Director of development jobs

The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) is a Charity and Company Limited by guarantee and is the representative body for Directors of Public Health (DPH) in the UK. It seeks to improve and protect the health of the population through collating and presenting the views of DsPH; advising on public health policy and legislation at a local, regional, national and international level; facilitating a support network for DsPH; and providing opportunities for DsPH to develop professional practice.

The Association has a rich heritage, its origins dating back more than 160 years. It seeks to improve and protect the health of the population through collating and presenting the views of DsPH; advising on public health policy and legislation at a local, regional, national and international level; facilitating a support network for DsPH; and providing opportunities for DsPH to develop professional practice.

The Association of Directors of Public Health is now looking to appoint a Communications and Marketing Manager to develop, manage and lead our external communications and marketing programme, working to support the Head of External Affairs to broaden our reach and ensure that the DPH voice has impact.

The successful candidate will have experience in working in a communications environment, be skilled at working with the media and able to produce engaging content for a range of channels and audiences.

Excellent interpersonal and prioritisation skills are required to lead and manage cross team projects and line manage, support and develop the Project Administrator.

The Association does operate a hybrid working arrangement with its staff and candidates from across the UK are welcome, but they will be required to attend meetings and events in central London during the year. Further details can be confirmed prior to application if required.

The closing date is noon on 12th October 2025, however, we do reserve the right to close the application process early should a suitable candidate be available and would therefore urge those interested to apply asap.

The successful candidate will be required to provide evidence of a continuing entitlement to work in the UK.

Please note to be considered for the role you need to apply with a covering letter outlining why you feel you would be suitable for the role, together with a current cv.

The Philharmonia Orchestra is seeking an organised, analytical and proactive Development Research and Operations Manager (DROM) to support the growth in fundraising activity of a busy and ambitious orchestra. The post-holder will deliver high-quality philanthropic research, pipeline and CRM management, the creation of donor briefings for individual, corporate and trust supporters, and horizon scanning for new and future opportunities. 

As the department’s research and CRM lead, the DROM will generate prospect research on those suggested by senior volunteers (Board, Development Board etc.) and those identified in our database, Tessitura. They will support fundraisers across giving streams to create engagement and cultivation plans, and act as the pipeline management champion for the team. The DROM will support fundraisers to ensure activity and contacts is logged consistently, working closely with the Head of Development to monitor KPIs, track and record income and maintain accurate donor and donation records. 

This position is central to ensuring that frontline fundraisers can focus on income generation, supported by robust operational processes, accurate data, and high-quality research. 

This role reports to the Head of Development and will work closely with the Senior Development Manager (Philanthropy) and Director of Development. The work of the Development team is actively supported by the Philharmonia’s Development Board. 

Key Responsibilities 

Research and Pipeline Development:

• Identify, qualify and research prospective major supporters, including individuals, corporates and trusts

• Prepare tailored profiles and high-quality briefings to staff and senior volunteers for meetings and events

• Maintain and refine the prospect pipeline, ensuring clear pipeline management stages and next actions for prospects

• Conduct due diligence research as required for donor engagement

• Implement improvements to pipeline management process 

• Track sector trends and philanthropic activity to inform prospecting and cultivation

CRM, Data and Insights:

• Be the Tessitura CRM and financial process (such as Direct Debits and Gift Aid) lead for the Development team, maintaining accurate, timely, and GDPR-compliant records

• Develop and implement systems, workflows and reporting tools to support a data-led fundraising approach such as in membership acquisition

• Produce regular income and pipeline reports that support departmental planning and forecasting

• Generate guest lists and attendee profiles for events

Department Operations:

• Support the Head of Development with the timely production of proposals, reports and other donor communications

• Work with the Learning and Engagement department to identify and promote opportunities that support fundraising, such as project visits, project pipeline and evaluations. 

• With colleagues, ensure the smooth scheduling and preparation for donor meetings and project visits

• Support the Head of Development and Director of Development in preparation of materials for Board, Development Board and other strategic meetings.

• Reporting and Administration:

• Support the Head of Development in regular moves management and revenue reporting across the department

• Create and maintain updated gift processing workflows including invoices, bank transfers, reconciliation and reporting

• Ensure the highest standard of data capture, financial processes and record-keeping, consistent with GDPR and best practice

• Ensure accurate and up-to-date records and fulfilment of donors’ accreditation and recognition requirements

• Represent the Philharmonia at events and externally when required

• Support the work of the Department and other duties reasonably required by the Philharmonia

Skills and Qualifications

Essential:

• Understanding of different fundraising income streams and the donor cultivation cycle

• Experience of philanthropic prospect research and data analysis

• High levels of organisational skills and attention to detail

• Understanding and experience of using a CRM database (Tessitura is an advantage)

• Understanding of fundraising and data protection regulation (including HMRC Guidelines, Gift Aid, GDPR and the Fundraising Regulator)

• Experience in handling financial and transactional data, and producing financial reports

• Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities

• High-level of IT literacy, including the Microsoft 365 suite.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)

• Interest in and appreciation of the arts

Desirable:

• Experience in a similar role within a fundraising team from the arts and cultural sector

• Knowledge of the Philharmonia and its work; understanding the opportunities and challenges in the orchestral sector – including as this relates to funding opportunities

• Experience in major fundraising campaigns

We want a world where no one dies from hunger. Life-threatening hunger is predictable, preventable and treatable. Join Action Against Hunger and together we will stop it in its tracks.

