Director of development and communications jobs

The Role

The Hummingbird Pollinator is a strategic and external-facing leader who combines vision with agility, precision with creativity. They will guide Canopy’s Philanthropic Partnerships team in cultivating high-value relationships, securing transformational funding, and embedding a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

As part of Canopy’s leadership team, the Hummingbird Pollinator will serve as a trusted advisor on fundraising strategy, donor relations, and organizational sustainability — ensuring every partnership fuels our mission and amplifies Canopy’s impact on the world’s forests and climate.

The Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Philanthropic Vision

• Develop and execute Canopy’s 5-year philanthropic strategy, aligning major gifts, institutional partnerships, and stewardship with Canopy’s bold goals.
• Set and achieve ambitious revenue targets, ensuring forecasting and pipeline accuracy.
• Collaborate across teams to integrate storytelling, communications, and immersive engagement into all donor interactions.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor the Development Director and Donor Engagement Specialist.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing team culture.
• Partner with Grants, Research, and Analytics colleagues to ensure seamless execution and reporting.

Donor Engagement & Relationship Building

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward high-value donor and institutional partnerships.
• Lead high-impact donor experiences that inspire connection and long-term commitment.
• Represent Canopy externally as a trusted, strategic ambassador to our philanthropic partners.

Philanthropic Culture & Collaboration

• Champion a culture of philanthropy across Canopy — helping all teams understand and celebrate the power of donor partnerships.
• Equip colleagues with the tools and confidence to engage in meaningful donor storytelling.
• Work cross-functionally to ensure that philanthropic principles are integrated into all strategic planning and communications.

About Canopy

At Canopy, we partner with the world’s largest brands and innovators to protect the world’s forests, species, and climate. We’re a not-for-profit that makes the impossible happen — building market solutions to keep Ancient and Endangered Forests standing and scale Next Gen alternatives that change supply chains forever.

Why Join Canopy

This is a rare moment to join a movement on the rise. With a transformational foundation in place and a clear path toward long-term sustainability, the Hummingbird Pollinator will help shape the next era of Canopy’s philanthropic growth.

You’ll join a globally distributed team of innovators and advocates, united by the belief that bold collaboration can protect the planet’s most vital forests — and transform industries along the way.

About You

You are agile, curious, and creative. You see patterns others miss, forge connections that spark growth, and thrive in dynamic environments. You’re both strategic and relational, bringing energy, empathy, and excellence to every interaction.

You bring:

1. 10+ years of experience in fundraising, major gifts, or institutional philanthropy, including leadership experience.
2. A record of securing transformative gifts and managing complex donor portfolios.
3. Experience leading and mentoring collaborative, high-performing teams.
4. Strategic thinking paired with operational excellence.
5. Creativity, curiosity, and a “Yes AND…” mindset.
6. Excellent communication and relationship skills that inspire confidence.
7. Resilience, adaptability, and humour.
8. Passion for environmental impact, conservation, or systems change.

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

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

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

Main purpose of role:
This is a unique opportunity to lead Muscular Dystrophy UK’s policy work to improve access to treatment and shape life science policy for people living with muscle wasting conditions.

With exciting progress in treatment development but challenges with NHS system readiness, you’ll be at the forefront of efforts to ensure everyone in the UK can access the best available therapies—quickly and equitably. 

You’ll build strong relationships with governments, regulators, charities, and industry, lead our technology appraisal work, and grow our influence in life sciences policy, particularly around clinical trials and the implementation of the UK Life Sciences plan, drawing on Muscular Dystrophy UK’s rich history in medical research.

Working collaboratively across teams—including Policy and Campaigns, Research, Marketing and Communications, and our devolved nation leads in Services and Support—you’ll help deliver key strategic objectives. 

Reporting to the Director of Policy and Campaigns and working within a matrix structure with the Director of Research and Innovation, you’ll play a vital role in driving change and improving lives.

Benefits:

We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We also offer a range of benefits including pension, life assurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, financial wellbeing and an employee assistance programme.

