Chief operating officer jobs in TW15 3RE

Z2K has a clear 2025–2030 strategy and a strong reputation for principled, evidence‑led campaigning rooted in frontline experience. The external environment is volatile: rising poverty, political contestation around welfare and housing, and tightening funding conditions.

After a long‑standing Chief Executive stepped down in late 2025, the organisation has been led by an Interim Chief Executive. The permanent appointment is therefore a moment of consolidation and renewal. The next Chief Executive will provide long‑term stability, sharpen strategic focus and define the organisation’s next phase.

Z2K faces structural pressures common to many charities of this scale: rising costs, reliance on grant funding, growing demand and increasing scrutiny. The Chief Executive must do two things at once:

• Increase measurable impact of our advice services and advocacy work on inadequate incomes and high costs.

• Build a financially resilient, well‑run organisation capable of sustaining that impact.

This is not a figurehead role. It requires leadership with grip, political judgement and commercial realism.

 Arts & Cultural Organisation
London / Hybrid
Salary: Competitive
Interim for 3-6 Months

A unique opportunity has arisen for an experienced and strategic COO to join a respected international arts and cultural organisation at a pivotal stage in its development. This is a senior leadership role, working closely with the executive team and board to strengthen operations, improve organisational effectiveness, and support the delivery of an ambitious programme of work.

The organisation operates from a central hub in central london and works with a wide network of partners, artists, funders and stakeholders. It is entering a period of growth and is seeking a commercially aware, operationally focused leader who can bring stability, structure and forward planning to the organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the day-to-day operational management of the organisation across finance, facilities, HR, governance and administration

• Working closely with the executive leadership team to deliver organisational strategy and ensure operational alignment

• Oversight of the listed building and facilities team.

• Supporting budgeting, financial planning and resource allocation across programmes and functions

• Overseeing HR, organisational development and team structures

• Ensuring effective governance, risk management and compliance with relevant regulations

• Building strong relationships with funders, partners and external stakeholders

• Supporting the organisation through  with a focus on sustainability and long-term growth

The successful candidate will:

• Have significant senior leadership experience in operations, finance or general management

• Be qualified accountant

• Be comfortable working in a complex or multi-stakeholder environment

• Bring strong organisational, financial and strategic planning skills

• Have experience strengthening processes, systems and governance

• Be an effective relationship builder, with strong communication and influencing skills

• Be adaptable, hands-on and comfortable operating in evolving or ambiguous environments

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior leader who is motivated by purpose-led work and is excited by the challenge of shaping the operational future of a creative, international organisation.

Arts & Cultural Organisation
Locatoin: London
Hybrid 4 days on site
 

A unique opportunity has arisen for an experienced and strategic COO to join a respected international arts and cultural organisation at a pivotal stage in its development. This is a senior leadership role, working closely with the executive team and board to strengthen operations, improve organisational effectiveness, and support the delivery of an ambitious programme of work.

The organisation operates from a central hub in central london and works with a wide network of partners, artists, funders and stakeholders. It is entering a period of growth and is seeking a commercially aware, operationally focused leader who can bring stability, structure and forward planning to the organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the day-to-day operational management of the organisation across finance, facilities, HR, governance and administration

• Working closely with the executive leadership team to deliver organisational strategy and ensure operational alignment

• Oversight of the listed building and facilities team.

• Supporting budgeting, financial planning and resource allocation across programmes and functions

• Overseeing HR, organisational development and team structures

• Ensuring effective governance, risk management and compliance with relevant regulations

• Building strong relationships with funders, partners and external stakeholders

• Supporting the organisation through  with a focus on sustainability and long-term growth

The successful candidate will:

• Have significant senior leadership experience in operations, finance or general management

• Be qualified accountant

• Be comfortable working in a complex or multi-stakeholder environment

• Bring strong organisational, financial and strategic planning skills

• Have experience strengthening processes, systems and governance

• Be an effective relationship builder, with strong communication and influencing skills

• Be adaptable, hands-on and comfortable operating in evolving or ambiguous environments

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior leader who is motivated by purpose-led work and is excited by the challenge of shaping the operational future of a creative, international organisation.

Chief Executive

We are now seeking an exceptional new leader to guide City Year UK into its next phase.

