Director jobs

Pattern Church was launched in December 2018 by the Diocese of Bristol as a Revitalisation Trust Resource Church with a vision of inviting people into family to serve Swindon. Since then, the church has grown rapidly, planted two new churches (The Well and The Light Church), and become a hub of mission and community life across the town.

The Director of Operations is part of the leadership of the church, providing the organisational, financial, and strategic backbone that enables mission and ministry to flourish. They will work closely with the Senior Leader, Trustees, and wider staff team to turn strategic vision into practical reality, ensuring strong governance, robust systems, sound stewardship, and an effective, faith-filled culture across all areas of church life.

Our team culture is shaped by GRACE—we are Growing, Reliant, All-in, Championing, and Expectant. Everyone gets involved. There is a clear sense of what we’re trying to achieve together in serving God and helping people find and grow in faith in Jesus. 

We are living in a moment of remarkable spiritual opportunity. Research shows a sharp rise in openness to faith among younger generations, something we see reflected in our own ministry and growth. The opportunities before us are significant, and the Operations Director will play a pivotal role in enabling us to step into this season with confidence and clarity.

For a full job description and information about how to apply, please head to the Pattern Church website.

Closing date: March 10th

Interviews w/c March 16th

To apply please send a CV and a cover letter by email. In your cover letter please highlight how your experience and skills relate to the job description and essential skills.

Director of Philanthropy

We are seeking a Director of Philanthropy to join Nekton in a pivotal leadership role at a critical moment of organisational growth. You will lead and deliver a global philanthropic fundraising strategy for a pioneering marine science and conservation institute focused on rapidly accelerating the scientific exploration and protection of the ocean.

Position: Director of Philanthropy

Location: Hybrid (Onsite attendance in Oxford or London 2 days a week, with international travel)

Salary: £80,000+

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time

Closing Date: 23 February 2026

About the Role

The Director of Philanthropy is a pivotal, high-impact role responsible for co-defining, executing, and managing Nekton's global fundraising strategy, with a notable focus on securing major philanthropic gifts from high-net-worth individuals and foundations.

You will be the engine that drives the financial success of our ambitious scientific and conservation programmes, translating Nekton's vision to explore and protect the ocean into compelling cases for support.

Key areas of responsibility include:

· Strategy & Leadership

· Donor Relations & Management

· Collaboration & Communication

Why This Role Matters

This is a rare opportunity to shape and deliver one of the most ambitious philanthropic agendas in marine science today. As Director of Philanthropy, you will help unlock the resources required to explore the last great frontier on Earth, influence global ocean policy, and leave a lasting legacy for the planet.

If you are motivated by big ideas, long term impact, and the power of philanthropy to drive systemic change, this role offers both scale and purpose.

About You

This role demands an entrepreneurial, strategic, and highly hands on fundraiser with a proven track record of securing very significant gifts. You will be equally comfortable shaping strategy at Board level and personally leading high value donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

We are looking for someone with experience of:

· Securing significant six and seven-figure philanthropic gifts in a high-profile international organisation.

· Extensive network and demonstrable success in cultivating relationships with global philanthropic foundations, family offices and high-net-worth individuals.

· Articulating complex scientific and conservation initiatives into inspiring donor narratives and stand-out grant applications.

You will be able to undertake international travel to meet with prospects and attend events.

If you have a passion for ocean science, exploration, and conservation, and a deep commitment to Nekton’s mission, then apply today!

About Nekton

Nekton is a pioneering marine science and conservation institute, a charitable foundation committed to rapidly accelerating the scientific exploration and protection of the ocean. Our global programmes combine cutting-edge scientific discovery, inspiring public engagement, and catalysing policy impact.

This role is central to driving the financial ambition of our initiatives, including:

· Ocean Census (Primary Focus): A UN-endorsed, global collaboration to discover ocean life

· First Descent: Expedition-based deep ocean exploration and conservation

· Ocean Rising: Connecting culture and the ocean

· YACHTS for Science: Scientists to sea - matching private vessels with marine research.

· New 5-Year Global Voyage: A major, sustained expedition to explore and protect the ocean globally.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Fundraising, Philanthropy, Fundraiser, Director of Fundraising, Director of Philanthropy, Head of Fundraising, Head of Philanthropy, Major Gifts, Major Donor.

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

Director of Principal Giving & International 

Advancement Department

University College London

London, UK

Grade 10 role with a salary of £100,000-£120,000 pa (inclusive of London Allowance). Plus excellent benefits, including a sector-leading relocation package.

