Director of communications jobs

This is an exciting opportunity to direct our grant awarding as Programmes Director, 37.5 hours per week, based in Cornwall and able to work from CCF’s office in Bodmin at least two days a week.

Salary: £42,000-£45,000 per annum depending on experience

The Programmes Director is a key role within Cornwall Community Foundation (CCF) and is responsible for leading the development and management of CCF’s grant making programmes and measuring our impact.

At the Cornwall Community Foundation, we believe in a positive life in Cornwall for all, free from poverty and social isolation. Our aim is to change people’s lives for the better by helping local communities.

If you have previous knowledge of the voluntary sector, particularly in Cornwall, and are looking for a wide variety of responsibilities working to tight deadlines, we want to hear from you. We offer a friendly environment to work in and you'll be joining a team who really are making a difference in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Please download the application pack from the Cornwall Communitty Foundation website.

To apply for this post please send your CV and covering letter. (Incomplete applications will not be considered). CCF are committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion across our funding portfolio and staff team. We particularly welcome applications from people who identify as LGBTQ+, those with disabilities, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and/or those from racialised communities.

Closing date 11 May 2026.

Artsreach is seeking a highly motivated, creative and strategically minded individual to lead all marketing activity and raise the profile of our work across rural Dorset, crafting compelling stories, producing high‑quality digital and print content, managing press and social media, and developing strategies that strengthen audience engagement.

Artsreach is Dorset’s touring arts charity, presenting a programme of professional theatre, dance, music and participatory activity in rural communities of the county. Supported by Dorset Council, Artsreach is also part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio, and celebrated its 35th Anniversary in 2025. Since the launch of its first programme in March 1990, Artsreach has been committed to working with volunteers across Dorset to overcome the barriers of rural and social isolation by providing communities with access to professional arts events, firmly believing that engagement enriches quality of life

The Marketing & Communications Officer will play a key role in raising the profile of Artsreach. By immersing yourself in our communities, our programme and the stories behind our work, you will create compelling content and build narratives that effectively communicate who we are and the impact we make to audiences, artists, funders and partners.

You will lead the planning and delivery of audience‑focused marketing and communications activity that increases awareness and strengthens engagement. This includes developing clear communications strategies, producing compelling digital and print content, and managing press, social media and other digital platforms.

A key part of the role is storytelling: gathering data, case studies and evidence of impact from across our programmes, and shaping these into accessible, persuasive communications that speak to the needs of our audience, volunteers, supporters and funders. Working closely with the team and our volunteer promoter network, you will ensure that our activity is visible, our messaging is consistent, and our unique contribution to rural communities is clearly understood.

Working within a small team can at times be highly pressurised, so we require someone who can adapt quickly and contribute positively to a supportive and collaborative working culture. This role will suit an individual with strong experience in cultural marketing, who can bring fresh ideas, confidence with digital tools, and a commitment to widening access to the arts across rural communities.

The Living Wage Foundation is seeking an experienced and driven Senior Media and Communications Manager to join our team for a 12-month contract. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly organised and proactive communications professional with a strong background in media relations, public messaging, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will be experienced and confident in working to tight deadlines, responding to last-minute changes, and prioritising competing demands in a high-profile environment. They will be motivated to amplify the Living Wage Foundation’s mission of tackling low pay and insecure work.

The postholder will lead all media, messaging, and external affairs work, developing and implementing a proactive media strategy that supports our mission and key campaigns, such as Living Wage Week and the annual Rates announcement. As a skilled media professional, you will oversee all communications outputs, ensuring consistency and strategic alignment, while delivering media training and refining key messaging to maximise reach and impact. 

In this role, you will be instrumental in advancing our political engagement efforts, building cross-party support and working with political leaders, mayoral teams, and other key stakeholders to promote our initiatives. You’ll manage two direct reports (Events Manager and Media Manager) who each hold line management responsibilities, and you will play a critical role within our Senior Management Team, collaborating closely with the Head of Communications to shape the overall direction of our communications work. This role will work closely with Citizens UK colleagues, including the Citizens UK communications team on cross-organisational priorities.  You will report to the Head of Communications.

As a senior leader, you will be responsible for managing and allocating part of the communications team budget, expanding team capacity, and driving the team’s effectiveness. In collaboration with other senior managers, you will help foster a culture that values creativity, innovation, and strategic impact.