Position: Chief Executive

Location: London, with regular travel to Birmingham, Manchester and other UK locations as required

Hours: Full-time

Salary: £80-90k dependent on experience

Duration: Permanent

Closing Date: 10.00am on Monday 23th March 2026.

Interviews: March 2026.

Who we are

For over 15 years, City Year UK has stood alongside children and young people across the UK, helping them to discover their potential and believe in what they can achieve. As a leading youth and education charity, we inspire and empower young people to dedicate a year of service, volunteering with us to support children in schools, reduce youth unemployment, and strengthen communities.

Our City Year mentors work in schools serving children who are often furthest from opportunity. They provide consistent and caring support that helps pupils feel valued, motivated, and capable of success. By building trusted relationships, boosting confidence, and encouraging a love of learning, our mentors make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of the children they serve.

The Role

We are now seeking an exceptional new leader to guide City Year UK into its next phase. This is an important moment for the organisation and an opportunity to shape the future of a movement that is changing lives. Building on strong foundations, the next Chief Executive will lead the organisation as we strengthen and expand our programmes, deepen our impact, and play a leading role in the development of a UK Year of Service that supports children and young people across the country.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. With the full support of the Board, the next Chief Executive will lead City Year UK into a focused next phase, securing financial resilience, strengthening delivery, and ensuring sustainable long term impact.

Main responsibilities include:

• Fundraising and Development
• Strategy and Leadership
• Governance
• External Engagement
• Programme Delivery
• Finance and People

About You

We are looking for an inspiring leader who is passionate about unlocking the potential of young people, championing educational equality, and driving lasting change. You’ll bring a strong track record of strategic leadership and fundraising in the charity sector, along with the vision and energy to lead City Year UK into an ambitious new chapter. Skilled at building powerful partnerships, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and championing an inclusive, purpose-driven culture, you’ll also be a dynamic fundraiser, ready to support the growth and diversification of our income so we can expand our impact even further.

Experience, Knowledge and Skills:

• A proven track record of senior leadership and management at a Chief Executive or Director level, likely in the charity or mission-driven sector
• Experience leading a complex organisation, with strong financial oversight, including managing a budget of comparable scale
• Demonstrated success in securing £1.5m+ a year of funding aligned with programme delivery; strong understanding of the connection between mission and sustainability
• Excellent leadership, management and team-building skills with a collaborative working style
• Strong political and organisational awareness, with the ability to navigate diverse stakeholder environments
• Exceptional relationship-building skills and experience working with senior stakeholders across sectors
• Outstanding communication skills—written, verbal, listening, and presenting

Please apply by uploading your CV and a supporting statement responding to the two questions set out in the Recruitment Pack. Your statement should clearly demonstrate your relevant experience, leadership capability and track record in relation to this role. Due to the high volume of CVs received, we can only respond back to the successful candidates.

Employee Benefits

• Annual leave: 25 days per annum, rising to 28 days, plus 3 Christmas Grace days
• A matched pension scheme with 4% standard employer contributions and matched up to 5%.
• An organisational culture that values its employees and places particular emphasis on fairness and transparency.
• Sector-leading training, with qualifications up to master's degree level funded under the apprenticeship levy.
• 2 Volunteering days per year - pursue a project you’re passionate about
• 2 Wellbeing days per year
• A comprehensive wellbeing service designed to support the overall wellness of employees
• Interest-free travel season ticket loans, bike loans under the “Cycle to Work Scheme” and loans to assist employees with welfare or financial hardship
• Enhanced sick pay for up to 6 weeks

Other areas of experience may include CEO, COO, Chief Exec, Chief Executive, Director, Managing Director, HR, Finance, Operations.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

The Booker Prizes have a unique place in the literary sphere, enjoying an enviable reputation as a cultural institution that is highly respected, much loved and hotly debated throughout the world. Over the past 50 years, more than 600 extraordinary books have been brought to the attention of the public, influencing reading tastes and transforming culture in Britain and beyond, along with the careers of hundreds of writers from around the globe. 

The Booker Prize Foundation is a registered charity, established in 2002, which is responsible for awarding the Booker Prize and the International Booker Prize. It exists to inspire more people to read – and write – the world’s best fiction. In adding a year-round, far-reaching digital portfolio, the Booker Prizes are now the globally recognised home of great writing. 