An exceptional leadership opportunity to play a significant role in the success of one of the biggest fundraising and engagement campaigns in the higher education sector in Europe.

UCL is a radically different university. Founded in 1826 in the heart of London, we were the first university in England to welcome students of any religion and the first to welcome women on equal terms with men. Today, UCL has over 51,000 students, 14,000 staff and over 470,000 alumni, and is one of the world’s top 10 universities.

We will launch our largest ever fundraising and engagement campaign that will leverage the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that our bicentennial anniversary in 2026 presents.  Since our last campaign, we have increased our ambitions and are building further capacity and expertise across our Advancement division.  As part of this step-change, we have re-imagined our Principal Gifts & International team and are now seeking an experienced practitioner to drive this area forward.  There has never been a more exciting time to join the Advancement office.

As the Director of Principal Giving & International, you will lead a newly combined team that cultivates meaningful relationships with donors and prospective supporters who have the potential to transform the future and impact of UCL.  You and your team of experts will secure philanthropic gifts at the 7 and 8-figure level and drive our international fundraising activity forward.  You will work with key colleagues and stakeholders across Advancement and the wider University, as well as with a mission-critical senior volunteer network around the world.  It’ll therefore be critical that you are a highly experienced and ambitious fundraiser and leader, with vision, creativity and the ability to make things happen while taking others on the journey with you. 

To be successful, you must bring well-rounded knowledge and experience of best-in-class principal gifts fundraising, and a demonstrable track record of securing 7-figure philanthropic gifts, alongside an awareness of global fundraising trends. Your approachable and collaborative manner, along with your ability to work at pace and with gravitas, inspires confidence from those around you.  Being enterprising and solutions-focussed, people enjoy working with you and actively seek you out as a thought partner.  You must be equally comfortable in playing a front-facing role, as well as operating behind the scenes and supporting others in making the ask, as it’s the transformational outcomes and impact that truly drives you.

In return, you will join a team of passionate individuals who work together to achieve remarkable things with a global impact.  Our people really are our greatest asset, and we invest in them so that they can fulfil their potential.  Equity, diversity and inclusion is important to us and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone is encouraged to give their best in a place where their unique experiences, perspectives and skills are seen as valuable assets. We also prioritise work-life balance and offer hybrid and agile working as well as flexibility around working hours.  We are happy to receive part-time applications for all of our job opportunities, and can consider a 0.8FTE working pattern for this role. And we particularly welcome applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.

If you’re interested in hearing more, please contact our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates or you can download further details from their website by following the Apply button. 

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS midnight GMT on SUNDAY, 1 MARCH 2026

Director of Fundraising

We are seeking an experienced Director of Fundraising to lead income generation and build strong relationships with major donors and corporate partners.

Position: Director of Fundraising
Salary: £58,000 to £65,000 per annum, pro rata
Location: Burnt Oak, North London, with some hybrid working
Hours: Full time or 0.8 FTE
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Wednesday 4th March at noon
Interviews: First round 11th, 13th or 16th March. Final round in person w/c 23rd March

About the role
The Director of Fundraising role sits on the Senior Leadership Team and has responsibility for delivering a fundraising programme with a target of around £2m per year. You will lead the fundraising function and personally manage a portfolio of major donors and corporate partners.

Key responsibilities include

• Generating substantial income to meet annual fundraising targets
• Managing and stewarding major donors, high net worth individuals and corporate partners
• Supporting trusts and grants fundraising to deliver high quality funding bids
• Leading and developing the fundraising team, setting KPIs and income targets
• Developing and delivering a fundraising strategy aligned to the wider organisational strategy
• Preparing reports and presenting to the Board of Trustees and relevant committees
• Ensuring compliance with fundraising legislation and codes of practice
• Working with partner organisations and networks to share best practice
• Acting as a senior leader within the organisation and role modelling organisational values

About you
As Director of Fundraising You will be an experienced fundraising professional with a strong track record of securing significant income from major donors and partners. Essential experience includes:

• Experience of securing six figure donations from major donors or corporate partners
• A strong track record of meeting challenging fundraising targets
• Experience of managing donor pipelines and aligning supporter interests with organisational need
• Experience of working with Trustees or senior volunteers
• Line management experience and the ability to lead and motivate a team
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills
• A strategic and target driven approach to fundraising
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Experience of using a fundraising database or CRM system

About the organisation
The organisation provides open access youth services for young people aged 8 to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs. It operates six days a week and offers a wide range of activities and targeted support. Fundraising is essential to cover the majority of its operating costs, and the charity is well established locally with strong community and philanthropic support.

