Director of community services jobs

We have big ambition, and our organisation strategy reflects this. As Senior Trust Fundraising Manager, your role will focus on securing five- and six-figure gifts from grant-giving trusts and foundations. You will provide exceptional stewardship to those trusts with whom we have existing relationships, whilst researching and cultivating new prospects to maximise income, value, and influence for The Children’s Trust. This role will be key in enabling us to strengthen long term financial sustainability, through multi-year funding relationships and to drive restricted and unrestricted income to realise the strategy for 2030.

WHEN APPLYING PLEASE INCLUDE A COVERING LETTER

This role is not open for sponsorship.

Skills and Responsibilities

To develop relationships to secure gifts and grants from Corporate Foundations, Trusts and statutory grant makers to achieve income targets. Responsibilities include:

Prospect Research:

• Identify and develop a pipeline of opportunities from grant-giving trusts and foundations.
• Use internal database, online resources, desk research, and contact mapping to identify new funder opportunities.
• Review trusts’ and foundations’ funding criteria to grow the prospect pipeline.
• Develop a thorough understanding of our work and future developments to identify new funding opportunities.

Submitting grant applications:

• Create compelling and persuasive funding appeals.
• Complete grant application forms and follow application processes as required.
• Work closely with colleagues across the Directorate and the wider charity to articulate our work and build strong funding propositions.

Leadership & Relationship Management:

• Lead and manage the Trusts and Philanthropy Executive by developing skills, conducting appraisals and overseeing ongoing development.
• Lead & steward a portfolio of existing charitable trusts and foundations, and cultivate new potential donors, ensuring their support is recognised and celebrated.
• Ensure funders are thanked promptly and that grant terms and conditions are applied.
• Provide progress reports and manage all formal reporting requirements on time.
• Build relationships in person, by phone, email, or virtual meetings to secure long-term commitment.
• Identify opportunities for funders to meet key staff and attend events and site visits that strengthen their relationship with the charity.
• Implement the High Value Donor Stewardship Plan.
• Take a proactive role in developing assets such as appeals and cultivation events.
• Work with colleagues across the charity to monitor and evaluate funded projects, producing reports that demonstrate impact.

Administration and Reporting:

• Manage trust prospects and donors on the CRM database, ensuring records are accurate and compliant with fundraising regulations.
• Budget management, cost control forecasting and taking corrective action to achieve budgets.
• Use the CRM database to manage task “actions”, prioritise and evaluate opportunities, and record funder interactions.
• Manage and develop a portfolio of high value relationships.
• Liaise with colleagues to ensure grant applications are coordinated across the organisation.

Education & Qualifications:

• Educated to GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths
• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience

Experience:

• Significant experience and track record in trust fundraising.
• Experience of writing compelling proposals and appeals.
• Proven experience of working as part of a team to deliver ambitious income targets.
• Experience in undertaking prospect research and creating a pipeline of prospects through to cultivation, ask and stewardship.
• Experience of securing and managing statutory funding desirable.
• Demonstrable experience of using fundraising or relationship management databases.

Skills & Abilities:

• Exceptional skills with excellent attention to detail and proof-reading ability
• Excellent research skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills whether on the phone, virtually, in person or in writing
• Excellent relationship building skills.
• Professional, positive, and committed
• Results focussed with strong analytical skill.
• Adaptable and flexible, tenacious, and persuasive
• Financially astute, with the ability to understand project budgets and read the accounts of grant giving trusts.

Location:  Hybrid working - Part London office-based and part home working. The post holder will work a minimum of one day a week in the office. 

Salary: £31,800 per annum 

Hours: 35 hours per week 

Closing date: Tuesday 13 January 2026 at 10.00am 

Interview date: Wednesday 21 January 2026 

This is a 6-month fixed-term maternity cover. 

Who we are looking for 

Breakthrough T1D is the UK’s leading type 1 diabetes charity, dedicated to funding research, advocating for change, and supporting the T1D community. A year into our exciting rebrand from JDRF to Breakthrough T1D, we’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Corporate Partnerships Officer to help us build on this momentum. 

