Community development executive jobs

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Yorkshire’s most respected community foundations and help shape the future of giving across Calderdale.

For over 35 years, Community Foundation for Calderdale (CFFC) has connected people who care with causes that matter. We believe local generosity has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities and create opportunities for everyone to thrive.

As an independent charitable funder, we work with individuals, families, businesses and organisations to invest in local charities and community groups tackling some of Calderdale’s biggest challenges. Every year, we distribute more than £2 million in grants to support people and places across the borough. At the same time, we are building our permanent endowment, creating a lasting legacy that will continue supporting local communities for generations to come.

This is what makes CFFC unique. We do not just make a difference today. We create a legacy that will benefit Calderdale in perpetuity.

Following many years of successful leadership from our current Chief Executive Officer, we are seeking an exceptional leader to build on this strong foundation and lead CFFC into its next chapter.

About the role

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, ensuring CFFC continues to grow its impact, strengthen partnerships and inspire philanthropy across Calderdale.

You will lead and develop a committed staff team, work closely with Trustees, build trusted relationships with donors, businesses, professional advisers, charities and public sector partners, and ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable, well-governed and ambitious for the future.

You will also act as CFFC’s public ambassador, representing the organisation across Calderdale and beyond, while championing the importance of local giving and community investment.

About you

We are looking for an inspiring and collaborative leader with significant senior leadership experience and the ability to build confidence and credibility with a wide range of stakeholders.

You will demonstrate:

Proven strategic leadership and organisational management experience.

Experience of developing successful partnerships, fundraising, income generation or business development.

Strong financial and governance awareness.

Excellent relationship-building, communication and influencing skills.

Experience of leading and developing high-performing teams.

A genuine commitment to community impact and the values of the voluntary sector.

You may come from a community foundation, charitable trust, grant-making organisation, charity, public sector, social enterprise or a commercial organisation with a strong social purpose.

What we offer

Salary in excess of £60,000, dependent on experience.

Permanent, full-time position.

Flexible and hybrid working, with a regular presence required in Calderdale.

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays, additional Easter Tuesday leave and office closure over the Christmas period, rising to 25 days after five years’ service.

Employer pension contribution, with details available in the candidate information pack.

The opportunity to lead a respected local foundation with a strong legacy, deep local relationships and ambitious plans for the future.

Closing date: 31 July 2026

First round interviews: Week commencing 17 August 2026

Second round interviews: Week commencing 24 August 2026

CFFC is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are happy to discuss any adjustments candidates may need during the recruitment process.

If you are an ambitious leader who wants to build on a strong legacy, inspire local philanthropy and help create lasting change for communities across Calderdale, we would love to hear from you.

Do you believe in the power of communities to shape change?
OCVA is seeking a values-driven Chief Executive to inspire, connect and champion Oxfordshire’s community and voluntary sector.

This is an opportunity to lead a respected local infrastructure organisation at the heart of Oxfordshire’s voluntary and community sector. As Chief Executive of OCVA, you will work alongside a committed Board and a small, passionate team to support charities and community groups, promote and champion volunteering, influence local systems, and ensure the sector’s voice is heard.

You will balance strategic leadership with strong relationships. This includes working closely with local councils, funders and partners, while staying grounded in the realities faced by community organisations. 

We are looking for someone who shares our values, understands the voluntary and community sector, and is motivated by making a meaningful difference. The role is as much about listening, collaboration and trust as it is about income, sustainability and delivery. If our mission resonates and you bring curiosity, integrity and a commitment to inclusive leadership to all that you do then we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic Outreach Executive who is passionate about the mission of Smart Works Birmingham and committed to helping more women access the support they need to secure employment.

In this role, you will build and maintain strong relationships with referral partners across Birmingham and the Midlands, increasing awareness of our service and driving referrals. You will represent Smart Works Birmingham at community events, job fairs, networking opportunities, and stakeholder meetings, acting as a representative for the charity and identifying opportunities for partnership working.

A key part of the role will be supporting the delivery of our Empowering Diverse Communities projects, working with organisations that support women facing additional barriers to employment, including young women, women from minority ethnic communities, women with disabilities and women with offending backgrounds. Through targeted outreach and partnership development, you will help ensure that more women from underrepresented communities can access our service and achieve their career goals.