Other aspects of the Foundation’s work include the funding of Braille and audio editions of Booker Prizes books through the RNIB, Books Unlocked, a long-standing reading initiative in prisons, and the UEA Booker Prize Foundation Scholarship, awarded annually to a candidate for the Creative Writing MA at the University of East Anglia. Many past scholars have since met with acclaim as published authors. 

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented in the creative industries.

The role

Working to the COO, the Finance & CRM Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day finance function and overseeing the operation, data quality, and user support of the organisation’s new CRM system. The role encompasses financial processes, CRM data and reporting, governance, and wider organisational activity.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Administration

• Manage finance operations: ledgers, payment runs, reconciliations, VAT and Gift Aid where applicable.

• Work with the external payroll bureau to prepare monthly payroll.

• Liaise with HSBC regarding direct debit set-up and management.

• Run and validate financial reports and prepare monthly management accounts.

• Provide support in updating Companies House and Charity Commission records.

• Liaise with Somerset House regarding office administration.

• Support the external audit with reports, schedules and response to queries

CRM and Systems Management & User Support

• Manage daily CRM operations and provide support for reporting on contacts, organisations, events, fundraising, and prize submissions.

• Carry out system admin including user access, fields, workflows, and reports.

• Perform regular data quality checks and cleansing.

• Act as first-line CRM support for staff including onboarding new users.

• Manage access permissions.

• Liaise with CRM supplier, logging and tracking support tickets.

• Communicate system updates internally

• Support CRM-related compliance and data protection.

• Create simple CRM process documentation.

• Support CRM use for planning and delivering events.

• Oversee CRM workflows for prize submissions including tracking and outcomes.

• Ensure secure and GDPR compliant event and submission data.

• Maintain Breathe HR including onboarding and staff record updates.

• Liaise with external IT support to resolve basic queries.

Person Specification

Essential

• Part qualified accountant or qualified by experience.

• Understanding of administrative and finance processes.

• Experience using a CRM system.

• Strong data management skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage external supplier relationships.

Desirable

• Experience in the charity sector.

• Experience with IT or HR systems such as Breathe HR.

• Experience providing user support and administering a CRM.

• Knowledge of data protection and GDPR.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements 
• 40 days paid leave per year: 25 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 3 days between Christmas and New Year and 4 wellbeing days
• Strong commitment to professional development with a dedicated training budget
• Annual performance and pay progression reviews
• Up to 5% pension contribution
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme offering access to free therapy
• Work phone and laptop
• A supportive and inclusive culture with regular team social events
• Scope to take real ownership in a fast-growing charity   

Personal development programme: 

• You will have a line manager dedicated to growing your strengths and supporting your professional skills development 
• You can work with your manager to set your own objectives within the scope of the job description 
• You will have a dedicated buddy within the team 
• You will take part in external and internal training to help grow your knowledge and skills

Please note that care-experienced applicants who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. We are actively trying to increase the diversity of our team and we encourage applications from people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds. We are dedicated to being a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and where diversity is celebrated. In our last staff survey, 95% said they feel a sense of belonging at Settle. Please see our website for more information on our approach to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. 

We’re on the hunt for a Programme Manager to join us at this exciting stage of Settle’s development. Over the next few years, we hope to grow the number of young people we are working with and develop new services to support young people with a range of support needs.

The Programme Manager will report to our COO. You’ll be managing a team of Settle Coaches working on the frontline, delivering one-to-one sessions with care-experienced young people across London. You’ll use your skills to ensure that the Settle Programme is the best it can be, coach our frontline teams and ensure high quality delivery is maintained for the young people we work with.

You will work with our COO and wider Programme Management team to deliver and develop our safeguarding practice and ensure that the frontline perspective and young people’s experiences are embedded across the organisation. You’ll manage existing referral partnerships and help develop new partnerships as and when needed, as well as share best practice with the partners you manage. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in strategic projects across the organisation.

Are you a visionary leader who can help shape the next stage of our work to protect, create and restore Scotland’s woodlands?

We are looking for our next Chief Executive, someone who can lead the charity into an exciting period of growth and change.

FWS is a Scottish charity working to create a Scotland where trees and native woodlands are thriving for our wildlife, communities and climate.  Our mission is to protect, create and restore these vital habitats through knowledge, partnership and practical action.

