Communication director jobs in leicester, england

About the role

This hands-on leadership role combines operational excellence with strong interpersonal skills. Reporting to the Director of Design and Technology, you'll manage a team of Project Managers whilst working closely with senior leadership to oversee project delivery, financial planning, organisational systems and growth.

You'll implement best practices for data management, risk management, and compliance in a collaborative way that supports our mission-driven work.

About us

Act Build Change is a transformative organising school that makes community organising and collective care methods accessible to everyone who wants to end injustice.

Since 2019, we've supported over 150 collectives and organisations across the UK and Ireland, working with those with disabilities, migrants and refugees, young people, carers, working class communities, LGBTQ+ collectives, those living in poverty and the intersections across those identities.

Our work includes delivering training and resources, supporting communities to navigate difference and change, and providing coaching for organisers and movement leaders.

Key responsibilities

Project management

Oversee project delivery across our organisation, ensuring quality and efficiency:

• Develop frameworks for project tracking and reporting.

• Manage and develop a team of project managers, providing resources and support.

• Monitor budgets and timelines across internal and external projects.

Financial management

Ensure financial sustainability and responsible resource management:

• Support financial planning and reporting with our board and senior leadership team.

• Oversee invoices, expenses and budget adherence.

• Assess financial risks and manage potential challenges.

Systems and processes

Build and maintain operational infrastructure that enables our effectiveness:

• Develop strategies, policies and procedures with our senior leadership team.

• Maintain and oversee our systems for efficient project tracking.

• Ensure agreed standards are met across our team and resolve operational issues.

Organisational growth

Drive strategic growth and development:

• Develop business strategies for growth across products, services and recruitment.

• Analyse our data to support strategic goals and tracking.

• Support our recruitment efforts and staff policy development.

What we’re looking for

Essential experience and skills

• Proven operations leadership experience, including managing teams and complex projects.

• Strong project management and delivery track record across multiple initiatives.

• Financial management expertise including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.

• Experience with recruitment, performance management, and policy development.

• Experience with data management, reporting, and operational systems.

• Comfortable learning and adopting new technologies and processes quickly.

• Excellent communication skills, including ability to navigate difficult conversations professionally.

• High attention to detail and meticulous approach to operational standards.

• Ability to work remotely and manage diverse responsibilities with autonomy.

What we’d love to see

• Experience across different organisation types and sizes.

• Flexibility to work with different methodologies and systems.

• Risk management and compliance background.

• Comfortable representing the organisation to external stakeholders.

• Track record of implementing operational improvements and efficiencies.

Personal qualities

• You approach challenges with patience and understanding, able to communicate directly when needed whilst maintaining positive relationships.

• You're confident in your expertise but remain open to different perspectives and collaborative problem-solving.

• You take personal accountability seriously and help build a culture where others take ownership of their work.

• You enjoy working in a collaborative team environment and building positive relationships across the organisation.

• You're aligned with our mission and values and are motivated by creating positive social change.

What we offer

Salary and benefits

• £49,500-£62,000 salary, depending on experience.

• Permanent contract with option for 4 or 5 days per week (salary and benefits will be pro-rated).

• Over 30 days of leave, including 25 days of annual leave, one day off for your birthday, one week off in August for learning and rest, plus Christmas close.

• Pension scheme and enhanced parental leave and sick pay.

Working arrangements

• Fully remote working (must be within 4 hours of central London).

• Access to office space in London when needed.

• Co-working space expenses available for those based outside London.

• Occasional travel to London may be required (up to twice a month), with expenses covered.

• Team away days around the UK (up to four times a year), with expenses covered.

• Full equipment and tech support provided.

Growth and impact

• Direct contribution to building people's power and making positive social change.

• Collaborative, mission-driven work environment with impact across the UK.

• Professional development opportunities including training and events (assessed on an individual basis).

• Clear growth pathway in an expanding team.

How to apply

Please note: this role is for UK-based candidates who have the right to work in the UK.

What to send

• Your CV (max. two pages).

• A supporting statement answering the questions below (max. two pages).

• Both documents as PDFs attached to your email.

Questions to address

• Describe a time you led operational improvements in a complex organisation. What was your approach and what were the results?

• How would you approach building operational systems for an organisation that values collaboration and accessibility?

• What attracts you to this role at Act Build Change specifically?

Next steps

• Submit your application by Fri 11 Jul 2025.

• First round interviews will begin from the week of 28 Jul 2025.

• The role will start from Oct/Nov 2025.

We are a neurodiverse and intersectional team. We’re committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone of all backgrounds. If there is anything you need us to do to support you in the application process please let us know as soon as possible.

Interim Head of Finance & Operations

Career Ready is a social mobility charity that believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding future.

We were founded in 2002 by leading business figures with a mission: to boost social mobility by empowering young people and giving their talents a platform from which to flourish. Since then, we’ve grown in England and Scotland to support young people in areas of need.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, qualified Finance professional to lead our Finance & Operations function.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer the Interim Head of Finance & Operations leads on and assumes day to day responsibility for providing high quality, strategic financial management for Career Ready.

