Director of charitable operations jobs in Birmingham

Contract: 1-Year Fixed Term contract
Hours: Full-time (40hrs/weekly)
Reporting to: Academy Director
Location: Remote 
Salary: £50,000 p/a + 3% pension contribution
Start date: September 2026

About us

Parallel is a small charitable initiative with big ambitions. Our mission is to increase the number and diversity of excellent young mathematicians. We are a Good Thinking project (registered Charity Number: 1147404).

Founded in 2023 by Simon Singh MBE and Dr Junaid Mubeen, our online Parallel Academy supports highly capable students to excel in maths, by providing them with structured programmes that develop their reasoning and problem-solving skills beyond the curriculum.  We currently support more than 10,000 students through the Academy, around 1000 of whom receive highly targeted support through weekly, small-group online tutorials.

We are at an exciting phase in our journey, with plans to expand tutoring to 5000 students over the next four years. Our students are motivated and ambitious. Our maths programme takes place outside of school hours, yet students have an average attendance above 95%. All of our work takes place online and is subject to safeguarding and data protection policies that are reviewed periodically to reflect up-to-date best practice.

Parallel has built a reputation for excellence, both in terms of the expectations we set for students, and the quality of service they receive from us. Our work is underpinned by an inclusive ethos; every student who applies for the Academy is guaranteed a place on one of our programmes. 

We work flexibly to both launch new initiatives and adapt our existing offerings. We pride ourselves on a creative approach to programme design and now face a familiar challenge of maintaining our quality and highly personalised approach as we scale up.

The purpose of this role
 

We are seeking an experienced Head of Operations to join and help lead our committed and energetic team. This role is pivotal to achieving Parallel’s growth ambitions while maintaining the quality of service we are renowned for. As a senior leader, you will be a lynch pin of our core team and will make a real difference to the life prospects of thousands of young students. 

On a practical level, you will coordinate and drive our core programmes, with oversight and accountability for their smooth, day-to-day delivery. You will also line-manage two full-time administrators (this may increase as the team expands), overseeing and supporting their work across communications, data and operational delivery.

We have established several processes and tools for delivering our programme effectively and the ideal candidate will have a sharp eye for process improvement and opportunity. You will need to understand and consolidate our current best practices, but also identify ones that need to be adapted or enhanced as we look to scale up. 

This role is offered initially as a fixed-term contract for 12 months, though we have every intention to extend the position longer term should the appointment prove successful. 

A note on working hours
 

This is a fully-remote role. As part of your contracted hours you will be required to regularly do some work during evenings and weekends (approx 5-8 hours a week). You may occasionally need to step in at short notice, outside of standard working hours, to support and resolve urgent operational issues.

There will also be periods when there is a higher workload (e.g., during student admissions cycles), so you may be required to offer some flexibility in working longer  - and then shorter - hours week to week. Time off in-lieu is provided for additional hours worked. 

In general, you will have significant autonomy in how you structure your working week, provided you ensure that our core operational needs are covered within the whole team.

Key responsibilities

Working for Parallel is challenging and rewarding in equal parts. On a typical day you will be fielding queries from parents, managing the logistics of 200+ tutorials a week and ensuring tutors are fully supported. We are a dynamic team that readily adapts to new situations and relishes the challenge of working through problems together. 

As part of your key responsibilities you will:
 

• Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of our Tutorial and Webinar Programmes, ensuring that sessions proceed as planned, and that any issues - from tutor cover needs to student absence requests - are swiftly and effectively addressed.

• Coordinate key aspects of our start and end-of-term administration, including payments, parent and student communications, website setup, spreadsheets and logistics.

• Oversee the admin team’s responsiveness to our high-volume shared inboxes, responding to the most sensitive student and parent queries and acting as a point of escalation where needed.

• Manage a small but growing admin team, providing regular guidance, support, and feedback.

• Play a key role in overseeing our student admissions cycles, from planning to testing, setup, delivery and communication of decisions.

• Make everyday operational decisions independently, exercising good judgement in when to bring issues to senior management.

• Work effectively with data (e.g. student learning data) - as managed through our central directories - and use it to guide decision-making and to support the effective running of our programmes. 

• Review our policies on an ongoing basis, ensuring that we are complying with our safeguarding and data protection obligations at all times and that our policies are built for scale.

• Support with schools outreach initiatives.

