Director jobs in south east

Your New Organisation
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-established group of primary schools based in central London. The organisation operates under a collaborative leadership model and serves a diverse urban community. With a combined income of approximately £10 million, the schools are committed to delivering high-quality education and continuous improvement. This role is being advertised by a recruitment agency on behalf of the organisation, which remains confidential at this stage.

The Role: Director of Finance
As Director of Finance, you will report directly to the Executive Headteacher and work closely with senior leaders, governors, and local authorities. You'll play a key role in shaping the financial strategy and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the schools.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic and operational financial management across the group
• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with educational priorities
• Attend senior leadership and governor meetings, ensuring robust governance and transparency
• Manage annual budgets, forecasting, payroll, statutory returns, and procurement
• Ensure financial compliance, value for money, and effective risk management
• Support income generation through fundraising, lettings, and other initiatives
• Contribute to staffing structure reviews and workforce planning in collaboration with HR
• Maintain secure and compliant financial and personnel records

The Person
We're looking for a values-driven finance professional who is passionate about making a difference in education.

You will bring:

• Proven experience in financial leadership, ideally within education or the public sector
• Strong knowledge of financial compliance, statutory regulations, and HR processes
• Strategic thinking with a hands-on, detail-oriented approach
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills
• A commitment to integrity, transparency, and improving outcomes for children

What's In It for You?
Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 per annum
Pension: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
Job Security: Permanent role following a one-term trial period
Professional Growth: Work across multiple schools with a supportive leadership team
Impact: Play a key role in shaping the future of education in central London
Location: This is an office-based role located in WC1, central London.

Opportunity to work term time only if preferred but this is optional.

What to Do Now
If you're ready to take the next step in your finance leadership career, we'd love to hear from you.
Click "Apply Now" to submit your CV.

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Director of Strategic Partnerships

Keychange Charity
Hybrid – Home, Community Sites & London Office
£62,000–£66,000 per annum, depending on experience
Full Time

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for building partnerships that transform lives?

Keychange is a Christian charity with over a century of experience supporting people facing homelessness, isolation, and vulnerability. We create caring communities where everyone can belong and flourish, inspired by the love and example of Jesus.

We are seeking an inspiring Director of Strategic Partnerships to join our Senior Leadership Team. In this pivotal role, you will shape our partnerships, fundraising, and advocacy—ensuring our mission remains sustainable and impactful for years to come.

Your Impact

The Director of Strategic Partnerships reports to the CEO and is a part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), all of whom are Christian.  The SLT is responsible for the leadership, culture and Christian values of Keychange in the central office and community sites.

The person appointed to this role will:

• Maximise current impact and develop new programme opportunities for improvement and influence
• Develop and implement fundraising programmes
• Drive external partnership growth, including instigating national and local partnerships
• Lead on advocacy and influence, including local and national government policy and targets and sector themes and trajectories

For more information, please see the job pack, with key responsibilities, person specification and further information about making an application.  Interviews will be ongoing for candidates who can demonstrate the experience and attributes required, and we reserve the right to close the application process early. This role is subject to an occupational requirement, please see job pack for more details. 

How to Apply

To apply, please send:

• A cover letter outlining why this role excites you and how you meet the essential and desirable criteria

• Your up-to-date CV

Important: We’d love to hear your authentic voice—please do not use AI to write your application.

Key Dates

Deadline for applications: Midday, Thursday 24 July
Screening interviews (online): Friday 25 July
Final interviews (in person): Tuesday 29 or Wednesday 30 July

Want to Find Out More?

We know moving roles is a big step. For an informal conversation, please contact:
Sarah Hurst – Executive Assistant to the CEO

Join us in building communities of hope, care, and belonging. We welcome applications from candidates who share our vision and values.

Hybrid – London and Home-based 
Location - Central London

Are you a strategic finance leader ready to shape and drive high performance in a complex, purpose-led organisation? We’re seeking an exceptional Associate Director of Finance to lead a talented team and embed a culture of financial responsibility, transparency, and best practice.

About the Role
This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the full spectrum of financial management. You will lead and develop a committed finance team, champion operational excellence, and ensure robust governance and compliance across the organisation.

As a trusted partner to the Chief Operating Officer and senior leadership, you will:

• Provide strategic financial leadership, driving insight and clarity in decision-making.

• Lead group statutory and management reporting, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and commercial support.

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management, and investment planning.

• Ensure effective financial controls, risk management, and policy development.

