Director of communications jobs

Do you share our vision to end youth unemployment?

The King’s Trust is seeking an exceptional individual to become Director of Delivery for Wales.You should share our passion for supporting young people to realise their potential and increasing our reach and impact. 

You will lead a team of colleagues, delivery partners and volunteers to turn our strategy into action, ensuring that our programmes reach those who need our help the most, by building partnerships, upholding our commitment to inclusion and safeguarding and growing our income. You will also develop and implement plans to achieve our four strategy goals of Tackling Inequality, Building the Nation’s Workforce, Being a Bold Voice for Change and Making Every Pound Count.To do this, you’ll need to able to engage and motivate a dispersed team and collaborate effectively across the whole organisation. You’ll also need to have an understanding of the challenges facing young people.

You will be a member of the Trust’s Senior Leadership Team, working with colleagues across the UK and will lead on a number of cross organisational projects.You’ll need to be visible across Wales and the wider organisation, working in our centre in Cardiff at least three days a week, as well as travelling to other centres and partner meetings in Wales and the UK as required. 

The Bikeability Trust is entering a new exciting phase of our strategy to 2035 to ensure more children can cycle with confidence. A year into our strategy we have reviewed Executive Team roles and responsibilities and are now looking for a creative Communications and Fundraising Director to lead our mission driven communications, income generation and impact reporting functions.

You will be an experience senior leader in communications, who has the drive to take our strategy to the next level. A key member of the Executive Team, working across the home based diverse staff team to bring together the impact of our work through corporate communications and influencing. We recommend reading our annual reviews on the Bikeability website to see a flavour of the work you could be leading.

Our income generation work is focussed on small impactful corporate partnerships, we have tested some individual giving and are planning to host a fundraising Ball in 2026. Experience in fundraising is desirable, with communications experience as essential as this role will ensure strong relationships with Government. 

If you would like to have a short discussion with the CEO before applying please contact Emily Cherry CEO. We are looking to interview shortlisted candidates on the 23rd or 25th February. We are looking for a candidate to start from 1st April or sooner. 

Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for the more than 110,000 adults and children in the UK with a muscle-wasting condition. This is a role where you can really make a difference.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of conditions we represent. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and helps us better support our beneficiaries.

As part of our safer recruitment and safeguarding responsibilities, this role requires a DBS check and professional/character references. We are committed to inclusion and will consider each application fairly.​

About you:

This is a terrific opportunity to play a fundamental role as Research Communications Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK’s in developing and shaping our research communications ensuring the timely and proactive communication of our research impact.

• You will have a strong ability for explaining research and science to a lay audience. 
• You  will also proactively identify communication opportunities and ideas for engaging content to promote and publicise our research projects.
• You will work closely with teams across the organisation providing them with information about our research activity to support their work.
• You will manage the charity’s research information service, our Research Line.
• You will work with the Director of Research and Innovation and Director of Marketing and Communications to lead the development of our research communications plan.​

Your Cover Letter Guidance
When submitting your application, please ensure your cover letter provides clear evidence of the following:

• Experience of communicating scientific and clinical information to a range of target audiences
• Proven experience in communicating complex research topics to a lay audience
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to build effective relationships internally and externally
•Proactive and able to identify communication opportunities and ideas for content in a range of formats
• Excellent copywriting, editing and proof-reading skills with ability to create written content for a range of audiences, especially lay audiences

Your cover letter should demonstrate how your background aligns with these criteria, using specific examples where possible.

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About us:

Muscular Dystrophy UK is a charity that connects a community of more than 110,000 people living with one of over 60 muscle wasting conditions, and all the people around them. So everyone can get the healthcare, support and treatments needed to feel good, mentally and physically. ​

This is an exciting time to join Muscular Dystrophy UK. We recently launched our new 10 year strategy to transform the lives of people living with muscle wasting conditions. Our vision is clear, a world without limits for people with muscle wasting conditions, and we won’t stop until we achieve it.

Values and behaviours:

• A positive attitude and approach that reflect the charity’s values.
• Seek opportunities to contribute to the development of the charity.
• A commitment to and an understanding of disability issues, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Always demonstrate role model behaviour.
  