An experienced corporate fundraiser or business to business sales professional, you will have generated income from partnerships before in similar roles. You will be target focused and able to use a wide range of corporate and commercial products to secure, retain, develop and grow long term income generating partnerships. You will be ever-curious, always seeking to improve your skills and adopt new approaches. 

Experience required 

You’ll have previous experience of: 

• working in fundraising or experience of working in an income generating position in a client facing role 

• developing relationships with key clients and individuals 

• managing multiple client accounts in a commercial and/or charity setting and maximising income from these through proactive stewardship 

• researching and developing new business opportunities 

• the development and delivery of compelling proposals, presentations and pitches 

About Breakthrough T1D 

Breakthrough T1D is the world’s leading charitable research funder into type 1 diabetes, improving lives until we find the cure. We are dedicated to our 400,000 strong type 1 community in the UK and work closely with our international affiliates across the world, including the US, Canada and Australia. 

You will find a vibrant atmosphere and spirited team at Breakthrough T1D, always striving to make a difference to people living with type 1. 

Employee benefits 

As an employer we offer: 

• Hybrid working arrangements 

• Flexible working and will consider compressed hours 

• Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays for full-time staff with leave increasing after three and five years’ service 

• Health cash plan that allows you to claim for some treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment 

• Season ticket and cycle loan 

• Pension scheme 

• Family-friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave at enhanced rates 

• Personalised training to suit your career aspirations and professional development 

Breakthrough T1D is an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age. 

At Breakthrough T1D we do understand that AI (Artificial Intelligence platforms like ChatGPT) can be a useful tool for candidates to assist in applying for our roles. We ask that applicants do ensure their authentic voice is present, and we look forward to seeing examples of your specific experience. 

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with the Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home (CDCH) to recruit its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).

The CDCH has been providing care and support to vulnerable animals in our community for over 80 years. We work across Gloucestershire and support over 1,000 animals each year living in our community.  We find wonderful families for pets who need a new home and provide access to veterinary treatment for pets living with financially vulnerable families through our subsidised veterinary clinics, ensuring no animal suffers because of cost.

As COO, you will:

• Oversee operations, including the CDCH centre, retail and fundraising as well as project delivery, finance, human resources, IT, customer service, and facilities.
• Translate the Board’s strategic vision into actionable plans and upgrade daily procedures.
• Lead a high-performing team.

If you are inspired and excited by what CDCH does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Operating Officer

Salary: Up to £75,000 p.a.

Location: Gloucestershire

Employment term: Permanent / Full Time

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about CDCH, the COO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 5th January 2026

Both CDCH and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnership.

Cambridge Science Centre (CSC) sits at the heart of a vibrant network of philanthropists, educators, community groups, visionary businesses and local government bodies across East Anglia. With over a decade of trusted STEM engagement behind us, a dedicated expert team and a loyal network of long-term supporters, CSC is uniquely positioned to drive lasting
change in communities across the region.

This role builds on that strong foundation. You will deepen existing relationships, identify and shape new opportunities, and help secure CSC’s long-term financial sustainability through innovative, high-impact partnerships.

As the primary contact for partnership development, you will play a central role in shaping and funding our multi-year programmes, while also leading on high-value, short-term opportunities connected to our Cambridge Science Park site and outreach hubs such as Inspire Wisbech. Your work will balance immediate income generation with the cultivation of long-term strategic
relationships that advance CSC’s mission and regional impact.

Financial Controller (a charity committed to community transformation) 

Permanent, full-time post, 40 hours per week (1 FTE), inclusive of breaks 

Salary:  £51,960 (National) or £55,184 per annum (including London Weighting)

Hybrid: Some travel around the UK will also be required.

Financial Controller – Oasis Group

Oasis exists to transform communities, so they are healthy, inclusive, and thriving. Through our network of global Hubs, we work holistically to tackle inequality and build strong local ecosystems that serve everyone. To support this vital mission, we are now seeking a Financial Controller to join our national leadership team. Based in our London Waterloo office, the Financial Controller will oversee the finance function for our UK operations, ensuring excellence in financial planning, reporting, compliance, and controls.

Why might you consider Oasis?

