Director of development jobs

About the team

The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships. 

The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.   

Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve. 

About this role

The Development Director (Philanthropy) provides strategic leadership across Impetus’ philanthropy and stewardship portfolio, with responsibility for relationship management, renewal, growth and selected new business activity. The postholder will work with high-value funders, including corporate partners, trusts and foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.

In 25/26, the Philanthropy and Partnerships team generated £11m in philanthropic income, alongside £2.8m in pro bono contributions. The Development Director will play a key role in delivering Impetus’ growth ambitions, supporting the increase in philanthropic income to £14m by 2029. 

Working closely with the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear stewardship, renewal, relationship-growth and selected new business plans, ensuring strong donor retention, high-quality engagement and sustainable growth in high-value income.

Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will oversee the donor lifecycle across the philanthropy portfolio, with particular focus on strategic stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and the effective transition of selected prospects into long-term donor relationships. They will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure donor relationships and selected funding opportunities, while working with colleagues to ensure the philanthropy pipeline, stewardship plans and account management disciplines are strong.

Working collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and with colleagues across the organisation, the Development Director will ensure a joined-up approach to donor stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and selected donor acquisition, maximising income, partnership value and long-term impact within the agreed fundraising strategy.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Relationship Management & Growth

• Own and oversee strategically significant donor and partner relationships at six and seven-figure levels, ensuring high levels of retention, satisfaction, trust, income growth and long-term value.
• Set and embed best practice stewardship standards, ensuring donors receive timely, consistent, high-quality and relevant engagement and communications throughout their relationship with Impetus.
• Work closely with the wider team to ensure a smooth transition between new business, and long-term stewardship.
• Ensure account plans for priority donors and partners include clear renewal and growth pathways; engagement and risk-management plans.
• Act as senior relationship owner where required, modelling strong stewardship and coaching the Head of Philanthropy and other colleagues to navigate complex or sensitive relationships.

New Business: Pipeline & Conversion 

• Personally lead on select six and seven-figure level priority prospects and strategic funding opportunities, managing the full fundraising cycle from qualification to close.
• Work with trustees, senior volunteers and networks to support warm introductions, relationship development and follow-up, in line with agreed new business and stewardship priorities.
• Work with colleagues to translate Impetus’ impact, evidence base and venture philanthropy model into compelling propositions for donors, prospects and priority audiences.

Performance and KPI Reporting

• Accountable for ensuring effective implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of fundraising performance frameworks, KPIs and reporting disciplines.
• Use performance data and insight to improve team effectiveness, inform portfolio planning and resource recommendations, and identify opportunities for retention, renewal and growth.
• Oversee philanthropy portfolio data quality, reporting and forecasting, ensuring robust systems and processes.
• Ensure robust systems, processes and performance disciplines are in place to support delivery of agreed philanthropy portfolio objectives and wider fundraising goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and evidence-led decision-making across the philanthropy portfolio and direct team.

Donor Communications

• Provide strategic oversight of donor communications for the philanthropy portfolio, ensuring messaging is clear, compelling, timely and aligned to Impetus’ voice, values and evidence base.
• Work with Communications and Philanthropy colleagues to design and continuously improve philanthropic communications, including cases for support, proposals, pitches, stewardship materials and donor updates.

Leadership and Team Performance

• Line manage and develop the Head of Philanthropy, providing direction, coaching and performance oversight within agreed strategy and priorities.
• Develop the Head of Philanthropy as the operational lead for stewardship, ensuring capability, succession and high performance across their team.
• Set clear objectives and success measures for stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and portfolio delivery, aligned to Impetus’ wider income strategy.
• Build and sustain an inclusive, evidence-led and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, balancing pace and ambition with quality, learning and collaboration.
• Build fundraising and stewardship capability across the team through coaching and consistent, fair and high-quality performance management, including objective-setting, feedback and development planning.

Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value

• Ensure engagement opportunities, including volunteering, pro bono and events, strengthen donor relationships, partnership value and long-term income growth through strong collaboration with colleagues.

Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk

• Ensure philanthropy and selected new business activity complies with due diligence, gift acceptance and risk management requirements.
• Oversee accurate philanthropy pipeline reporting, forecasting and performance tracking, using Salesforce and other systems to ensure insight informs portfolio planning and decision-making.
• Work with Finance and Operations to ensure income is contracted, invoiced, and reported accurately and on time in line with financial controls.
• Identify and escalate strategic, financial or reputational risks associated with donors, prospects and partnerships.

Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation

• Act as a senior ambassador for Impetus, representing the organisation credibly with new donors, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, income planning, and senior leadership discussions.
• Lead philanthropic work on Impetus funds including identifying funding opportunities and risks; shaping prospect pipelines; contributing to cases for support and donor presentations; and develop fund stewardship.
• Champion collaboration across the Philanthropy team, ensuring opportunities are shared, relationships are well managed and expertise is used to maximise income and impact.
• Model Impetus’ values, evidence-led approach and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion across the philanthropy portfolio.

Strategic Leadership

• Work in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to contribute to the fundraising strategy.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, objectives and delivery, ensuring stewardship, renewal and relationship growth contribute to organisational priorities, income targets and long-term growth ambitions.
• Provide strategic oversight of philanthropy portfolio forecasting, budgeting input, pipeline performance and resource recommendations, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and escalated proactively.
• Maximise the contribution of trustees, committees, senior volunteers and wider networks to support donor stewardship, relationship growth and selected new business development.
• Act as a trusted senior adviser to the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, providing insight, challenge and solutions to strengthen philanthropy portfolio performance and wider fundraising capability.
• Deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships where appropriate, within agreed delegations and priorities.
• Build a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, modelling Impetus’ values and supporting continuous improvement.

