Communications fundraising officer jobs in belfast

Head of Institutional Relations and Governance

About Charity Right
At Charity Right, we are a focused and passionate international food charity on a mission to free people from the devastating effects of hunger. Since our founding, we have provided over 40 million meals across 7 countries, serving those who need it most with dignity and care.

Our Mission
We believe that no child should go to school hungry. Our single-cause focus allows us to be exceptionally effective at what we do best: providing nutritious school meals that keep children in classrooms and give them the opportunity to break free from poverty through education.

About the Role

This is a newly created leadership role responsible for developing and embedding the governance infrastructure and strategic partnerships that will position Charity Right as a credible and competitive organisation for institutional funding. The Head of Governance and Institutional Relations will be responsible for cultivating relationships with institutional funders, multilateral agencies, and foundations, while also leading internal governance and capacity-building efforts to ensure Charity Right is fully prepared to secure and deliver such partnerships.

The role will build and oversee the development of international branch offices where appropriate, ensuring alignment with partner eligibility requirements and regulatory frameworks. This role is cross-functional and high-impact, sitting at the intersection of compliance, strategy, fundraising, and programme delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Institutional Fundraising & Relationship Management

• Identify and engage potential institutional funders and foundations both in the UK and internationally.
• Lead the full lifecycle of institutional donor relationships—from prospecting and due diligence through to application, stewardship, and renewal.
• Build a comprehensive pipeline of funding opportunities aligned with Charity Right’s mission and delivery capacity.
• Work closely with Programmes, Finance, and Fundraising teams to coordinate compelling funding proposals and aligned delivery models.

Organisational Governance & Capacity Building

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of Charity Right’s governance framework to meet international standards for institutional funders.
• Identify and implement structural, policy, and procedural enhancements that elevate Charity Right’s readiness to enter and sustain institutional partnerships.
• Conduct periodic organisational assessments and produce recommendations to close capacity gaps identified by funders or prospective partners.

International Presence & Localisation Strategy

• Design and oversee the establishment of Charity Right branch offices in key geographies.
• Ensure all international branches are compliant with local laws, reporting requirements, and brand/mission alignment.
• Collaborate with legal and operational advisors to manage entity registration, governance structures, and oversight models in each country.

Strategic Partnerships and Alliances

• Develop and implement a formal institutional partnering strategy.
• Identify and vet strategic implementation partners that complement Charity Right’s delivery capabilities.
• Negotiate, draft, and manage partnership agreements ensuring alignment with Charity Right’s values and strategic objectives.

Monitoring, Reporting & Evaluation

• Develop and implement a framework to monitor the performance and outcomes of institutional partnerships and funded projects.
• Ensure robust reporting mechanisms, including narrative and financial reporting, are in place.
• Regularly brief the CEO and Board on the status of funder relationships, branch development, and institutional readiness.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Significant senior-level experience in institutional fundraising, partnership management, or international development.
• Strong understanding of governance frameworks, compliance standards, and operational due diligence requirements for international NGOs.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing funding from institutional donors.
• Experience in establishing and managing international offices, branches, or subsidiaries.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across departments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong project management and execution capability.
• Values-driven, with a commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusion.
• Familiarity with safeguarding frameworks, donor audits, and risk registers.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience working in humanitarian or faith-inspired development contexts.
• Legal, compliance, or public policy background.
• Existing network within institutional funding or global development sectors.

Success Indicators

• Institutional Fundraising & Relationship Development
• Number of institutional funder relationships established (UK and international)
• Number of funding applications submitted per quarter
• Total value (£) of secured institutional or foundation grants annually
• Application success rate (%) across funding proposals submitted
• Donor retention and re-engagement rate (%)

Governance & Organisational Capacity

• Completion and implementation of key governance policies
• Improvement in organisational assessments conducted by external funders or partners
• Internal audit readiness and compliance rate
• Number of governance or compliance gaps resolved each quarter
• Staff training or briefings delivered on governance-related improvements

International Branch Development

• Number of international entities registered or formalised in target geographies
• Time taken from initiation to legal establishment of each branch
• Compliance rate with local registration, reporting, and governance requirements
• Annual cost-to-benefit ratio of each registered branch (qualitative + financial assessment)

Strategic Partnerships

• Number of partnership MOUs or contracts formalised
• Partner performance satisfaction score
• Number of co-designed or co-delivered proposals with partners submitted per year
• Strategic alignment index – measured via internal SLT reviews

Reporting & Monitoring

• Reporting compliance rate (%) with donor reporting deadlines and formats
• Timeliness and quality score of narrative and financial reports submitted
• Quarterly internal partnership performance reports delivered to SLT/CEO
• Monitoring framework adoption rate across new institutional projects

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Location: Remote Working
Salary: £48,000 – 54,000 per annum, depending on experience
Reports to: CEO

Senior Grants Officer

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Grants Officer to support and develop innovative and impactful grant-making programmes, helping to end youth homelessness across the UK.