The organisation is part of a wider national network, working collaboratively with partner organisations to increase funding and share best practice.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Head of Fundraising, Head of Development, Fundraising Manager, Major Gifts Manager, Head of Corporate Partnerships, Philanthropy Lead, Fundraising Director, Development Director, etc.

If you are looking for a leadership position that requires creativity, that will enable you to flourish, be ambitious, operate both strategically and operationally, and drive success, then this is the position for you. #INDNFP

Purpose of the role

The Legal Director provides strategic leadership on immigration, economic migration, asylum and nationality for ILPA, with a primary focus on legal policy, legislative analysis, member engagement and public influence.

The role is responsible for shaping ILPA’s legal positions, overseeing the quality and coherence of legal analysis across the organisation, and maintaining ILPA’s standing as the leading professional membership body in immigration and asylum law.

Key responsibilities

1. Legal strategy and leadership

In collaboration with the Trustees and Chief Executive, the Legal Director will:

a. Develop and maintain ILPA’s short-, medium- and long-term legal strategy in line with ILPA’s charitable objectives.

b. Identify emerging legal, policy and practice issues affecting immigration, asylum and nationality law.

c. Engage with ILPA members to understand frontline impacts and systemic concerns.

d. Advise the Trustees and Chief Executive on legal policy priorities, organisational positioning and risk.

e. Translate member insight into clear legal and policy positions.

f. Lead ILPA’s legal responses to legislative proposals, consultations and policy initiatives.

g. Ensure ILPA’s legal work remains focused, authoritative and aligned with ILPA’s strategic plan.

2.       Policy, parliamentary and public influence

a. Lead ILPA’s engagement on legal and policy matters with government departments, Parliament and public bodies.

b. Draft and oversee consultation responses, parliamentary briefings and policy submissions.

c. Represent ILPA at meetings with Ministers, officials, parliamentarians and sector partners.

d. Provide expert evidence to parliamentary inquiries and committees.

e. Support the Chief Executive in high-level advocacy and external relations where appropriate.

f. Maintain ILPA’s reputation as a trusted expert voice on immigration and asylum law.

3.       Member support and legal expertise

a. Maintain expert-level knowledge of UK and international immigration, asylum and nationality law.

b. Monitor and analyse developments in legislation, case law and policy.

c. Oversee the accuracy and quality of legal information provided to members.

d. Support ILPA’s thematic and regional working groups, including attendance and follow-up actions where appropriate.

e. Build and maintain relationships with NGOs, migrant organisations and advice-sector partners.

f. Strengthen member engagement through high-quality legal leadership and insight.

4.       Relationship with litigation and advice functions

a. Work collaboratively with the Director of Strategic Litigation and Advice to ensure consistency between ILPA’s policy positions and litigation strategy.

b. Provide legal policy insight to inform litigation priorities where appropriate.

5. Management and organisational leadership

a. Line manage the Senior Legal Officer and support the Chief Executive’s HR management function for the Senior Legal Officer

b. Provide strategic direction and professional support to the legal function without direct responsibility for operational casework or project delivery.

c. Contribute as a senior member of ILPA’s management team.

d. Support organisational planning, risk management and reporting.

e. Act as a senior ambassador for ILPA internally and externally.

6. Cross-organisational working

a. Work with the Training Manager to identify emerging legal training needs and priority topics for members.

b. Contribute to the development of training programmes, events and conferences by advising on content and legal accuracy.

c. Support identification of suitable speakers and trainers from within ILPA’s membership.

d.  Work with the Content and Digital Services Manager to ensure legal content is accurate, accessible and up to date across ILPA’s digital platforms.

e. Contribute legal expertise to funding bids and project reporting where required.

f. Support organisational strategy development and review.

g. Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the seniority of the role.

Accountability and relationships

Reports to: Chief Executive

Direct reports: Senior Legal Officer

Key internal relationships:

· Director of Strategic Litigation and Advice

· Training Manager

· Content and Digital Services Manager

· Trustees and Chief Executive

Person specification

Essential

· Substantial expertise in immigration, asylum and nationality law

· Strong understanding of public law and human rights frameworks

· Proven experience of legal policy development and advocacy

· Excellent analytical and drafting skills

· Experience managing senior legal staff

· Authority and credibility with Parliament, government and the profession

Desirable

· Experience within a membership organisation or charity

· Understanding of litigation governance structures

· Experience contributing to digital legal resources

· Familiarity with training design or professional education

Why work at ILPA

• National profile and respected reputation

• High-impact policy and legal work

• Flexible and supportive working culture

• Collaborative, expert-led organisation

Director of Fundraising

Location: Hybrid working, with 1-2 days per week in London office - all staff in London office every Tuesday.