The Director of Performance and Assurance provides leadership to ensure the VCSA has a robust internal infrastructure in alignment with our mission and values.

To include compliance, risk management, assurance, health and safety, performance and impact measurement.

This post also provides leadership to ensure VCSE delivery partners to have required compliance, risk management, assurance, health and safety, performance and impact measurement processes in place.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Performance and Assurance works as part of that team to contribute to strategic planning and ensure that the VCSA is a great place to work where performance, reporting and compliance is strong.

Duties and Responsibilities –  Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of a Risk and Performance Strategy that supports the charity’s strategic ambitions and annual operational plan
• Provide expert advice to the Board, Finance and Resource Committee and Leadership Team on risk exposure, compliance, and organisational assurance
• Embed a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Contribute to strategic planning and policy development, ensuring alignment with risk appetite and performance priorities
• To lead performance and assurance support for our network of network VCSE partners where required Line manage the Impact and Insight Manager

AND MORE - Please read the Job Description.

The VCS Alliance

The VCS Alliance is a charity dedicated to transforming health and social care across Bradford District and Craven. To do this, we act as a bridge between the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector and the Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, channelling investment into the sector, to deliver transformational programmes. These programmes keep people out of front-line and emergency health services and address health inequalities.

We also provide and support Bradford District and Craven’s VCSE sector voice to contribute to system conversations, leading to better outcomes for our diverse communities. To do our work, we support the convening of spaces and organisations for collaborative conversations leading to better outcomes and learning. 

About The Connection at St Martin’s

We believe that no one should have to sleep rough on London’s streets, and that everyone should get the support they need to find a place to call home. We get to know every person we work with, understanding what they need to recover, helping them build on their strengths, and supporting them to find their own way home. Help us make London a city where no one sleeps rough on our streets.

London’s diversity is its biggest asset and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London’s diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates with lived experience of homelessness who we believe are an essential asset in our sector.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and welcome the opportunity to consider flexible working arrangements.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and creative communications generalist who enjoys working across a wide range of activities and can bring our mission to life through powerful storytelling and effective communications.

In this role, you will ensure that the charity’s mission, values and key messages are reflected clearly and consistently across all communications. You will be confident working with the press and welcoming high-profile visitors, helping to raise the profile of our work and the people we support.

As a small charity, we value creativity and initiative. You will enjoy finding innovative ways to maximise impact, using a mix of media, digital channels and partnerships to share our story and reach new audiences.

Working closely with colleagues across the organisation – including the people who use our services – you will help ensure our communications are authentic, inclusive and grounded in real experiences.

You will also collaborate closely with colleagues in the Fundraising team to develop and deliver a series of innovative fundraising and awareness-raising campaigns, helping to engage supporters, grow income and increase understanding of our work.

Our strategy focuses on developing services in new ways, involving clients in every aspect of our work and strengthening collaboration across the sector. The Communications Manager will play a key role in helping the organisation communicate more effectively, building communications confidence across the team, and supporting the growth of our fundraising activity.

This role is a 12 month FTC.

Salary: £44,181 - £50,461 (scale points 29 – 35)
Closing Date: Sunday 19th April
Interview Date: Tuesday 28th April

Our Benefits

· 30 days holiday plus bank holidays

· Generous training budget, plus an annual personal training budget

· Enhanced Sick Pay Policy

· Enhanced family friendly policies

· Day off for moving house

· Hybrid working (depending on role requirements)

· Pension – 5% Employer, 3% Employee

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Season Ticket Loan

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Reward Gateway (access to discount vouchers and cashback at the UK’s favourite retailers)

We are a London Living Wage employer

Country Director – Scotland

We are seeking a talented individual to join our Leadership team and help sustain and expand our programmes across Scotland.

Position: Country Director – Scotland
Salary: £53,836 - £59,012
Location: Hybrid with travel to Glasgow office at least once a week
Hours: 35 hours per week, full time
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Wednesday 6th May 2026
Interview Dates: 13th May (online) and 18th May (Glasgow)

About the Role

This is an exceptional opportunity to join The Fostering Network as one of four Country Directors, working closely with the CEO to deliver organisational strategic objectives.

You will lead and manage our work in Scotland, making a vital contribution to improving the lives of foster families, children and young people in foster care, while supporting fostering services across the country.