• Develop and document key administrative procedures (an ever-evolving ‘Operations Handbook’) to ensure that we have reliability and stability across all programmes.

• Help to shape and build on our ethos of high expectations, which translates into concrete policies regarding attendance, homework, participation and criteria for both admitting and removing students from our Tutorial Programme.

Role requirements
 

While there is no fixed template for working with Parallel, we consider the following requirements essential for this role:

• Proven leadership qualities, with the ability to act independently and decisively when the situation demands it. 

• Experience managing small teams, including multiple direct reports.

• Managed operations at large scale - you have executed product/service delivery to thousands of end users.

• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to delegate tasks and to track processes and outcomes.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to connect effectively with a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders.

• Proficiency in working with digital tools and software such as Google Sheets, Docs, Forms, Zoom and Trello (and able to learn new tools quickly and independently).

• Excellent with spreadsheets and data - you know your vlookups from your pivot tables.

• Nimble problem-solver who can think on your feet and approach complex situations with a flexible mindset.

• A ‘can-do’ attitude and strong team ethic - you are known as a supportive presence for your colleagues who will go above and beyond to make their lives easier.

• Demonstrable ability to work productively in a fully remote setup.

• A strong commitment to safeguarding, and the ability to maintain confidentiality and integrity related to all aspects of information disseminated within the organisation.
   

It is also desirable (though not essential) for you to have relevant experience in an education setting.
 

Please note that this role will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. 

How to apply
 

If this sounds like you, please submit your CV and cover letter via CharityJob, or get in touch with any questions. 

Interviews will take place online after the closing date. As part of the selection process, shortlisted candidates will be required to complete tasks designed to assess relevant skills.

Head of Finance

Location: Fully remote with flexible working arrangements. You must be able to travel 1-2 times per month for a team day in Bristol, Reading, or London, for which expenses will be covered.

Salary: £46,350 - £49,440 depending on experience

Contract: Part-time (0.8 FTE, 4 days per week), Permanent. We are flexible with how these hours are worked - working pattern to be discussed with the successful candidate.

Closing date: Monday 13 July

Interview date: Week commencing 27 July 

Start Date: ASAP - this is a new role

Reporting to: Operations Director
Direct Reports: Finance Officer
 

Role Purpose

The Head of Finance plays a key role in supporting Good Faith's financial health, sustainability and growth. Working closely with the Operations Director and colleagues across the organisation, they provide the financial insight, systems and support that help teams make informed decisions, deliver impactful work and plan confidently for the future.

The role combines hands-on financial management with the ongoing development of financial systems, tools and processes to support Good Faith's growth and evolving needs.

Working in partnership with the Operations Director, Senior Leadership Team, thematic project delivery ("track") leadership teams and project leads, the Head of Finance helps promote sound financial stewardship, clear reporting and responsible use of resources.

The role also provides financial management support to Good Faith Foundation, working alongside its trustees and Charity Development Lead.

The Head of Finance line manages the Finance Officer, supporting their development and helping to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the finance function.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management and Reporting

• Support the effective management of Good Faith's finances, helping to ensure accurate reporting, strong financial stewardship and long-term sustainability.

• Prepare monthly management accounts, including profit and loss, balance sheet and cashflow reporting.

• Provide clear, timely financial reporting and insight to support decision-making by the Operations Director, Senior Leadership Team and Board.

• Help colleagues understand organisational financial performance, identifying trends, opportunities and areas requiring attention.

• Work closely with the Operations Director to develop and improve financial systems, controls, policies and processes that support effective decision-making and organisational growth.

• Coordinate month-end and year-end reporting processes.

• Build positive working relationships with external accountants, banks and other professional advisers.

• Maintain compliance with relevant accounting standards, tax regulations and statutory requirements.

Budgeting, Forecasting and Planning

• Coordinate the annual budgeting process, working collaboratively with SLT and Directors across the organisation.

• Maintain GF’s financial forecast and support scenario planning to inform decision-making and future priorities.

• Monitor organisational, track and project budgets against performance and support teams to understand and respond to variances.

• Provide financial insight and recommendations that help colleagues balance ambition with sustainability.

• Support business planning and provide analysis to inform significant organisational investment and spending decisions.

Project Finance

• Work alongside track leadership teams and project leads to develop, manage and monitor project and track budgets.