Working closely with the wider team, you will play an important role in delivering our strategic objectives and helping us expand our reach and impact across the region.

The current closing date for this role is Wednesday 15th July 2026. Interview dates are to be confirmed, and candidates will receive at least one week of notice of the interview. 

Please see the document attached for the full job description. To apply, please complete the application on our portal where you will be promoted to answer three screening questions. 

QCCA has served Camden’s communities for more than 40 years.

Today we support more than 3,000 local residents every year through:

• Youth Services
• Older People’s Services
• Advice & Advocacy
• Family Support
• Two successful children’s nurseries
• Community facilities
• Health and wellbeing programmes
• Employment and skills initiatives

With an annual income approaching £2 million, multiple community sites and exciting plans for further growth, we’re investing in a modern finance function that supports excellent decision-making and long-term sustainability.

Why This Role Is Different

This isn’t a traditional Finance Manager role.

Yes, you’ll oversee management accounts, budgets and audit preparation.

But you’ll also have the opportunity to:

• Transform our finance systems.
• Lead our migration from QuickBooks to Xero.
• Introduce smarter digital processes.
• Improve financial reporting.
• Build dashboards that help managers make better decisions.
• Work directly with the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees.
• Influence organisational strategy.
• Help shape the future of one of Camden’s leading community charities.

You’ll have the freedom to improve how we work—not simply maintain existing processes.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll provide strategic financial leadership while leading the modernisation of QCCA’s finance systems.

Working closely with our Chief Executive and Senior Management Team, you’ll:

• Lead the migration from QuickBooks to Xero (or an agreed cloud accounting platform).
• Produce insightful monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Develop budgets, forecasts and financial models.
• Present financial information to Trustees and senior managers.
• Improve financial systems, controls and reporting.
• Introduce automation and digital workflows.
• Support commercial income generation and grant-funded projects.
• Lead the annual audit process.
• Line manage and develop our Finance Assistants.
• Help build a finance function fit for the future.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who enjoys making organisations better.

You’ll probably have experience of:

• Charity finance.
• Management accounting.
• Budgeting and forecasting.
• Audit preparation.
• Financial controls.
• Cloud accounting systems (Xero experience is highly desirable).
• Leading change and improving systems.
• Supporting non-finance managers.
• Working collaboratively with senior leaders and Trustees.

Most importantly, you’ll be someone who enjoys solving problems, embracing technology and helping organisations grow.

About us 

Loughborough Community Centre (LCC) was established in Brixton in 1981, as a positive outcome from the Brixton Uprisings. We operate from the Max Roach Centre in Brixton. 

Our vital and multi award-winning project has been on the frontline before and during the pandemic supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families. We are in a positive position to grow the team to increase our impact for the community.

What we do: 

Core offer...

• Rosebuds Preschool (2 - 4yrs)

• Afterschool and Holiday Play Project (0 - 13yrs) 

• Family Support 

Our mission:  
A safe place where children, young people and families can come together, to play, learn and thrive.  Join us and become part of a happy, motivated and friendly team who support the social, emotional and learning needs of our intergenerational community, through our embedded approach of Listening, Collaboration and the Creation (LCC) of meaningful activities.

About you

You will provide high-quality education, care, and family support, ensuring children experience a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where they can thrive. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will bring strong leadership, early years knowledge, and a commitment to creating enabling spaces that support children’s learning, development, wellbeing, and family engagement. 

You will be confident in meeting all legal, statutory, and setting requirements, with a strong understanding of your professional contribution to maintaining high standards across Rosebuds Preschool, and the wider family and play services delivered by LCC at the Max Roach Centre. 

Role Title: Early Year Professional (added area of responsibility) / Senior Practioner 

Hours: 35 hours per week, 7.5 hours per day Monday to Friday (Hours will include some afterschool wraparound, occasional evenings and weekends).

We value work life balance and are willing to consider term time only or all year round.  

Salary: £28,392 (FTE) depending on experience and up to an extra £3,640 per year incentive for added area of responsibility. Potential FTE £32,032. 