Founded in 2012 to support innovative thinking for trees and native woodlands, we have grown into an organisation delivering practical action at scale. Today, our work stretches from city spaces to wild places — supporting farmers and landowners to create or restore native woodlands, strengthening local nurseries, building sector skills, and bringing trees into everyday landscapes across Scotland.

The organisation has grown rapidly over the past three years, and now operates as a team of seven delivering national programmes across Scotland.

About the role

This is a rare opportunity to shape a small, ambitious and high‑performing charity at a time of growth and increasing national influence.

As Chief Executive, you will report to and work closely with our Board of Trustees, providing strategic leadership and acting as the organisation’s senior representative. You will:

• Lead the delivery of our strategic plan and future direction
• Strengthen partnerships across the woodland, environmental, community and land‑use sectors
• Oversee programme delivery and organisational performance
• Support, motivate and develop our small and committed team of seven, working across programmes, fundraising and communications
• Represent Future Woodlands Scotland at senior levels across Scotland

You will bring strategic clarity, a collaborative leadership style, and the ability to build strong, trusted relationships across sectors and with funders.

Location

This role is Scotland-based, working from home with travel across Scotland to meetings. Our current team is spread across Dumfries & Galloway, Lothian, Central Scotland and Aberdeenshire.

Contract and salary

• 8% employer pension contribution
• Permanent, part‑time (3 days per week)
• £65,000–£75,000 FTE, depending on experience
• 25 days annual leave + 10 public holidays (pro rata)
• Additional annual leave increasing with length of service, up to a maximum of 10 additional days.

How to apply

Before applying, please read the Candidate Pack for full details of the role, responsibilities and the application process. You can find it on our website. 

Invitations are invited from suitably qualified people and applications should consist of a CV and covering letter. The covering letter should explain how you meet the essential skills set out in the Candidate Pack and what you would bring to Future Woodlands Scotland.

If you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Shireen Chambers to arrange a call (details in Candidate Pack).

Key dates:

• Application deadline: Midday, Monday 16 March 2026
• Interviews: Monday, 30 March 2026, in Edinburgh in person

SANE is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to support the effective day-to-day financial management of the charity and help ensure our mental health services are financially well supported.

This is a hands-on, operational role working closely with the Chief Operations Officer and Senior Management Team. The Finance Manager will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, producing clear financial information and ensuring strong financial controls are in place.

This role would suit someone who enjoys practical finance work, values accuracy and organisation, and wants to use their skills in a purpose-driven charity.

Key responsibilities:

Manage day-to-day finance operations, including income, expenditure and bank reconciliations

Prepare monthly management accounts and support budget monitoring

Maintain accurate financial records in line with charity accounting requirements

Support payroll processes and liaise with external providers

Prepare information for audits and work with external auditors

Support finance-related reporting for trustees, funders and senior managers

Ensure clear financial procedures and strong internal controls are followed

About you:

You will have proven experience in a finance or accounts role, ideally within the charity or not-for-profit sector. You will be confident working independently, while also supporting colleagues across the organisation with finance-related queries.

You will be highly organised, detail-focused and comfortable managing competing priorities. Strong Excel skills and experience using accounting software are essential, along with a practical and solutions-focused approach.

A commitment to SANE’s values and an interest in supporting mental health work are essential.

Chief Executive Officer - ECT Charity

Location: London (Greenford / Ealing) with regular travel to Dorset and partner sites; minimum three days per week in office
Salary: circa £80,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full-time

Are you ready to consolidate financial stability, rebuild income and lead the next phase of sustainable growth at the sector leading community transport organisation that delivers tangible impact across London and Dorset?

About ECT Charity

ECT Charity is a leading specialist community transport organisation enabling mobility and social inclusion across London and Dorset. We deliver essential door-to-door transport and influence sector policy with partners such as TfL and the GLA, including through the use of our pioneering CT Social Value Toolkit. Facing reduced statutory income, operations changes, lease negotiations and contract retendering, we need to stabilise cashflow and protect services. Significant opportunities include leveraging our network and resources to develop our training and consultancy, build strategic partnerships to generate earned income, and using Dorset as a demonstrator site to pilot sustainable, mission-aligned commercial models.

Role priorities (first 12–18 months)

• Deliver a sustainable financial model and restore reserves.

• Redesign operations for the new scale.