• Produce project and track-level financial reporting and analysis, including profitability reporting.

• Help project teams understand financial information and use it confidently in decision-making.

• Provide practical financial support and guidance to help achieve GF’s organisational objectives while making the best use of available resources.

Warm Welcome Campaign

• Work closely with the Warm Welcome Head of Operations and Leadership Team, providing financial support on budgeting, reporting and forecasting.

• Ensure expenditure is accurately recorded, appropriately authorised and aligned with financial policies.

• Produce regular financial dashboards and reporting, highlighting budget variances, emerging risks and opportunities for improved efficiency.

• Provide insight and recommendations that support effective decision-making and responsible resource management.

Cashflow, Reserves and Financial Sustainability

• Monitor and report on cashflow, reserves and wider financial performance, helping SLT plan for the future.

• Manage and process supplier and payroll payments, ensuring appropriate controls and approvals are in place and payments are made accurately and on time.

• Work with the Finance Officer to monitor debtor and creditor performance, supporting the timely collection of income and effective management of liabilities.

• Provide financial insight and scenario planning that supports sustainable growth, informed decision-making and long-term resilience.

Support to Good Faith Foundation

• Provide financial management support to the Good Faith Foundation.

• Oversee the preparation of quarterly management accounts by external accountants, alongside budgets and financial reports as required.

• Support trustees and the Charity Development Lead with financial information, insight and analysis.

• Help maintain appropriate financial controls, governance and compliance arrangements.

Team Management

• Line manage, support and develop the Finance Officer, creating opportunities for learning and professional growth.

• Review and oversee bookkeeping, reconciliations and transactional finance processes.

• Help foster a collaborative, supportive and efficient finance function that supports colleagues across GF.

• Contribute to a positive team culture that reflects Good Faith's values.

Governance and Compliance

• Help ensure GF maintains high standards of governance, accountability and financial compliance.

• Support statutory record-keeping and coordinate company secretarial filings and documentation.

• Coordinate the preparation and submission of VAT returns, annual accounts, corporation tax returns and other regulatory filings, working with external accountants as required.

• Act as a trusted point of contact for external accountants, auditors, legal advisers and other professional advisers.

• Coordinate annual insurance renewals and maintain records of key organisational licences, registrations and financial policies.

• As needed, support audits, compliance reviews and risk management activities, helping to ensure appropriate documentation, controls and procedures are maintained.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with at least 2-3 years' working experience

• Experience managing finance functions within an SME, consultancy, social enterprise, charity or purpose-led organisation.

• Experience preparing management accounts, budgets and forecasts.

• Good understanding of UK financial reporting, tax and compliance requirements.

• Experience managing cashflow and financial planning.

• Proficiency in accounting software (Xero) and Microsoft Excel/Google Workspace.

Essential Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to communicate financial information clearly and confidently to non-finance colleagues.

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people.

• The ability to balance financial sustainability with organisational ambition and social impact.

Desirable

• Experience in consultancy, professional services, social enterprise or charitable sectors.

• Experience managing the finances of grant-funded projects

• Experience supporting boards, trustees or senior leadership teams.

• Knowledge of charity finance and governance requirements.

• Experience supporting and developing colleagues through line management.

Personal Attributes

• Collaborative and relationship-focused, with a genuine desire to support others.

• Inclusive in approach and committed to building positive working relationships

• Proactive and solutions-oriented, with the confidence to improve systems and ways of working.

• Trustworthy, accountable and able to exercise sound judgement.

• Comfortable working in a dynamic and evolving organisation.

• Able to balance ambition with pragmatism, helping the organisation make the most of its resources.

• Committed to Good Faith's mission, values and the positive impact of our work.

Key Relationships

• Operations Director

• Senior Leadership Team

• Project Leads

• Thematic project delivery leadership teams

• Finance Officer

• Good Faith Foundation Charity Development Lead and Trustees

• External accountants and professional advisers

• Clients, funders and other partners as required

Please review the attached JD for full information on how to apply. 

Cerebra is the national charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with neurological conditions and their families. We provide vital research, support, and practical solutions that empower families facing complex challenges.

With an annual income of £3 million and a headcount of 68 employees, we have ambitious plans to double our income between 2025 and 2027, ensuring we can extend our impact, reach more families, and drive real change. To achieve this, we are investing in fundraising innovation, income generating ventures, and strategic partnerships, alongside enhancing our brand to increase our national recognition.