Location: Rosebuds Preschool at Max Roach Centre, in person

Contract: Permanent – 6 months probationary period

Benefits of working with us: 

• Highly Competitive Salary 

• Team Of People Who Actually Care 

• Concessional Preschool Place

• Employee Assistance Programme for Staff Mental Health Wellbeing and Support 

• Birthdays Off 

• Regular Socials and Team Building Opportunities. 

• Free Enhanced DBS Checks 

• Well-Established Career Path and Training Opportunities 

• Workplace Pension Scheme

• Induction and Supervision Programme

• Personal and Professional Development Plan 

• Fresh Fruit, Tea & Coffee available for all staff 

You will have experience of:

• Planning, delivering, and evaluating high-quality learning experiences in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, supporting children’s individual development, curiosity, and wellbeing.

• Working collaboratively as part of an early years professional team to maintain and continuously improve the quality of practice, provision, and outcomes for children.

• Operating within a Key Person system, building secure, nurturing relationships with a designated group of children and supporting their individual needs, development, and family relationships.

Main duties include:

• Contribute to the responsibility for providing a high quality of education and learning, ensuring that staff are properly deployed, and to offer appropriate stimulation and support to the children attending the setting.

• Contribute to the responsibility towards drawing up long-term, medium-term and sessional curriculum plans which take into account the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and to monitor the effectiveness of the setting’s curriculum; this may include working with external professionals.

• Advocate for early years curriculum based on outdoor learning through play. 

• Contribute to the responsibility of drawing up and implementing the daily programme of activities and events.

• Comply with current Ofsted inspection requirements for achieving a ‘Good’ or above rating.

• Contribute and support the key person system, ensuring parents/carers are aware of their child’s key worker and that key workers regularly and effectively engage with their key children’s parent/carer.

• Contribute to the responsibility for the implementation of systems for observation and record keeping so that children’s progress and achievements are effectively and regularly assessed and to monitor the effectiveness of assessment procedures.

• Understand and appreciate the importance of monitoring and evaluation in a preschool based setting. 

• To carry out visits and inductions for new children and to ensure a smooth settlement. 

Deadline for applications is Friday 7th August 2026. Interviews will take place througout August 2026.

Are you someone who leads from the front? Do you want a role where no two days are the same – one that combines hands-on project delivery, meaningful work with volunteers, and making the evidence count? The South London Mission is looking for a Community Projects & Volunteer Officer to be at the heart of our work.

This is not a desk-bound role. You’ll be packing Brite Box meal kits, running sessions with families and older people, building and leading a committed volunteer team, and producing reports that tell our story to funders and decision-makers. It’s a role for someone equally at home lifting boxes and writing impact reports.

This is an exciting opportunity for a new Chief Executive Officer to lead our well-respected rare disease patient organisation through the next phase of growth and impact, in particular focussing on financial sustainability and influencing health policy for these rare diseases.These sit alongside the other grass-roots duties of a small charity CEO, including working with our Medical Advisory Team to develop new and maintain existing patient education resources, and overseeing our support services including volunteers and a professional psychological counselling service. Reporting to and working with the Board of Trustees, the CEO will be responsible for delivering our 2027-2030 Strategic Plan, ensuring robust governance, and driving forward our mission to improve the lives of people affected by rare diseases.The CEO manages the part-time Executive Administrator and works with up to 30 current volunteers (patients, carers, and health professionals) to deliver services with impact.This role includes occasional weekend work, as well as approximately 15 days travel (national and international) per year to represent and advocate for the charities’ beneficiaries. 

Would you like to be part of a young and vibrant charity that is dedicated to supporting those who have been bereaved by suicide?

We are expanding our team and looking for a Marketing & Community Engagement Manager. This is a new role working with the Community Engagement Director to lead in the design and delivery of Suicide&Co's marketing and community engagement activity, helping more people discover our services, access support, and become part of our community through fundraising, volunteering and partnerships.

Working across the organisation, you'll develop engaging campaigns, build meaningful relationships with supporters, ambassadors and partner organisations, and oversee our digital communications to ensure they authentically reflect the voices of our community and tone of Suicide&Co.