Person specification

Essential:

Fundraising & new business leadership

• Significant experience in major donor and/or corporate fundraising at six and seven-figure gift level, with a strong track record of securing new income and managing complex partnerships.
• Ability to lead and personally deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, negotiation, and close.
• Proven experience of building, managing, and converting a new business pipeline, balancing ambition with delivery.
• Strong ability to leverage internal and external networks, including trustees, senior volunteers, and professional contacts.

Senior stakeholder engagement

• Experience of operating at a senior level and leading high value or complex stakeholder relationships (trustees, board members, senior external partners).
• Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
• Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to secure mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting organisational values and reputation.

Leadership & people management

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including developing senior colleagues and building leadership capability.
• A strong track record as a collaborative senior team member, contributing beyond own area of responsibility and supporting wider organisational success
• Ability to build a high-trust, high-challenge culture that supports excellence, inclusion, and learning.
• Strong performance management capability and ability to handle complex people issues, giving strategic feedback, and addressing underperformance constructively.
• Ability to deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships when appropriate.

Strategic & intellectual capability

• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate agreed strategy and insight into clear plans and execute them effectively.
• Ability to grasp, interpret apply and communicate complex information and ideas, including Impetus’ venture philanthropy and impact-led funding models.
• Evidence of an innovative and creative approach, with the ability to adapt in changing contexts.

Financial, operational & delivery capability

• Solid financial management, with experience contributing to budget-setting, managing agreed budgets, supporting forecasting and identifying efficiencies.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to delivery, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to a high standard
• Able to use insight and data (including CRM systems such as Salesforce) to inform decisions and strengthen performance.
• Sound judgement in identifying, managing, and escalating risk, particularly in relation to donor relationships and reputation.

Communication, values & ways of working

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate clearly, persuasively, and with impact.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish, maintain, and leverage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to Impetus’ mission and to improving outcomes for young people.
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrated through inclusive leadership and professional practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within venture philanthropy, impact investing, or systems-change funding models.
• Familiarity with private equity, professional services.
• Experience contributing to income growth, donor strategy or portfolio development within an agreed organisational fundraising strategy.
• Knowledge of the UK charity or social impact sector, particularly education, employment, or youth-focused work.
• Experience using CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce) to manage pipelines, performance, and forecasting.

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

Our Values

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Our employee benefits

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.

You will need to:

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.

Interviews:

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 12th October 2026.

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

Director of Development

National Literacy Trust
Hybrid working with regular attendance in London
£90,000 per annum | Permanent | Full Time (35 hours per week)

Closing Date: Tuesday 1 September 2026

Charity People is delighted to be partnering with the National Literacy Trust to recruit an exceptional Director of Development.
This is an incredible opportunity to join the organisation at such a pivotal moment in its growth. Reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on the Senior Management Team, the Director of Development will lead an established and high-performing fundraising function responsible for generating approximately £17m in annual income, while driving the next phase of growth and strengthening unrestricted income.

We're looking for an ambitious, entrepreneurial fundraising leader who combines strategic vision and practical delivery. The successful candidate will be proactive and highly engaged, leading from the front to secure transformational partnerships, inspire teams and help shape the organisation's future.

About National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust empowers children, young people and adults from disadvantaged communities with the literacy skills they need to thrive.
Working across schools, communities, prisons and workplaces, the organisation is the UK's leading authority on literacy. Its work is underpinned by robust research, powerful partnerships and an unwavering commitment to tackling the link between poverty and low literacy.
Following a period of significant growth, the charity is now seeking a new Director of Development to build on strong foundations, identify new opportunities, and lead an ambitious fundraising strategy that will expand impact and sustainability for years to come.

About the Role
As Director of Development, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the charity's fundraising and development activity.
You will inherit an impressive portfolio of corporate, trust and statutory supporters, whilst also being tasked with identifying new opportunities for growth, diversification and innovation.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and delivering the National Literacy Trust's fundraising strategy and income growth plans
• Driving the acquisition and stewardship of major corporate partnerships, trusts, foundations and major donors
• Working closely with the CEO and senior colleagues to position the organisation for new funding opportunities
• Strengthening unrestricted income and expanding the charity's supporter base
• Leading, motivating and developing a talented fundraising team
• Building relationships with influential supporters, partners, senior business leaders and trustees
• Ensuring robust pipeline management, forecasting and income planning
• Acting as an inspiring ambassador for the organisation externally and internally

This is a high-profile leadership role offering significant scope to shape strategy, culture and long-term organisational success. 

About You
We're keen to hear from ambitious fundraising leaders who bring a strong track record of delivering sustainable income growth and building high-value relationships.
You will likely bring:

• Significant senior fundraising leadership experience
• A demonstrable track record of securing and growing high-value income
• Experience leading corporate partnerships and strategic fundraising programmes
• Strong commercial awareness and an entrepreneurial approach to identifying opportunities
• The ability to inspire, motivate and develop high-performing teams
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Experience working with senior leaders, trustees and external partners
• A hands-on leadership style, balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery

Most importantly, you'll be someone who relishes building momentum, thrives in ambitious environments and is excited by the opportunity to help transform lives through literacy.

How to Apply
To express your interest, please send your CV to Philippa.
Should your experience align with the requirements of the role, a member of the Charity People team will be in touch to arrange an initial conversation, discuss the opportunity in more detail and explain the full application process.

Key Dates

• Closing Date: Tuesday 1 September 2026
• First Round Interviews (online): Week commencing 7 September 2026
• Second Round Interviews (in person): Week commencing 14 September 2026

Charity People is a forward-thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We are committed to presenting opportunities to candidates irrespective of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation because we believe diverse teams create stronger organisations and greater impact.