Cover Letter Guidance for Applicants
When submitting your application, please ensure your cover letter provides clear evidence of the following:
• Experience in research, policy, public affairs, or a closely related field
• Proven ability to influence government, decision makers, or public policy — ideally within the health, life sciences, or disability sectors
• Strong understanding of NHS structures, regulatory frameworks, and health technology assessment (HTA) policies and processes
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences
•  Robust research and analytical skills, including the ability to gather, interpret, and present information persuasively

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

Location: Head Office, London, SE1 (with flexibility for homeworking with regular travel to Westminster)
Closing date: Sunday 23rd November 
Interview dates Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd December 2025

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities​

If you are an ambitious, audience-focused communications and marketing professional who wants to work with a passionate team, in a unique cultural and heritage visitor destination, then look no further.

About Crystal Palace Park

At over 200 acres, Crystal Palace Park is far larger than most urban parks. Beloved as a ‘back garden’ to many people in the surrounding neighbourhoods, it is also of national and international significance due to its design as the grounds to the Victorian architectural masterpiece, The Crystal Palace, and its rich, unique heritage, including the 170-year-old world-famous Dinosaurs. Today, circa one million people visit the park every year; to relax and meet friends and family, take part in sports and physical exercise, enjoy world-class acts during summer festivals, or simply have a moment of peace and enjoyment of nature.

In September 2023, after 25 years of community campaigning, Crystal Palace Park Trust took over custodianship of this historic landscape and its unique venues via a 125-year lease from the London Borough of Bromley. We are now working closely with a wide-range of partners to deliver a multi-million-pound regeneration and restoration project that will save the park's globally unique heritage and drive a 35% increase in annual visitor numbers.

The Senior Manager, Audience & Communication will have a critical role to play in the coming years; driving engagement with larger, more diverse audiences as we establish Crystal Palace Park as an exemplar in urban park management, community-led regeneration and cultural and heritage programming whilst restoring its position as one of the UK’s leading visitor attractions.

About the role

The role of Senior Manager, Audience & Communications offers a hugely exciting opportunity for a creative, dynamic and strategic communications and marketing professional to join the charity at a pivotal moment in its evolution. 

You will be able to develop and deliver creative and compelling multi-channel campaigns to meet objectives including:

• Raising the profile of the park and its iconic, award-winning indoor and outdoor venues, such as the Crystal Palace Subway, Italian Terraces, and Concert Platform, as a home for world-class arts, culture and heritage;
• Broadening access, deepening participation and extending reach with larger and more diverse audiences;
• Providing a high level of customer service to park visitors, users and the surrounding communities;
• Supporting income generation as part of the Trust’s remit to deliver an innovative new business model to underpin a sustainable and vibrant future for this complex and historic landscape; and
• Promoting opportunities for local residents to get involved in caring for this unique landscape such as volunteering, membership and philanthropic giving.

To help achieve these objectives you will oversee the work of a Senior Communications & Marketing Officer to ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of all communications and marketing channels whether digital, press or physical in-park signage.

How to apply

For more information on how to apply, please download the application pack and submit the required documents by the closing date of 10am on Monday 17 November 2025.

Crystal Palace Park Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We believe that our staff should represent the communities, organisations, and individuals that we work with and support. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or nationality.

Be part of something transformative.

Join Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) at a time of significant change and growth from our current base of c£4million.  We’re looking for a qualified, skilled, values-driven Director of Finance and Resources to join our leadership team.

With a new CEO, Senior Leadership Team and a bold and inspiring new vision, this is a pivotal moment for our organisation as we lay the foundations and transform in the run up to a new organisational strategy. 

We’re a specialist charity supporting survivors of sexual violence across twelve South London boroughs providing counselling, group therapy, advocacy, and prevention education, alongside training for professionals.

If you’re ready to use your financial and strategic expertise to make a real impact for survivors, we’d love to hear from you

About the Role

As our Director of Finance and Resources, you’ll be a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, leading on:

• Strategic financial planning and advice for future growth and sustainability of the Charity
• Operational Financial Management, Reporting and Performance 
• Financial Accounts and Annual Reports
• Financial Control, Governance, Audit, and Compliance
• IT, Facilities, and Information Governance
• Management of teams and contracts in the Finance and Resources Directorate

You’ll work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees to support our strategic vision and ensure sound financial stewardship to deliver support for survivors now and into the future.  The position is offered on a flexible, hybrid and part time basis. 