You will lead on business operations to ensure the ongoing effective functioning of the charity and drive sustainable growth.

The Interim Head of Finance and Operations plays a key role in leading greater organisational efficiency and simplifying processes and will continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy.

You will play a critical role in driving the increased quality of Career Ready’s offer to our stakeholders in line with our strategy, vision and values.

Member of our SMT, comprising of the CEO, Director for Scotland, Director of Programme and Partnerships and Heads of functions.

This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave.

Main responsibilities and accountabilities

· Lead, direct and manage the finance and operations functions, overseeing two direct reports, ensuring they deliver a high-quality service to all internal and external stakeholders and are seen as adding value, in enabling Career Ready to achieve its vision and strategic objectives through its people. 

· Continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy, ensuring that activities happen at pace, are deadline-driven and achieve a high level of impact.

· Assume overall responsibility for the financial management of Career Ready, working with the SMT to ensure high quality and effective use of charitable funds.

· Input into and review the financial elements of funding applications and ensure that fund accounting processes align with funders’ requirements for project reporting.

· Produce financial reports for various stakeholders, as well as leading on financial modelling.

· Have oversight of all financial and accountancy matters including month end reports, management accounts, cash flow management, compliance, tax liability, presentation of management information and KPIs. Ensure that the CEO and Trustees are provided with accurate, timely information and analysis. 

· Oversee and coordinate the fully managed payroll services with the external bureau for all Career Ready employees and for some internship students (Jun to Aug during the Summer)

· Administration of the Staff Opt-In Pension Scheme, including onboarding new staff (Royal London)

· Act as a role model in our ‘one team’ culture. Lead in the development of efficient working practices across the charity, creating momentum and supporting motivation within the charity. 

· Lead risk management strategies and internal control procedures to minimise the risk of loss, or damage to, Career Ready’s assets. 

· Prepare and submit annual operational budgets and annual accounts to the CEO for review and approval.

· Draft and deliver papers for Trustees and Finance and Fundraising Committee (F&FC) meetings. 

· Attend Board and F&FC meetings to present papers and answer questions related to areas of expertise. 

· Provide day to day line management of the Senior Finance Officers and support their ongoing growth and development.

· Management of organisational governance and compliance activities, including policy management.

· Oversee and manage the organisation’s risk management register and process, with input from SMT.

· Oversee reviews and renewals of all insurance policies that affect the organisation.

· Lead on the compliance of statutory and charity regulatory reporting, giving guidance to colleagues where required.

· Ensure any changes to processes and procedures across the function are clearly documented.

Person Specification

Essential skills and experience

•  Belief and commitment to Career Ready’s mission and values
• Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/AAT) accountant with at least 5 years’ experience in financial management including budgeting, preferably in the charity sector.
• Significant experience in producing management and financial accounts
• Skilled in financial reporting and producing VAT returns
• Preparing for and ensuring a successful year-end audit, and demonstrable knowledge of UK Charities SORP and other reporting standards
• Experience in budgeting to support strategic decision making.
• Financial dexterity and strong analytical skills.
• Strong IT skills, including advanced MS Excel skills and extensive of using an accounting software, preferably Xero
• Excellent organisational and prioritising skills and ability to work independently and with autonomy
• Strong starter finisher with ability to lead and drive projects
• Knowledge of charity governance and compliance requirements
• Ability to build excellent relationships and have effective engagement with stakeholders
• Good communication skills and ability to communicate financial concepts to non-finance staff
• Attention to detail
• Ability to present financial information to various audiences
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity of financial information
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to cope with competing demands to deadlines
• Honest and dependable

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience of leading a team, strong team building skills
• Line management experience
• Experience of using MS Planner or other project management tools
• Genuine interest in the work done by the Charity
• Experience of using a CRM (Salesforce)
• Degree in financial management or accounting

Full details are provided in the candidate pack

Salary and Benefits

Salary: £52,000 to £54,000 FTE (salary will be pro-rata for part time hours)

28-35 hours per week.  Career Ready is committed to supporting condensed/flexible working patterns.

Permanent and remote.  Travel to London required on an occasional basis

You will be rewarded with the following benefits:

· 6% contribution to personal pension plan, subject to 3% employee contribution.

· Annual leave: 27 days per annum plus bank/public holidays (pro rata for part time). The charity is also closed between Christmas and New Year. Career Ready also allows flexible use of some Bank & Public Holidays

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Access to both our Reward Gateway Portal and an Employee Assistance Programme.

· Flexible working

· Work from home allowance and paid travel expenses.

We regret that Career Ready is unable to offer visa sponsorship and candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. In accordance with our commitment to safeguarding, offers of employment are subject to completion of a DBS check. 

Timetable

Applications close at 9am on Monday 21 July 2025 

Please note that the closing date may be brought forward if we receive strong applications.

This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave, with a provisional start date of late September for a handover period.