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including boards, auditors, bankers, and investment managers.

• Inspire a culture of customer service, continuous improvement, and professional development within the finance team.

Key Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to Finance Board and senior committees, offering clear, data-driven insights.

• Oversee monthly management accounts, statutory reporting, and year-end audits.

• Lead budgeting and forecasting cycles, delivering clear, actionable outputs for decision-makers.

• Ensure robust management of the balance sheet, assets, cash, and investments.

• Support the development of financial systems and tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.

• Motivate and develop a high-performing team, fostering professional growth and excellence.

• Manage key supplier relationships, ensuring value, compliance, and strong performance.

About You

• We’re looking for a qualified accountant (minimum 5 years PQE) with:

• Proven experience in a senior finance role, ideally within a complex or group structure.

• Strong leadership capability with a track record of developing and managing effective teams.

• Commercial acumen and the ability to see the big picture while maintaining operational oversight.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to simplify complex data for diverse audiences.

• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style.

• Commitment to continuous improvement, professional excellence, and delivering results.

Desirable

• Experience within the not-for-profit sector.

• Experience working across multi-site environments.

• Previous involvement in systems improvement or implementation.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits.

• Hybrid working – home-based with London office presence and occasional travel to other locations.

• Opportunity to work in a values-driven organisation committed to inclusion, integrity, innovation, and making an impact.

If you're a strategic finance leader seeking your next challenge in an environment that values innovation, integrity, inclusion and real-world impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help drive financial excellence across an organisation making a difference every day.

Dedicated to creating social change through music, AudioActive  provides free open-access sessions, workshops, and opportunities  that empower young people in Sussex to explore their talent, find  their voice, and shape their futures. Whether it’s emerging rappers,  producers, or vocalists, AudioActive nurtures raw potential,  providing young people with the tools to turn passion into purpose.  From grassroots sessions to talent development, AudioActive is  where music meets social impact. We are restless, unafraid, and  excited about what we do. 

The Director of Operations is a delivery-focused leadership position  responsible for ensuring AudioActive runs like clockwork. This  role is perfect for someone who thrives on creating order from  complexity, enjoys the satisfaction of well-oiled systems, and takes  pride in operational excellence. You’ll be the backbone that ensures  everything functions seamlessly, allowing our creative teams to  focus on their transformative work with young people. 

As part of the Senior Management Team (SMT), integrity and  discretion in handling sensitive information will be paramount.  Our ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative environment, ready  to contribute to the growth of our organisation. Enthusiasm, a  positive attitude, and a passion for our mission are qualities we  highly value. If you are a proactive starter-finisher with these  attributes and a commitment to making a difference, we invite you  to join our team.

Responsibilities:

LEADERSHIP

• Contribute to ongoing development of the business and strategic plans
• Lead implementation of operational plans and decisions
• Deputise for CEO when required
• Support learning and development of direct reports
• Develop and maintain key stakeholder relationships
• Identify operational development opportunities for the organisation

OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT

• Lead organisational governance and operational functions
• Develop and maintain operational systems and solutions
• Responsibility for building and asset management
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements
• Oversee GDPR, insurance, and health and safety protocols
• Implement and maintain quality management systems
• Oversee IT infrastructure and digital systems
• Manage the Trustee Meeting organisation, document generation, trustee communication and administration
• Explore ways to make operations and facilities more environmentally sustainable as Environment Lead
• Ensure environmental considerations are factored into organisational decision making. 

SYSTEMS EXCELLENCE & PROCESS MANAGEMENT

• Design, implement and continuously refine operational workflows and procedures
• Establish and maintain comprehensive process documentation and standard operating procedures
• Conduct regular systems audits to identify inefficiencies and implement improvements
• Working with the Business Analyst, oversee the creation and maintenance of operational dashboards and performance metrics
• Develop fail-safe procedures and contingency planning across all operational areas

HUMAN RESOURCES

• Design, implement and continuously refine operational workflows and procedures
• Establish and maintain comprehensive process documentation and standard operating procedures
• Conduct regular systems audits to identify inefficiencies and implement improvements
• Working with the Business Analyst, oversee the creation and maintenance of operational dashboards and performance metrics
• Develop fail-safe procedures and contingency planning across all operational areas

See attachment for further responsibilities 

Lead a dynamic, community-driven charity fighting poverty in South West London. DLAG is seeking a strategic and delivery-focused Charity Director to guide its next chapter.​

Closing date: 9 a.m. Tuesday 2nd September

Dons Local Action Group (DLAG) is a fast-growing, award-winning charity tackling poverty across Merton, Wandsworth and Kingston. Founded during the pandemic by AFC Wimbledon fans, DLAG has grown into a vital, volunteer-powered organisation delivering food, furniture and digital devices to people in urgent need.