   

Benefits:

We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We believe in supporting our people both professionally and personally.

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Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote wellbeing, work–life balance, and career development. Our offerrange of benefits includes ​great pension contributions, life insurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, employee assistance programme, instant retail and events discounts, and much more...

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Location: We operate a hybrid model (home and office, London SE1). ​

Closing date: Monday,16th February

NB Interviews likely to be held on Tuesday, 24th February and Wednesday, 25th of February

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities

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This is an exciting opportunity for someone with excellent strategic, analytical and leadership skills to join Impetus as an Investment Director and support us in our mission to transform the lives of young people.

The Investment Director (ID) is a key member of the Investment Team, playing a leading role in identifying, assessing, and supporting portfolio partner charities and other non-profit organisations to deepen their impact and scale their outcomes. This role works closely with other Investment Directors and Investment Managers to deliver external facing support to portfolio partners as well as internal projects to support the development of the investment model and portfolio strategy.

Investment Directors use strategic thinking, analytical rigour, and senior relationship skills to support a portfolio of amazing organisations that, together, will help shift the life chances and outcomes of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in the UK.

About the Investment Team

The Investment Team is responsible for selecting portfolio partners, managing our charity investments and supporting our portfolio partners to improve and scale their impact.

The Investment Team also leads the Impetus Leadership Academy, a leadership development programme to support talent from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK youth sector to progress into senior leadership roles.

The team is made up of 18 people, including former teachers, charity chief executives, charity impact leads, management consultants, social investment portfolio managers and impact consultants.  

The team is led by a Portfolio Director who sits on the Senior Management Team. The Portfolio Director has 5 direct reports: a Deputy Portfolio Director, three Sector Leads (who lead our work in School engagement, School attainment and Employment Sectors) and an Impact Lead. Sector Leads line manage 6 Investment Directors. Investment Directors line manage Investment Managers (currently 5). Investment Directors and Investment Managers tend to primarily focus on a sector but might have mixed portfolios, depending on need, experience and interest.

The Investment Team has a good track record of role progression. All four Leads and a number of our Investment Directors were promoted from within the team.

The team is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We come from a range of backgrounds and bring a broad mix of perspectives.  We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.

About this role

We believe that all young people deserve to succeed in school and in work, whatever their background. As we enter a challenging time with rising inflation and a likely recession, our work feels more vital than ever before. We are pleased to be able to expand our team to support our growing portfolio of charity and non-profit partners, in order to reach and impact more lives. The role of Investment Director presents an exciting opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the charities we serve, the team itself and the whole of Impetus.  

Key responsibilities

Finding high potential charities and non-profit partners for our portfolio

• Identifying potential charitable organisations for investment 
• Leading in-depth due diligence process within the scope of a grant round, to assess and build partnership foundations with potential partners – covering leadership and governance, and their impact, scale, and partnership potential; 
• Modelling from first contact of origination, our approach to engaged and trust-based investment management support;
• Developing and presenting high quality investment propositions to our Investment Committee.

Managing partnerships with portfolio partners

• Managing relationships with partner Chairs and CEOs 
• Agreeing Service Funding Agreements, including appropriate annual investment milestones to allow for a clear assessment of re-investment potential at end of phase 
• Regularly monitoring and assessing partner progress / risks against milestones and making evidence-based recommendations on progression or exit to Leads, Portfolio Director and the Investment Committee
• Escalating key risks on performance, leadership and safeguarding 
• Conducting annual partnership review with Sector Leads and partner CEOs
• Working with Impetus Finance colleagues to ensure timely distribution of grant payments, in line with Service Funding Agreements. 

Supporting portfolio partners 

• Providing direct support to CEOs and senior colleagues on key strategic topics, using a mix of at least monthly one-to-one meetings and group facilitation to:
  • clarify theory of change,
  • define long term ambition,
  • develop growth strategy
  • achieve a step change in the delivery and performance management of outcomes,
  • strengthen leadership (individual and collective) and governance capabilities,
  • develop path to scale,
  • build financial resilience;
• Scoping and project managing pro bono capacity-building projects (in addition to providing direct management support). Ensure projects are delivered to a high standard and contribute to charity progression;
• Identifying engagement opportunities for our donors and supporters with portfolio partners that are aligned with the partner’s activities and do not distract or undermine their core work;
• Collaborating with the Impetus Philanthropy team to support the development of additional funding opportunities for portfolio partners, enhancing their ability to deliver impact at scale;
• Effectively leveraging the support of investment managers to advance the objectives developed for each portfolio partner that is managed by an Investment Director.

