Community fundraising and operations officer jobs in exeter, devon

At Alzheimer's Society, we're a team of advisors, supporters, fundraisers, researchers, and advocates - united by one purpose: to make life better for everyone affected by dementia.

We're looking for a Company Secretary and Governance Lead to play an important leadership role in ensuring our charity operates to the highest standards of governance, transparency and integrity.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely with the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team and Board Committees, this role will shape and strengthen our governance framework to enable confident, informed decision-making that supports delivery of our strategy and impact. This is an outstanding opportunity for a strategic governance leader who can combine technical expertise with strong relationship management and a genuine passion for driving good governance that supports our mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Company Secretary for Alzheimer's Society and its subsidiaries, ensuring compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House requirements.
• Provide trusted advice to the Chair, Board of Trustees and Executive Leadership Team on their legal, fiduciary and regulatory responsibilities.
• Oversee governance arrangements, ensuring effective information flow and clear decision-making structures across the organisation.
• Develop and lead a team of Governance professionals, promoting a culture of high performance, collaboration, accountability and inclusivity.
• Lead the design and continual improvement of our governance framework, embedding transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision making.
• Serve as Whistleblowing Officer for the Society, and champion integrity and openness in all governance processes.
• Support the governance team to deliver efficient Board and Committee meetings, forward planning, and statutory reporting.
• Foster strong relationships across teams, embedding governance and compliance as enablers of effective, ethical leadership.

About You

You're a confident, collaborative leader who combines professional rigour with empathy, diplomacy and a values-led approach. You bring the strategic insight to advise senior leaders and the operational focus to ensure governance processes run seamlessly.

We're looking for someone who can:

• Demonstrate a strong track record of advising Boards and senior leaders on governance, compliance and organisational risk.
• Bring excellent knowledge of charity law, company law, and the UK governance landscape.
• Communicate complex information clearly and credibly to a range of audiences.
• Lead with authenticity and integrity, building trusted relationships across all levels.
• Drive continuous improvement — from simplifying processes to fostering a culture of learning and accountability.
• Lead and develop a small team, championing collaboration and professional growth.
• Model Alzheimer's Society's values of Determination, Better Together, Compassion and Trusted Expertise in all that you do.

This role is Home-based with occasional travel across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Important Dates:

• The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 30th November 2025.
• Interview invites will be issued from 8th December. 
• Involvement (lived-experience) Panel will take place on 12th December 2025. 
• Competency Panel interview will take place at our Crutched Friar's London Office on 16th December 2025. 
• Candidates will have the opportunity to meet with our CEO and Chair of the Board of Trustees virtually on 17th December 2025.

About Alzheimer's Society

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.

At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re the UK’s leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.

Together with our supporters, we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.

Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.

We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society. 

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee forum and Employee Lived Experience network groups help us promote inclusion and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people. 

Our charity has grown rapidly over the last five years, with each year bringing new faces and new opportunities. This year, we’re excited to be welcoming a Fundraising Manager to join our team.

In this role, you’ll work closely with our CEO and operations team to deliver our annual fundraising targets, focusing on individual giving, trusts and foundations, and fundraising events/external opportunities. Partnerships are currently managed by the CEO and our Board of Trustees.

We have a fun, joyful working culture and work flexibly and mostly remotely, though you may occasionally need to attend meetings in London or travel for events. Our registered office is in Margate, so if you’re local or fancy a change of scene, you’re welcome to come and work by the sea.

As this is a new role for Not A Phase, we’re looking for someone confident, proactive and full of ideas. You’ll have the freedom to shape and implement your own systems and processes, with full support from the team.

It’s vital that you have an understanding of the issues currently faced by the trans+ community in the UK. We recently launched our new five-year strategy, Joy as an Act of Resistance, which will guide our mission in these challenging times. Your role will be key in helping us achieve it, if you'd like to check it out, you can read it in full over on our website.

We encourage applications from those with lived experience or a deep understanding of the topics we work within.

