Director of communications jobs in bristol

Join Mersey Rivers Trust and Help Make a Real Impact for Rivers, Wildlife and Communities! 

Are you a skilled finance and governance professional looking to use your expertise for good? Mersey Rivers Trust is seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and help shape the future of our environmental charity. 

We’re a passionate team working to protect and restore rivers across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire — and we need someone like you to ensure our finances and governance are as strong as our mission. 

APPLICANTS MUST LIVE WITHIN OR CLOSE TO THE MERSEY CATCHMENT – APPLICATIONS FROM OUTSIDE THIS AREA CANNOT BE CONSIDERED.

The Mersey Rivers Trust (MRT) is an environmental charity focussing on the protection and enhancement of rivers and waterbodies in the Mersey Catchment. It operates in an area covering Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire. We have an annual turnover of c£1m and employ 19 staff delivering up to 30 projects per year. The Trust works with partners, local communities, and volunteers to deliver a wide range of projects including river restoration, reduction of flood risk by Natural Flood Management techniques, river monitoring, volunteer events (eg river clean-ups/invasive species control and citizen science), community engagement and education events, farm advice/plans and biodiversity net gain. The Trust continues to evolve to meet the increasing challenges of protecting and enhancing rivers and waterbodies in the catchment.

We are seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the Trust’s finance, governance, and back-office functions. This is a pivotal role focused on ensuring financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and effective charity governance. While not involved in field-based project delivery, the Finance Manager plays a strategic role in supporting the organisation’s mission by enabling robust financial planning, reporting, and operational support. You will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees, and project teams to ensure the Trust remains financially resilient and well-governed.

As the Finance and Governance Manager, you should possess expertise in financial control and reporting, allowing you to effectively handle delegated responsibilities. Your numerical skills and critical thinking abilities will enable you to proactively address challenges and streamline processes. 

The role holder will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The role will also include direct line management responsibilities of the Administration Officer. 

If you are a motivated financial professional with a passion for driving organisational success, we invite you to apply and contribute to our team’s growth. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the management of the back-office function and Charity governance of MRT.
• Act as the Company Secretary to ensure compliance with financial and legal requirements, as well as maintaining high standards of Charity governance.
• Work with the Chief Executive Officer to prepare and manage budgets, provide input to the Trust’s business plan and strategic initiatives.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Provide financial insight and analysis to support strategic decision-making and long-term planning.
• Support the development and implementation of organisational policies and procedures to ensure good governance.
• Act as a key liaison with the Board of Trustees, preparing and presenting financial and governance reports to inform oversight and decision-making.
• Lead on the development of internal controls and risk management strategies to safeguard the Trust’s assets and reputation.
• Oversee all payments, manage cash flow, income and claims.
• Support financial planning for grant funding applications to support delivery of our objectives.
• Line management of the Administration Officer.
• Renew the annual insurance policy ensuring adequate cover and value for money.
• Maintain, oversee, and update all project management reporting systems on time and to budget (including timesheets, expenses and monthly reports).
• Complete all necessary reports and keep suitable records in line with the funding requirements and document retention policy.
• Highlight any new risks and issues identified whilst carrying out duties, and work with the team to manage and resolve them.
• Fulfil duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.
• Any other reasonable duties as required by MRT.

The post holder will be home based with travel throughout the Mersey catchment. The applicant will need to live within or close to the Mersey catchment to facilitate regular travel to meetings. Remote working from other parts of the country cannot be considered for this role due to the need for regular face-to-face interactions. 

Candidate profile

Essential

• A financial control and reporting background, qualification or qualified by experience. 
• Experience of organisational governance, ideally with knowledge of UK General Accounting Practice and Charities regulations.
• Experience of financial and management reporting within a small to medium-sized organisation.
• Experience of liaising with accountants to prepare annual accounts and reports required by the Charity Commission.
• Experience of cash flow forecasting.
• Familiarity with Xero financial and project management software (or similar).
• A confident and clear communicator with the ability to communicate financial information in an appropriate manner for non-financial trustees and staff.
• Aptitude in problem-solving.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively from home with strong communication skills and with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work flexibly across the working week when necessary.
• Ability to prioritise and plan activities to meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent literacy, numeracy and report-writing skills.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Good computer literacy skills (e.g. with Excel, Word, PowerPoint and project reporting systems).
• A reliable team player with good attendance and work performance.
• Ability to set performance objectives and ensure these are achieved.
• Excellent organisational / admin skills and attention to detail.

Desirable

• Experience in financial planning for funding applications.
• Experience of working in the charity or not for profit sector.
• Understanding of small-scale charitable trading.
• Experience of commercial contract management.
• Experience of managing an IT service provider.
• Knowledge of the Mersey Catchment.
• Good network of contacts in the sector. 

General notes

• Some travel around the Mersey Catchment will be necessary therefore a current driving licence and access to a vehicle (insured for business use) is desirable or otherwise access to public transport networks. 
• This position will from time to time require work during some evenings, weekends and public holidays to meet the needs of the post. A time-off in lieu system is operated by the Trust.
• We will also require the successfully applicant to undergo a basic DBS check and provide satisfactory references from previous employers.