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Professionally qualified (or equivalent) in finance management and accountancy
• Experienced and deeply knowledgeable in senior financial leadership and strategy development in the voluntary sector/an equivalent size charity 
• A skilled and experienced leader and manager of people, contracts and major service change projects
• Collaborative, analytical, and proactive in problem-solving
• Committed to feminist principles and to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Ideally also skilled in overseeing IT, building and premises management and information governance, with training and support available where required. 

As well as experienced Directors, this role would also suit an exceptional Head of Finance looking to step up into their first Director role.

What We Offer

• 27 days’ annual leave + 8 bank holidays (pro rata)
• 3 extra gifted days (pro rata) between 27–31 December
• NEST pension (3% employer / 5% employee)
• Life Assurance, Healthcare Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and Cycle-To-Work Scheme
• Supportive, feminist working culture

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining how you meet the person specification

The position is offered on a flexible basis.  The post is open to female applicants only as the role is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010. 

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we are particularly keen to receive applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the violence against women and girls movement.

No agencies please.  Unsolicited emails from agencies will not be responded to

Buglife

Director of Transformation

Location: Flexible within the UK

Salary: c£78,000

Contract: 2-year fixed term

Are you a bold, strategic leader ready to drive transformational change for one of the UK’s most impactful conservation charities?

Buglife is the only organisation in Europe dedicated to the conservation of all invertebrates. As they enter a pivotal phase of growth and innovation, Buglife is seeking a Director of Transformation to co-lead their organisation into a new era of impact, influence, and operational excellence.

About the Role

In a dual-leadership model alongside the Director of Conservation, you will define and deliver a Transformational Change Programme that amplifies Buglife’s mission: securing a thriving future for invertebrates as part of nature’s recovery.

You’ll lead strategic initiatives across systems, people, and processes, shaping a roadmap for sustainable growth and innovation. From organisational design to digital transformation, you’ll be the catalyst for change — building capability, cohesion, and resilience across Buglife.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead discovery and strategic direction, assessing internal operations and external opportunities.
• Develop and deliver a transformation roadmap with measurable impact.
• Inspire and manage cross-functional teams including Finance, HR, Communications, Fundraising and Engagement.
• Champion inclusive leadership, emotional intelligence, and organisational cohesion.
• Shape Buglife’s global growth strategy and explore new funding models.
• Overhaul systems and processes to create a more agile, integrated organisation.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven expertise in transformational leadership, business model innovation, and strategic planning.
• Experience engaging Boards and senior stakeholders with clarity and influence.
• Deep understanding of change management methodologies and programme delivery.
• Commercial acumen and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Strong emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership style.

Desirable: Experience in conservation, environmental or science-led sectors; familiarity with digital transformation and international experience or perspective on scaling impact globally.

Why Buglife?

Buglife is a passionate, science-led charity making a real difference for biodiversity. You’ll be joining at a time of exciting change, with the opportunity to shape the organisation’s future and scale its impact globally. Buglife offers a collaborative culture, flexible working, and a chance to lead with purpose.

Ready to lead transformational change for nature’s smallest heroes?
Apply now and help Buglife build a future where invertebrates thrive. 

We are partnering with GatenbySanderson on this recruitment. For more information and how to apply, please click on the button below.

Closing date:  28 November 2025

GatenbySanderson Interviews:  8 – 12 December 2025

Buglife Interviews: 6 – 15 January 2026

Buglife is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups in the environmental sector, including people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ communities.

Are you a collaborative leader with the vision and passion to help our charity grow and become stronger, more resilient, and sustainable? 

We’re looking for an exceptional leader to join Community Action Redbridge as our new Operations Director – a pivotal role at the heart of our organisation. 

With an income of just under £1 million and a diverse portfolio of new and established grant-funded programmes, we’re entering a period oftransformation, with ambitious plans to grow our impact and strengthen our organisational resilience. 

We’re now seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Operations Director to help drive this momentum – leading the way in reimagining how we work to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, and embedding a culture of shared  leadership, continuous learning, and improvement. 