Managing our Digital Content Executive, you'll ensure every campaign and piece of content delivers impact while supporting the continued growth of Suicide&Co's reach, reputation and influence.

Would you like to be part of a young and vibrant charity that is dedicated to supporting those who have been bereaved by suicide? We are looking for a Digital Content Executive to lead Suicide&Co's digital storytelling, creating compelling content that grows our reach, strengthens our community and inspires meaningful conversations. From social media and video content to community management, ambassador engagement and lived experience storytelling, you'll bring our mission to life through authentic, compassionate and impactful digital communications.

As the first point of connection for many people, our digital channels play a vital role in helping people discover our services, access support, engage with our community, and get involved through fundraising, volunteering and partnerships. You'll also nurture our online community through thoughtful, timely and compassionate engagement, responding to comments and messages to create safe, supportive spaces where people feel heard, valued and connected. Every piece of content you create and every conversation you have will help connect more people to the support they need and the work we do.

As a Community Library Facilitator you will play a key role in creating a warm and inclusive environment, building meaningful relationships with visitors, and helping people connect with the wider services and support available through our organisation. Whether facilitating creative activities, supporting library users, engaging with families, or signposting individuals to additional services, you will be helping to strengthen community connections and improve wellbeing.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with people, is passionate about community development, and thrives in a varied and dynamic environment. The successful candidate will be adaptable, empathetic, and creative, with the confidence to engage people from diverse backgrounds and encourage participation in community based activities.

This is a part-time position with flexible working hours. Due to the nature of our community programmes and activities, the role will require some after-school, early evening, and occasional weekend working. We are looking for someone who can offer flexibility to meet the needs of the community while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Experience facilitating workshops, creative activities, community projects, or educational sessions is desirable but not essential. Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about making a positive difference and helping people feel connected, supported, and empowered within their community.

Key Responsibilities:

Facilitate Activities: Lead and facilitate a range of group activities, including creative workshops, community events, and school-based sessions. Encourage participation and create engaging, inclusive experiences that support learning, wellbeing, and social connection.

Community Library Services: Help create and maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible community library environment. Support library users by providing information, promoting services, and encouraging community engagement. Assist with the day-to-day running of library activities and services.

Community Engagement: Build positive relationships with participants, visitors, volunteers, and partner organisations. Foster a sense of belonging and encourage active involvement in community activities and projects.

Participant Support: Provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental environment where individuals feel valued and heard. Offer appropriate support to participants during activities and signpost to additional services where necessary.

Activity Planning & Delivery: Assist with the planning, organisation, promotion, and delivery of activities and events that align with the charity's mission and community needs. Contribute ideas for new projects, workshops, and initiatives.

Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues, volunteers, schools, and community partners to ensure activities run smoothly and effectively. Support the ongoing development and improvement of services through teamwork and shared learning.

Monitoring & Evaluation: Gather participant feedback and maintain appropriate records. Support the evaluation of activities by monitoring engagement, outcomes, and impact.

Safeguarding, Confidentiality & Data Protection: Adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring the welfare, dignity, and safety of all participants at all times. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality. Ensure all personal data is collected, stored, and processed in accordance with GDPR and the organisation's data protection policies.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• A commitment to community empowerment, inclusion, and supporting individuals to thrive.

• Ability to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants, volunteers, and visitors.

• Ability to build positive relationships.

• Good organisational and time-management skills.

• A proactive, flexible, and collaborative approach to work.

• Commitment to safeguarding and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

• Strong IT and administrative skills, including the ability to use email, databases, Microsoft Office, and other digital systems accurately and efficiently.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience facilitating workshops, group activities, or community programmes.

• Experience working or volunteering within a charity, education, library, or community setting.

• Knowledge of community development principles.

• Experience managing or creating content for social media platforms.

• Understanding of safeguarding practices and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Desirable: A background in education, social work, community development, or a creative discipline.

• Essential: A genuine interest in community empowerment and supporting individuals in their personal growth.

Personal Qualities:

• Warm, approachable, and empathetic.

• Creative and enthusiastic.

• Reliable and self-motivated.

• Adaptable and willing to take initiative.