About You

• Experienced fundraiser, ideally with a background in individual giving.

• Skilled bid writer with a proven track record.

• Lived experience of, or strong understanding of, the challenges facing the trans+ community in the UK.

• Experience developing and managing fundraising events from start to finish.

• Passionate about giving supporters the best possible experience and skilled at building relationships to exceed targets.

• Confident communicator who can engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

• Creative, proactive problem-solver who thrives in a flexible environment.

This is a fundamental role within our South East regional team, internally the role is known as Local Community Officer.

The future of CCT’s outstanding collection of historic churches depends on communities supporting their local CCT church with funds, events, inspiring interpretation, visitor services and preventive conservation. The Local Community Officer will engage and support communities and volunteers to care for 26 historic churches across Northamptonshire, West Norfolk, and parts of North Bedfordshire and Western Cambridgeshire, including areas around Northampton, Bedford, Huntingdon, and King’s Lynn.

We have recently published our TRUST values, which outline the behaviours and expectations that act as our foundations at CCT. We have attached the pack, outlining each value, which we will also be using as part of our shortlisting and interview process to find the right candidates that align with our values.

If you would like to apply for this role, please visit our recruitment portal to begin your application. You will be asked to submit a CV and a short supporting statement (max 2 sides A4) outlining why you’d like to apply and how you fulfil the person specification for this post, so you’ll need to refer to the job description.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 8am on Monday 24th November 2025.

The interviews will take place in Northampton on Wednesday 10th December 2025. Please note that the interview date and location have been specifically chosen according to the availability of the panel.

Please note: As part of our recruitment process, we undertake candidate psychometric testing, you will receive an email following your application submission asking you to complete a series of activities.

All successful applicants will be subject to a basic DBS, references and right to work checks.

We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. Candidates who declare that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the job will be offered an interview.

If you have any queries about this role, or if you have a disability and wish to request a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to valid right to work in the UK being provided.

About the role

You will be home based and will need to travel in the UK, Eire, Europe and further afield as the role develops. 

You will need some storage space available for Charity materials.

If you are self-driven, motivated, and want to help others achieve something amazing in support of Histiocytosis UK, we would love to hear from you.

You are likely to be in a similar role at another charity or have the right experience and transferable skills from another sector. You’ll be confident, enthusiastic, and an exceptional influencer with great customer care and communication skills.

There will be ample opportunity to shape the role, lead on specific projects and put your ideas into action.

The role will be mainly remote working so your experience and motivation will be key in this role so that we can achieve tangible results. 

Who we need?

You will be an excellent communicator, face to face, online, phone or email. You know the importance of listening, and you are the sort of person that brings focus and calm to difficult situations. Prioritising your workload is second nature. Perhaps most importantly of all, you’re energised and driven by a passion for learning and making life better for those with a long term and/or serious illness.

A degree is not essential, but a communication and fundraising skills qualification is desirable. It is important that you have a high standard of writing, and that you are on good terms with your computer, particularly MS office, email and maybe even Mailchimp, Zoom, Sage Accounting, Spreadsheets etc.

Community Fundraiser - London​

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research? ​

Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and motivated fundraiser to join our team. As a key part of our fundraising efforts in our high-performing East region, you will have the opportunity to drive income generation through a variety of initiatives, including challenge events, fundraising groups, and corporate partnerships such as charity of the year. You will also be responsible for driving initiatives to increase our profile and supporter base within London.​

Key Responsibilities: ​​​

• Generate income across a range of community fundraising initiatives and events, with the opportunity to lead on key projects 
• Steward supporters to help drive the charity’s fundraising activities and growth 
• ​Work with the fundraising team to develop and maintain strong relationships with fundraisers, donors, partners, and key stakeholders ​
• Contribute towards the growth and success of fundraising efforts, ensuring a sustainable income stream for the vital ongoing funding of brain tumour research ​​

Requirements: ​​

• At least one year of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in income generation 
• Strong experience in supporter stewardship  
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire supporters and partners alike ​
• Passion for Brain Tumour Research and its mission to fund research and ultimately find a cure 

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If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.​​

​For this role, the successful candidate must live in the London area.​​

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

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We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

Closing Date: 28th November 2025

​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

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Community Fundraiser - Home Counties

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Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research? ​

Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and motivated fundraiser to join our team. As a key part of our fundraising efforts in our high-performing East region, you will have the opportunity to drive income generation through a variety of initiatives, including challenge events, fundraising groups, and corporate partnerships such as charity of the year. You will also be responsible for driving initiatives to increase our profile and supporter base within Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Essex. 