We are now looking for a committed, hands-on Charity Director, someone who can work closely with trustees, staff, volunteers and partners to ensure operational excellence, increase our visibility, and drive sustainable growth to oversee day-to-day operations and coordinate activity across fundraising, communications, governance and people management.

This newly created role is central to strengthening the charity’s infrastructure and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

You’ll be a senior charity professional with strong fundraising and communications experience, confident in developing teams, building partnerships and securing income – and deeply motivated by our mission to tackle local poverty.

This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in the growth of a thriving grassroots organisation making a real impact in local communities.

Who we are

Dons Local Action Group (DLAG) is a grassroots charity dedicated to tackling poverty and social exclusion in the London boroughs of Merton, Wandsworth and Kingston.

Founded in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, DLAG quickly grew from a volunteer-led food support initiative into a highly respected, award-winning organisation. We provide essential support to people in urgent need—delivering food parcels, furniture and digital devices directly to homes, schools and partner charities.

With over 800 active volunteers and a unique model centred on dignity, speed and community engagement, DLAG has made a measurable impact on thousands of lives.

We maintain strong local roots while continuously expanding our reach and ambition. In 2023 alone, we supported more than 14,000 people and redistributed food and goods worth nearly £1 million.

DLAG became a registered charity in 2023 and is now entering an exciting new phase of growth, with a focus on sustainability, innovation and deepening community impact.

About the role

As Charity Director at Dons Local Action Group (DLAG), you will lead a respected and fast-growing organisation at the heart of the community.

This pivotal new role will ensure DLAG delivers on its mission to support people in urgent need while building a sustainable and resilient future. You will work closely with the Board of Trustees, a small staff team and a large, dedicated volunteer base to oversee all core functions of the charity.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the delivery of DLAG’s strategy across operations, volunteering, fundraising and communications.
• Managing and developing a small team, alongside collaboration with experienced trustees.
• Driving income generation and developing sustainable funding streams.
• Building DLAG’s profile through strategic communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and best practice in governance.

You will play a crucial role in shaping the charity’s next chapter, strengthening its systems and reach and ensuring DLAG remains a trusted and effective presence in the local community.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a purpose-driven organisation with a proven impact and a strong foundation for growth.

Who we are looking for

You will be a strategic, hands-on leader with a passion for community-driven impact and a track record in charity leadership.

You will thrive in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment, relish hands-on leadership and communicate with honesty and impact.

You’ll bring strong interpersonal skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to lead through growth and change with confidence.

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Experience in the charity sector, particularly in fundraising and communications.
• Proven leadership and people management skills, including staff, volunteers and stakeholders.
• A successful track record in developing and delivering fundraising strategies and major campaigns.
• Strong understanding of charity governance, compliance, finance and operations.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to represent DLAG externally and build partnerships.
• Experience managing events, marketing and building community engagement.
• Technological confidence across CRM systems, databases, cloud sharing and digital comms tools.

You may be an ambitious Head of Fundraising or Development Director ready to step up, have experience working with vulnerable communities and a deep understanding of social inequality.

If you are motivated by the opportunity to lead an organisation committed to tackling poverty and transforming lives, we would love to hear from you.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at  9 a.m. Tuesday 2nd September. 

As Director of Operations and Fundraising you will play a key role in driving forward the mission of Notre Dame Refugee Centre, dedicated to supporting those seeking sanctuary in the UK.

Lead a small yet impactful team to deliver a range of vital services including IAA immigration advice and ESOL lessons, with social activities.  You will work closely with our trustees, staff and volunteers to ensure that we continue to deliver life-changing support to those who seek our help.

Interim Transformation Director

Start Date: 1st September 2025

Contract: 18 months

Location: Hybrid (with occasional travel to London)

Salary: £75,000 p.a.

Are you a strategic change leader with a passion for digital innovation and organisational growth?

Our client, a respected membership-based not-for-profit organisation, is embarking on a bold journey of transformation. With a clear vision for the future, they are implementing a series of digital upgrades-including a new website, CRM, and learning management system-while evolving their culture and redesigning key areas of the organisation to better serve their members.