Key responsibilities include:

· Overall management and leadership of our work in Scotland

· Driving forward the monitoring, impact and evaluation of our work

· Developing and maintaining key stakeholder relationships including government, fostering services and sector partners

· Overseeing the development and delivery of sustainable, impactful programmes

· Securing grants, fundraising and promoting our work across the sector

· Budget management and financial oversight

· Identifying opportunities for innovation and collaboration

· Growing membership and maintaining our position as the leading fostering charity in the UK

· Acting as safeguarding lead for Scotland

About You

We are looking for a strategic, collaborative leader with extensive experience of the fostering sector.

You will bring:

· In-depth knowledge of foster care practice and children’s social care

· Experience working within statutory local authority social services

· A track record of leadership, line management and delivering change

· Experience of strategic planning, programme delivery and budget management

· Strong experience working with government officials and key stakeholders

· Excellent communication and relationship management skills

· The ability to inspire trust and credibility across a wide range of audiences

· Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively

You will also demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, and the organisation’s mission and values.

About the Organisation: The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading fostering charity and membership organisation, dedicated to empowering, enriching and supporting the relationships at the heart of the fostering community.

They work across all four nations of the UK to improve outcomes for children and young people in foster care and to support foster carers and services.

What’s on Offer

· 38 days leave including bank holidays

· Flexible and hybrid working

· Enhanced maternity, adoption and sick pay

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Pension and life assurance

· Family friendly policies and fostering friendly leave

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Director of Services, Head of Fostering, Assistant Director Social Care, Service Director, Head of Operations, Programme Director, Children’s Services Manager

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client Not For Profit People.

We are looking for a strategic, values-driven and collaborative Charity Director/CEO to lead DS Achieve (a small charity) through its next stage, building on strong foundations to ensure long-term sustainability and meaningful impact for the families we support.

This is a rewarding opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of a small community-focused charity supporting children and young people with Down Syndrome. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership, guide the development of the organisation, and support a committed team to deliver high-quality services for families across Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.

Please see the attached Role Profile for details.

We are seeking an experienced and driven Director of Programmes & Impact with essential third sector experience to lead and shape our global programme function.
This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring that all funds raised are translated into effective delivery on the ground, supported by strong oversight, clear data, and credible impact.
You will own the full lifecycle of programme delivery — from partner management and implementation through to compliance oversight, data capture, and donor reporting. You will also play a key role in building the systems, processes, and structures that enable impact to be delivered and evidenced consistently as the organisation grows.
This role offers a high level of ownership and influence, with the opportunity to shape how The Zahra Trust delivers, measures, and communicates impact globally.

Prospectus is delighted to be supporting our client in their search for a Head of Communications and Marketing.

The organisation is a charity that believes that experienced professionals can make exceptional teachers who shape young lives. That’s why, since 2017, they have worked to attract, support and champion those who make a courageous career leap into the classroom; more than 1,300 so far.

The charity currently has teachers in over 700 schools, teaching over 125,000 students. Their purpose is to stand beside career-change teachers as they navigate a new professional identity and bring their experiences, skills and networks to the students, subjects and schools that need them.

The charity has developed a strong brand, reflecting it’s unique work in the sector, and has some high-profile champions and advocates who enable the charity to secure regular national print and television coverage. The charity invests significantly into it’s marketing budget to achieve it’s goals of recruiting new career changers to it’s programmes.

This Head of Communications and Marketing role is available on a permanent contract and full-time or part-time basis (0.8 FTE/4 days per week). This is a hybrid role where you will be mainly based from home. The postholder will be based in London for monthly co-working days with the team and meetings with external clients when needed. The salary range for this role is £46,000-£50,000 FTE (dependant on level of experience).

In this role you will report to the Director of Philanthropy and Communications, and together, provide strategic leadership to shape and share the charity's story, driving engagement across key audiences to support their mission and vision.

You will work closely with the Recruitment Director and their team to shape marketing strategy to recruit new teachers through digital channels. You will oversee and maintain the website, blogs, annual impact report, films, and core content. You will develop and grow the Now Teach brand, ensuring brand consistency across all channels.

You will manage a significant budget and play a key role in maximising return on investment. You will create and monitor communications metrics and KPls. You will provide media support by managing an outsourced press office to secure targeted coverage aligned with the charity's strategic priorities. You will identify and develop new opportunities in line with their strategy. You will also own and use the marketing automation platform (Active Campaign), automating marketing activity.