• Passionate about making a positive difference within the community.

Help build South East London's renewable energy future

South East London Community Energy (SELCE) is looking for a Community Renewable Energy Project Developer to help deliver one of London's most exciting community-owned renewable energy programmes.

Working alongside our experienced Renewable Energy Projects Manager and CEO, you will develop community-owned solar projects from initial feasibility through to installation. As your experience grows, you will progressively take ownership of your own projects, developing technical, commercial and stakeholder management skills. Unlike many commercial renewable energy roles, this position provides exposure to the complete project lifecycle, combining technical design, commercial analysis, stakeholder engagement, funding development, planning, procurement and project delivery.

You'll work with schools, charities, leisure centres, faith organisations and businesses, helping them reduce energy costs and carbon emissions while generating long-term income that funds action on fuel poverty.

We're looking for someone who already has a solid grounding in commercial solar and wants to expand their skills across the full project development lifecycle while making a tangible difference to local communities.

Key Responsibilities

Project Development

• Identify and assess potential community solar host sites.
• Undertake desktop feasibility studies and site surveys.
• Procure structural surveys, grid connection studies and planning consultants.
• Apply for grants and development funding.
• Progress projects through planning, legal agreements and delivery.

Solar Design & Commercial Analysis

• Design commercial rooftop solar PV systems using OpenSolar, PVSol or similar software.
• Optimise systems to maximise generation and on-site self-consumption.
• Use SELCE's financial model to assess project viability and electricity pricing.
• Prepare technical and commercial proposals.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build trusted relationships with host organisations.
• Explain SELCE's community-owned financing model.
• Guide organisations through the project development process.
•  Respond to technical and commercial enquiries.

Project Delivery

• Support procurement of installation contractors.
• Support installation delivery alongside the Renewable Energy Projects Manager.
• Assist with leases and Power Purchase Agreements.

Community Engagement

• Represent SELCE at community events.
• Promote community-owned renewable energy.
• Support community investment campaigns.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience designing commercial rooftop solar PV systems using OpenSolar, PVSol, SolarEdge Designer or similar software, with confidence learning new packages.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and analytical skills.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Understanding of the commercial aspects of solar PV and associated revenue streams.
• Proactive, self-motivated and enthusiastic about community energy.

Desirable

• Experience supporting delivery of commercial rooftop solar projects.
• Experience through employment, internships or university projects involving commercial solar PV.
• Experience securing grant funding.
• Experience supervising volunteers.
• Experience managing project teams.
• Experience in the community energy sector.
• Full UK driving licence.

Benefits

•  20 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays
• 4% employer pension contribution
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Ongoing professional development and mentoring
• Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) for agreed evening and weekend work
• The opportunity to help shape one of the UK's leading community energy organisations

About SELCE

South East London Community Energy (SELCE) is an award-winning, member-owned energy cooperative working to create a fair and just energy transition. We believe everyone should benefit from the transition to renewable energy.

Through our innovative community financing model, local people invest in renewable energy projects that benefit their communities. SELCE currently owns and operates over 550 kWp of solar PV across 12 sites throughout South East London and will install a further 600 kWp this summer, with additional projects already in development.

Our work has received national recognition, including Community Energy Project at the British Renewable Energy Awards 2026, the Fuel Poverty Action award at the Community Energy England Awards 2025 and Social Value Category at Retrofit Academy Awards 2025.

Why join SELCE?

You'll be joining one of the UK's leading community energy organisations at an exciting period of growth. Every project you help deliver will reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs for schools, charities and community organisations, and generate long-term funding that supports households experiencing fuel poverty.

As a small, ambitious organisation, SELCE offers the opportunity to work directly with senior decision-makers, develop projects from concept to installation and build a unique combination of technical, commercial and people skills.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

SELCE values diversity and is committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from people currently underrepresented within the renewable energy sector.

Create is seeking a dynamic, ambitious, driven, fundraiser (grants/major gifts) with strong strategic skills, an exemplary income generation track record, and a passion for the power of the creative arts. This Senior Leadership Team position reports directly to the Chief Executive and manages a small team.