Director of Development and Alumnae Relations

Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - with potential for flexible/hybrid working

A highly attractive renumeration package including a salary in the region of £95,000pa

 Cheltenham Ladies’ College (CLC) is one of the world’s leading schools, located on a beautiful 36-acre dispersed estate in the historic spa town of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. It is one of the largest school communities of boarding and day girls in Europe, with a warm and inclusive pupil body of approximately 820 (aged 11-18), representing over 40 countries worldwide. Founded in 1853 to redefine what girls’ education could be, CLC has been a pioneer in girls' education for nearly 175 years.

 We are seeking to appoint an experienced Director of Development and Alumnae Relations to provide strategic direction and inspired leadership for College’s fundraising and alumnae engagement activities. College has recently undertaken an external review of philanthropy, identifying clear opportunities to grow fundraising and engagement outcomes. Reporting directly to the Executive Principal, this is a pivotal leadership role which, as a member of the Leadership Team, will be instrumental in driving a step change in philanthropic giving to College. With the full backing of the Executive Principal, Council and the broader CLC community, the new Director will be ideally placed to shape and implement a strategic roadmap for the next decade.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an outstanding development professional whose experience has been gained within the education sector or a transferable context. The successful candidate will have a strong track record of working closely with senior volunteers and boards, playing a key role in shaping and executing effective philanthropic strategies. Your leadership experience will include developing and expanding a development team, underpinned by a collaborative and inspiring approach. Importantly, you will have a demonstrated ability to deliver results in major gift programmes and capital campaigns, with a clear focus on long-term impact and engagement. Your credibility, resilience and ability to show good judgement, will inspire those around you and enable you to take the team’s activity to the next level.

We are looking for an articulate, persuasive and credible ambassador for Cheltenham Ladies’ College, both here in the UK and internationally. You will be a first-class relationship builder with strong cultural awareness and a good knowledge of (or inherent feel for) the independent educational landscape. Crucially, you will share a passion for the power of education and the transformative impact of bursaries.

If you have the skills, aptitude and commitment to take on this role at CLC with drive and ambition, and are committed to College’s values and aims, we would love to hear from you.

For a confidential conversation about this exceptional opportunity, please contact our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates. For further information, key dates, and how to apply, please click apply.

 Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to help you in your application or with our recruitment process.

 International candidates who are interested in relocating to the UK will be considered as visa support is available for this position.

Cheltenham Ladies’ College promotes the values of mutual respect and integrity at every level in the organisation and is an equal opportunities employer. 

Cheltenham Ladies’ College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. 

Closing date for applications is 09:00 on Friday 11th September 2026

Salary: £60,000 - £80,000 FTE (£48,000 - £64,000 Pro rata for part-time), commensurate with experience

Contract: Permanent | Part-Time (0.8 FTE) | Year-round (Flexible working patterns considered)

Reporting to: The Head

St Catherine’s is seeking a visionary Director of Strategic Partnerships & Development to join our Senior Leadership Team. In this pivotal executive role, you will lead the strategy for our fundraising, external relations, corporate partnerships, and business development initiatives—shaping the future financial resilience and educational ambition of the School.

You will be responsible for securing philanthropic support, cultivating major donors, developing strategic partnerships and generating sustainable income opportunities. Whether your background is in corporate partnerships, high-value fundraising, commercial growth, hospitality, or professional services, this is an extraordinary opportunity to leverage your relationship-building expertise to make a lasting impact. Prior experience in the education sector is not required.

The Opportunity

As a senior ambassador for St Catherine’s, you will shape and execute an ambitious strategy to diversify income, engage key stakeholders, and maximize the value of the School’s brand and physical assets.

Reporting directly to the Head, you will oversee our Development and Alumnae Relations functions while collaborating closely with Admissions, Marketing, and Finance.

Key Priorities:

• Philanthropy & Major Gifts: Build and steward a pipeline of prospective donors, leading capital campaigns, grant applications, and major gift initiatives across alumnae, parents, and benefactors.
• Strategic Partnerships & Commercial Growth: Identify and secure mutually beneficial collaborations across business, technology, arts, sport, and the wider community.
• Alumnae & Community Engagement: Deliver an exceptional engagement strategy that turns network affinity into meaningful advocacy, mentorship, and support.
• Asset Optimization: Partner with executive colleagues to identify commercial opportunities within the School’s Site Masterplan and facilities.
• Data-Driven Strategy: Champion CRM systems and performance insights to track growth, evaluate potential initiatives, and guide executive decision-making.

About you:

• Senior Commercial Leadership: Proven success in a brand-led, growth-focused, or customer-centric organization.
• Relationship Mastery: Outstanding networking, negotiation, and influence skills with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, or executive stakeholders.
• Strategic Vision & Execution: The ability to translate big-picture strategy into clear, measurable execution frameworks.
• Data Literacy: Comfortable utilizing data insights, CRM systems, and performance dashboards to track pipeline conversion and guide choices.
• Ethos & Integrity: Alignment with St Catherine’s values, a commitment to holistic education, and an uncompromising dedication to child safeguarding.

Why Join Us?

At St Catherine’s, we offer a collaborative environment and a competitive benefits package, including:

• Flexible Working: Part-time (0.8 FTE) with flexible working patterns considered.
• Pension Scheme: Generous employer pension contributions (up to 12% employer).
• Holiday Allowance: 25 days plus Bank Holidays (pro-rata), available to book year-round.
• Fee Remission: Discounted school fees for daughters attending St Catherine’s.
• Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive Health Cash Plan, complimentary lunches during term time, and a Cycle to Work scheme.
• Convenience: Free ample on-site parking.

How to Apply

Please submit your application online via My New Term by 10:00 AM on Tuesday 1st September 2026.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled prior to the closing date. Early application is strongly recommended.