To support this exciting period of change, they are seeking an experienced Interim Transformation Director to lead and coordinate transformation across multiple functions, including Business Development, Communications, Marketing, Digital, and Operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the delivery of major digital transformation projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and with high user satisfaction.
• Lead cross-functional teams to embed a digital-first, data-driven culture across the organisation.
• Drive operational efficiency and cost savings while maintaining high-quality member services.
• Support income diversification and commercial growth through enabling collaboration, strategic business development and marketing.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to senior managers, fostering a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative culture.
• Act as a key advisor to the CEO and Executive Team, ensuring alignment between transformation initiatives and organisational goals.

About You:

• Proven track record in leading complex transformation and change programmes, ideally within the membership or wider not-for-profit sector.
• Strong experience in digital strategy, operational leadership, and commercial development.
• Adept at managing cross-organisational priorities and influencing at executive and board level.
• Passionate about delivering value to members and stakeholders through innovation and continuous improvement.
• A confident, collaborative leader who thrives in dynamic environments and brings people with them on the journey.

This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on an organisation at a pivotal moment in its evolution. If you're ready to lead meaningful change and help shape a more agile, digitally-enabled future, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Affinity Trust as Director of Quality Improvement and Compliance

• Location: Hybrid with frequent travel to our Head Office for Executive Meetings, and national travel to our support locations.
• Head Office: Thame, Oxfordshire
• Salary: £100,000 per annum
• Car Allowance: £6,200
• Governance: You will be the Nominated Individual and Caldicott Guardian

With the right support, anything is possible

We are looking for a collaborative and visible leader—ideally from within social care or a closely related sector—who has significant experience leading a Quality or Operations function across a large and diverse set of services. 

Through your engagement with regulators, networks, and professional bodies, you will bring external insight into the organisation and help us stay at the forefront of best practice in quality and compliance.

About us

We are Affinity Trust, a national charity with over 30 years' experience supporting children, young people, and adults with learning disabilities, autism, and other needs. 

With nearly 2,500 colleagues and services across England and Scotland, we are values-led, financially strong, and driven by a single purpose: supporting people to live their life, their way.

Why this role matters

This is a pivotal, high-impact role. As Director of Quality Improvement & Compliance, you will play a central part in shaping how we continuously raise the standard of support across Affinity Trust. 

You will lead our approach to quality, improvement and co-production — ensuring we have the systems, insights, and culture needed to deliver consistently excellent, person-centred support.

You will influence practice across our services by working in close partnership with operational leaders, providing the challenge, guidance, and support needed to embed sustainable improvements. 

You’ll also champion innovation—harnessing the potential of digital tools and outcomes measurement to improve how we understand, assess, and enhance the lives of the people we support.

Above all, your work will be vital in helping us live out our core belief: that with the right support, anything is possible. This role is key to Achieving More Together.

What you’ll bring

We're looking for:

• A proven, senior leader from social care or a similar regulated sector.
• Deep understanding of quality, compliance, and safeguarding in complex service environments.
• Strategic acumen paired with empathy, collaboration, and a values-driven approach.
• Passion for co-production, data-informed improvement, and empowering people to thrive.
• Experience engaging with regulators (CQC/Care Inspectorate), driving innovation, and leading high-performing teams.

 Benefits

• £100,000 salary + £6,200 car allowance
• 30 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Private healthcare, enhanced pension, life insurance, and Blue Light discounts
• Hybrid flexibility, national influence, and deep local impact

Ready to be part of something extraordinary?

Apply by: 27 July 2025
Interviews: 28 August 2025

For more information, please refer to the candidate pack attached to this advert. 

Use your creativity and strategic voice to lead communications for a nonprofit transforming how economics is taught across 11 countries. We're looking for a globally minded communicator who can shape messaging, grow visibility, and help us inspire the next generation of economic thinkers.

The Economic Fundamentals Initiative (EFI) is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) NGO founded in 2019, dedicated to enhancing economic and financial literacy across the Western Balkans, South Caucasus, Central Asia, and Ukraine. We collaborate with universities, policy institutes, and nonprofits in 11 Partner Countries to deliver educational materials and programs in both English and local languages, with the aim of fostering broad-based interest in economics and personal finance.

We’re looking for a self-starter with exceptional communication skills and a strong sense of mission to serve as Marketing & Communications Director. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a flexible, collaborative environment, brings both strategic and creative thinking to the table, and understands the value of effective storytelling in international development work.