​​

Key Responsibilities: ​

• ​Generate income across a range of community fundraising initiatives and events, with the opportunity to lead on key projects 
• Steward supporters to help drive the charity’s fundraising activities and growth 
• ​Work with the fundraising team to develop and maintain strong relationships with fundraisers, donors, partners, and key stakeholders ​
• Contribute towards the growth and success of fundraising efforts, ensuring a sustainable income stream for the vital ongoing funding of brain tumour research ​

​

Requirements: ​​

• At least one year of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in income generation 
• Strong experience in supporter stewardship  
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire supporters and partners alike ​
• Passion for Brain Tumour Research and its mission to fund research and ultimately find a cure 

​

If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.

​

​

​We will give preference to those candidates living in the Bucks, Beds and Northants areas of this region.​​​

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

Closing Date: 14th December 2025

​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

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Head of Finance & Operations

We are looking for a Head of Finance & Operations to join our growing team in this flexible, remote working role (4 days per week).

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role within an organisation that is transforming environmental philanthropy across the UK.

Position: Head of Finance & Operations
Location: Remote (occasional travel to London and other UK locations)
Salary: £60,000 per annum, pro rata
Hours: 4 days a week (flexible working considered for the right candidate)
Contract: Permanent
 

Closing Date: 11:59pm on Sunday 23rd November 2025

The Role

As Head of Finance & Operations, you will play a pivotal role in leading EFN’s financial, operational, and HR functions, ensuring the organisation continues to thrive and deliver on its ambitious strategy.

Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), you will join the Leadership Team and work closely with the ED and Board of Trustees to ensure sound financial management, operational excellence, and a supportive, effective working culture.

You will:

• Lead on day-to-day financial management, including reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and audit processes
• Oversee governance, compliance, and risk management across all areas of operations
• Manage HR, IT, and systems to support our remote-working team
• Drive continuous improvement in policies, processes, and internal systems (including Salesforce and Xero)
• Provide strategic insight and deputise for the ED when required
• Support staff development and wellbeing, ensuring a positive and inclusive organisational culture

This is a new role reflecting EFN’s recent growth and commitment to strengthening its operational foundations for long-term impact.

About You

We are seeking an experienced and strategic finance and operations leader who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

You will have:

• Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or AAT)
• At least 7 years’ experience in financial and operational management within the charity sector
• Strong understanding of HR, IT, risk management, and governance in small teams
• Proven experience managing budgets, audits, and charity accounts (Xero experience ideal)
• Excellent project management and strategic planning skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to lead and mentor others
• A proactive, organised, and solutions-focused approach

Desirable:

• Knowledge of UK charity governance and reporting requirements
• Experience working with philanthropists, funders, or in the environmental sector
• Interest in climate and biodiversity issues

Benefits Include:

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, pro rata
• 7% employer pension contribution
• Flexible working arrangements
• Learning and development opportunities
• Home working allowance, laptop, and IT support

About the Organisation

The Environmental Funders Network (EFN) is a UK-based charity dedicated to transforming environmental philanthropy. We work to increase the scale and effectiveness of environmental giving by supporting funders, sharing insight and research, and fostering collaboration across the sector.

EFN is a remote-working organisation with a UK-wide network of over 1,000 funders and 1,800 fundraisers, all committed to creating a thriving planet for future generations.

If you are passionate about supporting environmental impact through strategic finance and operational leadership, we would love to hear from you.