Salary: £85-90,000 per annum.

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Ovarian Cancer Action, the UK’s leading ovarian cancer research charity, is seeking an ambitious and strategic leader who can drive sustainable income growth and build high‑value partnerships and relationships that can change the lives of thousands of women and their families.  

Ovarian cancer hasn’t seen the scientific breakthroughs that some other cancers have, with survival rates that haven’t changed meaningfully in decades. Ovarian Cancer Action is working to address this, with an urgent mission that by 2032 at least half of women in the UK with ovarian cancer live for 10 years. To realise that goal, the charity is carrying out world-class scientific progress in prevention, early detection and treatment, funding more ovarian cancer research than any other gynaecological cancer charity in the UK.

This is an exciting time to be joining the charity, and the Director of Fundraising will play a key role capitalising on the huge potential of the charity’s current work to transform survival of ovarian cancer, including the possibility of a preventative vaccine this decade.

This is a senior leadership position responsible for driving OCA’s fundraising ambition and accelerating income growth, managing the development and delivery of an insight‑driven fundraising strategy and identifying major opportunities across mass fundraising, philanthropy, partnerships and influential networks. The post-holder will be responsible for personally cultivating and securing high‑value relationships with major donors, trusts, foundations and strategic partners, and leading and developing a high-performing fundraising team to secure significant multi‑year gifts and leverage milestone organisational moments to unlock transformational support.

The successful candidate will be a senior fundraising leader with a strong track record of securing significant 5‑ and 6‑figure gifts, partnerships and multi‑year commitments. You’ll bring deep experience managing high‑level philanthropic relationships and a track record of inspiring leadership, building high-performing teams. Strength in CRM systems, data‑driven pipeline management and cross‑organisational collaboration is essential, as is exceptional communication and influencing ability.

On a personal level, you will thrive in a mission‑driven and fast-paced environment, bringing strategic insight and an entrepreneurial, optimistic and solutions‑focused approach to life. You will be energised by opportunity, resilient in the face of challenge, and comfortable testing, learning and innovating. Above all, you’ll be motivated by improving women’s health and committed to aligning fundraising ambition with organisational strategy and research impact.

Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Monday 2nd March 9.00am.

PLEASE NOTE: We will be longlisting applications as soon as we receive them, so please apply early to register your interest. 

Life is a national charity committed to delivering high‑quality, compassionate and person‑centred support to people facing crisis. Guided by our values of Humanity, Solidarity, Community, Charity and the Common Good, we work across multiple sites to provide safe, effective and life‑changing services.

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional Director of Quality Improvement and Compliance to join our Senior Leadership Team at an exciting time of organisational development.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a senior, influential role with strategic responsibility for quality, safeguarding, compliance, estates and continuous improvement across our national portfolio of services.

You will provide visible, values‑led leadership, ensuring that everything we do is safe, effective, person‑centred, financially sustainable and fully compliant with regulatory requirements. This role has a real opportunity to shape the future of Life – and to positively impact the lives of hundreds of people we support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership on quality improvement, compliance and continuous improvement across supported housing, estates and services
• Hold senior accountability for safeguarding governance, complaints and assurance frameworks
• Lead audit, inspection and review activity, ensuring consistently high standards and strong regulatory outcomes
• Embed a culture of quality, learning and improvement across multi‑site services
• Oversee property compliance, health & safety and estates management, ensuring safe and welcoming environments
• Use data, insight and digital systems to drive performance, manage risk and support innovation
• Act as the organisation’s senior lead with regulators, inspectors and professional bodies
• Work collaboratively with fellow Directors to deliver a joined‑up, high‑quality client journey
• Develop, coach and inspire senior leaders, fostering a high‑performing, values‑driven culture

About You

You will be a credible, values‑led leader with a strong background in regulated services and a passion for quality and safeguarding.