We are proud of why we exist and what we bring to the communities in which we operate. Our story is told through a multi-faceted organisation that extends across support for homelessness and housing (Oasis Community Housing), secure education for young people (Oasis Restore), community hubs (Oasis Community Partnerships) and disrupting human trafficking (STOP THE TRAFFIK) and of course our network of 55 Oasis Academies (Oasis Community Learning). We are proud that we don’t just talk a good game – we actively engage and change lives for the better.

What will you do?

This newly formed leadership role will manage the financial operations across specific subsidiaries of Oasis. It will ensure financial accuracy, sustainability, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of timely financial information to support decision-making across the group.

To be successful in this role, applicants will require:

· A recognised professional accounting qualification or part-qualification, together with a thorough practical understanding of financial and management accounting principles and techniques.

· Advanced working knowledge/experience of Excel and computerised accounting systems (preferably PS Financials) with the ability to interpret and extract relevant financial information.

· Ability to communicate complex financial information to a wide audience with varying financial backgrounds, both internally and externally

· Excellent inter-personal and people management experience

What will you get in return?

· A network of peers and partners all sharing the same vision and an environment set up to ensure everyone is supported and included.

· A package of reward that includes a 7% employer contribution pension scheme, annual leave allowance starting at 25 days (plus Bank Holidays) increasing over time, eligibility to join the Green Commute cycle to work scheme and cash benefit health plan.

· Be part of an international network of Oasis charities offering opportunities to develop your career in new directions and locations.

· A competitive salary and workplace flexibility.

As this is a newly created role, expect an evolving position that requires your insightful input, leadership and at the same time, provides incredible opportunities for the right person.

To apply, please send your CV and a Supporting Statement (no more than two A4 pages).

Please expand on your CV to tell us about relevant skills, experience and qualifications you have that relate to the job description and person specification.

We will review applications on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close the advert if we identify suitable candidates. To avoid disappointment, please submit your application as soon as possible.

If successful you will be invited to formal and practical interviews We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and underrepresented groups. If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos.  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks. 

The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK.  Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1026487

At the Community Fund we are committed to making a bigger difference in the years ahead.  That’s why being 'impact-focussed’ is one of our core values.  We want to transform how we use insight in our organisation so that we can: identify the communities that most need our funding, demonstrate the difference we make and take an equity-based approach.  Our 2030 strategy ‘It starts with community’ sets stretching goals and puts impact at the heart of what we do. 

We’re recruiting for a Process Improvement Lead in our Evidence and Impact team.

In this role you will help make sure that the Evidence and Impact team is working effectively so that we deliver a brilliant service for community organisations, colleagues and external partners.

You will proactively identify improvement opportunities within our UK-wide team.  Putting the voice of the users at the forefront of your work, you will help our team fully understand the needs of customers. You will coach and challenge us to continuously improve by assembling multi-discipline groups to undertake root cause analysis, gather user experience and design new processes. The processes you build will support stronger cross-team working, reduce duplication and deliver time savings and efficiencies for colleagues at all levels.  They will also help us make better use of established and new technologies to improve how we work. 

As an active member of the Evidence and Impact leadership, you will help build a continuous improvement culture across our whole team.  Mentoring and supporting others will be a critical part of the role, as you support colleagues to grow their own skills and build experience in continuous improvement.  

We’re looking for someone whose enthusiasm and energy can help our team reach new heights. You will bring extensive experience of delivering meaningful long term changes through continuous improvement projects.  You will be able to pair this with a solid understanding of methods such as six sigma, kata or vanguard and excel at applying them to a service context. 

Finally, you’ll be comfortable working across a complex organisational landscape, ideally with experience of delivering in a UK context, and you will relish taking on process challenges that span multiple departments.  You will bring the skills and experience to translate our overall strategy into efficient processes that deliver real benefits for communities and our own team members.

Interview details:

• Date: 26th and 27th January 2026
• Format: Virtual
• Location: UK Wide

Location: We have a hybrid approach to working. Work pattern and location will be agreed with the successful candidate. The role can be based at any of our UK offices: Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle, and Newtown.