To be successful in this role, you be a proactive and hands-on individual with demonstratable experience in a strategic marketing and/or communications role. You will have a proven track record of communicating a cause using a range of communications tactics and engaging external audiences. You will be comfortable with designing and implementing ideas to support with developing and improving strategy.  

You will have strong communication skills, with the ability to work with different internal departments, external contractors and consultants. You will also have experience in line management. You will have strong project management skills and experience using marketing automation platforms and other multichannel marketing technologies.

To apply, please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact George Cook at Prospectus.

At Ambitious about Autism, we are looking for a Programme Director – Service Development to join our team. You'll develop Ambitious about Autism's and the Trust's education and care services for autistic children and young people.

You'll lead on key strategic projects to extend existing or develop new education and care services for autistic children and young people, providing strong project leadership, strategic integration and managing project-related governance. You'll identify and pursue new business opportunities to drive growth and expansion of our educational settings, including school bids.

You'll be involved in new service development, conducting thorough assessment to identify gaps and opportunities for new provisions or products, whilst developing innovative concepts for new services and seeking approval through business cases. You'll also provide leadership to the Service Development team, with line management of 3 direct reports, whilst upholding Ambitious about Autism's core values.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Extensive business development and project planning knowledge
• Working knowledge of the education, health or social care of children/young people with SEND
• Working knowledge of: The social, policy, regulatory issues affecting children and young people with special educational needs or Commissioning and service delivery for children, young people and their families
• Proven experience of leading the development and delivery of new services for children, young people and/or adults with special educational needs or disabilities either from a third sector, educational, health or local authority background
• Experience of developing strategic and business plans

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

About Smile Train 

Smile Train is the world’s leading cleft focused organization. Our goal is to transform the lives of every person impacted by a cleft lip or palate. We train and support doctors and medical professionals to provide our patients with free, life-changing, comprehensive cleft treatment. Our sustainable model has allowed us to reach more than 2 million children in 75+ countries in the past 25 years, and we still feel like we’ve just started. We are truly changing the world one smile at a time!

Role Summary:

We are looking for a highly skilled Communications Manager to lead and execute communications efforts for Smile Trian UK. Working in close collaboration with Smile Train’s Communications Team in HQ, you will support executing the global communications strategy at the local-level for Smile Train UK to elevate the organization’s global voice and inspire philanthropic engagement.

Through communications excellence and effective management of Smile Train UK’s PR and organic social media, you will amplify the many powerful stories of our cleft treatment and care programs partners, and patients in ways that strengthen connection, elevate understanding, and expand global impact.

If you are passionate about leveraging your communications skills to advocate for Smile Train’s purpose — to empower local medical professionals and create sustainable, long-term solutions for children and families affected by clefts around the world – then this is the right role for you!

This is a full-time, hybrid opportunity starting as soon as possible. You will be based in our London Bridge Office on Wednesdays and Thursdays and there will be periodic travel on a needs basis.

Reports To: UK Fundraising Director
Key Responsibilities:

• Execute Smile Train UK communications efforts in alignment with global communications plans and standards to increase awareness of cleft lip and palate and Smile Train.
• Align local Smile Train UK public relations plans and media vendor partnerships with the global PR strategy, ensuring agencies align with Smile Train’s goals, brand voice, and strategic priorities.
• Manage Smile Train UK media outreach to the press to generate awareness and publish timely news through press release development, media pitches, media alerts, op-eds, etc. in alignment with global standards and priorities
• In collaboration with Smile Train headquarters, develop and execute Smile Train UK’s organic social media content and campaigns to enhance engagement, grow reach, and strengthen Smile Train UK’s brand presence across all platforms.
• Effectively manage external Smile Train UK PR and organic social media agencies and ensure all activities are completed on time and within budget 
• Collaborate with the Smile Train HQ Communications Team to develop global communications campaigns and execute localization for Smile Train UK
• Collaborate with the Smile Train HQ Website Team to align UK specific content pages on the Smile Train UK website as required
• Collaborate with the Smile Train UK Fundraising Team as needed for communications and content support, including event support (e.g. invites, event materials, speeches, videos) and impact and annual report development.
• Support implementation of global brand standards through local alignment of assets, toolkits and messaging with global brand guidelines
• Report to senior stakeholders on performance of Smile Train UK’s PR and organic social media
• Build and manage Smile Train UK’s PR and organic social media budgets, handle invoice processing, and ensure expenses remain within budget 
• Other duties as appropriate for this role.