Support to Impetus

• Developing expertise about “what works” in the sector through cultivation and use of expert input and engagement as well as investigation into key research and evaluative literature;
• Contributing insights and learning from portfolio work to inform Impetus’ strategy, model and delivery;
• Contributing to internal priorities and working groups (e.g. team strategy discussions, digital improvement initiatives, or equity, diversity, and inclusion)
• Contribute towards Impetus’ public affairs and philanthropy objectives through input into case studies, research and policy campaigns, donor reports and fundraising events
• Sharing the learning from our work across the team, across the organisation and externally working within Impetus strategy and agreed forums
• Engaging in Impetus pro bono, communications, and advocacy events, and engage portfolio partners appropriately in these events.
• Where appropriate, line-managing and supporting Investment Managers on the team to grow and develop, and achieve their project, role and team objectives.

Person specification

Essential

• A commitment to Impetus’ mission.
• Senior level responsibility and a strong track record of building trust-based relationships with senior stakeholders, advising them on key strategic decisions, and challenging them in a respectful and collaborative manner.
• A talent for strategic thinking around complex issues.
• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills.
• Understanding of impact measurement and evaluation fundamentals.
• Tenacity and initiative.
• Ability to flex personal style to needs of charity and leadership.
• Growth mind-set to seek out and act on feedback.
• Proven ability to work independently, and to exercise good judgment.
• Strong planning and time management skills.
• Interest in partnering closely with charities that are doing what it takes to get better.
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

If you don't tick all these boxes, but still feel that you fit the profile, please apply anyway.

Desirable

• Experience in the non-profit (charity or social enterprise) sector, through work, as a pro-bono volunteer or Trustee capacity.
• Experience in consulting, investment management, senior charity management, or other in-depth grant making and advisory work.
• Knowledge and expertise in UK education or youth employability sectors.
• Board experience in private, public or third sector.
• Understanding of or experience with commissioning impact evaluations.

A position has arisen at SolarAid for a Content and Social Media Manager, reporting to the Director of Communications.

This is a full-time, permanent role, open to candidates based anywhere in the UK, with the option to work remotely or from the London office. Attendance at key team days will be required.

The role focuses on planning, managing and delivering high-quality digital content across SolarAid’s channels, including the website, blog, email and social media. It is a hands-on role, combining day-to-day content production with channel management and collaboration across teams.

Alongside ongoing content and social media activity, the postholder will play an important role in supporting SolarAid’s website redevelopment. This will include reviewing and migrating existing content, helping decide what moves forward, and supporting content quality and consistency as the new site launches and beds in.

We are looking for someone with strong content and social media experience, good editorial judgement, and the ability to manage content across multiple platforms. You will be confident creating written, visual and short-form video content for different audiences, and comfortable working collaboratively with colleagues across communications, fundraising and country teams.

The successful candidate will share SolarAid’s values and be committed to telling stories responsibly and respectfully, helping to inspire support for sustainable energy access in sub-Saharan Africa.

No recruitment agencies please.

Are you a major gifts fundraiser ready for a new and exciting opportunity? If so, read on!

Associate Director of Advancement, UK & Europe
Employer: Arizona State University Foundation
Salary: Up to £75,000
Location: Hybrid working – London and Home + Travel

Arizona State University is a new model for higher education – demonstrating excellence at scale with access. Today, ASU is the largest public university in the United States and has been recognised for eleven years as the most innovative university in the US. We believe that learning is for everyone.

We are recruiting a new Associate Director of Advancement to help shape the future of ASU in the UK and Europe.  As Associate Director, you will have the opportunity to engage with a unique, vibrant, and fast-growing global community who are deeply dedicated to inclusion and global impact, seeking solutions to some of our world’s most pressing problems. You will be fundraising for dynamic priorities such as scholarships, centres and professorships, while also having the opportunity to co-create projects with donors, across the full spectrum of ASU’s schools and centres.