We will be hosting a briefing session on: Tuesday 6thJanuary 2026,  11:00 – 11:45am. To register or ask any questions please email the recruitment team.

How to apply:

Upload your CV in word format and write a supporting statement (1000 words) with the following criteria, we will use this to score your application.

Essential

• Strong knowledge of business improvement methodologies such as lean six sigma, Kata or systems thinking/analysis.
• Experience of coaching and supporting colleagues at all levels of seniority to help develop a continuous improvement culture.
• Demonstrable experience of leading service or enabling functions to improve their processes, with measurable results.
• Excellent facilitation skills and the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams to break down problems and understand root causes from the user/customer perspective.
• Strong knowledge of project management principles and the interaction between PMO requirements and continuous improvement.
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the business.
• Ability to understand and breakdown complex issues and communicate to a variety of stakeholders.

Desirable

• A willingness to understand the external functional standards for the work of the Evidence and Impact team.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ​

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.  

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.) 

Are you a commercially minded, senior leader with strong experience in operations, company management, partnership building and income generation?

VDT is seeking an experienced Head of Operations and Business Development to spearhead the implementation of our ambitious new Commercial Strategy, driving growth and expanding income streams.

This is a crucial, high-impact role for someone who thrives on operational excellence, has excellent management skills and a passion for strategy implementation. It is ideal for someone with strong experience in partnership building, negotiating contracts, lead generation and organisational development.

Working closely with the Chief Executive / Artistic Director, the role works collaboratively across the small staff team to deliver the company’s Business Plan, Funding Agreement, Mission and Values. You will identify opportunities, generate new leads and manage the company’s wide range of production, participation and continued professional development programmes. You will grow a new customer base for our online training and E-learning and develop income from within arts academic and social enterprise settings. You will track progress and ensure the company is run in line with best practice. 

You might not have worked in the arts or creative industries before. If you have experience as a Business Manager, Operations Director, Executive Director or Senior Producer within or outside of the cultural / charity sector, then you’ll have the core skills we are looking for.

Closing date for applications: Midday Tuesday 6 January 2026

Interview Date: Thursday 15 January 2026 (possible second interview 23 January 2026).

Clinical Support Administrator

Salary: Band 3: £27,152.71 - £30,443.60 per annum inclusive.

Contract Type: Permanent, full-time.

Hours of work: 37.5 per week (with occasional weekends).

About the job role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Clinical Support Administrator in our First Contact Team at St Joseph’s Hospice. We are looking for someone who has experience in administration and working in a healthcare environment.

The First Contact Team is a dynamic one-stop service that transforms the way patients and referral agencies access the Hospice’s services. An opportunity has arisen for a full-time Administrator to join the First Contact Team. If you are a successful applicant, you will be part of the team that acts as the first point of contact for the Hospice’s services. You will answer telephone calls from people who may be in difficult and stressful situations, provide advice and signpost to other services or agencies. You will also undertake associated administration and data entry.

The service operates 24 hours over seven days a week for advice, whilst referrals will be taken mainly in daytime hours. You will work 37.5 hours every week. Shift patterns will vary, and you will be expected to cover shifts from Monday through Friday, 8.00 am to 9.00 pm, plus occasional weekends according to the rota.

About you

You will need:

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Substantial experience in a telephone-based call centre environment
• The ability to remain calm whilst working in a pressurised environment
• The ability to deal sensitively and empathetically with people in distress
• The ability to work constructively as part of a team
• The ability to pay close attention to detail, accurate recording and data entry skills

Where you’ll work

St Joseph’s Hospice was founded in 1905 by the Religious Sisters of Charity and built on a rich Catholic heritage. Today, we are an Investors in Diversity awarded charity, providing expert, compassionate care to people of all backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs across East and North London.

Our specialist palliative care services—delivered at home, in our in-patient unit, and through out-patient clinics—are grounded in respect for human dignity and guided by compassion, justice, and a deep commitment to quality. Our values guide us in everything that we do. We work to ensure that everyone receives the support they need, with kindness, understanding, and respect by delivering individualised, responsive and holistic support to patients and their families.

Why work for us?