Supervisory responsibilities: No permanent staff supervisory responsibilities

Required Education and Experience:

• 5+ years of experience working in a Communications role, with a proven track record of driving PR and organic social media; in the non-profit sector or comparable commercial environment.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field, although an equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for this required level of education.
• Strong understanding of major social media platforms and tools.
• Passion for communications and public relations with the ability to connect the dots to drive awareness across the UK.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt messages to varied audiences.
• Able to take ownership of a process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues.
• Strong team player with excellent professional and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate across a global team.
• Effective project manager who is detail-oriented with strong organisational and time management skills.
• Experience managing external agencies. 
• Able to function both independently and as part of a global team.
• Familiar with the Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when necessary to ensure all external communications are handled efficiently and appropriately.
• Passion for Smile Train’s purpose and values.

Accountability Expectations: 

• Ownership of Outcomes: Take full responsibility for one’s own performance, ensuring alignment with Smile Train’s mission and objectives.

• Transparent Communication: Communicate openly and effectively with team members, fostering trust and a shared understanding of expectations and priorities. 

• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate empathy, understanding, and cultural sensitivity to contribute to an inclusive and supportive team environment.

• Empowerment: Effectively communicate with supervisors to ensure you are equipped with the resources, guidance, and autonomy you need to excel in your role 

• Team Cohesion: Contribute to a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared accountability, helping the team to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment 

Compensation Range: £40-50   

Travel: Ability to travel, when necessary, for agency partner meetings, organizational events, and periodically as required

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, obligations, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

Application Information:

Smile Train is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply. To apply, please complete the application online. Include your CV, and a cover letter that describes why you believe you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role. We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.

The Chief Executive & Creative Director holds the most senior post at Dance City, unites the creative and strategic functions of the organisation, and is accountable to the board of trustees for the good management and impact of the charity. The Chief Executive & Creative Director leads and works collaboratively with the board, senior management team (SMT) and stakeholders and partners to ensure that Dance City creates opportunities for people to create, produce and experience dance at its very best. The Chief Executive & Creative Director drives the business, identifying commercial opportunities, securing financial resilience, and ensuring that Dance City’s programme is at the vanguard of sustainable dance development in the region. The Chief Executive & Creative Director is based in the northeast and plays an active role in the social life and cultural communities of the region. 
 

Role Profile and Person Specification 

Key deliverables 

• Lead on Dance City’s vision, values and organisational objectives and ensure the relevance and sustainability of its creative programme.

• Ensure there is alignment between Dance City’s creative ambitions and its business needs and that all activity is delivered to the highest possible standards to plan and within budget.

• Grow the organisation’s earned income and shape and set targets for initiatives embracing commercial ventures, corporate partnerships, public funding, trusts and foundations and individual philanthropy.

• Be accountable to the board and to funding bodies, and for the responsible stewardship of Dance City.

• Ensure a strong profile and reputation for the organisation and for dance practice locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. 

• Initiate, develop and sustain partnerships with existing and potential funders and key stakeholders. 

• Lead and enable the senior team; motivate, inspire, and support the development of the wider staff team.

Role profile 

Leadership and governance  

• Develop and monitor the strategic plan with the SMT and Board. 

• Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to ensure the good governance of the charity and that organisational performance is structured and monitored using well articulated, achievable KPIs. 

• Support Trustees in being an effective Board, ensuring it comprises the appropriate range of skills and has access to training and development opportunities.

• Deploy Trustees’ skills and networks to identify and activate opportunities for commercial development and business growth.

• Be an inclusive leader, collaborate with and empower the SMT, and motivate, support and develop the wider staff team. 

Advocacy, profile and civic engagement 

• Promote the profile and reputation of Dance City locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

• Initiate and enable constructive debate about dance and its development by artists, policy-makers and the public, and to promote Dance City’s role in dance leadership.

• Articulate the transformative potential of dance in enabling social cohesion, the centrality of its place in the wider creative industries sector, and its potential, through civic partnerships and collaboration, to make a major contribution to the economy and well being of the city and region. 

• Ensure Dance City is part of local, regional, national  and international arts discussions and networks, is represented at key events and viewed as crucial to decision-making processes in the dance and wider cultural and social sectors.