You will be a natural collaborator and a strong communicator, able to build trusted relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders alike. In this role, you’ll ensure that our operations run smoothly and effectively – aligningsystems and processes with our strategic goals while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and regulations. 

You’ll provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across our core functions, including: 

• Finance 

• Human resources 

• Digital and communications 

• Risk and compliance 

As a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, you’ll work closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees, partners, and colleagues to bring our vision to life, drive forward our strategic priorities, and foster a working culture where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. 

Please note that this role can be offered on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of three days per week in the office. As an organisation rooted in community, we believe that regular in-office presence is important to foster collaboration, connection and team cohesion. The role is part-time (28 hours per week), and these hours can be worked over four or five days, depending on your preference 

About Community Action Redbridge 

Community Action Redbridge is a local infrastructure charity dedicated to building a fairer Redbridge where everyone and every community has an equal opportunity to thrive. Through our work, we support the development of strong and resilient communities where people lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. 

At the heart of our work is a commitment to social justice and to tackling the root causes of inequality. We’re passionate about shifting power, amplifying community voices, and working collaboratively to create social change. 

We do this by: 

• Strengthening and championing the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, so local organisations have the tools and support they need to grow and thrive. 

• Supporting local people to drive change in their own communities, through social action, volunteering and active participation. 

• Bringing people and organisations together, from the VCSE sector, public services, and local businesses, to collaborate on shared ambitions for Redbridge. 

How to apply 

Please submit your CV and a covering letter answering the following 4 questions (no more than 500 words each):

1. Can you describe a time when you provided strategic oversight across several functions? How did you align systems and processes to organisational goals, and what impact did this have on efficiency, resilience, or impact? 

2. Tell us about a time you led significant organisational change, for example, improving systems, embedding digital innovation, or redesigning processes. How did you bring people with you on the journey and ensure improvements were sustained? 

3. Please give one example that illustrates your ability to oversee financial management. Include aspects such as planning, monitoring, reporting, and ensuring compliance, and explain how you reviewed budgets, analysed expenditure, identified financial risks or opportunities, and used this to support strategic decision-making and long-term sustainability. 

4. Community Action Redbridge is driven by values of shifting power, collaborating, learning, and seeing the bigger picture. How have you demonstrated inclusive and values-led leadership in previous roles, and how would you foster an empowering and collaborative learning culture in this role? 

We encourage early applications, as interviews will be held on a rolling basis. The vacancy may close early if a suitable candidate is appointed. 

Job Title:                  Director

Organisation: Props Charity (associated with the Bristol Charities Group)
Location:                     Bristol

Based;The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 2QQ
Reports to: Props Board of Trustees with management report to Bristol Charities CEO
Works closely with:    Bristol Charities Executive Team
Team Size: Approx. 75  staff

Salary:£60-65k per annum

Hours:37.5 hour per week

Annual Leave: 31 days including bank holidays

Interview Dates: 27th and 28th November 2025

About Props Charity: Props Charity is a unique and much loved charity dedicated to developing work and social skills for adults with learning disabilities, creating employment pathways, and fostering a supportive and inclusive community. Our mission is to empower individuals through creative and practical work experiences, enhancing their quality of life and promoting independence. With a fantastic legacy to build on, we have reached an exciting stage in our development and we are currently going through a process to become a part of the Bristol Charities Group to support our ambitions to scale up our operations, grow our reach, and enhance our impact.

Role Purpose

We are now looking for an enterprising and ambitious Director to lead the charity into a new chapter. This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional leader to shape the future of a dynamic and values-driven charity, building on strong foundations while unlocking new potential for growth, innovation, and impact. The Director will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for Props Charity, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services and sustainable social enterprises. The role involves managing a diverse team, overseeing enterprise, training, creative and sports projects, and working in close partnership with Bristol Charities to align with broader organisational goals. The Director will secure the viability and sustainability of current operations whilst exploring future opportunities for growth in trainee numbers, scaling up social enterprises, and bringing forward Business Plans for new ventures.