This is a remote working role with occasional travel into our offices in London (all expenses covered).

Position: Senior Grants Officer
Location: Remote/London (occasional London office working – expenses covered)
Hours: Part-time, up to 30 hours per week
Salary: £33,000–£36,000 pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Benefits Include: 25 days per year (pro rata – excluding bank holidays), employer pension contribution of 5% into a personal pension (which does not have to be matched by the employee)

Closing Date: 11.59pm, Thursday 7 August 2025

About the Role
This role is central to the delivery of the charities mission to end youth homelessness. You’ll help to manage grant-making programmes, develop more efficient systems, and build strong relationships with charity partners, while supporting innovation and promoting impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the full grant cycle – from application to reporting – across multiple programmes.
• Streamlining processes and supporting the integration of systems such as Salesforce.
• Managing the grants inbox and acting as the first point of contact for charity partners.
• Coordinating charity relationships, ensuring compliance and capturing impact stories.
• Leading specific programmes in partnerships and Employability Programmes.
• Collaborating with teams across fundraising, comms, and strategy to maximise the value of every grant.
• Writing reports for internal committees and contributing to external communications.

About You
You will be highly organised, analytical, and confident working across systems and teams. With strong communication and administration skills, you'll thrive in a role that demands both rigour and empathy.

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience of administering complex processes or programmes within the charity or housing sectors.
• Strong understanding of CRM systems (Salesforce desirable) and data management.
• An eye for detail, excellent time management, and experience juggling multiple priorities.
• Experience working with stakeholders, assessing applications, and reporting against outcomes.
• A collaborative and curious mindset, and a genuine commitment to ending youth homelessness.

About the Organisation
The charity has been around since 1986, created by and working with the UK property industry to try and harness a collective desire to do good. Since 2016, the focus has been exclusively on creating a corporate movement within and across the industry to tackle and end youth homelessness.

Additional Benefits

• Flexible working opportunities
• Annual flu jab and eye tests
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• ½ day per month to volunteer
• Interest-free travel card loans
• Professional Development Fund
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Private Health Insurance with Vitality (employee contribution required)

You may have experience in roles such as: Grants Officer, Programme Officer, Charity Programme Manager, Impact Officer, Fund Administrator, or Project Grants Manager. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation

Are you passionate about community, creativity, and professional development? Join the British Association of Dramatherapists (BADth) and help shape the future of dramatherapy in the UK.

We’re looking for a dynamic and driven Membership Engagement & Development Coordinator to lead on member communications, grow our professional community, and deliver impactful CPD programmes. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference in a creative and caring sector, supporting dramatherapists across the UK and beyond.

In this pivotal role, you’ll:

• Enhance member satisfaction and engagement through strategic communication and outreach.
• Coordinate a diverse and profitable CPD programme, including our annual conference.
• Drive membership growth and diversification, with a focus on inclusion and innovation.
• Support and celebrate our vibrant volunteer network.
• Work flexibly from home, with a supportive and collaborative team.

Whether you're experienced in membership development, event coordination, or communications—and especially if you’re excited by the arts therapies—we’d love to hear from you.

�� Apply by: Sunday 20 July 2025
�� Interviews: Week commencing 4 August 2025
�� Location: Remote (UK-based)
�� Salary: £30,000 per annum (pro-rata if part-time)

Join our Legacy Administration Team as the right hand to the Team Leader, where you’ll play a key role in managing a vibrant mix of specific, residuary, and reversionary bequests. You’ll help transform supporters’ final wishes into real-world impact, ensuring every generous legacy gift reaches its full potential for Marie Curie’s vital work

Description for Internal Candidates

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end-of-life care in the UK, the only provider across all four nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end-of-life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness, they’re likely to die from.

Your Role in Our Vision

Join our Legacy Administration Team and manage a varied and active caseload of specific, residuary, and reversionary bequests. This is a pivotal role, helping to ensure that every gift left to Marie Curie is handled with care, accuracy, and respect — enabling us to continue delivering our essential services.

Legacy income is one of the most significant sources of funding for our charity. In this role, you will be responsible for safeguarding and maximising that income through diligent case management, effective communication with solicitors and executors, and a firm understanding of probate law and best practice. Your work directly contributes to our ability to care for people affected by terminal illness.