• Be the face of Dance City in professional and community networks and at events in the northeast; communicate and advocate for its plans and ambitions to the widest range of people including politicians, the media, funders, artists, audiences and the public.

Creative 

• Shape, co-create and communicate the creative vision for Dance City. 

• Oversee the development and delivery of a creative programme which appeals to a wide range of audiences, demonstrates excellence, and sets out to grow appetite and demand for diverse dance experiences. 

• Build and manage sustainable commercial and funding partnerships which will enhance the profile of the programme and enable the commissioning, programming and presentation of dance within and beyond Dance City.

• Oversee the evaluation of the programme, to ensure quality, to engage in reflection and implement learning with colleagues.

• Maintain an overview of the local and national dance ecology in order to inform advocacy and planning.

Brand, commercial performance and income 

• Oversee the design and delivery of effective marketing and communications strategies that are developed and effectively delivered, to retain existing and grow new audiences for dance in the northeast and to promote the Dance City brand.

• Be proactive in the development and delivery of effective fundraising and income generation strategies for Dance City, to ensure that contributed income grows and is diversified, and to develop commercial opportunities enabled by the building and programme. 

• Play an active role in identifying and approaching prospective donors, sponsors and funding partners.

• Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with existing and potential supporters and to lead on key public funding and donor relationships.

Finance and operations  

• Be accountable for the financial operation of the organisation, ensuring budgets are set and monitored, appropriate financial policies and procedures are in place, compliance with appropriate legal and fiscal frameworks is followed, and that there is timely reporting to the relevant funders and authorities.

• Oversee and ensure the smooth and efficient management of Dance City’s facilities and infrastructure.

• Ensure Dance City remains a visible champion of environmental responsibility.

• Ensure the organisation is fully compliant with all legal requirements, including health and safety, and that all staff are trained appropriately. 

People and culture 

• Set the tone for and model the organisational culture, be an inclusive and consultative leader, championing employee wellbeing and engagement. 

• Ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for recruitment, induction, appraisals and the professional development of staff.

• Ensure the organisation upholds its principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, valuing the wellbeing of all colleagues.

Person specification  

Essential  

• Has held a senior role in a cultural venue or within an organisation with a substantial arts programme or partnerships; is well networked in and beyond the cultural and creative industries. 

• Understanding of the current landscape and eco-system in the cultural sector and awareness of local/national political initiatives that will impact on - and create opportunities for - Dance City and its partner organisations.

• Understanding of the legal, fiscal, social and political context within which the arts operate, and the contribution they make to health, education, social cohesion and civic pride.

• Understanding of the needs of dance as an art form and a commitment to best practice and to promoting inclusion and equality of opportunity.

• An inclusive leader with experience of overseeing organisational transformation and managing change. 

• A track record in relationship building, working in partnership with a range of funders, agencies and organisations, and of successful fundraising and income generation from a range of sources. 

• A strong advocate and compelling storyteller, able to network, represent the organisation, communicate its vision and inspire confidence among existing and potential peers and stakeholders.

• Strong financial literacy and skills, knowledge of charity governance and relevant financial policies and procedures; experience of senior financial accountability.

• Experience of working effectively with a Board of Directors, understanding of best practice in governance and organisational development.

• A commitment to living in the region, able to travel nationally and internationally, and to work some evenings and weekends where there is reasonable expectation to attend events.

Desirable 

• Experience of running a building with a diverse and impactful arts programme. 

• An extensive network in the cultural sector. 

• Experience of significant national/international cultural partnership projects. 

• Experience of managing significant public investment programmes such as ACE NPO, Creative Scotland RFO or equivalent.

Equity, diversity and inclusion 

At Dance City we believe that voices and perspectives from a range of backgrounds and lived experiences make our understanding of the world and the arts more relevant.

We believe that difference is our strength.

Therefore we actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and those that are under-represented in our city and region and in dance leadership. 

“The go-to organisation for a public health perspective”.

(Senior UK Government official)

The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) is the representative body for Directors of Public Health in the UK. It has a rich heritage, with its origins dating back more than 160 years and is a collaborative organisation working in partnership with others to maximise the voice for public health.