Are you a visionary digital leader with a passion for using insight and innovation to drive change? Join Shelter as our Assistant Director of Digital & Audience Engagement, where you’ll shape our digital strategy, and deliver real impact in support of Shelter’s mission to end homelessness and the housing emergency.

About the role 

We are seeking a visionary and strategic Assistant Director of Digital & Audience Engagement to lead on Shelter’s digital strategic direction and digital delivery, strengthen our audience engagement and embed learning and insight-driven decision-making across Shelter.

This is a key leadership role responsible for leading and delivering our digital purpose – ensuring that digital channels, platforms and content deliver measurable impact, align with Shelter’s organisational strategy, and meet the needs of diverse audiences and internal stakeholders.

Role specifics 

You will lead the development and delivery of Shelter’s Digital, Content, CRM, Audience Insight and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning functions, building capability, flexibility and high performance through strong, adaptable leadership. A transformative and experienced digital leader, you’ll bring proven expertise in agile, lean and product management methodologies, with a track record of delivering high-performing digital services and driving culture change across complex organisations. You’ll champion a digital-first mindset, enhancing digital maturity and collaboration while ensuring our strategies and services are rooted in evidence, insight and performance data. With deep knowledge of digital technologies and the wider digital landscape, you’ll identify opportunities to maximise Shelter’s impact and lead integrated, audience-centred strategies that grow reach, engagement and support. Skilled in stakeholder management, commercial acumen and persuasive communication, you’ll inspire cross-organisational collaboration and influence change. You’ll also foster a culture of inclusion, accountability and learning, combining strategic vision with a pragmatic, can-do approach to delivery.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About the team 

The Campaigns, Policy and Communications (CPC) directorate at Shelter researches and understands the full range of Shelter’s audiences, creates the content, products and strategies needed to engage and support them, and campaigns for the systemic change needed to end the homelessness and the housing emergency.

Digital and Audience Engagement is the window in and out of the organisation, through which we understand and engage the full array of audiences with an interest in Shelter.  The team gathers and interprets learning and insights on our work and our audiences, to inform Shelter’s communications, campaigns and service delivery. The team is also the curator of the most commonly accessed means by which supporters, campaigners, advice-seekers, service-users, professionals and others seek to understand and engage with Shelter

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement 

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Location: The Baytree Centre, London
Hours: 21–28 hours per week (to be agreed between Monday–Thursday, 9AM–6PM)
Salary: £50,000–£59,000 per annum (FTE, pro-rated)
Application Deadline: 1 September 2025 at 23:59PM
Eligibility: This post is open to women only under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
Contract: 12-month interim (Fixed Term Contract with view to permanent)

About the Role:

As Fundraising & Communications Director, you’ll lead Baytree’s fundraising, communications, and corporate engagement—driving income and influence making it possible for even more girls and women to achieve their potential. You’ll report to the CEO and play a key role on the Senior Management Team, shaping strategy and unlocking new opportunities for growth.

This is a dynamic and outward-facing role for a strategic thinker with a passion for storytelling, partnership-building, and social impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Fundraising Leadership: Deliver a diverse income strategy across trusts, corporates, major donors, digital campaigns, and events.
• Communications: Shape Baytree’s voice and tell bold, data-driven stories that resonate with stakeholders.
• Corporate Engagement: Build long-term partnerships that align with Baytree’s mission and add real value.
• Team Development: Lead and coach a high-performing team, fostering a culture of excellence and care.
• Strategic Leadership: Contribute to organisational strategy, performance reviews, and risk management.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in fundraising and income generation
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strategic mindset with experience in team leadership
• Ability to align fundraising with programme needs and impact
• Commitment to Baytree’s mission and values

About Sister System 

Founded in 2018, Sister System is a charitable organisation and an Open College Network (OCN) approved centre dedicated to empowering girls and young women aged 13-24 affected by the care system.

Our approach is co-designed with care-affected young women and girls to ensure that their lived experiences continue to drive meaningful change and shape our progression. Built on proven therapeutic models, our long-term mentoring, accredited qualifications, and leadership development programmes strengthen resilience, confidence, and essential life skills.