A key member of a small but crucial team in the UK, you will work remotely with teams of skilled and dynamic colleagues based predominantly in Phoenix, Arizona, as well as others around the world. You will also have the opportunity to travel across the U.K. and Europe to build relationships with HNWIs, trusts and foundations and corporate partners.

This is a chance to be part of an institution that is multicultural, diverse and inclusive, and whose alumni and friends are genuinely changemakers.  You will be working for a truly global organisation with an outstanding reputation and almost limitless potential. 

Closing date: No later than Midnight on Sunday 15 February 2026.
N.B The right is reserved to change the deadline so please submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

The ASU Foundation has retained Constellate, an executive search firm, to assist with this search. Candidate review will continue until the position is filled.

Interested?

Please familiarise yourself with the attached Candidate Pack.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter.

Diversity and Inclusivity ASU Enterprise Partners proudly stands beside ASU and commits to building a more inclusive culture that supports diverse identities.  We are working to recognise and address our shortcomings and hold ourselves accountable for setting and achieving thoughtful goals, initiatives and metrics.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons, and all appointments will be made on merit. Should you require reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please let us know.

No agencies please

We’re hiring a Director of Communities, Health and Partnerships.

Hackney CVS is in an exciting new phase and we’re looking for a senior leader to help shape it.

Following a major restructuring and redesign of our support offer, we’re focusing more sharply on our core mission: strengthening, connecting and championing the voluntary and community sector (VCS) across Hackney and the City of London.

Our Director of Communities, Health and Partnerships will:

• Lead our networks, forums and engagement work.
• Amplify community voice in local decision-making.
• Build powerful cross-sector partnerships.
• Support the voluntary sector to influence systems change.

You’ll join our Senior Leadership Team at a pivotal moment, helping us embed new ways of working and secure a brighter future for the VCS.

If you care deeply about equity, collaboration and the potential of the VCS to transform lives, and if you thrive in complexity, influence and relationship building, we would love to hear from you.

For the full job description and person specification, please see the attached recruitment pack.

#director #community #health #partnership

What makes us unique is that we also care deeply about ‘plugging the gap’ for families and young people who are struggling to find the mental health support they need as a result of financial, social or other disadvantage. For this reason, we are a not-for-profit organisation and offer grant and donation funded programmes when we can.

Youth Arts & Health Trust are a registered charity based in Exeter and East Devon who specialise in providing creative therapies and inclusivity-informed arts activities for children and young people aged 5 to 25.

We are in an exciting phase of our development, with new premises in Exeter, growing activities in East Devon, a dynamic team, a supportive and experienced Board of Trustees, and much shared passion to make a difference to children, young people and families.

We provide our services for children and young people via local authorities, organisations, schools and for families directly.

We are looking for someone with vision and passion who can lead and nurture our highly capable and ambitious team to build further upon our compassionate, inclusive and trauma-informed services for children, young people and families.

This is a 0.7 - 0.8 post (25-30 hours per week) with terms to be agreed with the successful candidate.  We are open to flexible working arrangements with the right individual, whether that’s flexitime or compressed hours, or some other agreed arrangement.   

It is expected that the post-holder will work within our premises for 1-2 days a week depending on service needs, and the remainder of hours worked from home, in the community at meetings or events or working on a hybrid basis.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