St Catherine’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced DBS with Barred List check. St Catherine’s is an equal opportunities employer.

Regional Youth and Community Director
OASIS UK – Youth and Community (OCP)

0.6 FTE, Permanent

Salary:£31,487 (FTE £52,479)

We’re excited to be recruiting for a key leadership position supporting Oasis’ youth and community work in the North West region (covering delivery in Greater Manchester and Bradford).With accountability to the Oasis Community Partnerships CEO the role of the Regional Youth and Community Director has three main functions:

1 Strategic management oversight of local Youth and Community teams

2 Regional development, working alongside other functions within the Oasis family

3 Being part of the national Youth and Community leadership team

The Youth and Community Director will have strategic management oversight of local Youth and Community teams in the region, providing accountability and support to the local leaders and charity boards. This responsibility area falls into two categories; those the Director is directly responsible for, and those they are responsible for ensuring are carried out by leaders within their region.

ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT

Oasis neighbourhoods are local places of activity that provide integrated, high quality and diverse services to benefit the whole person and the whole community. The Oasis ethos stems from our Christian roots and is an expression of our character - it is a declaration of who we are and therefore the lens through which we assess all we do. This is encapsulated by the following five statements:

a passion to include everyone

a desire to treat everyone equally, respecting differences

a commitment to healthy and open relationships

a deep sense of hope that things can change and be transformed

a sense of perseverance to keep going for the long haul

An Oasis neighbourhood is a community movement and the joining together of all the work Oasis does in any one place, which could include foodbanks, debt advice centres, family support and advice services, healthcare, youth work, children’s work, alongside other Oasis activities in that community, including formal education through Oasis Academies.

The Youth and Community function of Oasis is responsible for the wider community work that takes place within Oasis neighbourhoods, working closely with the wider Oasis family to outwork our vision. In relation to governance, Oasis Community Partnerships is the national charity, with each local team operating from their own local Oasis charity.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing national organisation, making a difference to communities on a local level, whilst also influencing the national landscape.  As part of the package, Oasis offers:

• A pension scheme, currently offering 7% employer contribution
• A generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year (plus 8 Bank Holidays)

Please contact us to arrange for an informal conversation with our CEO to find out more about the role. If you are interested in this position, please send your CV and a covering letter (ensuring you refer to the job description and person spec).

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

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers to application, please let us know.

Completed applications should be returned by 9am on Tuesday 8th September.

Interviews will take place week beginning 21st September. (Shorter more informal calls may be arranged the previous week to assist with shortlisting)

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.

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 08749179

About Us

For over 21 years, The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre has offered free, holistic support to anyone in our community affected by cancer through complementary therapies, talking therapies, art, and our supportive community.

In 2025 alone, we had 1,911 individual visits and 1,021 therapy sessions - entirely through the dedication of our volunteer team. We are currently renovating our new centre, and we want to use it to reach further into our community than ever before. This is the first paid role in our history.

About the Role

As our first Executive Director, you will be the single point of accountability between our Board of Trustees and the day-to-day operation of the Centre - working alongside our (voluntary) Centre Manager and (voluntary) Volunteer Manager to support their roles, not duplicate them. You'll lead our strategy delivery, guide the charity's move into its new home, and oversee a service redesign informed by a fresh programme of visitor, volunteer and community research.

About You

You already know how to do this job - you've held a senior, accountable position in a charity or comparable organisation and can bring that experience from day one. You're confident reporting to a board of trustees, comfortable getting things done, and able to win the trust of a highly experienced, long-standing volunteer team through competence and credibility, not authority alone.

Key Activity Areas

• Financial management – budgeting, financial controls, and reporting to the Board and Treasurer

• Governance & best practice – supporting trustees to discharge their statutory duties; maintaining the policy suite and risk register

• HR & people leadership – supporting our entire volunteer and therapist team; communication is key to our volunteers

• Fundraising – write and lead on a fundraising strategy, implement new funding streams and be the ‘face of Pickering’ – local networking will be essential

• Change management – leading the transition to our new centre and evolving service model with care and consultation

• Compliance – safeguarding, health and safety, GDPR, and other regulatory requirements

Qualifications - Desirable

All the below are not necessary qualifications but would assist with this role:

• CIPD qualification, or equivalent hands-on HR experience

• A recognised governance qualification (e.g. Chartered Governance Institute) or completion of a charity leadership programme or similar

• Financial management experience – a qualification would be useful but not essential

• Safeguarding lead training

Experience and Competencies — Essential

• Senior leadership experience with genuine authority and accountability in a charity or comparable mission-led organisation

• A track record of reporting to and working with a board of trustees or non-executive directors

• A track record of leading organisational change, with evidence it was genuinely adopted

• Sound financial literacy - budgets, management accounts, financial controls, dealing with auditors

• Working knowledge of safeguarding, risk management and regulatory compliance

• Excellent written and verbal communication, including board-level reporting as well as the ability to speak in public

• Experience making a leadership role pay for itself, through income generation, cost savings, or both

• A genuine, demonstrable commitment to Pickering's mission

Experience and Competencies — Desirable

• Fundraising experience across grants, trusts, community fundraising and corporate partnerships

• Experience within the cancer support, wider healthcare, or hospice sector

• Lived experience of cancer, personally or through supporting someone close to you

• Experience leading a refresh of a brand or a rebrand, service redesign, or physical relocation of services

• Familiarity with Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding local community

Safeguarding

This role involves working with adults who may be vulnerable by virtue of serious illness. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory reference checks before appointment, and will act as, or oversee, the charity's designated safeguarding lead.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Pickering is committed to equal opportunity for all and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. A copy of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy is available on request.