Essential experience and qualifications include:

• Senior leadership experience within supported housing, homelessness or a closely related regulated sector
• Proven success leading multi‑site services and senior operational leaders
• Strong track record in quality improvement, safeguarding, compliance and inspection readiness
• Sound financial and commercial awareness, including managing significant budgets and resources
• Lean Six Sigma qualification
• Level 5 Safeguarding qualification
• Health & Safety qualification (IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent)

You will also bring:

• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into practical delivery
• A collaborative, visible and approachable leadership style
• Integrity, humility and purpose in how you lead
• A commitment to co‑production, continuous learning and innovation
• Strong communication, influencing and relationship‑building skills

Information about the role: 

For further information, please see the attached job description on our website. 

Salary: £50,285 per annum

Hours: 32 hours per week

Location: Home Based with travel across sites in the UK

Benefits:  

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:  

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours) 
• Birthday Leave  (applicable after 1 years service)
• Additional annual leave for long term service    
• Company Pension Scheme  
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge 

Safeguarding and Equality:   

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.   

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.  

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.  

Director of Care – Hope House Children’s Hospices

Location: Hope House, Oswestry, Shropshire (with regular travel to Ty Gobaith, Conwy and across the UK)

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (flexible working with some evenings/weekends)
Salary: £79,950 – £90,456 per annum + £7,380 car allowance + relocation package
Closing Date: 25th February 2026
 

Make a Life-Changing Difference Every Day

Hope House Children’s Hospices are seeking an exceptional and compassionate Director of Care to lead and shape the delivery of outstanding palliative care for children and families across Shropshire, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales.

 This is more than a job, it’s a calling. You’ll join one of the UK’s most respected children’s hospices, where 98% of staff say they enjoy their work and 94% are proud to be part of our mission.

 About the Role

 As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will:

 Lead the strategic development and delivery of care across our hospices and community services

• Champion a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Inspire and empower a multidisciplinary team to deliver compassionate, professional care
• Represent the charity as the Nominated and Registered Individual under relevant care regulations
• Ensure the voices of children and families shape our services and strategy

 What We’re Looking For

 NMC Registered Nurse with at least 5 years’ experience in care services, ideally with multi-site or children’s hospice experience

• Proven senior leadership experience with a track record of motivating high-performing teams
• Strategic thinker with strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and governance skills
• Passionate about making a difference in children’s palliative care

 Why Join Us?

• Purpose-Driven Work: Help every child with a life-threatening condition live their best life
• Supportive Culture: Work with a dedicated team of nearly 300 staff and 450 volunteers
• Excellent Benefits: NHS pension continuation, generous leave, wellbeing support, learning & development, and more
• Flexible Working: Hybrid and flexible hours with hospice-based presence 3+ days/week

Ready to Lead with Heart?

To explore this unique opportunity, please contact our retained executive search partner:

Chris Mayers -  

The Haberdashers’ Company is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London, with a history dating back to 1371. While custodians of a remarkable heritage, we are firmly focused on the present and future. Our enduring purpose is to empower young people from every background to fulfil their potential through our schools and by supporting their communities.

Today, the Company is a thriving membership organisation of more than 1,000 members from a wide range of professions, united by a shared commitment to service and social impact. We are a modern, values-led funder, committed to flexible, relational and transparent grant-making, working in partnership with our schools, churches, communities and charity partners to create lasting change.

Central to our approach is the Haberdashers’ Advantage, a distinctive funder-plus model that combines grant funding with member-led governance support, volunteering, mentoring and capacity building. Each year, the Company distributes over £5.6 million to support schools, young people, churches and charities across North London, Southeast London, South Wales and the West Midlands, with a primary focus on education and community resilience.

The Role

We are seeking a Director for Charities to lead and further develop the Company’s grant-making, philanthropy and fundraising. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping and delivering charitable strategy and ensuring the Company’s resources create meaningful, long-term impact for young people and communities.

The Director for Charities will oversee our grant-making, steward key funding relationships and play a central role in developing fundraising with members, including growing individual giving, legacies and events-based income. The role is inherently relational, working closely with charity partners, schools, dioceses, Company members and colleagues. You will support and advise grant-making committees, convene learning and engagement events, and represent the Company within external funder networks to remain connected to best practice in modern philanthropy.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for a values-driven leader with strong experience of flexible and responsive grant-making and fundraising in the charitable sector, and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for young people and communities. You will have excellent communication skills, a warm, engaging and reflective leadership style, and will thrive in a small but highly collaborative organisation. You will be comfortable engaging with grassroots charities, senior stakeholders, Company members and robust governance structures, combining an appreciation for heritage and service with a commitment to modern, progressive philanthropy.

To read more about the opportunity and our work, please download the full appointment brief.