Our work is underpinned by our values ensuring that everything we do aligns with our mission to create a better world for children with neurological conditions.

This is an incredibly exciting time to join Cerebra, as we are preparing to launch our new strategy and brand. The COO is a vital leadership role that will support the drive towards even greater impact for children and families across the UK.

Our Services

Sleep Advice Service

Cerebra understands that if you have a child that doesn’t sleep, the whole family suffers. Many children with neurological conditions suffer from disrupted sleep. Our sleep advice service provides bespoke advice and support so that everyone can get a good night’s sleep.

Legal Rights Service

Our Legal Rights Service provides help and support to families of children with neurological conditions when they are faced with barriers and difficulties in accessing statutory support services they are entitled to. The service provides information on their legal entitlements.

Book and Toy Library Service

Our specialist postal lending library contains a wide range of books for both adults and children, plus a selection of sensory toys specifically chosen for children with a neurological condition.

Innovation and Product Design Service

Our Innovation Service designs and builds bespoke products that cater to the specific needs of children with neurological conditions. The aim of the service is to make products that are desirable and exciting, therefore promoting social inclusion, peer acceptance and enabling children to participate in everyday activities that are so often close to them.

Information Products

Cerebra publishes different information products to help families with a child with a neurological condition. Our information products offer comprehensive, up-to-date support and research-driven strategies to assist families with a wide range of issues.

Buzgi and Toy Adaptation Service

Cerebra designs and builds bespoke assistive equipment for disabled children, this includes creating custom mobility aids, switch‑adapted toys, and other innovative solutions to help children access play, learning, and independence.

The Bugzi - a mini powered wheelchair for children offers many children their first experience of independent mobility. It uses either a joystick or switches and adaptable seating for complex needs, and helps develop spatial awareness, confidence, and early mobility skills. The Bugzi is available through a national loan scheme.

Additionally, we operate commercial services (including a web shop) to supplement our income to support children and their families.

Our services are provided to families free of charge.

Job Title:

Chief Operating Officer

Reports To:

Chief Executive Officer

Direct reports:

3 senior managers (Finance (headcount of 3), HR (headcount of 1), IT (headcount of 5))

Purpose of the Role:

The Chief Operating Officer will play a vital role in supporting the Chief Executive Officer, Board and Leadership Team to deliver Cerebra’s vision and ambitious strategic aims. The Chief Operating Officer will provide strategic leadership and operational management across key areas within Cerebra including:

• Operational Systems
• Governance
• Compliance
• Finance and Growth

This is a pivotal executive leadership role, responsible for driving organisational performance, sustainability and growth. The COO will translate Cerebra’s strategic ambitions into effective operational delivery, ensuring robust governance, financial stewardship and a high-performing, values-led culture.

As a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, the COO will lead core operational services and commercial activity, enabling the charity to maximise impact and generate sustainable income in support of its charitable objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and Board to deliver strategic priorities, growth and long-term sustainability
• Collaboration with the Director’s Group to ensure strategic alignment across the charity. The Director’s Group consists of:

            Chief Executive Officer

            Chief Operating Officer

            Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications

            Director of Research and Support Services

• Provide expert advice on finance, operations, commercial performance and organisational risk
• Lead organisational planning, business continuity, and operational resilience
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and inclusion

Finance, Commercial & Sustainability

• Lead financial strategy, planning and performance, ensuring long-term sustainability
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cashflow and financial controls
• Lead and develop Cerebra’s strategy for commercial income , ensuring alignment with charitable objectives
• Support funding growth through strong financial insight and business case development
• Ensure robust financial governance, audit and compliance

Operations & Infrastructure

• Lead and strengthen operational functions including HR, IT, governance and administration
• Ensure effective systems, processes and infrastructure that enable growth, efficiency and impact
• Oversee procurement, contracts, facilities, and organisational compliance
• Drive innovation and value for money across operations

People & Culture

• Champion a positive, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture
• Oversee HR strategy, workforce planning and leadership development
• Ensure compliance with employment law and best practice
• Promote wellbeing, engagement and organisational effectiveness

Digital & Technology

• Provide strategic oversight of IT, data and digital development
• Ensure systems are secure, resilient and aligned to organisational needs
• Leverage data and technology to improve insight, decision-making and organisational impact