• Leverage our networks and resources to develop commercial opportunities (partnerships, training, consultancy).

• Rebuild business development capability and secure partnership income.

Who you are

• Senior leader with experience of multi-site operations or similar scale.

• Strong partnership, commercialisation and Board reporting skills.

• Proven track record of strong financial management, contract negotiation and estate management.

• Commitment to inclusive leadership; willing to be office-based (min three days/week) and travel; driving licence preferred.

• Desirable: Experience in community transport, social enterprise or productisation/licensing.

Why ECT?

• Lead a sector-recognised charity with a strong social value toolkit and immediate partnership routes.

• Combine financial rigour with mission-aligned commercial innovation.

• Shape ECT’s stabilisation and long-term sustainability.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence. We advise reading the full brief first.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 23rd March 2026.

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

CEO

Are you passionate about helping older people to live well in later life? Do you also have the strategic skills and operational experience to make a real difference at our charity as CEO? Then we'd love to hear from you.

This is a great opportunity to use your senior leadership experience to support the local community. You'll have the ability to recognise the needs and opportunities to develop the range of services we offer as well as the commercial acumen to ensure the financial sustainability of our charity. 

So, if you are a visionary and practical leader, ready to contribute to the next phase of our journey, we want to learn more about you.

Position: CEO

Location: Sutton SM1 4LE (Flexible working possible with a minimum of three days in the office. A four-day week would be considered for the right candidate) 

Hours: Full-time (35hrs/week),

Salary: £65,000 - £70,000 per annum

Duration: Permanent

Closing Date: Monday 2nd March

What matters?

Join an organisation whose vision is of a Sutton where every older person lives well, feeling connected and valued with the confidence and support they need to thrive. The mission is to ensure that later life is lived with dignity, purpose, and independence.

The team champion positive ageing, promote mental well-being, and advocate for change where needed. They celebrate the diverse cultures, communities and environments that make up society.

Values live at the heart of everything. They form part of the culture, shaping the organisation and staff and volunteers:

• compassionate
• generous
• honest
• resourceful
• respectful
• united
• local

If you join the team

You’ll be part of a charity that supports its staff and volunteers to develop professionally and to learn new skills. You can enjoy an open and participative working environment, and as CEO, you’ll encourage this.

You will have a dedicated and experienced support network which includes the Board Chair, and a strong senior management team. We want you to bring inspiring and compassionate leadership, building success in a positive and inclusive organisational culture.

Joining here means a commitment to advancing the mission of the charity and making a lasting impact on the well-being of the older community. You’ll also maintain focus and a sense of humour amidst significant plate-spinning!

Join a flexible employer that pride itself on being a family and carer-friendly workplace.

What we are looking for

We need the CEO to be resilient, flexible and adaptable. This approach will influence and develop external partnerships, growing the organisation’s income and reputation.

We are particularly seeking someone to:

• shape the ongoing AUKS organisational strategy and be involved in its delivery to ensure success and sustainability
• support the Board in delivering its charitable objectives efficiently and effectively
• champion equity, diversity and inclusion, understanding the demographic needs of local older people
• maximise efficient use of all AUKS’ human, financial and other resources.

The Organisations

Join an independent charity dedicated to helping older people in the community to live well in later life. By providing vital information, expert advice and practical support, this work enables older people to make informed decisions on finances, health and care.

Other areas of experience may include CEO, Chief Exec, Chief Executive Officer, COO, CFO, Deputy CEO, Deputy Chief Exec, Deputy Chief Executive Officer. #INDNFP

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

This is a full-time Chief Exec role offering an exciting time to join an organisation making

a huge impact with minimal resources. As the Organisation enters its tenth year,

regrettably the need for this work has never been greater and in addition to enhancing

existing projects, we plan to grow our Dignity Centre locations as well as expand our

outreach and impact in the coming two to five years. As a small charity, the role is

incredibly varied as well as hands-on. While there is no physical back office, meaning

the role is mostly from home/remote, the CEO spends sustained periods of time in our

projects in Nicosia, Cyprus and Bournemouth, UK as well as any new or potential

project sites in the UK and abroad. A typical day could include troubleshooting and

managing maintenance problems at distance for our projects in Nicosia and

Bournemouth, preparing and delivering interviews and presentations to the media or for

donors, calling volunteers to prepare them for collaborating with us and collating

indicator data for impact reports.