Our Value Proposition: Empowering individuals and societies through the economic literacy essential to thrive and prosper.

You should be supportive of free-market principles and intellectually curious about the region’s transition from communism. Cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and a willingness to travel occasionally are also important.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Coordination

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with EFI’s development and partnership goals

• Ensure consistent messaging and brand identity across all EFI materials and platforms

• Collaborate with EFI's Partner Relations Director and in-country partners to amplify media presence and highlight local impact

Content Creation & Management

• Write bi-weekly “What’s New” updates and quarterly development newsletters

• Collect and curate testimonials, success stories, visuals, and key data for donor and public communications

• Lead content design and updates for EFI’s development-facing website

• Create and manage tailored communications for fundraising campaigns and presentations

• Oversee production of EFI’s Annual Report and other external-facing materials

Media & Social Presence

• Plan and manage EFI’s social media content strategy and publishing calendar

• Coordinate with external creatives (freelancers or agencies) for content production

• Monitor and report on digital engagement metrics to inform strategy

Events & Visual Media

• Manage photography and visual documentation for EFI events and milestones

• Hire and oversee photographers, videographers, or designers as needed

• Lead production of promotional and explainer videos

• Ensure visual storytelling aligns with EFI's values and voice

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in communications, marketing, or related roles — nonprofit or international development experience a plus

• Excellent writing and editing skills in English; clear, engaging, and versatile tone

• Ability to coordinate across time zones and cultures with ease and diplomacy

• Strong visual literacy and basic familiarity with design principles or tools

• Experience working with content management systems, social media platforms, and newsletter tools (e.g., Mailchimp, WordPress)

• Flexibility to travel internationally on occasion

What We Offer

• A remote-first position with flexible hours

• The chance to work closely with a small, mission-driven team

• Meaningful impact on education and civic engagement in a historically underserved region

• Collaboration with motivated colleagues and partner organizations across diverse cultural contexts

Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) is seeking our next Executive Director to lead our small, dynamic charity. You will be joining an impactful local organisation at a crucial time in our development. Since 2021 we have grown significantly and sustainably, developing new services based on client needs. You will be leading a highly competent and passionate team who are community minded and experts in their fields. 

The Executive Director has overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the charity, including finance and fundraising, as well as supporting the development and delivery of services. They will work with four experienced project leads to deliver and develop our core services: Casework and Advocacy Service, Rainbow Club Supplementary School, Destitution Service and Food Bank, and our Allotment of Refuge, as well as our Policy and external influencing work led by our Deputy Director for Casework and Policy. 

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional candidate who can balance the demands of strategic leadership with the operational execution and development of our services and policy work. We are seeking someone with a high level of operational skill and accountability in operational management and governance. You will be responsible for the central services of the charity including finance, fundraising, legal, HR and communications. We are looking for a thoughtful leader who is passionate about staff and volunteer support. You should have experience and understanding of small charities and the external context within which we operate.

About us:

Founded in 2004, AFRIL supports refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants to lift themselves out of poverty, assert their rights, and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. We provide both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes to tackle the underlying issues that result in poverty. We engage in policy and legal interventions to affect change. Our work is grounded in the values of professionalism, inclusivity, and solidarity, and our approach to service delivery is one of co-production and empowerment. We work with partners locally and nationally to deliver high quality services and advocacy.

Our Services:

• Casework and Advocacy – AQS and IAA accredited advice, casework and legal interventions in housing and homelessness, complex welfare rights, community care, asylum support,  immigration, access to education and employment, healthcare and related matters. 

• Destitution Project - supporting families to overcome extreme food poverty through regular food vouchers, fresh culturally appropriate food, toiletries, and essential household items plus small grants and a free café.

• Rainbow Club Saturday School - improving educational attainment, wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem, and raising the aspirations of disadvantaged primary age children. 

• Allotment of Refuge - a welcoming and integrated community of food growers improving the health, wellbeing and healthy food access of children and adults seeking sanctuary in Lewisham.

• Immigration Project in partnership with Southwark Law Centre - free legal advice and representation to support families to regularise their UK immigration status in the UK.

In addition, we hold a monthly Members Forum, and use the evidence from our frontline work together with the testimony of our members to influence improved policy and practice.