Our model seeks to break intergenerational cycles by equipping young women with the tools to thrive and lead change. Through a strong sense of community, peer networks, and trusted adult relationships, we create clear pathways into education, employment, and socio-economic stability, supporting a life free from abuse. 

Throughout her journey with Sister System, each girl participates in weekly one-to-one and group sessions focused on self-education and personal growth. These sessions explore the social and emotional transition to womanhood while building a supportive network of “sisters” who continue to empower one another during key life transitions. Our programmes are accessible to girls and young women at any stage of educational attainment, enabling all Sis-Stars to learn, grow, and thrive. 

Our strategy 

We are one year into our 2024-2027 strategy to set Sister System on a path to scale our reach and impact. We have bold ambitions to scale across London and beyond. We have been building our organisational resilience, the quality of our programmes and robust systems to collect data and measure our impact. We are looking for a new Director of Fundraising who can bring in income from multiple sources to support our sustainable growth. 

Director of Fundraising - role details 

Benefits 

• Annual Salary: £57,000 to £62,000 (3 to 5 days per week, pro rata as relevant) 

• Leave Entitlement: 25 days and 8 bank holidays (+ your birthday off + 1 additional day per year of service up to 5 days) 

• Training and Development (CPD): £1000 per year 

• Company Pension 

• Death in Service Insurance Cover 

• Well-being and Company Events 

• Health benefits package 

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive multi-year fundraising strategy that encompasses diverse income streams, working collaboratively with senior leadership to coordinate efforts and maintain an up-to-date fundraising pipeline.

• Steward high-value relationships with trusts, foundations, and corporate partners while leading grant applications and proposals for six-figure funding opportunities.

• Strategically position Sister System for statutory funding by identifying government contract opportunities and ensuring the organisation remains competitive for local authority and national funding programmes.

• Oversee critical systems and processes including financial reporting, grant management cycles, board reporting, and line management duties while serving as an external ambassador for the organisation 

• Line manage a small fundraising team 

Essential Skills, knowledge, and behaviours: 

• Proven track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies at a senior level. 

• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding income targets across multiple income streams. 

• Experience managing multiple income streams, including statutory income, individual, corporate, and grant fundraising 

• Strong leadership and people management skills with experience of developing high-performing teams 

• Excellent relationship-building skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders 

• Financial acumen, including budgeting, reporting, and performance analysis 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including bid writing and donor presentations 

• Strategic thinker with a proactive, innovative, and resilient approach 

Applications close 9am 17th November 2025 

Interviews will involve at least two stages; First stage interviews will be on or around 27th November; Second stage interviews will be on 10th/11th December 2025 

Be part of something truly inspiring.

The Orpheus Centre is an award-winning charity that supports disabled young adults aged 18–25 to live independent, fulfilling lives through the performing and visual arts. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, we are driven by our values — joyful, bold, inclusive, resilient and determined — and a vision of an inclusive world where every young person can achieve their aspirations.

We are now seeking a strategic, values-led Director of Finance to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation.

Salary: £72,000 – £77,000 (depending on experience)

Hours: 35 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

Location: Godstone, Surrey (onsite with some flexibility)

Contract: Permanent

About the Role

You’ll lead the financial strategy, planning and operations for the Orpheus Centre, ensuring sustainability, transparency and compliance while enabling innovation and growth. Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with Trustees and senior leaders, you will:

• Provide strategic financial leadership and insight to drive organisational success.
• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting and audit.
• Ensure compliance with The Charity Commission, HMRC and Companies House regulations.
• Lead on procurement, risk management and digital transformation in finance systems.
• Manage investments and oversee capital and operational budgets.
• Lead and develop a small, high-performing finance team.

This is a hands-on and highly influential role for someone who thrives on both strategic planning and operational excellence.

About You

You’ll be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with significant experience in senior financial leadership — ideally within the charity and/or education sector.

You will bring:

• Strong understanding of charity SORP, financial governance and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience working with Boards and governance structures.
• Proven ability to deliver strategic financial planning and risk management.
• Excellent communication, leadership and influencing skills.
• A proactive, future-focused approach and commitment to Orpheus’ values and mission. 

Why join Orpheus?