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

Please note: We are currently recruiting for two separate roles - Project Manager and Administrator. However, we welcome applicants who may wish to apply for both roles combined as a full-time position. These roles are usually carried out by one person, with a combined salary of up to £34,000. If you wish to apply for both roles, please complete only one application and clearly state at the top of your personal statement that you are applying for the full time combined role.

About the Role

Working alongside the Managing Director, you will play a key role in supporting the day to day running of the BDD Foundation. You will help support the smooth operation of charity projects, media campaigns, and collaborations, while supporting the delivery of the charity’s community engagement and outreach activities.

A key focus of this role will be managing and maintaining the charity’s digital presence, including social media channels, newsletters, and website updates. You will plan, create, edit, and share content that reflects the charity’s mission and values, moderate online communities in line with our Social Media Policy, and collate insights to continually improve engagement and reach. The role also includes oversight of the volunteer and fundraising inboxes, ensuring timely responses and smooth communication. In addition, you will provide support for fundraising initiatives, including preparing funding applications, exploring new funding opportunities, and working closely with the Manging Director to help drive the charity’s impact.

This is a meaningful and rewarding opportunity for someone who is organised, values driven and keen to contribute to positive change for people living with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and a personal statement (maximum 750 words) via CharityJob by 12pm midday on 3rd December 2025.

In your personal statement, please include:

• Why you are interested in the role
• Any connection you may have to BDD or passion for the cause
• The skills and qualities you would bring
• How your experience makes you suitable for this position

Interviews are due to take place on 11th and 12th December 2025

If applying for both the Project Manager and Administrator roles combined, please state this clearly at the top of your personal statement and submit only one application.

This role is open to UK based applicants only and subject to a DBS check.

Job Purpose

We’re looking for a talented and motivated Communications and Engagement Officer who can effectively convey the life-changing impact of our work, motivate our community to volunteer, donate and fundraise to support our work, and ensure that the information and educational resources we provide reach those who need them most.

Key Responsibilities 

Communications:

· Act as the first point of contact for IPWSO’s public email address and social media channels and ensure timely and appropriate replies.

· Manage IPWSO’s social media channels, creating original and engaging content and posts, and actively engaging with our audiences.

· Manage Google Ad Grant campaigns with an emphasis on growing our supporter base and increasing individual giving.

· Keep up to date with emerging trends in digital communications and social media and recommend potential new channels for fundraising and audience engagement.

· Support the development of videos for IPWSO, in cooperation with IPWSO’s Project Manager and other colleagues. The type of work to be undertaken includes providing support for content development, speaker recruitment, filming and editing, as well as helping source external agencies as needed.

· Maintain and develop the IPWSO website ensuring its security and that it functions both as an effective supporter acquisition tool and a means by which people can easily access information about PWS.

· Produce compelling newsletters and an Annual Report.

· Support the review and update of IPWSO’s Communications Strategy in line with its Strategic Plan.

· Uphold and showcase the IPWSO mission and brand.

· Help oversee the production and design of a range of educational resources for families and professionals.

· Oversee copywriting and proofreading within IPWSO.

· Support IPWSO’s members and liaise with its stakeholders internationally in support of our shared goals.

Engagement:

 · Provide support for online events programmes, in cooperation with IPWSO’s Project Manager and the Online Events Committee.  The type of support to be provided includes hosting Zoom sessions, supporting speakers, follow up administration including evaluations.

· Support IPWSO’s Famcare Board by facilitating their online meetings and assisting with their online events.

· Work with the Project and Operations Manager to provide membership support, liaising with IPWSO’s member organisations as needed.

· Proactively engage with member associations to promote IPWSO and also to understand their needs and how IPWSO can be of help.

· Work with the Project and Operations Manager on our Educational Outreach programmes.  Work will include liaising with event organisers with regards to IPWSO’s booths at different conferences, ensuring follow up as needed (including help with preparation of PowerPoint slides), engagement follow up including data entry to update our database (Donorfy).