How to Apply

Please apply by Sunday 6 September 2026. Interviews are expected to take place w/c 14 September 2026.

Why apply?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected local charity at a pivotal moment in its development. You will have the opportunity to shape the organisation's future, strengthen its long-term sustainability and make a meaningful difference to the lives of refugees and people seeking asylum. 

We offer flexible working arrangements where appropriate, professional development opportunities and a supportive and committed Board of Trustees.

The role would suit someone with senior management experience who wants meaningful, flexible, part-time work;  someone looking for a stepping-stone into a more senior charity management role; and/or someone who wants a hands-on role in a small organisation where they will have autonomy and their contribution will be visible. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve.

Post outline

Location: Hybrid post. Part home-based, part at two locations in Rossendale
Salary: £35,900 pro-rata

Hours: 0.4 FTE  (flexible but must regulary include Tuesday and/or Wednesday mornings). We are seeking funding to increase this to 0.5 FTE

Duration of Contract: Initially 12 months.  Likely to  be extended for at least 12 months, depending on funding.

Closing Date: 2nd September.Interview date: 9th September.

About Us

Rossendale Refugee Support Group is a small, community-based charity committed to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum to rebuild their lives in safety . We provide practical advice, advocacy, support and opportunities for social contact to individuals and families living in Rossendale.  We currently have a single employee who leads service delivery, and over 20 highly committed volunteers.

We provide two weekly Drop-in sessions for clients, one at Haslingden Link on Wednesdaymornings (offering casework and social opportunities) and one at Bacup Maden Centre on Tuesday mornings (offering casework only).

We are a small charity entering a significant stage in our development. Having established a strong reputation locally we have recently secured a Local Authority contract for delivering refugee advice services.  We are now seeking a Director who can lead the charity at a time of transformation, capitalising on our increased financial security to improve our offer, develop strategic direction, and establish the charity on a more sustainable footing.  There is more information on our website.

Key Responsibilities

· Strategic Leadership.  Work with Trustees to develop and implement future direction of the organisation.

· Partnership development. Represent RRSG and build partnerships with funders, community organisations, national bodies, and other stakeholders.

· Fundraising. Lead the development and delivery of the organisation's fundraising strategy, identifying funding sources, preparing high-quality funding applications and reports, diversifying and strengthening income streams.

· Operational management. Provide overall leadership and management of the charity's services, ensuring services are high-quality and responsive to clients’ needs.

· Line management. Responsible for the Service Delivery Lead postholder.

· Financial management. In partnership with the Treasurer and finance group, oversee financial management.

· Information systems. Oversee the management of organisational records and information systems, ensuring data security, accurate collection, analysis and reporting, to support quality improvement and decision-making.

· Website. Ensure website is kept up to date and developed according to needs.

· Governance. Oversee organisational policies, procedures and risk management, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, funders’ requirements and organisational policies.

· Casework. Provide input into casework service, normally a maximum one session/week, plus cover for absence of the Service Delivery Lead.

· Attending monthly board meeting to report back on service performance.

· Support to the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its responsibilities.

About You

We are looking for someone committed to our aims,  able to work autonomously,  excited to help shape our future with proven capacity to do so.

You will have:

· Strong commitment to the wellbeing of refugees and people seeking asylum

· Significant experience in a senior leadership or management role

· Experience in all aspects of management including finance, monitoring and evaluation, data systems, and people management

· Strong strategic planning, organisational development and project management skills.

· Excellent report writing, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.

· Understanding of safeguarding and data protection requirements

· Willingness to work flexibly according to the charity’s needs

· Ablility to work on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings as needed.

Desirable characteristics:

· A successful track record of securing and managing funding

· Knowledge of the refugee and asylum sector.

· Experience of working within the refugee sector.

· Experience of working with trustees and charity governance.

· Experience of leading organisational change.

· Experience of managing externally funded projects.

· Personal experience of forced migration.

· Ability to speak relevant languages other than English

Westcott House is seeking to appoint a full-time Finance Director to take up post in October 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. As a member of Senior Leadership, this is a dynamic role helping to lead the college in its strategic development and implementation, and in its delivery of exceptional theological education.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and capable Finance Director to make a difference in a Christian charity with an open and inclusive ethos.

The Finance Director is a member of the Senior Leadership of the college and has a pivotal role in ensuring its success. The Finance Director supports the Principal and Trustees in developing and implementing the strategy of the college, oversees and ensures excellent delivery of all financial operations, ensures compliance with all legal and regulatory structures applicable to the college, and ensures clear processes and robust controls are in place and adhered to consistently.

Theological education in the Church of England has faced challenges in recent years, with a drop in numbers training for ministry. We are looking for a senior colleague who will be inspired by the opportunity to help us navigate the coming years on a secure financial footing, so we continue to deliver exceptional theological education for the Church. 

This is a permanent, full-time role. The post holder will be expected to work on site, subject to any reasonable adjustments required under the Equality Act 2010. The salary for this position is currently £62,500 per annum. The 2026 pay review is underway, and any increase would apply from 1 September 2026.

Benefits include:

• 38 days annual leave (including public holidays)
• Generous non-contributory pension scheme
• Free meals on site during working hours in term
• On-site parking
• A rewarding work environment within a friendly, welcoming team

About Us

Situated in central Cambridge, Westcott House is a theological college that prepares people for public ministry in the Church of England and offers theological education, training and research opportunities to clergy and lay people.

Training people for ministry in the Church of England has been our core work over many years and continues to shape our life as a community. More recently we have been joined by increasing numbers of lay and ordained independent students, typically studying at a distance, who now make up around half of our student body.

Application Process

The closing deadline for applications is 12 noon, Wednesday 9 September 2026.