• At Orpheus, you’ll join a joyful and inclusive community that values creativity and collaboration. We offer:
• The opportunity to play a key role in an Outstanding organisation.
• A collaborative leadership environment with real impact.
• A supportive and passionate team culture.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Free parking on our beautiful Surrey campus.

Join us in making a lasting difference in the lives of young disabled people through the power of the arts.

Safeguarding & Equality

Orpheus is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory references. This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

As part of our safer recruitment process and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, online searches may be undertaken as part of due diligence.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

In order to be considered you must be eligible to work in the UK.

The Orpheus Centre is proud to be a disability confident employer.

We have made a positive commitment to employing disabled people. Reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment procedure as required in consultation with the applicant to ensure no-one is disadvantaged because of their disability. If a disabled person is selected for a position, reasonable adjustments will be made to the workplace, including premises and equipment, work duties and practices or policies, as appropriate. All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role as set out in the role profile and person specification will be guaranteed an interview.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are:

• Challenging attitudes towards disability
• Increasing understanding of disability
• Removing barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions
• Ensuring that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspiration

Applications will be reviewed as we receive them and if a suitable candidate is identified, we reserve the right to close our advert sooner.

Who we’re looking for 

We’re looking for an exceptional Director of Fundraising and Communication who will lead our fundraising and communications with vision and purpose, helping us grow our reach, deepen our impact and amplify our voice. You’ll be joining a people-centred, mission-driven team, united by a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference. At a time when vulnerable young people face increasing challenges, our work has never been more urgent. If you’re motivated by impact and driven by purpose, this is a good opportunity to contribute to lasting change. 

You will be stepping into a well-established and highly effective organisation, but one that remains energised by innovation and continuous improvement. We actively welcome fresh thinking and new approaches that help us evolve and enhance our work. 

What will you do? 

This is a pivotal moment to join JET as we build on fourteen years of impact and enter a new chapter in our journey. We have ambitious plans to expand our reach and influence, and we’re seeking someone who can help us strengthen our funding base and sharpen our message. 

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead and develop our fundraising team, shaping a cross-stream strategy and an integrated communications plan. You’ll be responsible for setting the strategic direction for fundraising, communications and events across the organisation. By doing so you will raise JET’s national profile, grow our supporter base and significantly increase income to support programme expansion. 

You’ll bring strong experience across multiple fundraising streams, with a proven track record of securing significant multi-year funding and building lasting relationships with funders—both individuals and organisations. Alongside leading our fundraising efforts, you’ll take ownership of our brand, ensuring clarity and consistency in our messaging, helping partners tell our story, and securing positive media coverage. 

You’ll lead the development of campaigns, fundraising and marketing activities, and digital engagement that not only enhance our national profile but also drive supporter engagement and income growth.

This is a home-based role, with travel required to and within the regions where we operate, including attendance at key events. 

About you 

You will provide strategic leadership across fundraising, communications, marketing and events. Your work will be closely aligned with JET’s five-year strategy, enabling continued growth in funding and programme delivery. 

You’ll bring a wealth of experience in leading fundraising and communications at a strategic level, with a strong understanding of the sector and a track record of securing and sustaining major gifts and partnerships. You’ll be adept at managing integrated campaigns across multiple channels and growing income through sustainable funding models. 

Your leadership style will be collaborative and empowering, with the ability to build high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability and innovation. You’ll be a confident communicator, able to inspire and influence, with excellent relationship-building skills and a strategic mindset. 

Above all, you’ll be passionate about JET’s mission to empower young people facing adversity. You’ll be a credible ambassador, committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference. 

Across the JET team we cultivate a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better outcomes for our young people. We welcome applicants whatever your background and whatever your stage in life, so if you are returning to the workforce after a period away, or even seeking a change of pace, please get in touch.  

About the Jon Egging Trust (JET)

At JET, we support vulnerable young people to get back on track and realise their potential; more than 45,000 young people right across the UK to date, and there’s so much more we can do. We’re an organisation that really values its people and we’re immensely proud that our team culture is based on caring and raising each other up.