How to Apply

Review the full job outline/ad and apply on the Charity Job website by submitting a copy of your CV with a covering letter of no more than two pages of A4, describing how you meet the requirements of the role and the criteria outlined in the person specification.

We will be reviewing applications and interviewing applicants on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply early, as the advertisement may close before the date specified below if a suitable candidate is found.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is November 30th at 5pm UK time.  The start date envisaged for the Communications & Engagement Officer is 5th January 2026.

Chief Executive Officer

We’re looking for an experienced and inspiring leader, with significant experience at senior executive level, to become the new Chief Executive (CEO).

Are you a strategic thinker who can accelerate the charity's impact and deliver on its mission while navigating the evolving policy backdrop?

If you are a natural leader who will continue to build on the strength of our high performing team, then we would love to hear from you!

Position: Chief Executive (CEO)

Location: remote and will require you to have a safe and secure space to work from home. There will be frequent travel within Britain, including overnight stays.

Hours:  37.5 per week

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £74,624 per annum

Benefits Include:  25 days holiday, plus Christmas day through to New Year’s Day paid, plus 6 days of floating holidays (in lieu of public holidays). Flexible approach to hours of work. Pension contribution of 3%, one-off contributions toward the cost of an ergonomic office chair and toward purchases of essential devices, monthly home working allowance, plus an annual contribution toward the maintenance and/or replacement of the essential devices.

Closing Date: 9am Wednesday 10th December 2025.  We reserve the right to interview candidates and close the ad ahead of the closing date, should a strong candidate be identified.

Online interviews will be held on Monday, 5th January 2026.

In-person interviews will be held in London on Monday, 12th January 2026.

All shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Wednesday 17th December 2025. If you have not heard from us by this date, please accept our thanks for applying and assume that you were not shortlisted on this occasion.

Job offers will be subject to two satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK.

About the Role

Reporting to the board, the CEO holds key relationships with the board of trustees and 18 employees, exerting an influential and expert thought-leadership presence with key partners across the environmental sector from NGOs and practitioners to policy makers. You will be confident and proactive in engaging with new and existing major donors and funders.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Strategic Leadership
• Operations
• Human Resources
• Finance and Fundraising
• Governance
• Policy

About You

You will thrive in environments that are dynamic, fast-paced, collegiate and ambitious, and be able to demonstrate experience of inspiring and motivating internal and external teams through periods of growth and change

We are looking for a leader who has energy, passion and commitment for the role, a person aligned with the charity’s values and inspired by its values, mission and vision.

You will have experience of:

• Working at senior executive level, preferably having run an organisation before as Executive Director, Chief Executive or equivalent, in the charity, conservation or environmental sectors.
• Working collaboratively and effectively with teams and boards of trustees.
• Identifying, cultivating and maintaining productive relationships with a range of stakeholders and partners, from government bodies to community organisations to potential and existing donors.
• Developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating strategic and operational plans.
• Proven ability to inspire, lead and motivate teams to achieve strategic goals, fostering a strong culture of collaboration.
• Building an inclusive intercultural environment where staff of all backgrounds and abilities can thrive.

To apply please upload a 2pp CV and 1pp covering letter explaining your interest and suitability for the role. Please note, we can only accept candidates with the right to work in the UK.

About the Organisation

Join a nature restoration charity, restoring beavers to regenerate our landscapes. Beavers were once a common and influential part of the British countryside, and as such, the team wants to reconnect people to this part of our heritage.  We provide practical solutions to help people co-exist with beavers. We influence legislation that rebuilds ecosystems and strengthens our resilience in this ecological and climate crisis.

Our small charity is run by a small but committed team with a diverse skill set and extensive experience in beaver ecology and restoration. Across Scotland, England and Wales, our decentralised structure keeps us close to the communities we support and ensures the work we do is effective and sustainable.

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those underrepresented in the environmental sector including people of colour, disabled people, those from low-income backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ communities and all other protected characteristics.

