive experience of developing key messages and implementing media strategies with an international, and ideally humanitarian or development focus.

●**Experience of conducting media relations and communications opportunities in developing countries and sensitive contexts.

●Experience of organising international media visits to projects in order to facilitate reporting on key issues.**

●**Experience responding to reputational threats.**

●**Experience leading a digital communications team that delivers breakthrough digital content

●Experience/knowledge of tools for monitoring media coverage and digital results.**

●Experience of dealing with media enquiries into crisis and sensitive issues.

●Experience of acting as a spokesperson for an organisation.

●Experience managing a budget, ensuring timely payment and adherence to finance protocol

Skills and Knowledge

●Creative thinker who can identify opportunities and collaborate internally to produce external products that cut through media and digital and meet strategic IRC UK objectives.

●Strong communication and interpersonal skills: ability to communicate effectively with colleagues both in the UK and overseas and manage working relationships diplomatically.

●Excellent eye to detail and commitment to high speed and high quality writing and editing

●Strong understanding of marketing and how communications intersect with income generation, and influencing

●Strong organisational and time management skills: ability to prioritise team’s work, and multi-task in a fast-paced work setting.

●Good knowledge of UK and international media landscape and news cycle

●Good instinct for digital marketing and digital environment

●Good contacts with key UK journalists and media outlets, and knowledge and ability to develop relationships quickly.

●Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills; adept at writing clean, engaging, jargon-free copy for a range of channels.

●Ability to represent IRC-UK and the wider IRC professionally and appropriately at all times.

●Knowledge/interest in international affairs, particularly of conflict and humanitarian crises and issues.

●Knowledge of key political debates in the UK around international development and aid.

●Flexibility as regards working hours, as the need arises.

●Willingness to travel occasionally to conflict areas.

●Fluency in English, spoken and written.

Role: Full-time* Trust & Foundations Manager

Salary: £37,000 - £40,000 dependent on experience

Location: Remote, with occasional travel to Edinburgh or London

This position is full-time; however, for the right candidate, we would consider a four-day working week (or equivalent reduced hours) at the full salary rate, depending on the demonstration of exceptional relevant experience. 

ABOUT US

School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is an education charity that exists to empower and support young people living in complex and challenging circumstances. We use rugby to foster an environment of genuine acceptance, where the sport becomes a platform for participants to improve their confidence, communication skills, commitment, self-control, and ability to work effectively within a team. Through group learning and one-to-one mentoring, SOHK helps young people (re)engage with education and safeguard their wellbeing.

Ninety percent of our participants report feeling more confident and more engaged with school after taking part - with long-term effects on attendance, attainment, and life outcomes. Find out more about our Schools Programme here.

SOHK is at a new and exciting stage of development. Having delivered its programmes to thousands of adults and young people over the past 13 years, in 2024 we chose to focus solely on working in schools. This shift responds to a dramatic rise in need among young people in the UK, many of whom are struggling to navigate adolescence amid rising poverty, a mental health crisis, and increasing isolation.

We plan to double the number of young people engaging with our programmes over the next five years. We are also making significant investments in our impact function, to better understand how we can maximise the benefits for participants and attract more attention and investment to social and emotional learning (SEL) interventions.

Our Mission:

To empower young people to fully realise their potential.

Our Vision:

A society in which every young person has an equal opportunity to succeed. 

OVERVIEW

The Trusts & Foundations Manager will play a central role in shaping SOHK’s future growth. They will lead on major grant applications, support targeted bids aligned with regional delivery, and manage relationships with existing charitable funders.

Around one-third of SOHK’s £1.5 million income currently comes from grants, with active partnerships including major funders such as the Garfield Weston Foundation and Impetus. Sustaining and growing this income will require proactive research, strategic outreach, and a highly organised, detail-focused approach to both applications and stewardship.

The role works closely with the CEO, who is committed to leveraging their time and networks to support fundraising success. The post-holder will also collaborate with Regional Directors and other fundraising colleagues, while enjoying a high level of autonomy and contributing to the long-term direction of SOHK’s Trusts & Foundations strategy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Develop and submit high-quality funding proposals, including applications for six-figure and multi-year grants, by meeting appropriate deadlines and tailoring applications so they appeal to different funder priorities
• Manage and develop a strong pipeline of Trust & Foundations funders for future years, including researching and prospecting new leads through active outreach
• Work with the CEO, Regional Directors and overall fundraising team to identify key funding priorities and strategically deploying the capacity available
• Develop and keep the fundraising CRM updated as a central source of trusts and foundations knowledge, clearly identifying funding gaps and adjusting targets
• Strengthen existing funding partnerships through warm stewardship and efficient grant reporting, maximising the charity’s chances of repeat funding
• Build upon the organisational strategy for scaling trusts & foundations income

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Demonstrable track record in leading on successful medium and major grant applications, including six-figure and multi-year grants
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, able to present a compelling case for support to a variety of funders
• Comfortable in understanding and presenting financial information and in creating budgets for grant applications
• Experience with CRM/fundraising databases for tracking applications, deadlines, and relationship management
• Highly organised and proactive, used to taking the lead on managing a large volume of potential grants in line with the submission dates
• Confident in liaising and engaging with external organisations, including building new relationships with potential funders who are invite-only
• Enjoy working across different teams within an organisation, bringing in new perspectives and utilising the assets and expertise of current staff for fundraising purposes
• Growth mindset, always ready to accept new challenges and opportunities to develop funding strategies.
• Genuinely buy into the SOHK mission, purpose and values

Desirable

• An understanding of how to build and develop a multi-year fundraising strategy for trusts and foundations
• Experience in social impact measurement, with a grasp on how we could use impact data even more persuasively with funders
• Knowledge of the education and/or youth work sector, understanding the impact which this work can make specifically and the context of fundraising for work in schools
• Experience, or willingness to develop knowledge, in how the charity sector can safely and appropriately utilise AI in the creation of strong funding bids and efficient reporting

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

• Salary range: £37,000 - £40,000
• Full-time or 0.8 Full-time Equivalent - dependent on the skills and experience of the candidate, we would be open to discussing a 4-day week on full salary
• 28 days annual leave entitlement plus public holidays.
• Some travel to the different regions may periodically be required.
• Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required for successful candidates and the job is dependent on suitable references.