Our benefits package includes:

• Flexible working

• Enhanced annual leave

• Homeworking allowance 

• Occupational pension scheme

• Occupational sickness scheme

• Special paid leave provision

• Enhanced family leave 

Download the Candidate Information Pack

Read our Applicant Privacy Notice 

Child and adult at risk protection policy statement 

The Jon Egging Trust is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for everyone involved in its services and activities. The Trust takes its extended moral and legal duty of care very seriously in relation to children, young people, staff and volunteers. We seek to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and to protect them from harm or abuse when they engage in any of our activities. JET expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees or volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. 

To apply 

Please complete our online application form.

The closing date is 16th November 2025 at [23:30].

Interview Process 

• First-round interviews: Monday 24th November (online) 

• Meet the team task and fireside chat: Thursday 27th November 

• Final interview (in person, London): Monday 1st December 

Questions? 

Contact us through our website. 

Please note:

Due to our anonymised recruitment process, if your application is not shortlisted, we are unable to provide personalised feedback. 

To become an employee at JET, you must be able to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK and a satisfactory DBS check – enhanced with children's barred is required for this role. As part of our recruitment process, we want to make clear that we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position. 

As part of our safer recruitment process, all candidates invited to a final interview will also be required to complete a confidential self-disclosure form, which allows any relevant information to be discussed in line with our safeguarding policy. 

We also reserve the right to cancel the final stage of interview on 1st December if candidate does not meet expectations at this stage. 

We are looking for a bold, creative, and strategic fundraising leader to work alongside the CEO to rebuild and grow our income — securing existing partnerships while opening up new streams of support. 

Like many UK charities, Opportunity International has faced a challenging few years. Shifts in government funding, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and periods of leadership transition have all affected our income since 2018. Yet, out of this challenge comes great opportunity. We are now entering an exciting phase of renewal — revitalising our brand, re-energising our supporter base, and reimagining how we engage with donors.

Historically, our private income has been driven by generous major donors, and while this will continue to be a core pillar, our strategy is focused on diversification and long-term sustainability. In the short term, we’re deepening our relationships with trusts and foundations and growing our individual giving, particularly through digital channels. Looking ahead, we plan to strengthen our legacy programme and build meaningful corporate partnerships. With our refreshed brand and vibrant new visual identity, we’re well-positioned to reach new audiences and inspire fresh support. Our Royal Patron and emerging ambassadors will help us to do this.

The successful candidate will have the exciting opportunity to help shape our organisational strategy for the next 3–5 years (to be finalised in early 2026) and to lead the design and delivery of a dynamic fundraising and communications strategy. A major appeal or capital campaign is expected to be a cornerstone of this work.

If you'd like to have an informal conversation about this role then please contact Mary Oakes, CEO, to arrange.

Our Development Team

The Donmar has an exceptional ability to raise private funds, and the vital importance of fundraising is recognised across the organisation and embedded in the overall strategy. Each year we raise around half our income through fundraising from a varied number of sources, with corporate income representing around a third of the fundraised income. The Development team is led by the Director of Strategic Development and Fundraising, and comprises 11 people.

Purpose of the role

The Development Events Manager will be responsible for the planning, administration and delivery of all development events at the Donmar Warehouse, working alongside the Head of Trusts and Events and with support from the Events Administrator.

Who We Are Looking For

The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience of leading, managing and delivering events and strong project management skills. They will have excellent organisational and communication skills and the ability to proactively work on their own initiative as well as in a team, with very strong attention to detail. They will be used to working in a fast-paced environment and to leading multiple events simultaneously.

TERMS

Permanent, Full Time

Salary: £33,000 per annum

Working Hours: Due to the nature of the role you will be required to work some weekday evenings on a regular basis and very occasionally on the weekend. A TOIL system is in operation.

Applications Close at 10am on Monday 24 November

Round One Interviews: Week Commencing 1 December

Round Two Interviews: Week Commencing 8 December

We particularly encourage applications from those who are currently under-represented both at the Donmar and more widely in the industry, and specifically from D/deaf or disabled, or neurodivergent applicants and applicants who experience barriers and inequity due to ethnicity, gender reassignment and/or socio-economic background.