Barnet Mencap provides support for children and adults with learning disabilities/autism and their family carers.

We are looking for an experienced Finance Officer to join our successful Project Support Team.

You will:

• Provide an effective finance service for Barnet Mencap
• Have good interpersonal skills working as part of the administrative team
• Ensure the timely payment of invoices, bills and maintain accurate finance records
• Plan, monitor and review budgets
• Produce accurate and accessible financial data
• Managing accounting and payroll systems (ideally knowledge of Sage)

We know work/life balance is incredibly important, as well as job satisfaction. We offer 24 days of annual leave per year (plus Bank Holidays), as well as a TOIL system which allows our staff to work more flexibly.

See the attached Person Specification and Job Description for a more detailed description of what we’re looking for, but if you have any questions, please get in touch to discuss.

We’re committed to safeguarding, equality and diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

To apply, please send your CV alongside a statement explaining how you meet the criteria on the person specification.  Completed applications can be emailed to the address below by the closing date 8th of March. Interviews are planned for week beginning 16th of March.

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service application in line with Section 115 of The Police Act 1997.

Opportunity: Head of Finance

Are you a hands-on finance professional who excels at balancing high-level strategy with meticulous operational control? We are seeking a fully qualified accountant to drive the end-to-end financial management, reporting, and stability of a small but impactful international development organisation.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will serve as a key advisor on strategic financial decisions while ensuring the accuracy of accounts and compliance standards.

The Role

You will be responsible for all aspects of finance and delivering timely, accurate financial reports to internal stakeholders, funders, and regulatory bodies.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Producing monthly consolidated management accounts with variance analysis and reporting to the Board and Finance Sub-Committee.
• Leading annual budgeting, forecasting, and multi-year financial planning.
• Overseeing cashflow, treasury management, and the drafting of statutory accounts.
• Managing external audits and specialised donor financial reporting.
• Identifying financial risks for escalation to the COO/Board and providing direct line management for the Finance & Systems Officer.

Your Profile

You will be a grounded leader who brings a focus on delivery and stability.

• You must be a fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, or CIMA).
• 8–10 years of experience working within complex, multi-entity environments.
• Experience within the Charity or International NGO (INGO) sector.
• A proven ability to manage end-to-end financial controls and provide high-level strategic advice.

Salary range is £55,000 - £60,000 Depending on Experience.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, therefore please apply ASAP to ensure your details are considered.

The Organisation

Together We Learn is a charity registered in England and Wales, working in close partnership with Together We Learn Ethiopia, a registered NGO in Ethiopia. Operating as two distinct legal entities, the organisations work as sister charities with a shared mission and vision: to enable disadvantaged children to access high-quality education.

While Together We Learn in the UK leads fundraising, governance and international engagement, Together We Learn Ethiopia is responsible for implementing and delivering programmes on the ground.

Our approach focuses on improving both access to education and the quality of education systems, while supporting the wider wellbeing of students, families and communities. We work in partnership with state education systems to deliver sustainable, long-term impact.

By addressing educational needs both in and beyond the classroom, Together We Learn aims to create lasting change for children and communities across Ethiopia.

The Role

As CEO, you will lead the UK team of Together We Learn and work in close partnership with the Ethiopian team, providing guidance and support to enable them to deliver programmes to a high standard. You will provide overall leadership for the charity, with responsibility for fundraising and stakeholder engagement, oversight of programmes, and management of finance and operations.

The annual turnover of Together We Learn is £350,000, and you will be responsible for line managing two staff in the UK and occasional interns, as well as supporting our Ethiopian partner, who has 15 programme and 8 support staff working across two regional offices: Gondar in the Amhara region and Addis Ababa in the Oromia region. The charity is managed by an experienced board of 5 trustees who meet quarterly and provide ad hoc support in their professional areas of expertise.

The charity is in a stable position with funds secured for the current year and a fundraising plan in place for the year ahead. You will have a detailed handover to enable you to carry out the varied functions required by the role and will be supported in these by the Programmes Manager and Sponsorship Coordinator. You will report to the board on a quarterly basis.

Our current three-year strategy focuses on building the capacity of our Ethiopian partner so that they can take a greater role in leading the organisation. This runs through our approach in all aspects of our work, and specific targets have been identified to help us achieve this goal over the strategic period. You will have the opportunity to advance our strategy using your unique skills.