• To develop and deliver our strategy including a business plan and regular progression reports for the Board to ensure the charity is financially robust.
• To develop existing and new income streams to secure the future of the charity and enable us to meet our charitable objectives of benefitting children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties through arts therapies and arts activities.  This is likely to include grant fundraising, exploring procurement and commissioning routes, philanthropy, appropriate business sponsorship, training delivery and pathways for private purchasing of our service.
• To line manage, support, and collaborate with our Operations and Clinical Director who oversees our team of therapists and practitioners in ensuring all staff are adequately trained, registered, supervised and supported to provide an excellent service to our clients.
• To provide leadership for the charity both internally in regards to a positive and nurturing culture and externally in regard to reputation, partnerships and opportunities.
• To ensure all relevant policies are implemented effectively, developed and reviewed as required.
• To act as one of three Designated Safeguarding Officers and ensure policy is implemented effectively.
• To ensure the charity fulfils all its statutory obligations, working alongside the Board to achieve this.
• To ensure the charity has appropriate systems in place for the management and mitigation of risk.
• To ensure the charity meets its obligations under health and safety law.
• To lead on the development of innovative arts therapy programmes, in collaboration with our Operations and Clinical Director, our staff team and stakeholders.
• To ensure evaluation and impact data is collected and utilised for our learning and to provide evidence for the effectiveness of YAHT’s services.
• To act as an ambassador for the charity.
• If relevant, to carry a small caseload of children and young people to remain practising as an Arts Therapist or other registered mental health professional (if relevant, see desirable criteria).

Finance Director (Head of Finance & Central Services)

Do you want your financial leadership to make a real difference in your community?

At WE Care Home Improvements (WECHI), we help older and vulnerable people live safely and independently in their own homes. Every decision you make as our Finance Director directly supports this mission, ensuring our organisation is financially resilient, well-governed, and ready to grow.

Reporting to the CEO, you will be the senior leader for finance, governance, and central services, including HR, IT, GDPR, and facilities. You’ll provide strategic financial oversight, shape organisational planning, strengthen risk management, and support the leadership team in delivering our ambitious vision.

This is a role for a strategic, values-driven professional who combines commercial and financial expertise with compassion, collaboration, and a commitment to social impact.

What you’ll do

• Lead financial strategy, budgets, forecasts, and reporting to drive organisational sustainability.
• Ensure robust governance, compliance, and risk management.
• Oversee central services to support operational excellence across the organisation.
• Provide insight and advice to the CEO and Board for effective strategic decision-making.
• Support organisational growth and development, including new business opportunities.

Who we’re looking for

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or ICAS qualified with senior leadership experience.
• Proven experience leading diverse teams and translating strategy into practical plans.
• Strong financial literacy, business acumen, and experience in service-focused organisations.
• A values-led leader who inspires, empowers, and role-models progressive ways of working.

 Why join us

• Make a tangible difference in the lives of older and vulnerable people
• Collaborative, supportive, and flexible work environment
• Competitive salary (£60,000), generous benefits, and development opportunities

WECHI offers a rare opportunity to bring your financial expertise to a mission-driven organisation with heart, ensuring older and vulnerable people can continue living independently, safely, and with dignity.

Additional information 

• The full job description is attached below for your reference. 
• ​To apply, please submit your CV and a supportive statement (not more than two pages) telling us why you are the right person for this role. 
• Application deadline: 20/02/2026 at 5pm
• Please note: we reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidates, so early applications are encouraged.
• Please note that We Care Home Improvements is unable to offer sponsorship or take over the sponsorship of employment visas at this time. All applicants must have the permanent right to work in the UK without restriction.

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. 

Assistant Director of Culture and Engagement (Interim)

 13-month maternity cover | A standout leadership opportunity at Samaritans

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Samaritans is looking for an Assistant Director of Culture and Engagement to lead how we connect with, listen to and create inclusivity for our people (staff and volunteers) at a pivotal moment for the organisation.

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This is a 13-month maternity cover, offering a rare opportunity to step into a senior, high profile leadership role at one of the UK and Ireland’s most trusted charities. For the right person, this role will be a powerful addition to your CV, demonstrating your ability to lead culture, internal engagement, EDI and change at senior leadership level, within a complex, purpose-led organisation with people and connection at its heart.

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As Samaritans continues a period of transformation and growth, this role is integral to our journey. You will shape our internal narrative, deepen engagement, and unite our people behind a shared culture, ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion remain central throughout our ambitious change programme.

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Leading two high-performing teams as a single department (internal communications and engagement, and culture and inclusion) alongside their Heads of Team, you’ll play a pivotal role in embedding cultural change, advising on change management, strengthening two-way communication, and ensuring our people feel connected to our mission every day.

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At Samaritans, our people are our strength. This role exists to ensure every colleague and volunteer feels a sense of belonging, and that they are heard and valued, because when our people feel connected, we can better support those who need us most in our live saving mission to prevent suicide.