The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate their right to work in the UK before employment commences. Westcott House is an equal opportunities employer and will select candidates against the criteria in the job description and person specification. Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates of UKME and global majority heritage. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process where required.

Westcott House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment.

Interviews will be held in September at Westcott House, Cambridge. Reasonable UK travel expenses will be paid. 

Further particulars, including how to apply, are available on our website.

We are entering a period of unprecedented opportunity. Advances in treatment, increasing recognition of the condition, and growing awareness of healthcare inequalities provide a unique chance to strengthen our impact and expand our reach across the UK. Our ambition is bold: to engage and support at least 50% of the UK myasthenia community as members within the next five years, creating a movement that is representative, influential and impossible to ignore.

The successful candidate will lead the development of a thriving national community of people affected by myasthenia, ensuring that individuals and families feel connected, represented and empowered. They will transform community insight into meaningful campaigns, influence policy and healthcare decision-making, and position myaware as the authoritative voice for everyone affected by the condition.

Success in this role will be measured not only by influence and campaigning outcomes, but by the growth, engagement and mobilisation of our community. The Director will play a central role in delivering our ambition to reach, engage and retain 50% of the UK's myasthenia population as members and active supporters within five years, creating a change-maker movement that is representative of our goals.

Key Responsibilities

Community Growth and Engagement

• Contribute towards the development and delivery of a comprehensive membership growth strategy aimed at engaging at least 50% of the UK myasthenia community within five years.
• Build a deep understanding of the patient journey and identify opportunities to connect with people from diagnosis onwards.
• Lead the development of services, programmes and engagement approaches that increase membership recruitment, retention and participation.
• Ensure that people affected by myasthenia are at the heart of all organisational decisions, campaigns and strategic priorities.
• Create pathways for members, volunteers, supporters and ambassadors to actively contribute to myaware's work.
• Use data, insight and market intelligence to measure community reach, identify underserved groups and drive continuous improvement.

Campaigning, Policy and Influence

• Develop and implement a national campaigning and influencing strategy focused on awareness, equity of care, access to treatment and service improvement.
• Position myaware as a leading voice within healthcare, policy and rare disease discussions across the UK.
• Build strategic relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, NHS organisations, Integrated Care Boards, NICE, clinicians, researchers, industry partners and allied charities.
• Lead public affairs activity, including consultation responses, parliamentary engagement, policy briefings and stakeholder events.
• Ensure lived experience evidence informs policy development, healthcare decision-making and treatment access discussions.

Organisational Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and contribute to organisational strategy and performance.
• Foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, collaboration and measurable impact.
• Work closely with fundraising, communications, partnerships, and service delivery colleagues to maximise organisational reach and effectiveness.

Awareness and Public Engagement

• Increase awareness and understanding of myasthenia among healthcare professionals, policymakers, media and the public.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen myaware's visibility, reputation and influence.
• Support the development of compelling campaigns, media activity and storytelling that inspire engagement and drive action.
• To be the spokesperson for myaware.

What Success Looks Like

Within five years, the postholder will have:

• Led significant growth in membership, progressing towards engaging at least 50% of the UK's myasthenia community.
• Increased participation in surveys, campaigns, events, volunteering and lived-experience activities.
• Established myaware as the recognised national voice for people affected by myasthenia.
• Secured meaningful influence in policy, healthcare and treatment access discussions.
• Generated evidence of improvements in awareness, service delivery, treatment access and patient representation.
• Built a highly engaged and empowered community capable of driving change at local, national and system levels.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Significant senior leadership experience within the charity, healthcare, membership, public affairs or advocacy sectors.
• Proven success in growing and engaging communities, memberships, movements or supporter bases at scale.
• Experience developing and delivering campaigning, influencing or public affairs strategies that have achieved measurable outcomes.
• Strong track record of building relationships with senior external stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Experience using data, insight and lived experience to shape organisational priorities and influence strategy.
• Experience leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Outstanding strategic thinking and leadership abilities.
• Exceptional communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Strong understanding of community mobilisation, supporter engagement and membership growth.
• Ability to translate complex healthcare and policy issues into compelling public narratives and calls to action.
• Strong analytical and performance management skills.
• Commitment to inclusion, co-production and patient-centred approaches.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• Ambitious about building one of the UK's most engaged rare disease communities.
• Passionate about amplifying the voices of people with lived experience.
• Collaborative and inspiring.
• Politically astute and credible with senior stakeholders.
• Resilient, innovative and outcomes focused.
• Motivated by creating lasting change for people living with long-term health conditions.

Why Join Us?

myaware is the only charity in the UK dedicated solely to the care and support of people affected by myasthenia. 

This is a rare opportunity to build a community movement capable of transforming lives. You will lead the growth of a national membership community, shape policy and healthcare conversations, and help ensure that every person affected by myasthenia feels informed, supported, represented and connected.

Together, we aim to ensure that within five years, at least half of everyone living with myasthenia in the UK knows, trusts and actively engages with myaware as their community, their advocate and their voice.

We are working hard to raise awareness of myasthenia, as it is a little-known condition. We provide support for people with myasthenia and their families, whilst offering advice and tips for living with the condition. 

We also fund the research that brings us closer to finding a cure as well as funding specialists nurses and advisors. 

Members of myaware have full access to a wide range of support services and events including our specialist benefits and welfare advisor. 

myaware supports people with myasthenia and their families.  We campaign for better medical services for people with myasthenia and work to inform medical professionals. 

The myasthenias are a group of neuromuscular conditions. They are rare but also manageable and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or nationality. Myasthenia gravis, ocular myasthenia and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome are autoimmune conditions whereas congenital myasthenic syndrome is caused by an inherited genetic fault. It is thought that there are approximately 20,000 people currently living with myasthenia in the UK. 