Experience across all UK jurisdictions is not essential, as full training will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of specific, residuary, and reversionary legacies across the UK.
• Ensure Marie Curie receives its full legal entitlement, in line with Wills and settlements.
• Handle correspondence efficiently, updating records on our FirstClass 4 database and meeting internal service standards.
• Act as the lead charity where appropriate and liaise with co-beneficiaries.
• Monitor and progress open cases to ensure timely completion.
• Review estate accounts carefully, ensuring accuracy and appropriate application of tax exemptions.
• Obtain tax deduction certificates where cost-effective to do so.
• Ensure funds are allocated correctly to restricted or unrestricted purposes as specified in Wills.
• Comply with Law Society guidelines regarding Non-Contentious Costs.
• Represent Marie Curie’s interests in shared estates and collaborate with legal professionals and the public.
• Identify and escalate potential risks or disputes that may affect our entitlement.
• Seek opportunities to maximise the value of legacies and proactively manage estate assets.
• Support stewardship activity by working closely with the Legacy Marketing and Local Legacy teams.

What You’ll Need

• Proven experience in legacy administration.
• Experience working in or with the charity sector.
• ILM Certificate in Charity Legacy Administration, Law Degree, or relevant professional qualification.
• Strong understanding of probate law and estate management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organised with a strong attention to detail.
• Confident using digital systems and databases.

Application & Interview Process

Please find full job description here 

• As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and covering letter.  Please review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
• Closing date for applications: Sunday 20th July 2025 23.59pm

Salary:  £30,000 - £35,00 DOE + London Weighting £3,500 (where applicable, 2/3 days in London Office per week) 
Contract:Permanent, Full Time 
Based: UK Home Based with monthly travel to our London office or one of our hospices (Marie Curie will cover all travel costs and if required, accommodation) OR London Office Embassy Gardens based.

Benefits you’ll LOVE:

• Flexible working. We’re happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
• Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• Industry-leading training programmes
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
• Access to Blue Light Card membership
• Subsidised Eye Care

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work.  We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

Are you someone who thrives on accuracy, organisation, and meaningful impact?  Join us as a Finance & Compliance Executive and help us deliver the essential work that keeps our youth-focused programmes thriving. In this role, you’ll play a vital part in managing funding contracts, supporting operations teams, and ensuring we meet the requirements of our funders—so that more young people can access the opportunities they deserve.

You’ll be at the heart of the action—tracking funding, compiling reports, monitoring contract compliance, and liaising with staff to ensure our delivery meets all necessary guidelines. Your attention to detail will help maintain accurate records, support timely claim submissions, and ensure we meet funder expectations with confidence and clarity. Being a whizz at Excel will also help immensely in this role. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is methodical, collaborative, and passionate about making a difference behind the scenes. You'll work with teams across the organisation, support compliance with vital audit requirements, and help shape action plans that drive ongoing improvements.

Whether you’ve previously worked in payroll, office administration, finance administration, or contract management—we’d love to hear from you. We value potential as much as experience, and we’re excited to welcome someone who shares our passion for helping young people succeed.

Managing Director - Green Finance / Rothbury Conservation Trust 

Salary: up to £90,000 per annum  

Location: Home Based, Office facilities available, some UK travel will be required.  

Full time (35 hours per week)  

Permanent contract 

Closing date for applications: 20th July 2025  

First interview: 1st August 2025  

Second interview: 8th August 2025 

About Us 

The Wildlife Trusts are a grassroots movement of people from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life, who believe that we need nature and nature needs us. We have more than 944,000 members, over 38,000 volunteers, 3,600 staff and 600 trustees. There are 46 individual Wildlife Trusts, each of which is a place-based independent charity with its own legal identity, formed by groups of people getting together and working with others to make a positive difference to wildlife and future generations, starting where they live and work. 

Every Wildlife Trust is part of The Wildlife Trusts federation and a corporate member of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, a registered charity in its own right founded in 1912 and one of the founding members of IUCN – the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Taken together this federation of 47 charities is known as The Wildlife Trusts. 

The next few years will be critical in determining what kind of world we all live in. We need to urgently reverse the loss of wildlife and put nature into recovery at scale if we are to prevent climate and ecological disaster. We recognise that this will require big, bold changes in the way The Wildlife Trusts work, not least in how we mobilise others and support them to organise within their own communities. 