Responsibilities

Team Leadership

• Line manage the Programmes Manager, Sponsorship Coordinator and interns.
• Collaborate with the Ethiopia Country Director and the staff or Together We Learn-
• Ethiopia on programme delivery.
• Deliver the organisational strategy.

Deliver High Quality Programmes

• Monitor delivery of activity plans related to projects, sponsorship and school linking.
• Track programme finances against budgets.
• Support the UK staff in their programme roles.

Finance and Operations Management

• Steward Together We Learn’s finances, including reconciling accounts, managing the finance database and tracking performance against the forecast and fundraising plan.
• Due diligence checks on Ethiopian partner finances.
• Prepare annual accounts for examination and develop the annual report for Charity Commission submission.
• Governance duties and other finance admin.

Fundraising

• Reporting and applications to trusts and foundations.
• Stewardship of donors and fundraisers.
• Oversight of the annual online fundraising campaign.

Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

• Quarterly supporter newsletters.
• Posting regular updates on our social media platforms.
• Maintaining the website content, including blog updates and basic SEO management.

The job of a CEO is hard to define, especially in a small charity, so the list above covers the key areas but is not exhaustive, and other duties may be required.

Person Specification

This role requires someone with excellent time management and interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate will have experience managing teams in a development or small charity environment, as well as significant experience managing finance systems, fundraising and having oversight of multiple programmes.

Essential Experience & Competencies

• Energetic and self-motivated individual who shares our mission.
• 3+ years of team leadership or experience in a senior management role directly responsible for staff and high-level reporting. Ability to provide positive, hands-on leadership to a small team of experienced and motivated individuals.
• 3+ years of financial management, including full-cost budgeting, tracking and reconciling finances, and reporting against forecasts and spending plans.
• 3+ years of proven experience in fundraising, a successful track record of securing and reporting on significant grants as well as maintaining positive funder relations.
• Experience working overseas in an international development or education context or working closely with overseas partners in the same sectors.
• A practical, collaborative and adaptable approach with good problem-solving skills.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Strong and adaptable communication skills, both written and verbal, to support sensitive cross-cultural working and inspire funders and supporters.
• Fluency with MS Office programs, gmail and shared drives.

Desirable Experience & Competencies

• Lived experience of Ethiopia, or of a comparable context, such as the Horn of Africa or East Africa, or a strong personal or professional connection to Habesha or other African cultures.
• Degree or master’s in international development, or similar field of study.
• Office management experience.
• Project delivery or programme management experience, especially in a small charity, international development or education context.
• Experience reporting directly to board level.
• Experience increasing online engagement or driving new donor recruitment.
• Familiarity with a CRM system (e.g. Salesforce).

Equal Opportunities

We value the benefits of a diverse team and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the Ethiopian context, or from the African diaspora, for the knowledge and cultural insight they can bring to our work.

Flexible Working

Together We Learn operates a hybrid working style, where you will spend at least one day a week in the office. We find this regular face-to-face time beneficial as a small team, enabling positive collaboration, peer support and engagement with all areas of the organisation’s work. Other hours can be worked remotely or in the office according to individual preference.

You will be responsible for your own time management but must complete the majority of your work within office hours to ensure consistent management and collaboration with colleagues. This includes staff from our partner charity in Ethiopia (time zone GMT+3/ BST+2).

Ideally, we are looking for a candidate to work full-time; however we will consider an 80% part-time role or job share applications, for the right candidate. If you are applying for a job share, please clarify which responsibilities are best aligned with your abilities.

Please note that this post is subject to a satisfactory DBS check, and the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK.

Application Process

To apply for this role, please submit a cover letter and CV by midnight on 8 March 2026.

The cover letter should explain how your experience and skills meet the criteria required for the role.

First-stage interviews will be held online during the week commencing 16th March, with second-stage in-person interviews at our London office during the week commencing 23rd March.

Role to start date from 13th April 2026.

We regret that we are not able to provide feedback on applications that are not shortlisted for interview.

Use of AI

We understand that AI may sometimes be useful in helping you clarify your ideas or check grammar. However, we want to learn about your voice and approach, so please ensure that the application submitted is written by you and a true reflection of your professional experience.

We look forward to hearing from you!