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance
• Perkbox account (global benefits and rewards platform)
• Group Life Assurance after 6 months of service 
• NEST workplace pension scheme
• Free inhouse staff benefits and welfare advice 
• Investment in your personal and professional development
• Annual salary review

Application instructions

Candidates should submit their CV and tailored covering letter by: 11:30pm on Friday.4th September

Provisional interview dates will be week commencing: 28.9.26

Interviews will be held over Microsoft Teams.

Applications submitted without a tailored cover letter will not be considered.

This post, due to its nature, duties and responsibilities, will be subject to an enhanced check by the DBS. This is funded by myaware.

This organisation supports anonymous recruitment. That means hiding your personal identifying information, removing bias from the hiring process.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.

About us

Community rail is a unique and growing grassroots movement made up of community rail partnerships, station volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives across Britain.

Together, these organisations and volunteers deliver a wide range of initiatives, from engaging young people and building confidence in rail travel, to improving accessibility, enhancing stations, supporting biodiversity projects and creating community spaces that bring people together.

Community Rail Network is the national membership and umbrella body for the community rail movement across England, Scotland and Wales. We empower, support and champion community-led partnerships and groups, helping them create social, environmental and economic value through their work.

Our team of 22 colleagues is based across Britain, working mainly from home while coming together regularly online and in person. We are a collaborative, values-led organisation, passionate about making a difference through community rail.

We believe in nurturing talent, supporting professional development and creating an environment where everyone can reach their potential while maintaining a healthy work–life balance.

About this role and your main responsibilities

We are looking for a compassionate, collaborative and creative leader to head up our work with members. Everyone on the team is here for our members, but you will lead the way in ensuring everything we do is driven by what members need, now and in the future, to help them develop, grow and thrive. You’ll also help ensure our members have a great experience whenever they are accessing our support and services.

As a member of the senior leadership team, you’ll actively contribute towards its collective work in driving organisational performance and success, including growing investment in our work so we can make an even bigger difference for our members and the communities they serve.

Please see the attached introduction from our Chief Executive and role profile for further information about the position, including its principal responsibilities and the experience, skills and attributes we are looking for.

Other information

The role will involve regular travel across England, Scotland and Wales to raise the organisation’s profile and engage with members, partners and key stakeholders.

There is flexibility on your location given the requirement to travel and that your office will be home-based. You will need to travel to in-person quarterly team meetings (usually in London or the north of England) and to Board meetings which alternate between online and London.

It is expected that travel will be by public transport and easy access to the rail network is therefore required to ensure journeys can be made sustainably. 

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of three months. 

Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.

Special Olympics GB is proud to support some of the most inspiring athletes in the world — individuals with intellectual disabilities who compete from local to international levels, breaking down barriers and showing the transformative power of sport both on and off the field of play.

As we enter an exciting new chapter, we are seeking an outstanding Director of Operations to join our Executive Leadership Team. This is a pivotal role for a strategic and values-driven leader who can strengthen our organisation, drive operational excellence and help deliver even greater impact for athletes, families and communities.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, Board and wider movement, you will lead organisational performance across governance, safegaurding, finance, people, systems, planning and delivery, ensuring Special Olympics GB is resilient, ambitious and fit for the future. As Executive Lead for Safeguarding and Welfare, you will champion a culture where the wellbeing, safety and dignity of every athlete remains at the heart of everything we do.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is inspired by the power of sport to transform lives and create more inclusive communities.
• Brings significant senior leadership experience and a track record of organisational development and operational excellence.
• Can translate strategic ambition into effective delivery and sustainable growth.
• Has experience of governance, compliance, finance, risk management and safeguarding.
• Builds strong relationships and partnerships, influencing with credibility and integrity.
• Leads with empathy, accountability and a commitment to inclusion.

The Director of Operations at SOGB is a wide-ranging, key role, reporting to the Chief Executive as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Working across the organisation, the Director of Operations manages the operational and support services activities including governance, compliance, HR, business processes, IT, safeguarding, finance and health & safety to ensure that the organisation runs smoothly, efficiently and effectively.

Application Instructions

For Job Role specifics and how to apply please see the below SOGB Director of Operations Recruitment Pack.

The closing date for applications is Friday 4th September 2026 at 9am. There will be a two- stage interview process that will cover both culture/motivators and thematic competencies.  Stage 1 interviews will take place week beginning 28th September 2026 and stage 2 will take place week beginning 5th October 2026.

DanceSyndrome is looking for an exceptional, experienced, self-motivated, and enthusiastic Growth & Development Director with a minimum of 10 years’ work experience to lead, manage and execute DanceSyndrome’s strategy: Vision 2030, with a specific focus in driving revenue into the organisation, and participation and audience engagement.

We have ambitious plans for the next few years. Our Growth & Development Director will need to be an extremely personable and approachable individual with a strategic mind, and persuasive (Sales) manner who is able to reach and attract new participants, increase participants attending our Community workshops, and increase and reach new audiences for our Performance work to ensure the long-term sustainability of DanceSyndrome’s community offering. 

This is an exciting time to be joining DanceSyndrome where inclusivity and equality create a vibrant energised connected ‘family’. We aim to maximise our impact on a big scale. We have bold ambitions to deliver an outstanding, collaborative, and high-quality programme of co-produced and co-delivered inclusive dance across the North-West, to develop a pathway of opportunities for people with learning disabilities from early years to adulthood and to develop a best practice social replication model.

At DanceSyndrome, we change mindsets about leaders with learning disabilities through a bold model of co-produced dance. Our direct impact creates hope for the future by growing confidence,  building experience and providing creative opportunities in a pioneering way.