• 27 days holiday plus public holidays, increasing up to 33 days with service
• Subsidised café and early access to retail sale events
• Season ticket/Welfare loans
• Continuation of the NHS Pension Scheme or an excellent salary-exchange pension scheme.
• Santander cycles discount and cycle to work scheme
• Health Cash Plan and access to the EAP services

Join St Joseph’s team and find out more! 

Closing date: 21 December 2025.

Interview date: 5 January 2026.

We are an equal opportunities and a disability confident employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

Chief Executive Officer

Salary:     c.£75 - 80,000 per annum

Hours:      Full time 35 hours per week

Contract:  Permanent

Location:  The role is, of necessity, office based, although flexibility for home working is expected where appropriate. Evening and weekend work will be required to attend networking and other events.

At Sussex community Foundation we are approaching our 20th anniversary. As we celebrate this milestone, we are looking for an ambitious and dynamic chief executive to lead us into the next 20 years, enabling us to make Sussex a fairer and more equal place.

At Sussex Community Foundation we bring inspirational people together to create the change Sussex needs. In our first 20 years we have built a reputation across the county as an authoritative voice in local philanthropy, attracting and retaining new Fundholders to the Foundation.

As a leading grant maker in the county, our reputation within the voluntary sector is incredibly important to us. We want to ensure that our future Chief Executive builds on these trusted relationships.

We have an experienced and influential Board who will support you in your role, backed up by an enthusiastic and committed team of experts in both fundraising and grant making.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Mark Spofforth OBE FCA - Chair of Trustees

Closing date: Monday 5 January 2026 - noon
We are using the Charity Job anonymous recruitment process - please ensure that you apply through the portal.

Please log into your CharityJob candidate account to access and download the Persons Specification and to submit your application.

**No Agencies please**

#Chief Executive Officer #CEO #Executive #Leadership 

Purpose of the job

This role is responsible for the design of UK Youth’s support to young people, youth organisations and youth workers. This could include structured youth work programmes, funding and grants+ programmes, professional development programmes, and campaigns.

You will lead and oversee end-to-end design processes, ensuring that UK Youth develops fully packaged offers that respond to the evidence base and people’s needs, drive forward our strategy and achieve incredible impact. You will work across UK Youth teams, with external design partners, and meaningfully involving young people and the professionals who support them in the design process.

You will be experienced in developing high quality funding propositions (proactively and in response to new business opportunities). You will be confident in taking a human-centred design approach to tackle some of the youth sector’s knottiest problems.  You will design solutions to important problems, ensuring that they are feasible, equitable, impactful and scalable.

In 2026, our priority topics for youth work programmes and network development are: mental health and wellbeing, employability, social cohesion and community safety.

 As a leader, you will work closely with research, evaluation, policy, service delivery, network development, and fundraising teams. You will help to improve the skills and confidence of colleagues across UK Youth to apply design methods in their own work and collaborate effectively with the Design team.

Why work at UK Youth?

UK Youth wants all young people to be equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. Youth work can be life changing (and even life saving.) In 2026, we will be launching our new strategy, positioning UK Youth to unlock youth work so that every young person in the UK can benefit. We work with others to ensure that the youth sector is strengthened and that provision is youth-led, evidence-informed, and delivers high-quality outcomes.

 UK Youth plays a unique role in addressing the lack of investment in the youth sector, the lack of cross-sector understanding in how youth work makes a difference, and the limited opportunities to embed effective solutions. These factors lead to mass inequality of access to youth services for young people. Come and be part of this change in a driven and supportive team that puts evidence at the heart of our work.

Role Responsibilities

• Designing Solutions

• Developing new business and funding propositions

• Embedding Human Centred Design

• Building a strong external network to support the Design team’s work

• Operations

Experience we're after

• Significant experience of leading and overseeing the development of new business propositions and proposals to time-limited funding opportunities

• Significant experience of designing interventions (digital and/or physical) for young people and/or those who support them 

• Experience using human-centred-design methods and mindsets; managing projects across the end-to-end design process

• Proven track record of inspiring and motivating diverse teams and improving collaborative ways of working across teams and departments

• Experience of developing high quality programme content and curricula for young people, youth workers and/or outdoor learning instructors (desirable)

• Experience of commissioning and managing external design freelancers and consultants (desirable)

• Experience of designing and/or delivering professional development programmes (desirable)

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: Sunday 4th January 2026 at 23:59pm

Provisional Interview Dates: 12th and 13th January 2026

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

The Brain & Spine Foundation is seeking a Fundraising-Focused CEO to take the helm of our charity at a moment of growth and opportunity. This is a rare chance to shape the future of a national charity, driving income, influence and impact for the 1 in 6 people in the UK affected by neurological conditions.