Do you believe in the power of the creative arts to connect, empower and upskill isolated and vulnerable children and adults? Are you passionate about relationship building, storytelling, meeting targets and changing lives? Are you excited to use your extensive senior-level fundraising experience, knowledge and contacts to lead Create’s income generation from Trusts & Foundations (T&F), public sector and High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI)? 

Help build a more inclusive Cheshire East—by empowering people to lead change in their own communities.

Be part of a role where relationships, lived experience and local action create real impact.

As a Community Champion, you’ll be at the heart of community life—building trusted relationships, running conversations and awareness sessions, and helping people feel more included, confident and connected.

A key part of your role will be to find, train and support new Community Champions—people with lived experience who want to make a difference locally. You’ll help them grow in confidence to lead peer activity, share insight and shape what happens next.

You’ll also work with employers and community organisations to break down barriers, improve inclusion, and open up access to wellbeing support, volunteering, training and work. Along the way, you’ll gather real insight and help turn it into practical change.

We’re especially interested in people with lived experience of disability or long-term health conditions—but more than anything, we’re looking for someone who is approachable, proactive and committed to fairness. Someone who builds trust, listens well, and supports others to step forward.

If you want a role where you can see the difference you make in people’s lives and communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: Full-time
Reports to: Chair; Board of Directors 
Location: Hackney
Salary: £50,000-60,000 depending on experience.
Pension: HSoF participates in the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pension scheme and contributes 3%.
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, free onsite lunches .
Probation period: Six months.

About Hackney School of Food

Hackney School of Food is an award-winning food education hub based in the grounds of Mandeville Primary School in Clapton, East London. Through our teaching kitchen and educational garden, we help children, families and communities build the skills, confidence and knowledge to grow, cook and eat good food.

Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 visits to our kitchen and garden, delivering curriculum programmes for schools alongside community cooking courses, gardening projects, holiday clubs, corporate volunteering and public events. Since becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2023, we have expanded our facilities, strengthened our governance and built a strong reputation as a leader in food education.

We're now looking for an exceptional Managing Director to build on these strong foundations and lead Hackney School of Food through its next phase of growth and impact.

About the role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director (MD) will provide both strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the organisation delivers its mission while remaining financially resilient, well-governed and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

The Managing Director is responsible for all aspects of the organisation, including strategy, income generation, finance, governance, partnerships, programme delivery and people leadership. Working closely with a small, committed team and an engaged Board, they will build on strong foundations to grow Hackney School of Food's impact, reach and long-term sustainability.

This is a varied, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with practical delivery. One day you may be developing a new partnership, meeting a prospective funder or working with the Board on future strategy; the next you could be supporting the team, welcoming visitors to the garden or solving day-to-day operational challenges.

Key priorities

In your first 12 months you will:

• Build on Hackney School of Food's strong foundations to deliver the next phase of our strategy and growth.

• Increase and diversify income through fundraising, partnerships and commercial opportunities to strengthen long-term sustainability.

• Lead, support and develop a small, ambitious team, fostering a positive and inclusive culture where people can thrive.

• Strengthen relationships with funders, partners and local businesses, helping Hackney School of Food deepen its impact.

• Work closely with the Board to embed strong governance, organisational systems and long-term planning for the future.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership 

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for Hackney School of Food, ensuring delivery of its mission, vision and long-term objectives. 

• Lead the development and implementation of Hackney School of Food's annual business plan and organisational priorities.

• Work with the Board to evolve organisational strategy, identify opportunities, manage risks and support sustainable growth.

• Monitor, report on and respond to organisational performance against agreed objectives and impact measures. 

• Champion Hackney School of Food externally, strengthening its profile and influence.
   

Financial sustainability and income generation 

• Oversee organisational budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and cashflow management, working closely with the Treasurer and accountant.

• Lead income generation across the organisation, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, sponsorship and earned income.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, sponsors and strategic partners.

• Ensure all funding commitments are met, including grant reporting, monitoring and evaluation requirements.

• Identify new opportunities to diversify income and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.

Partnerships & External Relations

• Act as the main point of contact for HSoF’s key partners, LEAP Federation and Chefs in Schools to ensure the partnerships are effective and positive.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with other key stakeholders, including local authorities, funders and sponsors.