Closing Date: 3 March 2026

People Beyond Profit Screening Conversations: 9-18 March 2026

The Haberdashers’ Company Panel Interviews:

• First Stage: 27 March 2026
• Second Stage: 13 April 2026

Join a charity which helps families wherever and whenever they need us

Lia’s Wings is the only charity delivering life-saving aeromedical transfers by plane both within the UK and overseas. We make sure babies and children receive the vital treatment they need, no matter where they are. Alongside these urgent medical transfers, we provide tailored, wrap-around support for families to help them through a crisis, creating long-term improved health and well-being outcomes.

We are seeking a new Director of Fundraising to help us increase our income to support more families. 

The successful candidate will set the strategic direction for fundraising, lead the team to build strong and sustainable income streams and ensure the charity has the resources it needs to deliver and expand our vital services.This is a wonderful opportunity to help shape the future of our small but mighty charity. The successful candidate will bring proven fundraising leadership experience, strong relationship-building skills, and a genuine passion for providing life-changing support to babies and children.   

Key Responsibilities: 

• Develop and deliver a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned to organisational goals.
• Lead income development and diversification across corporate, major donor, trusts and foundations, community fundraising and events.
• Lead the development of compelling cases for support, proposals, and donor communications.
• Build a strong corporate partnerships programme, including aviation sector engagement and charity of the year partnerships.
• Identify and cultivate major donor prospects, working closely with the CEO where appropriate.
• Grow individual giving, including regular giving, appeals, and legacy development.
• Oversee the trusts and foundations pipeline, ensuring high quality applications and stewardship.
• Provide strategic insight to the CEO and Board on fundraising performance, opportunities, and risks.
• As a member of our Senior Management Team, contribute to organisational planning, budgeting, and impact.  reporting.

We are looking for someone with: 

• Proven track record of delivering significant income growth across multiple fundraising streams.
• Experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and developing teams.
• Demonstrable success in building relationships with high-value donors, corporates, or trusts.
• Experience working in a small or growing charity environment.

For further details, please see the attached job description. 

How to apply: 

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) should demonstrate how you meet the person specification set out in the job description. 

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 27th February. 

Please note first round interviews will take place online Thursday 5th and Monday 9th March. A second (and final) round interview will take place in London on the morning of Wednesday 18th March. 

Longer working lives and ongoing economic transitions are reshaping careers: how we start them, and how we move through them. But too many people remain paid in low-paid, low-quality work – with damaging consequences for them personally, and our economy as a whole. We’re seeking a senior, policy-oriented research leader to help us and our partners generate insights that enable more people to move into and progress through better work.

You’ll have a proven track record in scoping and securing funding for research and influencing activity, with significant autonomy to lead your own programme at L&W. You’ll be supported by committed researchers and managers whom you will coach, lead, and develop—alongside a peer group of Deputy Directors working across other key pillars. We welcome quantitative expertise, but most important are the skills to design and deliver high-quality, impactful research programmes.

You’ll join an organisation with a national reputation for driving policy change—and a friendly, highly capable, delivery-focused team. 

Location: Hybrid working: 40-60% in an L&W office. Our offices for this role are currently in Leicester and London, but if you are based elsewhere, please contact us to talk about how the role could work for you.

Team:Research and Development

Salary:£64,450 -£77,880 per annum (pro rata), dependent on experience and location

Duration:Permanent

Working hours:0.8 to 1 FTE, with flexible working supported (e.g. condensed hours, flexible start and finish times)

Main Purpose

The Deputy Director, Policy and Research (Better Work and Progression) will have overall ownership of the ‘Better Work’ pillar of our strategic plan at L&W: overseeing all projects and activity in this area and generating new work (including developing project ideas and securing funding).

While there is significant scope to shape the ongoing programme of research and impact work, we anticipate that key areas of focus in this area going forward will be: understanding & better supporting career change; understanding and improving policy to increase employer investment in skills; high quality and fair access apprenticeships and technical education; understanding how to better support progression from low pay.

They will be a senior leader for the organization – helping to continuously shape our strategy and the plans we are implementing to deliver it.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and management

• Intellectual leadership of the Better Work pillar: developing and owning policy positions, messages, theory of change and research priorities, and supporting the wider team to feed into and understand them
• Line management of senior and mid-level staff
• Act as a senior leader at L&W – including taking on specific organization-level responsibilities where appropriate

Income

• Write and/or co-ordinate responses to reactive research and evaluation tenders in the areas of employment, better work and progression
• Develop pro-active proposals that will drive change in your area, and respond to the interests of funders and partners
• Build relationships with current and potential funders and research partners

Impact

• Act as an external expert on the issues of better work and progression: writing press quotes, articles and blogs;speaking on platforms
• Building relationships with practitioners, policymakers and partners to improve our insights, and get our recommendations implemented
• Develop appropriate means of tracking impact towards our better work goals, and monitor against them. 