You may have experience in roles including CEO, Chief Exec, Chief Executive Officer, COO, CFO, Deputy CEO, Deputy Chief Exec, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director, Head of.  #INDNFP

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

Buglife

Director of Transformation

Location: Flexible within the UK

Salary: c£78,000

Contract: 2-year fixed term

Are you a bold, strategic leader ready to drive transformational change for one of the UK’s most impactful conservation charities?

Buglife is the only organisation in Europe dedicated to the conservation of all invertebrates. As they enter a pivotal phase of growth and innovation, Buglife is seeking a Director of Transformation to co-lead their organisation into a new era of impact, influence, and operational excellence.

About the Role

In a dual-leadership model alongside the Director of Conservation, you will define and deliver a Transformational Change Programme that amplifies Buglife’s mission: securing a thriving future for invertebrates as part of nature’s recovery.

You’ll lead strategic initiatives across systems, people, and processes, shaping a roadmap for sustainable growth and innovation. From organisational design to digital transformation, you’ll be the catalyst for change — building capability, cohesion, and resilience across Buglife.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead discovery and strategic direction, assessing internal operations and external opportunities.
• Develop and deliver a transformation roadmap with measurable impact.
• Inspire and manage cross-functional teams including Finance, HR, Communications, Fundraising and Engagement.
• Champion inclusive leadership, emotional intelligence, and organisational cohesion.
• Shape Buglife’s global growth strategy and explore new funding models.
• Overhaul systems and processes to create a more agile, integrated organisation.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven expertise in transformational leadership, business model innovation, and strategic planning.
• Experience engaging Boards and senior stakeholders with clarity and influence.
• Deep understanding of change management methodologies and programme delivery.
• Commercial acumen and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Strong emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership style.

Desirable: Experience in conservation, environmental or science-led sectors; familiarity with digital transformation and international experience or perspective on scaling impact globally.

Why Buglife?

Buglife is a passionate, science-led charity making a real difference for biodiversity. You’ll be joining at a time of exciting change, with the opportunity to shape the organisation’s future and scale its impact globally. Buglife offers a collaborative culture, flexible working, and a chance to lead with purpose.

Ready to lead transformational change for nature’s smallest heroes?
Apply now and help Buglife build a future where invertebrates thrive. 

We are partnering with GatenbySanderson on this recruitment. For more information and how to apply, please click on the button below.

Closing date:  28 November 2025

GatenbySanderson Interviews:  8 – 12 December 2025

Buglife Interviews: 6 – 15 January 2026

Buglife is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups in the environmental sector, including people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ communities.

About Planet Patrol

Our vision is a world where all beings can enjoy our waterways, free from pollution. We are a global community dedicated to placing people-powered environmental data at the heart of decision-making. Through our unique anywhere, anytime, anybody approach to citizen science, we gather critical evidence of water and litter pollution to drive solutions that protect both environmental and human health. Our data and citizen science methods have been featured in academic journals (Stanton, et al., 2022) and media investigations (Channel 4 and ITV), enhancing public and scientific knowledge of litter pollution.

About the role

As Director, you will oversee daily operations, including forecasting and budgeting for the entire organisation (currently c£300K per annum). As such, you will lead on developing a sustainable funding stream for our mission-driven work, ensuring we maintain a 6-month runway at all times. You will build and maintain strong external relationships to help grow and develop the organisation. The Director will provide leadership to a small, remote team (4 x PAYE) and create a happy, sustainable and productive work environment. Most importantly, the Director will ensure objectives are being met - both personal and organisational - to deliver impactful, positive change for our waterways in the UK, and abroad. 

About you

The successful candidate will be a strong leader who excels at strategic thinking, with the natural ability to analyse situations and relationships to maximise impact and return on investment. They will have experience in line management, fundraising and financial management. We are seeking candidates who have experience in senior management in a non-profit setting, ideally within the environmental sector but not essential. Critically, you must thrive in a start-up environment and have a can-do attitude to problem solving. You’ll be one of only a handful of employees and a team of excellent freelancers, so being a team player is a must! This is a great opportunity to really shape the organisation and our impact, so if you like having agency and being innovative, Planet Patrol would be a great fit.