We are now seeking a new Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through the next phase of its evolution, maintaining and building upon its established reputation and influence. The role requires a wide-ranging set of skills, capabilities and experience, proven leadership and credibility at the highest level. The successful candidate will have strong negotiating and influencing skills, and the ability to work independently, with board-level accountability, and be expected to develop and sustain extensive national networks across local authorities, the NHS, the voluntary sector and central Government. Possessing an adaptability in working practice together with a self-motivated, proactive approach that performs well under pressure, the successful candidate will be educated to Masters level with ongoing study in public health. In addition, they should have senior management training or equivalent experience and a clear record of continuing professional development. Experience should include at least five years in the public health environment, including in policy development, plus a minimum of three years in operational, financial and resource management.

Accountable to our Board of Trustees and the wider membership, the new CEO will develop the strategic direction of the Association and lead the organisation to deliver a rolling medium-term Strategic Business Plan, balanced budgets and effective governance in compliance with company and charity law. An ability to prioritise planned and reactive work programmes to meet the needs of our membership is required, alongside the sourcing and delivery of timely bids for external funding together with the management of staff and resources to ensure value for money and staff wellbeing.

The post holder will support the President, Vice‑President, Board and ADPH Council by applying public health knowledge through teaching, coaching, publishing and presenting as appropriate, maintaining a personal programme of continuing professional development, and be expected to uphold the Association’s values of members first, excellence, collaboration, inclusion and professionalism. Occasional travel, throughout the UK, and flexibility for occasional evening or weekend work will also be necessary.

To apply, submit a CV and a covering letter outlining your leadership experience, strategic achievements and vision for supporting Directors of Public Health across the UK.

Operations Director

Are you the strategic and collaborative leader who can innovate with and enable the newly formed central operations team to speed reach and community impact while strengthening resilience? 

Location: Redbridge/Hybrid, with flexible working

Salary: FTE £52,000 (£41,600 pro-rata with salary review due in May)

Contract: Part Time 28 hours per week, permanent

Closing date: 24 April 2026

Join a local infrastructure charity dedicated to building a fairer Redbridge where everyone and every community has an equal opportunity to thrive.

Following a review of the current strategy and resources in 2025, the charity has strengthened its resilience and programme impact. We are now seeking Operations Director to bring the operations teams together and ensure their professional skills and knowledge can add value and impact to the mission delivery and team culture.

About the Role

The role calls for a forward-thinking and accomplished Operations Director to drive efficiency, effectiveness, and to embed a culture of shared leadership, continuous learning, and improvement.

Your strategic leadership and operational brief will span central functions of; Finance, Human Resources, Digital Communications, Risk and Compliance.

A pivotal role at the heart of the organisation, you will ensure that operations run smoothly and effectively, aligning systems and processes with strategic goals and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.

You will play an integral role with the CEO, Board of Trustees, partners, and colleagues bringing the vision to life, driving forward strategic priorities, and fostering a working culture where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work.

Personal style is key, you will be a natural collaborator and a strong communicator, able to build trusted relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders alike.

You will lead the team of committed professionals and manage relationships with outsourced specialists, ensuring the support provided strengthens capacity to change, grow and deliver impact for communities.

What you will bring

• Significant experience in a senior operations or leadership role working across multiple disciplines
• Experience in several of the operational areas listed, with a proven ability to apply best practise solutions and to quickly pick up new skills
• Able to lead multiple operational functions, to prioritise, make best use of resources, and ensure they are aligned with our mission and strategic priorities. Experience managing outsourced functions, an advantage.
• Rigorous problem solver and accomplished in data-driven decision-making, evidence and insight based to drive innovation, and operational excellence.
• Track record of embedding organisational change and able to inspire, influence, and bring others on the journey
• Proven ability to identify improvements in organisational systems and processes, with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and impact
• Excellent organisational, prioritising and time management skills
• Fluency with digital systems including Microsoft 365
• Excellent communication, influencing and engagement skills
• Strategic and inclusive leadership skills able to build teams and develop culture
• A ‘can do’ proactive approach, able to work creatively and with impact in resource limited environments
• Resilience, change readiness, self-awareness and a commitment to learning for yourself and your team

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

What’s on offer

• A competitive salary (reviewed in May each year)
• 28 hours per week (can be over 4 or 5 days)
• Flexible working with 3 days per week in the office
• 25.5 days leave, full time equivalent 28 days (plus statutory holidays)
• Workplace pension
• Access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme

Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after by Teams and shortlisted candidates will have an interview on May 6th, 7th or 12th, 2026.

We believe in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or social economic background. #INDNFP

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.