Delivery

• Deputy Director/Project Director-level oversight of projects being delivered in your and related areas: supporting project team to shape research plans, deliver sharp insights and manage funder relationships
• Quality Assurance of research proposals and outputs
• Use your research skills and experience to support the wider development of the Learning and Work team

Person Specification

Experience

Experience of developing, overseeing and delivering programmes of policy-relevant research at a high level - Essential

Experience of business development in a policy/research context: developing ideas, writing bids and building relationships with funders- Essential

Experience of building senior-level relationships with external stakeholders for impact and influence -Essential

Track record of delivering national and/or local policy change - Essential

Experience of senior organisational leadership as part of a team - Desirable 

Experience of responding to tenders- Desirable 

Skills

Advanced research skills (qualitative of quantitative) -Essential

Quantitative skills: experience of using key national research and administrative data sets to generate insights into the labour market -Desirable 

Clear and direct written communication style - Essential

Knowledge

Knowledge of, and commitment to, L&W’s charitable aims and purpose.- Essential

Demonstrable knowledge of employment and/or skills policy in the UK - Essential

Demonstrable knowledge in the specific areas of Better Work and/or progression -Desirable 

Learning and Work Institute works across the UK. Our work in Wales is led by a Cardiff based team, but all staff are required to follow the guidance set out in our Welsh language scheme when working in Wales.

At Outside the Box we make a real difference, positively changing the lives of the people with learning disabilities/autism. To build on our success, we are now looking for someone special to lead our ‘day’ services (OTB Choices).

OTB Choices provides a dynamic portfolio of education, skills, creative and work experience opportunities, from cooking, art and craft to printing, computing, music and customer service, and much more. We are at an exciting stage in our delivery and development and are seeking an exceptional person to lead and manage our services, ensuring consistently high quality provision that really does make a difference.

You will play a pivotal role in our work, proactively leading a diverse team and multi-site operations to achieve targets and outcomes. You will be solution-focused, have the strength, vision and evidenced track record of an experienced manager and shared passion for enabling and empowering people with learning disabilities and/or autism to have their best lives.

Sadler's Wells is a world-leading creative organisation dedicated to dance in all its forms. Our mission is to make and share dance that inspires us all.

Sadler’s Wells commissions, presents and produces more dance than any other organisation in the world, with programmes and productions in the UK, global tours with performances in venues in 53 countries to date and our pioneering Digital Stage. Operating across three distinct venues and four theatres in London, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, the Lilian Baylis Studio, the Peacock and the newly opened Sadler’s Wells East, our aim is to reflect and respond to the world through dance. We enable artists of all backgrounds to create dance that moves us and opens our minds; sharing those experiences with the widest possible audiences to enrich their lives and deepen their understanding of what it means to be human.

About the Role

The Director of Finance, Data and Systems leads the delivery of high‑quality financial stewardship and strategy, providing expert oversight of finance, data and systems across all Sadler’s Wells venues to support organisational performance and decision‑making.

Working as part of Sadler’s Wells’ senior leadership team, you will act as a trusted advisor to the Co-Chief Executives and the Board, ensuring robust organisational financial planning, risk management, and ensuring resources are effectively aligned to deliver impact for audiences and wider stakeholders.

Key duties will include:

• Act as a strategic advisor to the Co-Chief Executives, trustees and other key stakeholders on all financial matters.
• Prepare and present financial updates to SLT, the Boards of trustees and relevant sub-committees.
• Lead the Finance and Data & Systems teams (3 direct reports and a wider team of 18)
• Advise the Board with clear, insightful financial reporting and recommendations.
• Lead the finance and accounting strategy to optimise the organisation’s financial performance
• Strategic oversight of Data and Systems department, ensuring the operational infrastructure is fit for purpose, and seeking to optimise the use of data to support improvements across the organisation.
• Lead the financial management plan, including setting and management of budgets, and provision of robust and relevant financial and management information to senior management, trustees and committees, and all budget holders within the organisation.
• Provide financial vision and forward financial planning and identify risk and maintain oversight of relevant mitigation measures.
• Ensure accurate and timely year-end accounts and audit processes, in line with Charity Commission requirements and applicable accounting standards (e.g. SORP).
• Responsible for the governance of the three corporate charities, subsidiary company and board subcommittees through maintenance and development of a risk management framework, financial systems and internal controls.