AFRIL is currently in a good position, with the several long-term grants and statutory funding secured, and good relationships with community and individual donors. The Executive Director position represents an exciting opportunity to work with a passionate and highly competent team and the wider community to bring about real, positive change for vulnerable migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees in South East London. 

AFRIL is an equal opportunities employer. We are a diverse staff team and particularly encourage applications from BAME candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and those with lived experience of asylum/irregular migration. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support our staff to flourish.

We are proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector. Please feel free to use their information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.

Please read full Job Description and Person Specification. Applications will only be accepted through CharityJob - please submit a CV and cover letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) detailing how you meet the person specification. 

God’s love in action is the core of our work at Mission without borders. We are an international network of Christians seeking to meet the spiritual, relational and material needs of marginalised people in six of the poorest countries in Eastern Europe. The National Director role is crucial to growing support for MWB’s work in the UK. We are seeking a spiritually and relationally mature leader with proven fundraising expertise, to develop the team, serve as the voice of MWB UK, and collaborate with the international team to implement strategic plans.

Salary: £65k - £70k 

Location: 175 Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2AG. Travel across the UK and abroad will be required at times.

Hybrid working is possible with an expected minimum of two office days per week

Team: c. 8 staff members 

How to apply

Carnelian has been appointed by the Board to lead this search. If you would be interesting in exploring this opportunity, please apply here for a confidential discussion.

Help shape a future where fewer people die by suicide

​ 

At Samaritans, our vision is that fewer people die by suicide. Our ambition is to see rates decline to the lowest ever recorded rates in the UK and Ireland.​

As our next Assistant Director of Policy, Practice & Influencing, you’ll ensure our strategy and plans for policy, public affairs, campaigns, and industry partnerships help our work towards make this ambition a reality.​

This is a rare opportunity to shape national and sector-wide policy at a time when suicide prevention has never been more urgent. Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team and leading a high-performing team across policy, public affairs and industry partnerships, you’ll set the strategic direction for our influencing work.​

This is a high impact senior leadership role with strategic responsibility for influencing Westminster government, industry, and media. We’re looking for a confident strategic thinker and values- led leader, someone who brings clarity, compassion and credibility in equal measure.​

You’ll be a visible ambassador, trusted adviser, and systems thinker, someone who can help shape our Influencing function to be able to drive forwards progress with our mission. ​You’ll help us build new partnerships, and ensure our voice is not only informed by evidence, lived experience, and practice, but is far reaching and amplified ensuring that Samaritans remains at the forefront of influencing much needed change for the future.

​

Full outline of the role available in the Job description file here.​

​

Contract Terms:​​

• Initially a 12month fixed term contract
• £75,000 - £80,000 per annum with Benefits
• We’re open to how this contract is worked, our full time hours are 35 hours per week, but we are passionate about flexible working, and would support you to work part time, talk to us about your preferences.
• Hybrid working: Linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office with a blend of home working and access to work from our offices in Ewell and London Bridge.
• In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We work in person around 2 days or more per month.

​

What you'll lead:​

• Reviewing our function and developing the delivery of our policy and influencing strategy to drive systemic change in suicide prevention
• High-performing teams covering policy, public affairs and industry practice
• Strategic stakeholder relationships across Government, NHS, regulators, industry and third sector
• Ground-breaking thought leadership, advocacy, and responsible media influence
• Integration of lived experience and insight into all influencing activities

​

About you: ​

You’re an experienced senior leader in public affairs, policy, or advocacy, with a track record of influencing change at national level. You bring clarity, compassion and credibility to every conversation. You understand the power of collaboration and storytelling, and you’re driven to create lasting impact.

​

Your experience includes:​

• Leading multi-disciplinary influencing teams
• Shaping high-quality policy and public affairs strategies
• Navigating complex political and stakeholder environments
• Embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of your work
• Making evidence-based decisions underpinned by research and real-world insight
• Inspiring engagement and bringing your team with you on the journey to contribute to your vision for the future.

​​

Why Samaritans: ​

​You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.

For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available here. You can also visit our careers website to access this.

We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.​

​

Ready to lead change and help us save lives?

If you’re a strategic, compassionate leader with a passion for influencing policy and practice at the highest levels, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please complete the application questions including those outlined below, and submit your answers along with your CV and an optional brief supporting statement.​

• Why do you want to work for Samaritans leading our influencing work and what do you think might be challenging about the topic? 300 words max
   
• How would you go about creating a culture of influencing within the organisation and what success have you had of doing this? 300 words max
   
• Tell us about a time when you've developed and delivered an influencing strategy - what impact did you have and what learnings were there? 300 words max​

We kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, or to generate interview answers. We want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths.