The Wildlife Trusts are on a mission to bring about a people-powered nature and climate recovery by empowering people to take meaningful action for nature, and to create an inclusive society where nature matters to everyone, everywhere. We are ambitious in our desire not just to slow, but to reverse the declines in nature. Together we have developed a bold, new collective strategy which outlines our vision and the actions we will take to restore nature over the next eight years. 

Central to our strategy are our three goals which set out what we are striving to achieve by 2030 in pursuit of our vision of a thriving natural world. Goal 1 is to put nature into recovery with abundant, diverse wildlife and natural processes creating wilder land and seascapes where people and nature thrive. Goal 2 is to inspire people to take action for nature and climate, resulting in better decision-making for the environment at both local level and across the four UK nations. And Goal 3 is to enable nature to play a central and valued role in helping to address local and global problems, such as by helping tackle climate change and supporting wellbeing and education. 

Achieving these ambitious objectives means that we must develop new ways of working which increase the scale and impact of our work. Therefore, we have embarked on a programme of strategic transformations that are essential to achieving our goals, and which will result in a stronger and more effective Wildlife Trust movement for the long term. RSWT is leading the transformation programme across The Wildlife Trusts including in community organising, equality, diversity and inclusion, and funding nature’s recovery. The Wildlife Trusts have existed for over 100 years thanks to a strong membership base and traditional fundraising activities. 

Now, to achieve the level of funding needed to reverse nature’s decline, we need to diversify and increase our income by exploring new ways of funding such as innovative finance. 

About You  

Do you want to lead the field in the development of private investment into nature’s recovery? 

Fundamentally, you will have worked at a senior level as a Managing Director/CEO and have financial investment and commercial leadership experience that translates into strong awareness and understanding of financial investment markets and how these financial mechanisms can be used to drive large-scale investment, in this case into a green finance vehicle(s) for the Wildlife Trusts. We need you to translate that experience into solutions that scale up nature’s recovery, by developing realisable business propositions that create revenues from corporate sales of nature-based services such as biodiversity net gain credits or voluntary carbon credits amongst many other possible services. 

An innovative problem-solver with an entrepreneurial spirit, you will need to develop compelling and practical commercial strategies which can be successfully delivered within the Wildlife Trust Federation. As such you will be a great communicator, with a personable style who can work with many different people across the wonderful variety of geography, size, scale, and activities of the 46 Wildlife Trusts. 

The Wildlife Trusts value passion, respect, trust, integrity, pragmatic activism and strength in diversity. Whilst we are passionate in promoting our aims, we are not judgmental and are inclusive. We particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities. 

RSWT take our Safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously. Please click here to read our commitment statement. The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. For applicable roles, applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks at the eligible level. 

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to offering an interview to anyone with a disability that meets all the essential criteria for the post. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible. 

RSWT are committed to increasing the diversity of its staff through its Levelling the Field recruitment pledge and will put any ethnic minority applicants that meet all the essential criteria for the post through to the next stage of recruitment. 

Please be aware we may not accept applications if we have reason to believe they have been wholly produced using generative AI tools. 

Suicide is preventable. That’s why we are working to create a safer online world and to connect young people with the help and support they need to stay safe and well.

We’re Molly Rose Foundation, founded following the death of 14-year-old Molly Russell. At Molly’s inquest, a coroner ruled harmful online content contributed to her death. In her name, we’ve now got big plans to create change and save young lives.

We’re looking for a Head of Education and Support that can help us grow and deliver our vital mission. This is a rare chance to design and deliver an education and support programme from the bottom-up, and to build a compelling strategy that offers children, parents and professionals high-quality online safety, mental health and suicide prevention programmes.

You’ll be a proven leader, with the strategic nous to identify and deliver new education programmes from scratch, the deep sectoral knowledge to design and deliver a suite of new education resources, and the commercial insight to scale and build demand from scratch. 

As a member of our Leadership Team, your play a central role to help us grow and build our impact. You’ll help shape our outcome-focused strategy, with the standing and skills to communicate and build support for our message and purpose. You’ll thrive on the challenge of building our expanded education and support programme and be driven by the opportunity to deliver change that really counts.

We offer a competitive package that includes:

-27 days annual leave plus 1 volunteering day, rising to 30 days holiday after three years’ service;

-        Annual leave buyback scheme, with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days;

-        Employee pension scheme;

-£500 employee wellbeing budget;

-      35 hours per week - we actively welcome applications from a diverse range of applicants and              flexible working requests.

Applications close: Monday, 28th July 2025.

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. 

Job Summary

Location : Requirement to attend our sites in Basildon, Harlow and Thurrock if required and to team meetings quarterly.