• Represent Hackney School of Food at meetings, events, and public forums.

• Champion the value of food education and contribute to wider local and national conversations. 

• Ensure programmes remain responsive to community needs through ongoing engagement and consultation. 

Governance and public benefit 

• Ensure the organisation operates in line with its CIC objectives and delivers clear public benefit. 

• Support the Board of Directors to fulfil its governance responsibilities through high-quality reporting, planning and decision-making.

• Prepare Board papers, reports and agendas, ensuring timely and accurate information is available to support effective governance.

• Oversee and report on organisational performance to the Board of Directors quarterly.

• Act as the primary link between the Board and the operational team.

• Maintain effective governance, delegated authority and accountability frameworks. 

• Support the Board in meeting all statutory and regulatory obligations relating to the CIC.

People, Culture and safeguarding

• Provide leadership to a small core team (currently c.4 employees), directly managing staff and fostering a positive, inclusive culture. 

• Provide oversight and support for a wider network of approx. 15 freelance contractors to ensure consistently high-quality delivery.

• Lead recruitment, induction, performance management and professional development in line with safer recruitment and equality principles. 

• Ensure effective organisational structures, clear roles, and performance accountability.

• Oversee HR processes including appraisals, performance management, and professional development.

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, embedding safeguarding throughout the organisation maintaining compliance with all relevant requirements. 

• Develop organisational systems, policies and practices that support an inclusive, high-performing workplace.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Maintain and regularly review the organisational Risk Register and report key risks and mitigations to the Board.

• Oversee organisational policies, procedures and continuous improvement, ensuring policies and legal requirements are up to date, clearly communicated and embedded across the organisation. 

• Ensure compliance with employment law, health and safety, safeguarding, GDPR and other relevant legislation. 

Personal specification

Essential experience 

• Senior leadership experience with responsibility for organisational performance and accountability. 

• Experience securing income through fundraising, partnerships and/or commercial activity.

• Experience of financial leadership, including budget setting, forecasting and cashflow oversight.

• Experience working closely with a Board, Trustees or governing body to translate strategic vision into operational delivery. 

• Experience building and managing successful partnerships with funders, businesses and community stakeholders. 

• Experience in managing and motivating a team, creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture. 

• Experience of governance, compliance and organisational risk management.

• Experience of safeguarding within an education, youth or community context.

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, make sound decisions and remain resilient in a resource-constrained environment.

Essential skills and attributes

• Passion for Hackney School of Food's mission and the role of food education in improving health, wellbeing and community connection. 

• Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable with hands-on operational leadership. 

• Entrepreneurial, resourceful and committed to building long-term financial sustainability and identifying growth opportunities.

• Ability to lead a team through change with sensitivity, clarity and kindness.

• Strong communicator with excellent relationship-building skills. 

• Confident decision-maker with a high level of personal accountability. 

• Committed to equity, inclusion and community-led practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within a Community Interest Company (CIC), social enterprise or charity.

• Knowledge of Hackney, its communities and local stakeholder landscape.

• Experience of working in food education, community food, gardening, environmental education or a related field.

• Experience reviewing and managing contracts, service agreements or other legal documentation.

An inclusive workplace

We know that diverse teams make stronger organisations and are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment and will consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We particularly encourage applications from people who are under-represented in our sector and in leadership roles, including people from the global majority and those whose lived experience brings valuable perspectives from the communities we serve. We also welcome applications from people who live in Hackney or East London.

How to apply

The deadline to apply is Monday 20 July at 9am. Please apply by filling out this application form.

You'll find the link to the application form on our Recruitment Pack which provides more information. 

Stage 1: A one-hour online interview with the Senior Team and Board (24 July) 

Stage 2: On-site interview at Hackney School of Food (30 July), including a short presentation. 

We may also invite the preferred candidate to an informal meeting with the wider team and Board before making a final appointment. 

The successful applicant will need to pass an enhanced DBS check and provide two suitable references. 

We may close the application window earlier if we are inundated with applications, so please don't wait to apply.

If you have any questions about the role or your suitability, please feel free to get in touch with us. You will find a Recruitment pack and email address to contact via our website.