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A full outline of the role is available in the Job Description here.

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Contract terms

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• 13-month fixed-term contract (maternity cover)
• £75,000 per annum, plus benefits
• Full-time is 35 hours per week, but we are passionate about flexible working, please talk to us about what works best for you
• Hybrid working: linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office, with a blend of home working and access to offices in Ewell and London Bridge
• In-person working: collaboration matters to us. We typically work in person around once a week.

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What you’ll be doing

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• Leading Samaritans’ internal communications and people engagement strategy, building trust, clarity and alignment across the organisation
• Driving cultural change, bringing people together around shared purpose and evolving ways of working
• Leading for equity, diversity and inclusion ensuring this is embedded across all aspects of our transformation programme and furthering our EDI commitment
• Partnering closely with Executive and Senior Leadership to shape communication and change management around transformation, change programmes and organisation-wide initiatives
• Strengthening two-way communication, ensuring our people have a voice and that feedback and listening are embedded and acted upon
• Overseeing people surveys and engagement insight to track progress, inform leadership decisions and support wellbeing
• Supporting leadership visibility and connection, translating strategy into meaningful day-to-day experience

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About you

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• You are a strategic, senior leader, with a strong track record of engaging people through change
• You have significant experience working in large, complex or matrixed organisations, and delivering success
• You are motivated by purpose, people and culture, and understand how engagement and inclusion build trust, belonging and shared identity
• You are confident leading for EDI, with demonstrable experience of bringing about tangible change, overcoming challenges and creating inclusion across a broader organisation
• You are confident influencing and advising senior leaders, balancing empathy with clarity, particularly in sensitive or high impact situations
• You lead teams with care, ambition and inclusivity, creating environments where people feel empowered to do their best work.

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About Samaritans

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You’ll be joining a values-led organisation with a powerful mission: reducing suicide and supporting people when they need it most. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to make a genuine, life-saving impact through your leadership.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation. We particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, who are currently under-represented at Samaritans.

Further information about Samaritans, including our values, structure, benefits and application process can be found in our recruitment brochure and on our careers website.

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Ready to make your mark?

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If you’re looking for a short-term senior role with long-term impact, and the chance to lead connection, engagement, inclusion and belonging at a moment that truly matters, we’d love to hear from you.

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How to apply

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Please complete the online application form including the questions outlined here, and submit these along with your CV, with a brief supporting statement.

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1. Please give an example of how you’ve led internal engagement and advised on change management to support an organisation through transformation. What was your approach and impact, and in what role or organisation? (300 words max)

2. Share an example of how you have led Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and created inclusive spaces within the wider organisation to bring about change? (300 words)

3. Describe how you see the role of culture in supporting a high performing organisation, and what key factors you see as critical to achieving this? (300 words)

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We kindly ask that you do not rely on AI tools to generate application or interview answers. We want to see your thinking, writing style and ideas.

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Applications close: 23:59 Sunday 15 February 2026

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Interviews:

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• Virtual Interviews: Monday 23, Tuesday 24, or Friday 27 February 2026
• Second-stage interviews in person, at our Ewell office: Wednesday 4 March
• Please note that due to staff availability, it may not be possible to offer alternative interview dates so please hold these dates if applying.

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Proposed start date: Tuesday 7 April 2026

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Director of Finance and Operations

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Senior HR Executive (PT) and Database & Operations Officer (PT)

HOURS: Full-Time (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday)

JOB LOCATION: Hybrid - home and minimum 2 days in the office (Amersham, Buckinghamshire)

PENSION: 7% non-contributory

ANNUAL LEAVE: 28 days, plus bank holidays

OTHER BENEFITS: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Free Parking

Job Description

The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) will play a crucial role in realising our ambitious plans as a charity. The postholder will be a member of our Senior Leadership Team (SLT), along with the CEO, Director of Development, Director of Programmes and Director of Fundraising and Communications. The DFO role is responsible for overseeing the financial health, operational effectiveness, and organisational infrastructure of the charity, ensures that the charity operates efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with all regulatory and fiduciary requirements. This role blends strategic financial leadership with hands-on operational management and is critical to enabling the charity to achieve its charitable programme as well as provide long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Management