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure effective governance frameworks, risk management and regulatory compliance
• Support the CEO and Board with high-quality reporting and strategic insight
• Lead safeguarding, data protection and organisational risk strategy
• Drive a strong culture of accountability and ethical practice

Leadership & Management

• Lead and develop a small senior team across finance, HR and IT
• Build capability, strengthen performance, and embed a collaborative culture
• Model Cerebra’s values and leadership behaviours

Key Attributes

• Strategic and commercially minded leader with strong operational delivery experience
• Strong financial leadership and business acumen
• Proven track record of driving income growth, sustainability and organisational performance
• Skilled in governance, risk and stakeholder engagement

Please see attached job description for the Person Specification.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead Field Studies Council's Digital Learning & Publishing unit.

You'll develop strategy, build partnerships, grow income streams and lead a talented team delivering biodiversity training, digital learning and natural history publishing across the UK.

Success in this position will come from strong commercial leadership, strategic thinking and the ability to deliver sustainable growth while supporting our charitable mission.

• Permanent full-time contract
• Starting salary circa £36,973 - £44,091 per annum DOE + excellent benefits
• Flexible base location with remote / home working welcomed
• Make a visible, lasting contribution to environmental education across the UK

Work with purpose

At the Field Studies Council, our mission is to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment.

As our Digital Learning & Publishing Manager, you will lead a commercially focused business unit responsible for a diverse portfolio of biodiversity training, digital learning and publishing products. Working closely with the Commercial Director, you'll help form the future direction of the unit, ensuring sustainable growth, strong customer experience and meaningful impact.

In this key senior leadership role, you will:

• Lead the Digital Learning & Publishing unit, with accountability for its commercial and operational performance, budgeting, forecasting and P&L delivery.
• Develop and deliver commercial strategies that drive sustainable revenue growth across digital learning, publishing, partnerships and e-commerce.
• Identify new commercial opportunities and build relationships that expand our reach and impact.
• Use data, insights and customer feedback to improve performance, conversion, retention and customer value.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team.
• Oversee the successful delivery of biodiversity training courses, digital learning products and natural history publications.

Further detail regarding the full responsibilities can be found in the vacancy pack attached to the advert on our careers website.

Where you’ll be based

The base location for this position is negotiable, with remote working / home working welcomed. If you prefer working in an office environment, you can work from one of our Field Studies Centres across the UK. Hybrid working options can also be considered.

This role will include occasional travel to our Field Studies Council locations and other venues throughout the UK and will involve occasional overnight stays.

Who we're looking for

We're looking for someone with a commercial mindset who has owned budgets, delivered revenue growth and led business performance before. We're particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience in a commercial leadership or business unit management role.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams in a commercial environment 
• P&L accountability and revenue growth delivery, with a track record of developing and scaling commercially viable products or services 
• Experience leading delivery project teams and managing vendors/freelancers. 
• Effective management and influencing of partnerships and networks 
• Budget management expertise, including a proven ability to ensure value for money
• An interest in learning, publishing, environmental education or the natural history sector.

Your benefits whilst working with us will include:

• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
• 2 extra loyalty days dependent on length of service
• Life assurance 5 x your annual basic salary 
• Health and Wellbeing Support App for you and eligible family members to access remote GP appointments, mental health consultations, physiotherapy sessions and financial & legal support
• 24-hour Counselling Helpline Service
• Cycle to work and EV schemes
• Discounts and cashback opportunities 
• Flexible working options where roles permit
• Quality learning and development opportunities

If you are looking for a role where your leadership can make a genuine difference to environmental learning, we would be delighted to receive your application.

The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 8th July 2026.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Interviews are scheduled to take place at Field Studies Council online in the week commencing 20th July 2026.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all team members to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will only be confirmed following the successful completion of rigorous pre-employment checks, including appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks / PVG Scheme check with Disclosure Scotland.

Community Fundraising Assistant - North 

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

Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.​

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!

It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraising Assistant - North, to join our Community and Digital Fundraising team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Are you able to provide friendly and professional support to fundraisers and supporters?   
• Do you have experience in supporting events or community activities?
• Do you live in either Scotland, North East England, North West England or the East Midlands? 

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Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?

Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack which is included within this advert.​​​

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!​

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

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

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

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