Your top qualities as a leader

• Ambitious
• Collaborative
• Agile
• Resilient
• Resourceful

Key Responsibilities

Funding Development + Stakeholder Relationships (40%): 

• Significant responsibility for successful contractual negotiations and maintaining a healthy new funding pipeline. Secure six-to-seven figure funding opportunities to provide a sustainable revenue stream for 3+ years. 
• Strategic understanding and experience of competitive and fast changing charitable financial landscape. 
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with funders and other voluntary sector organisations.
• Ensure we are suitably represented at appropriate meetings, events, conferences, management groups etc. and that issues that impact our work are raised appropriately. 

Operational Leadership including Compliance + Budgetary Control (30%): 

• Effective leadership driving business operations and strategic targets. Inspire teams to deliver high-quality programmes and foster a culture of creativity and innovation. 
• Draw up and monitor budgets, with support from the Founder and Team Leaders, and ensure effective management and use of all resources. Ensure maximum operational efficiency and maintain a six-month runway at all times.
• Work collaboratively with the Founder and Team Leaders to build annual Business Plans and long term strategies for the organisation.
• Ensure compliance across product / project delivery, finance, human resources, IT, legal, health and safety, customer services and facilities management. Ensure that all data is collated and managed in line with data protection requirements.
• Maintain and develop effective human resource systems for the recruitment, management, support, training, and appraisal of staff and volunteers. Ensure systems are in place to monitor and evaluate the work. 

Team + Performance Management (30%): 

• Build high-performing, committed teams. This includes line managing, coaching, and supporting team members to create a positive, productive work environment. 
• Oversee the team to deliver comprehensive planning and reporting.
• Set benchmarks, monitor performance, and develop a culture of continuous improvement. 
• Proactively manage the performance of Team Leaders by carrying out inductions, regular accountability meetings, supervisions, and probation reviews, while also setting clear work and development objectives.

Person Specification 

The role is for up to 30 hours a week over 4 days - for the right person we would consider fewer hours. If you think you could do the role but do not meet all of the specification points below, we would still like to hear from you. 

Essential Experience and Ability

• Senior management experience working within a small charity or Community Interest Company (CIC).
• Track record of driving operational excellence, including organisational finances and resources.
• Experience of line management, team development and performance management.
• Experience of securing sustainable and diverse revenue streams; including  multi-year, strategic deals worth six-and-seven figures. 
• Proactive approach to risk management and maintaining compliance.
• Experience in a strategic role, including developing organisational strategy and/or developing and overseeing monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Experience of working with a range of stakeholders and managing stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to effectively prioritise, manage and oversee programmes of work across the organisation and lead through change. 
• Ability to work under own initiative, delegate where appropriate, prioritise work and meet strict deadlines. 
• Good general IT skills and appreciation of new platforms that can increase efficiency and effectiveness (Slack, Trello, Canva, Dext, Xero, HubSpot, SenseHR).
• Broad understanding of GDPR and other essential legislation and organisational policies, including use of AI.
• Passionate about the environment and the importance of citizen science.
• A commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.
• Legal right to work in the UK without visa sponsorship.

What we offer

Planet Patrol values collaboration, innovation, and agility. That’s why we’re proud to be a 4-day week employer. We offer a flexible, remote working environment, paired with regular opportunities to connect as a team. We’re a vibrant, mission-driven non-profit that supports professional growth, alongside wellbeing. We offer a generous annual leave package, your birthdays off and encourage you to get out into nature whenever possible.

Application details

If you believe in the work we’re doing and think you could add something to it then we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV, LinkedIn profile and answers to the four questions listed on the application page. We are unable to process applications which are not complete.

Applications close midnight Sunday 23 November. 

First stage interviews will be held virtually on Wednesday 26 November.

Second stage interviews will be held in person on Wednesday 3 December.