As Fundraising Focused CEO, you will combine leadership with personal fundraising delivery, building high-value relationships, diversifying income streams, and raising the charity’s profile. Working closely with a committed Board and a passionate team, you will lead a trusted organisation into its next chapter to ensure more people than ever can access vital information, support and hope when they need it most.

Deadline for applications

Sunday 11th January

Interviews with Brain & Spine Foundation

w/c 19th January

Role Description

The purpose of the Executive Assistant role is to provide administrative, organisational and coordination support to the Executive Team, ensuring their time and attention are aligned with organisational priorities, goals, and objectives. The role covers executive coordination, governance administration and project support.  The Executive Assistant enables effective decision making across the Leadership Team, supports the smooth delivery of priorities, and contributes to the execution of long-term strategic goals.

The Executive Team comprises the Chief Executive, Operations Director and Business Development Director.  They work together as part of the Leadership Team, comprising key leaders from across the charity.

Excellent attention to detail is crucial, as is the ability to operate with discretion and flexibility. A high standard of written and verbal communication is essential. The role requires collaboration across Finance, HR, Trustees, and external stakeholders, and an understanding of effective charity governance would be desirable.

This role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation. Success in this role depends on a proactive mindset, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure. The Executive Assistant must be highly dependable, detail-oriented, and capable of managing sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Responsibilities

Executive Coordination

• Manage calendars, inboxes, travel and meeting preparation for Executive Team
• Coordinate agendas and logistics for internal and external meetings
• Liaise with stakeholders, clients and partners to ensure smooth engagement

Governance Support

• Own the established governance timetable, board meeting scheduling, and trustee communications
• Draft and distribute board packs, take minutes, and track actions
• Support governance processes in collaboration with the Operations Director
• Support trustee onboarding, training, and engagement
• Ensure timely completion of Charity Commission and Companies House submissions
• Leverage AI tools and platforms to enhance business processes

Strategic communications

• Communicate with external stakeholders on behalf of the Executive Team
• Coordinate staff events and meetings
• Work with marketing and communities & projects teams for conferences and external events

Project support

• Support ongoing transformation projects in collaboration with Head of Business Functions
• Support recruitment and onboarding for senior roles led by the Head of Business Operations
• Support strategic planning and performance tracking led by the Operations Director and Business Development Director
• Support handover and re-onboarding of Executive Assistant on her return April 2027

Role Requirements

Required:

• Minimum of four years’ experience in a similar role.
• Experience supporting senior leaders in a fast paced and changing environment, taking initiative and managing competing deadlines calmly and flexibly.
• Confident communicating with the executive and leadership team, trustees and external partners in a professional and timely way.
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and good judgment.
• Confident coordinating meetings, preparing papers and taking accurate minutes.
• Ability to research, digest, analyse and present material clearly and concisely.
• Ability to identify and apply AI-driven tools to enhance business activities and using AI to streamline workflows and personalise business engagement.
• Comfortable stepping into an established role quickly and maintaining continuity during the maternity leave period.

Desirable:

• Experience in charity governance
• Experience in project support/management

Employees are also expected to be flexible in undertaking the duties and responsibilities attached to their post and may be asked to perform other duties that are consistent with the grade, responsibilities, and typical scope of the role. Any additional tasks should remain appropriate to the nature of the post and not extend into unrelated functions or specialisms.

All employees are expected to work in accordance with the organisation’s values and behavioural standards, which include being supportive, transparent, respectful, kind, honest, and collaborative. This means fostering a culture of empathy, openness, integrity, and teamwork in all interactions, and contributing positively to the organisation’s mission and strategic objectives.