About You

You will be a CCAB qualified (or equivalent) accountant, with experience operating at Director of Finance, Chief Financial Officer level or within an equivalent senior finance leadership role. Applicants seeking a step up are encouraged to apply but must strongly demonstrate relevant prior experience of leading finance teams operationally and strategically.

You will have experience of reporting into Boards and sub-committees with the ability to translate and present complex financial data to non-finance audiences.

Candidates from all sectors are encouraged to apply but must demonstrate an interest in the work Sadler’s Wells undertakes as a world-leading performing arts venue.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. 

What We Offer

• Salary of £120,000 per annum
• Hybrid working – 3 days per week in-office. As this position requires close collaboration across teams a strong in-person presence is encouraged across all four venue sites.
• Annual Leave of 25 days annual leave per year
• Life assurance policy of twice annual salary
• Discretionary access to tickets for performances and staff discounts at the Garden Court Café and Park Kitchen and Bar

More Information

           Application Deadline: Sunday 22nd February
           First Stage Interviews: Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th March 2026
           Second Stage Interviews: Monday 16th March 2026

Sadler’s Wells is partnering with Ivy Rock Partners in the recruitment of this role. For further information please contact Holly Arrowsmith at Ivy Rock Partners for further details.

All direct or third-party applications will be forwarded to Ivy Rock Partners.

Recruitment Statement from Sadler’s Wells

We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who feel they align with our mission, vision and values. We are international and multicultural on our stages, and we want to reflect that in our organisation. By celebrating difference and incorporating diverse points of view and experiences, we can become closer to our artists, audiences and the communities we serve. 

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer meaning we have been certified by the government as actively taking steps to attract, recruit and retain disabled workers.

Sadler’s Wells is a PiPA (Parents and Carers in Performing Arts) Charter Partner, striving towards creating a more family friendly working environment.

Right now, millions of people across the UK are living with financial insecurity. Parents are choosing between heating and food. People who fall ill find themselves unable to work and without support. Countless others lie awake at night worrying about bills they cannot pay. At Turn2us, we believe none of us should have to face these challenges alone - and we exist to change the systems that allow them to persist.

Turn2us is working towards a future where everyone in the UK has financial security so they can thrive. We combine direct support and innovative digital tools, such as our online Benefits Calculator and PIP Helper, with influencing, policy and systems change. Across our organisation, colleagues bring deep expertise, compassion and ambition, united by a shared belief that financial hardship is not a personal failing, but a systemic issue that can and must be changed.

The Income & External Affairs Directorate plays a critical role in making this vision a reality. Through relationship-led fundraising, commercial partnerships, communications, and policy and influencing work, the directorate ensures Turn2us has the resources, profile and voice needed to maximise our impact. It connects our work with the people, organisations and institutions that can help drive lasting change. While we have built strong momentum and significant partnerships in recent years, we know there is far more potential to realise.

As Director of Income & External Affairs, you will be a key member of our Leadership Team, working closely with colleagues across the charity and with our Board. You will lead the growth of sustainable income, develop powerful and values-led partnerships, strengthen our public voice, and help shape a policy and advocacy agenda grounded in the experiences of people facing financial hardship. You will also play a vital role in building trust, credibility and influence across sectors to help shift the systems that keep people locked in financial insecurity.

We are looking for an exceptional and values-driven leader with a strong track record in relationship-based income generation, partnerships and influence. This experience may come from the charity sector or a commercial environment. We are not seeking a specific career path or background; instead, we actively welcome applications from people who bring new perspectives, transferable skills and different ways of thinking. What matters most is a deep commitment to our purpose, a willingness to learn and the confidence to lead with curiosity and humility.

This role calls for persuasive leadership, emotional intelligence and the ability to build trust across diverse teams and stakeholders. You will thrive if you enjoy working collaboratively, sharing power and leading in a way that is inclusive, supportive and ambitious.

This is a genuinely exciting and critical role - for our staff, our partners, and most importantly, for the people we exist to serve. We are particularly keen to hear from people with lived experience of financial insecurity. If you share our values and feel inspired by our vision of a more just and financially secure society, we would love to hear from you.

To download a full copy of the candidate brief and learn more about the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button, where you will be redirected to the website of our recruitment partner, Tall Roots. Applications should include a CV and covering letter. If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please email Mark Crowley at Tall Roots.