The multi award-winning charity was founded by Jen Blackwell, who has Down’s syndrome, because she found it difficult to find opportunities in community dance that were accessible to people with learning disabilities.  
 
DanceSyndrome’s ethos is that disability should never be a barrier to following your dreams. All DanceSyndrome sessions are disability led, with people with learning disabilities taking visible Dance Leader roles to inspire people to see what can be achieved when we all become more inclusive.  

We are currently looking for an experienced Growth & Development Director to join us.

Prospectus is supporting a London-focused organisation to recruit their new Director of Philanthropy. This organisation improves the lives of the most disadvantaged people in London by working with donors to invest in small, local charities and community groups.

Director of Philanthropy

Permanent

£80,000

Closing: Thursday 10 th September 2026

This is a senior, externally focused role for an experience philanthropy leader who can strengthen the organisation's profile, open doors and secure significant new philanthropic income across London's philanthropic landscape. The postholder will lead new business development activity with a particular focus on high-net-worth individuals, corporates, professional advisers and intermediaries and will manage the pipeline of new donor opportunities. Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Philanthropy will provide senior leadership for an ambitious, confident and disciplined approach to business development and income growth.

The selected candidate will have significant experience in philanthropy and fundraising with a proven track record of cultivating, pitching to and securing high-value relationships with audiences such as high-net-worth individuals, corporates, professional advisers, or wealth managers. You will be able to demonstrate experience and knowledge of philanthropy, donor advised funds, corporate giving and charitable giving routes and will be an impressive relationship builder and networker. Crucially, you will be able to develop compelling propositions for busy audiences that draw attention to the work of London's most impactful charities and community groups, and how philanthropy can strengthen that impact.

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

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.

In order to apply, please submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter (max 2 pages) in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. 

Director of People & Organisational Development

ActionAid UK

• Salary: £81,000 - £92,000
• Contract: 18-Month Fixed-Term Contract
• Hours: Full Time, 35 hours per week (flexible working, condensed hours considered)
• Location: Hybrid, London (12 times per year)
• Travel: Occasional travel to Chard, Somerset and international travel as required

Help shape the future of a feminist, anti-racist organisation at a pivotal moment of change.

ActionAid UK works alongside women and girls to challenge injustice, shift power and create lasting social change.

We are now seeking an outstanding people leader to join our Executive Leadership Team as our Interim Director of People & Organisational Development.

This is one of the most significant people leadership opportunities in the charity sector today.

Joining during a period of organisational evolution, the postholder will play a central role in shaping the future of ActionAid UK's people, culture and organisational development agenda. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership across people, culture, safeguarding, organisational effectiveness, employee relations and workforce transformation.

This role is offered on an 18-month fixed-term basis and will appeal equally to established HR Directors seeking a high-impact transformation role, experienced interim leaders looking for a substantial change programme, or values-driven executives attracted by the opportunity to shape lasting organisational impact.

The Opportunity

People and culture have never been more important.

As organisations respond to changing workforce expectations, evolving employment landscapes and increasing demands for equity and inclusion, effective people leadership has become a strategic imperative.

This role offers a rare opportunity to influence organisation-wide change at Executive level. Working closely with the Board, Executive Leadership Team, recognised trade union and colleagues across the organisation, you will shape the systems, structures, leadership capability and people practices that will support ActionAid UK's long-term success.

At ActionAid UK, we are building on strong foundations while preparing for the future.

As Director of People & Organisational Development, you will help lead that journey.

You will join at a pivotal moment as ActionAid UK seeks to:

• Strengthen organisational effectiveness and future-readiness.
• Continue embedding anti-racist and feminist leadership principles across the organisation.
• Develop future workforce and succession plans.
• Review aspects of organisational design and team accountabilities to ensure structures continue to support strategic priorities and effective collaboration
• Build constructive and effective employee and union relationships.
• Lead the implementation of a more equitable pay framework and help shape future reward approaches that support fairness, transparency and organisational values.
• Modernise people systems, processes and data capability.
• Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusion remain central to organisational culture.
• Review how the People function is structured to best support the organisation's future needs.

Why Join ActionAid UK?

Alongside the opportunity to influence a significant people and organisational development agenda, this role offers access to a unique professional network within the charity and international development sectors.

Based in central London, ActionAid UK shares office space with colleagues from Amnesty International UK and operates alongside a community of leading NGOs, creating opportunities for collaboration and professional networking. The successful candidate will also work closely with HR and OD leaders across the wider ActionAid Federation and may have the opportunity to participate in international HR leadership forums and global organisational development initiatives.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking an experienced and values-led executive who combines strategic insight with strong delivery capability.

You may currently be:

• A Director of People, HR Director or Chief People Officer.
• An Organisational Development or Transformation Director.
• An experienced interim executive with a track record of leading complex change programmes.
• A senior people leader from the charity, public, international development or purpose-led private sector.

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading people and organisational development functions.
• Experience leading organisational development, workforce planning, service modernisation or organisational design initiatives that improve effectiveness and support long-term strategic objectives.
• Strong employee relations and employment law expertise,
• Strong experience of trade union consultation and negotiation.
• Experience leading reward, workforce planning or pay framework programmes.
• Knowledge of HR systems implementation, integration or transformation.
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Deep commitment to feminist principles, anti-racist practice and social justice.

Whether you are an experienced HR Director, Chief People Officer, Organisational Development leader or senior interim executive, this role offers a rare opportunity to leave a lasting organisational legacy while contributing to the mission of a globally recognised women's rights organisation.

To find out more please contact Tatiana at Charity People.

How to Apply

The application process is CV and Supporting Statement. In the first instance, please send your up-to-date CV to via the link below for further details about next steps. The closing date is 12 noon on 14th September. The interviews will take place week commencing 28th September.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.