We are committed to flexible working and are open to requests for different working patterns. This includes part time arrangements and four day working week requests, which we will always consider as part of the recruitment process.

To apply for this role, please share your CV with a one-page cover letter setting out why this role appeals to you and how your skills and experiences meet the key skills points in the job description.

Interviews expected to take place on week commencing the 2nd of February 2026.

Job summary

Job title - Fundraising and Membership Officer

Responsible to - Fundraising Operations Manager

Salary - £24,645 - £26,275 FTE per annum (pro rata) 

(£19,716 - £21,020 actual)  Exact salary dependent on experience

Hours of work - Part time - 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE).  We consider part-time/job-share and flexible working requests

Annual leave - 30 days + 8 bank holidays per year pro rata

Location - This role is hybrid - split between home working and our Bristol office.  You will be required to work a minimum of 50% of your hours from the office each week.

Job purpose

This role will underpin the operation of our fundraising and membership programmes, with a mixture of public facing interactions and focused operational, database work.

Our long-standing membership scheme is an integral part of our fundraising at Action for ME, and we are fortunate to have a generous membership base of over 3,000 loyal supporters. You will be the main point of contact for our members, ensuring they feel valued and connected to our work, as well as supporting efforts to increase our current membership.

You will also be responsible for the smooth running of crucial operational processes for our membership, trading and individual giving income streams, both during fundraising campaigns and day to day. With a commitment to continuous improvement of these systems, you will help us to increase the efficiency and quality of our stewardship, retain our donors and bring in new supporters.

Key duties

Membership

• Be the main point of contact for our members and provide high quality stewardship over the phone, by email and by letter, always ensuring consistent and high-quality communication.
• Be responsible for delivering operational tasks relating to the membership scheme and improving their efficiency. Including, but not limited to, gift importing and processing, data administration, thanking members, processing renewals and sending out renewal reminders.
• Work with the Fundraising Operations Manager and our Senior Supporter Engagement Officer to monitor the performance of the membership programme and support its growth.
• Maintenance and creation of the mailing lists for our membership magazine, InterAction.  Assist with the distribution of the magazine across all channels (post, email, audio).

Individual Giving & Trading

• Ensure that gifts are processed, recorded and thanked appropriately in a timely manner; and that database records are kept up to date, in line with fundraising data regulations.
• Assisting with the administration of our Winter and Spring raffles and Lottery programme.
• Work with the Fundraising Operations Manager and the wider team to maximise fundraising potential using data and donor insights/feedback.
• Maintain a high standard of data quality and record keeping on our database, ensuring our fundraising processes and procedures are applied in line with all regulatory and governance requirements including GDPR and those of the Fundraising Regulator.
• Processing all outgoing post for the Fundraising team, including online shop orders, from our Bristol office. Complete other office-based tasks as required.  You will be required to work at least 50% of your hours from the office.
• Work alongside the fundraising team to deliver our strategy and workplans, including involvement in projects and fundraising campaigns as required.

Other duties

• To attend and contribute constructively to team meetings and other meetings as required
• To positively promote the work and activities of Action for ME at all times
• To contribute to the team’s overall strategy delivery, annual planning and budgeting.
• To undertake any other reasonable activity in line with the responsibilities of the post as requested by the Fundraising Operations Manager, Director of Fundraising & Development or the Chief Executive.
• Act as an advocate for the Charity and its work.

Person Specification

Experience and knowledge

• Demonstrable experience in building relationships with customers or stewarding supporters and donors.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel for work, including basic excel functions, basic formulas and list tools.
• Experience of using a CRM database, preferably Raiser’s Edge
• Minimum 2 years previous fundraising experience (desirable)

Skills and Behaviours

• A confident multitasker who is comfortable dealing with a variety of enquiries and managing a varied workload.
• Excellent verbal communicator, skilled in engagement, empathy and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written communication skills including creating reports to measure progress.
• Ability to use own initiative, solve problems, work independently and to work well in a team.
•  An understanding of data protection including UKGDPR
• Strong IT skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Office, databases and web-related programmes and software.
• An understanding of ME and the impact on people affected by it (desirable).