Applications close: ​9am, Monday 28th July

​

Interviews:

Virtual interviews will take place on the 11th and 12th August.

Informal second stage interviews will be held in person at our offices in Ewell on the 13th August. Those invited to attend will be informed on the 12th August. Unfortunately due to staff holidays we may not be able to be as flexible as usual in offering an alternative date so please do hold these dates in your diary, if applying.

Prospectus is delighted to be collaborating with a bold and impactful anti-poverty charity to support with the appointment of an Interim Director of Campaigns and Policy.

As Director of Campaigns and Policy, you will come into the organisation during a period of transition, providing strategic leadership and direction to the campaigns and policy team for the next 6 months. You will be responsible for the management and leadership of the team during this period, whilst overseeing the effective delivery of the organisations campaign’s function, ensuring maximum engagement and enthusiastic representation of the charity.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with significant campaigns experience, covering the design, development, and implementation of innovative campaigns, both digitally and offline. You will be an experienced and enthusiastic team leader with substantial management experience who embodies the essence of collaboration. You will also be an excellent communicator with the ability to engage with and influence stakeholders at all levels. Most importantly, you will bring energy and zeal to contribute to the organisation's mission to smash global poverty.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds and we are happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable all interested candidates to apply. If you need any support with your application, please contact Matt Till at Prospectus.

If you are interested in this position, please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you the full job description and will arrange for a call and/or meeting to brief you on the role. You’ll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

For the best candidate experience, we recommend applying for the position as soon as possible.

Carers First is a charity that works directly with, and for unpaid carers, providing personalised information, advice and tailored support making it easier for those caring for someone else to continue living their lives to the fullest.

We have a committed, dedicated staff team and you could be just the person we are looking for to join us to make that valuable difference in carer’s lives. We live and work through our values in all that we achieve by being positive, collaborative and ambitious and we have clear plans to scale our reach, support and impact for carers.

About this role

As a Director of Income and Engagement your responsibilities would include: -

• Lead, inspire and manage an integrated Income, Data and Communications Team to diversify and increase income to reach and engage more carers.

• Drive a substantial increase in voluntary income and the charity’s supporter base.

• Lead on communications and campaigns to support delivery of the charity’s strategy. 

• Take an active role as a member of Carers First Leadership Team to shape and implement the charity’s strategy and unlock the whole organisation’s potential.

About you

To be successful in this role you will need -

• Experience in strategic planning with an ability to produce and deliver creative and impactful income generation and communications plans with targets and measures. 

• Demonstrable achievements in planning and delivering significant income growth within a charity, from a diverse range of sources, including trusts and foundations, community fundraising, individual giving, major donors, legacies and corporate partnerships.

• Demonstrable experience in writing compelling, robust and evidence-based proposals and cases for support for funders. 

• Extensive experience of planning and delivering national and local communications/marketing tailored to key audiences, across multiple channels, to increase reach and engagement with key audiences. 

We are looking for passionate people who are committed to the overall aims and objectives of the Charity. Carers First is committed to providing a supportive, vibrant, diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Carers First can offer you 

In return for your contribution, we have an amazing package of staff benefits including 26 days annual leave entitlement which increases with length of service, flexible working options, paid carers leave, access to our work-place pension, staff discount scheme, employee assistance programme and a Benenden Healthcare package.  Whatever you are aiming to achieve in your career, we are here to encourage, help and support you grow, through our excellent training and development programmes. 

How to apply

To apply for our exciting opportunity and make a real difference to the lives of carers, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application. Appointments are subject to Carers First receiving an appropriate disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service that we consider acceptable. 

Interview process 

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 8 August 2025. There will be a two-stage process.

Candidates who have fully evidenced they meet the requirements of the Personal Specification to a satisfactory standard will be long-listed and invited to Stage 1. 

Stage 1: Informal online meeting with the Chief Executive to discuss their application. Please note that applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis and therefore it would be helpful to make an early application. 

Following the informal meeting, candidates will be short-listed and successful candidates will be invited to Stage 2: 

Stage 2: Week commencing 18 August 2025 - formal face-to-face interview in London.  As part of the formal interview, candidates will be asked to give a presentation, and details will be provided in advance. 

Carers First is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Positive      Collaborative      Ambitious