• Provide strategic financial leadership, including long-range financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Develop and manage the organisation’s annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Manage the accounting functions, including payroll and pension, and month-end and year-end close.
• Prepare and present timely, accurate financial reports to the SLT, Finance and Investment Sub- Committee, and Board of Trustees.
• Monitor cash flow, reserves, and investments to ensure financial stability and liquidity.
• Ensure compliance with all financial regulations, funder requirements, and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Lead annual audits and coordinate with external auditors.
• Manage relationship with investment managers and their adherence to investment strategy.
• Support the Fundraising team in submitting income application, financial reporting, and compliance requirements.

Operations & Organisational Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure efficient systems, processes, and internal controls.
• Lead and continuously improve policies and procedures related to finance, operations, and administration.
• Manage organisational risk, insurance coverage, and compliance (e.g., legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations).
• Oversee facilities, technology, and vendor relationships, ensuring cost-effectiveness and reliability.
• Ensure strong data management, financial systems, and operational reporting tools are in place.

Human Resources & Administration

• Oversee HR operations, including payroll, benefits administration, employee policies, and compliance with employment laws.
• Partner with leadership on workforce planning, compensation strategy, and organisational design.
• Support performance management systems and contribute to a positive, inclusive organisational culture.
• Ensure onboarding, offboarding, and personnel record management processes are effective and compliant.

Leadership & Strategy

• As a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organisational strategy and decision-making.
• Advise the SLT and Board on financial and operational implications of strategic initiatives.
• Translate financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor finance and operations staff, fostering professional development and accountability.

This job advert may close earlier than first advertised if enough suitable candidates are received.

Role Purpose 

This is a new role. Stand-by-me is seeking an experienced Director to effectively lead and manage the organisation. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the effective continued delivery of the charity’s aims, providing strong, strategic leadership and operational management, focussing on enhancing fundraising capacity and developing a robust organisation strategy. This role will also serve as the public representative of the organisation and will report directly to the Board of Trustees.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Development:

· Conduct a rapid assessment of the charity’s current strategic plan and identify key areas for improvement.

· Lead the development of a revised or updated strategic framework, focusing on sustainability, growth, and impact.

· Work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees and Clinical staff to define clear strategic priorities and measurable outcomes.

· Provide clear and concise report to the Board on progress against strategic objectives.

· Manage and coordinate research projects and feasibility studies including budgeting, resourcing, scheduling, tracking and ensuring quality assurance.

2. Income Generation and Financial Management:

· Conduct a rapid, comprehensive review of existing fundraising activities and identify opportunities for growth and diversification.

· Develop and implement a short and long-term fundraising strategy to maximise income generation.

· Monitor and report on grants and funding.

· Lead and motivate our volunteer community fundraising team providing guidance and support to achieve specified targets.

· Cultivate and strengthen relationships with major donors, trusts, foundations, patronage, and corporate partners.

· Explore and develop new fundraising streams, including regular giving, digital fundraising, innovative partnerships and legacies.

· Working with the team, develop compelling funding proposals and grant applications.

· Improve fundraising reporting and analysis to track performance and inform decision-making.

3. Operational Management:

· Provide effective line management to the team and volunteers to foster a positive and collaborative work environment.

· Effectively delegate tasks to team members including promoting self organisation.

· Work with the Finance Trustee to oversee financial management, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and best practices for budgeting.

· Manage risk and ensure the charity's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

· Represent the charity to external stakeholders, building and maintaining positive relationships.

· Ensure effective communication and engagement with staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries.

· Work with Safeguarding Trustee and external Supervisors on any clinical or safeguarding issues as they arise.

· Conduct annual appraisals to monitor and evaluate staff performance.

4. Board Engagement/Governance:

· Act as the primary point of contact between the Board of Trustees.

· Provide regular updates to the Board on organisational performance including operational and strategic matters.

· Ensure the organisation’s compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and internal policies to support the Board in its governance role by providing advice and information as needed.

· Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between the Trustee Board, staff and volunteers.

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.