Attitudes and values

• Enthusiasm
• Integrity
• Resilient

Key competencies

• Effective communicator
• Results driven
• Attention to detail

We are recruiting our first Fundraising Manager, to help us grow AEC’s income, with a focus on trusts and foundations, and corporate partners. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a new fundraising function, delivering effective fundraising activity that directly impacts the lives of young people in one of London’s most deprived boroughs.

In return for you bringing us your passion for our mission, we can offer:

• High visibility – you’ll see the impact of your work every week in the lives of the young people we support.
• A blank canvas – shape our fundraising strategy and pipeline from the start.
• Supportive leadership – work closely with a passionate Director and engaged trustees.
• Flexibility – hybrid working, adaptable hours and autonomy in managing your workload.
• Values-led culture – warm, collaborative, child-focused and community rooted.
• Strong story to tell – AEC has a 30+ year history, proven impact and inspiring outcomes.

Our story:

Ascension Eagles Cheerleaders (AEC) is a youth charity east London; we are one of the UK’s top competitive cheerleading programmes, operating out of our "Talent Central" gym in Newham. Founded in 1996, our mission is to empower young people to reach their full potential, regardless of their background, ability or economic circumstances.

We supplement our sport programmes with mentoring, educational activities and leadership training - everything we do is about helping young people to develop life skills, confidence and positive values (consistency; integrity; perseverance; persistence) to help them become the best that they can be.

At Talent Central, over 150 young people take part in our recreational and competitive activities each week. Our inclusive approach extends to our Special Education Needs (SEN) team, ensuring young people with disabilities can also participate and thrive. Alongside this, our schools’ outreach programme reaches more than 250 children weekly. Each year, we also welcome hundreds of athletes who train at our gym, including England’s National Cheerleading Team.

We provide a safe, supportive environment where young people can grow in confidence, resilience and teamwork.

What you will be responsible for as our Fundraising Manager:

• Developing a clear fundraising framework and working with our trustees to shape our fundraising strategy
• Researching and securing funding from trusts, foundations, corporate partners and relevant networks
• Writing strong, persuasive funding applications and engaging impact reports
• Building and stewarding long-term relationships with funders, potential partners, businesses and networks, and exploring opportunities for collaboration
• Exploring new income streams to help deliver our mission, including digital fundraising and community giving
• Tracking engagement using a CRM system
• Helping to ensure our organisational policies are appropriate for funders' compliance
• Reporting on progress to the Director and trustees, ensuring transparency and good governance.

This role combines strategic development (30%) and hands-on delivery (70%) - ideal for a proactive fundraiser who enjoys both planning and doing.

This job is for you if you:

• are a proactive, self-starter and are motivated by delivering results
• are highly organised, with strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills
• thrive in a varied role and have the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• enjoy meeting people - you are confident with networking, public speaking, and relationship-building
• have excellent bid writing and reporting skills, and a proven track record of securing income across multiple streams (grants, partnerships, events)
• are values-driven, with a passion for youth development
• enjoy flexible hours and hybrid working.

Good to know:

• You will report to: The Director of AEC and the Board of Trustees
• Location: Hybrid; ability to work from home,  with occasional meetings at our gym in Newham, London  and attendance at donor meetings/networking events, etc
• Hours: Part-time - 2 or 3 days per week (to be agreed with the successful candidate)
• Salary: £30,000–£35,000 per annum (full time equivalent salary)
• Annual leave: 28 days per annum FTE (will be pro-rated based on agreed work days)
• Pension: Defined contribution scheme, with employer matching available

Criminal record check: Please note that as an organisation working with young people, we have specific safeguarding responsibilities and it is our policy to conduct background checks on all our employees.  You will be asked to complete a criminal record disclosure.

How to apply: Click the CharityJob Apply button below. You’ll be asked to submit a CV, tell us why you'd love to help us deliver our mission and answer a few short screening questions.

Closing date: Please make sure we receive your application by 1700hrs on Friday 23 January 2026.

Interviews: Interviews will be held online on Friday 23 January and Friday 30 January 2026.