Delegated Services is a thriving Community Interest Company (CIC) dedicated to being the first-choice partner for the education and community sectors, providing high-quality support services with incredible value.

We are at a pivotal moment in our growth, and we are now seeking an exceptional and visionary Chief Executive Officer to build upon our strong foundations and guide us into a future of even greater impact and support to the Education and Community sectors in the West Country, but with a National reach.

This is a unique opportunity for a passionate and strategic leader to join our dedicated team. We understand the importance of a smooth and effective transition, and as such, the handover process from our current CEO will be carefully phased over 6 months. This period will allow for comprehensive knowledge transfer, relationship building, and a seamless integration into the organisation, ensuring the continued success and stability of Delegated Services.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a proven track record of strategic leadership and operational management, ideally within the not-for-profit or social enterprise sector

• Possesses a deep understanding of governance, financial management, and stakeholder engagement within a CIC framework, building and maintaining effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, for example, demonstrating working experience with School/MAT CEOs, Leaders, Headteachers, etc. knowing how schools work, with preferably some knowledge of the charity sector

• Is an inspirational communicator, capable of motivating teams, building strong partnerships, and advocating for our mission

• Is an experienced and skilled professional in our core areas of service, primarily, HS&W

• Can market and sell the services to potential new customers and negotiate with existing agreement customers, renewal of their arrangements, where applicable, for April and September 2026 and beyond, repeating the process on a rolling basis, and

• Is committed to our values and passionate about making a tangible difference in education and the community.

If you are ready to take on a significant leadership role within a values-driven organisation and contribute to a legacy of positive change, we encourage you to apply.

Application must be submitted by the end of day deadline: 31st October 2025.

Use your leadership excellence to shape the development of a Bristol-based charity serving homeless and vulnerable clients.

We are seeking an exceptional leader who brings experience of supporting organisational growth and excellence.

InHope helps people in Bristol overcome the insecurities of homelessness, hunger, addiction, and poor mental health. Working in partnership with individuals, churches, community groups and companies our vision is of communities where everybody can reach their God-given potential free from injustice and insecurity.

As the largest city in the South-West, Bristol has always had a challenge with rough sleeping, particularly amongst women. In recent years the need for our services has risen with acutely increasing rents and food prices. 

This has led us to a thorough redesign of the way inHope functions. Instead of being organised by venue, since April 2025 we have been organised by the services we offer to clients through all of our venues. These cover provisions, shelter, client pathways and housing. The restructure is enabling us to provide better, more joined up services and for our clients, to not only meet  their immediate needs, but to help them reach their God-given potential.

As Chief Executive you will lead our efforts to realise our vision, embedding the new structure, provide leadership to our skilled and proactive staff team of 40 and nearly 400 volunteers, and shape the development of our next five-year plan.  

If you enjoy working in a dynamic and passionate organisation and are attracted to the challenge of working with highly committed staff, serving people with complex needs in a faith context, we would love to hear from you. 

For more information please see the job pack attached. Closing date 10th November. 

Head of Branch – RSPCA Buckinghamshire South (RSPCA South Bucks)

Location: Home based, with regular travel across South Buckinghamshire
Contract: Permanent, Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Reporting to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Reports: 8 (4 direct, 4 indirect)

Salary: Competitive, in line with charity sector benchmarks and experience

About Us

RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch was formed in 1964 to support the work of the national RSPCA and the owners of domestic animals in South Buckinghamshire. While we operate within the framework of the national RSPCA, we are a separately registered charity with our own governance and fundraising responsibilities. Our branch covers a wide area across South Buckinghamshire, including Chesham, Burnham, High Wycombe and Princes Risborough.

Our work is driven by the passion of dedicated volunteers and staff, and sustained through fundraising and the income from our two charity shops in Chesham and Burnham. As we look to the future, we are seeking an inspiring leader to guide our growth and ensure we continue to deliver sustainable, compassionate care for animals in need.

The Role

As our new Head of Branch, you will provide supportive and effective leadership across all aspects of the Branch’s work. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will:

• Contribute to the development and delivery of our long-term strategy.
• Ensure high standards in animal welfare services, adoption processes and community engagement.
• Oversee retail operations and help explore opportunities to expand our income streams.
• Support, motivate and manage our team of staff and volunteers.
• Act as the public face of the Branch, building partnerships and representing us in the community.

This is a hands-on, rewarding role where your leadership will directly improve the lives of animals and the communities we serve.

About You

We’re looking for a compassionate and resilient leader with:

• Experience in a senior leadership or management role within a charity, not-for-profit or mission-led organisation.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, fundraising and income generation.
• Experience working with and inspiring both staff and volunteers.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders and balance multiple priorities.
• A passion for animal welfare and commitment to the values of the RSPCA.

Desirable experience: Governance and working with Trustees, generating income through charity retail and securing grants or sponsorships in the not-for-profit sector.

Why Join Us?

• Play a key role in shaping the future of animal welfare in South Buckinghamshire.
• Lead a respected, values-driven charity with deep roots in the community.
• Work with a dedicated team who share your compassion and commitment.
• Opportunity to combine strategic input with hands-on impact.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining how you meet the person specification and why you are motivated to lead the RSPCA South Bucks Branch.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. Applications are welcomed from all backgrounds and communities.