Type: Remote

Salary: £48,000.00 per annum

Hours :  37.5 hours per week

Term: Permanent

Main Responsibilities:

Leadership

1. As a member of the Operational Leadership Team and wider Senior Leadership Team, work collaboratively and take collective responsibility for the strategic management and leadership of the organisation.

2. Work closely with the CEO, Treasurer and Board of Trustees to facilitate good governance and risk management.

3. Manage, maintain and develop all financial systems and control; increasing their impact and quality, and implementing best practices in financial management.

4. To supervise finance assistants and ensure that they are adhering to financial code of practices.

Financial Management

1. Lead and manage all aspects of the financial cycle, including budgeting, forecasting, fixed asset management, reserves & designated fund management and financial reporting.

2. Work with HR & Payroll Officer to manage and retain oversight of the day to day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking and general ledger maintenance, including the reconciliation of petty cash, credit cards and all bank accounts on a monthly basis reviewing and approving payment runs and payroll.

3. Work with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to prepare the annual budgets and forecasts.

4. Lead and manage the provision of regular budget monitoring and reports to budget holders.

5. Assist with the budget preparation for funding bids. Manage, monitor and keep track of any grants, funding or commissioned income, working with relevant managers to provide relevant financial information for inclusion in monitoring reports.

6. Lead and manage the provision of quarterly financial reports to the Board and advise them on financial issues as appropriate

7. Provide insightful financial analysis and reporting to inform and support organisational management, development and decision[1]making, and funding applications across the organisation.

8. Work with the CEO to prepare medium term financial forecasts for the organisation to support strategic decision-making and delivery of strategic priorities.

9. Lead on the audit process and the preparation of year end accounts to trial balance including preparation of the audit file and the closing down of the accounts on our accounting management system to ensure that the organisation is compliant with legal requirements and good practice.

10. To work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and designated Trustees to advise, review and cost the annual pay award.

11. To provide back-up and holiday cover for the processing of monthly payroll.

12. To work with and support the HR & Payroll Officer in providing payroll information and reconciling payroll monthly.

Governance and compliance

1. Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements (e.g. Companies House, HMRC and the Charity Commission).

2. Attend Trustee Board meetings to report on financial matters, including the identification and management of financial risk, and provide any relevant reports.

3. To support the Trustees, SLT and line managers in managing our finances carefully and within our financial means, through provision of advice, guidance, support and training.

4. To be the main point of contact with external auditors.

5. To ensure that robust financial controls are in place, underpinned by appropriate financial policies and procedures and to ensure that they are adhered to and that the organisation is protected from fraud and error.

Closing date for applications : 21st July 2025

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.

At Children’s University Trust, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive through learning beyond the classroom. We’re a small, passionate team with bold ambitions to expand our impact – and we’re looking for an equally ambitious Business Development and Community Partnership Manager to lead the way.

This is more than just a development role. It's about building sustainable growth strategies, forging powerful partnerships, and shaping a future where opportunity is no longer defined by postcode or circumstance.

As our Business Development and Community Partnership Manager, you will take the lead in shaping and implementing visionary, data-driven growth strategies across three vital areas:

• Place-based memberships with schools, universities, councils’ departments, and third sector organisations.
• Individual “at home” subscriptions for children in areas without direct Children’s University provision or those who do not engage with traditional education.
• Strategic business partnerships with corporates and SMEs, securing vital funding and in-kind support.

You’ll be a key figure in our next phase of growth — identifying new opportunities, building meaningful relationships, and helping us scale our reach across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive new business activity and revenue growth across all three strategic areas.
• Build a strong, inclusive pipeline of potential members, partners, and funders.
• Manage and nurture relationships from first contact through to long-term collaboration.
• Use data and insight to shape decision-making and report progress to the board.
• Be a passionate ambassador for Children’s University at events, conferences, and online.

We’re Looking for Someone Who:

• Has a proven track record in income generation, partnerships or sales – all sector’s welcome!
• Is passionate about improving the lives of children and young people.
• Is a strategic thinker with the energy of a new business developer.
• Has the confidence to influence senior stakeholders and the empathy to build trust.
• Brings a creative, collaborative, and resilient mindset.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, flexible, remote-first environment.

Why Join Us?

• A unique chance to shape a growing national charity’s development strategy.
• A collaborative, driven team that values innovation and purpose.
• Flexible working, with one day a week in Manchester.
• An opportunity to truly change lives through education and opportunity.

If you’re excited by the chance to lead sustainable growth with purpose, and you want your work to matter, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and be part of a team creating a brighter future for children across the UK.