Action Against Hunger is an optimistic, inspiring place to work. We want passionate and dedicated people to help build a better world. We’re a creative team made up of people with a wide range of talents, styles and expertise. But we are united in our relentless dedication to end world hunger. No challenge is too big. With you we can do it. Join us.

We are looking for an Advocacy Director (temporary position to cover maternity leave) to join our team.  The Director of Advocacy plays a key role in influencing UK government decision-making around preventing and responding to hunger and nutrition crises globally. This senior leadership position will be responsible for shaping and driving an impactful advocacy agenda that aligns with Action Against Hunger’s mission to respond effectively to humanitarian crises worldwide and to detect, prevent and treat child undernutrition. Additionally, the role will position the charity as a trusted partner and reliable recipient of UK government humanitarian grants.

This is a great opportunity for someone with experience in both advocacy on humanitarian crises and related subjects, and a good understanding of UK ODA funding mechanisms. The Director of Advocacy oversees a department responsible for both Action Against Hunger’s UK advocacy and campaigns work and for managing UK government and related income streams.We would love to hear from you if you’re interested in joining us. For more detailed information on the role – and to see whether you have the necessary experience - please download the attached pdf Job description.

Closing Date: 25-Sep-2025 23:30 

Planned date to begin interviews: 01/10/2025

Please read the following carefully before making your application: then all you need to do is send your CV and write a supporting statement explaining why you want the job and how your skills and experience make you the right person for the role and where you saw this vacancy.

• As a UK based position, candidates must have the right to work in the UK
• We welcome applications from all sections of the community and we encourage as broad a range of candidates as possible. If you need any additional support to help you through this process, please let us know (contact details in the job pack)
• Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we will only contact shortlisted candidates, within two weeks of the closing date Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual feedback
• If you experience any technical difficulties in submitting your application, please contact the charityjob helpdesk

The Organisation

Beat is the UK’s eating disorder charity. We exist to end the pain and suffering and loss of life among people affected by eating disorders:

• We help them to understand their illness, support them to get treatment and help them towards recovery.
• We help families and carers know how best to support a loved one into, through and out of treatment.
• And we train teachers, health professionals and other key individuals to spot when someone is showing the early signs of an eating disorder, how to talk to them and how to encourage them to seek and get treatment as quickly as possible.

We use our experience to campaign for better government policy and health service practice that addresses the challenges faced by people with eating disorders, always guided by the experience of our beneficiaries and the expertise of clinicians. We work both nationally and locally, focusing on three priority areas: early intervention, family empowerment and prevention & cure.

The Role

We are seeking a strategic, experienced, and inspiring leader to join Beat as our next Director of Finance and Resources. This is a rare opportunity to help lead a fast-growing, mission-driven organisation at a pivotal moment in its journey. You will join a truly collaborative Executive team where decisions are made collectively, ideas are shared openly, and every Director plays a vital role in shaping Beat’s strategy and future. Together, we will guide the organisation as we launch our new five-year strategy, ensuring that we can continue to build financial resilience, grow our reach, strengthen our impact, and remain a sustainable charity.

In this role, you will not only oversee the financial health of the charity, but also shape the systems, people strategy, and resources that underpin everything we do. Your leadership will be instrumental in embedding robust and transparent financial management, driving operational excellence, and ensuring that our people and infrastructure are fully equipped to deliver our ambitious goals.

You will lead a multi-disciplinary team covering finance, HR, IT, and facilities, providing clear direction and supportive leadership. With direct line management of the Finance Manager, HR & Governance Manager, and Senior Project Manager and Evaluation Lead, you will ensure that all areas of Finance and Resources operate efficiently, sustainably, and in close partnership with colleagues across the charity.

The Person

This role will suit someone who thrives on collaboration, innovation, and impact. You may already be working at Director level, or you may be ready to step up from leading a senior finance, HR, or operations function in a larger organisation. Either way, you will bring the vision and experience to strengthen Beat’s foundations and the drive to help us reach new heights.

• Proven experience working as part of an Executive Team to lead an organisation, shaping strategy and delivering results through cross-functional collaboration.
• Significant experience leading organisation-wide HR strategy and operations, with a proven ability to build an inclusive, high-performing culture. CIPD qualification desirable but not essential.
• Proven experience leading finance in a complex organisation, ideally in the charity or not-for-profit sector to ensure long-term financial sustainability. Qualified accountant (CCAB-recognised body: ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) or equivalent senior-level financial management experience. 
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence colleagues, Trustees, and external partners.
• Sound understanding of governance, compliance, and risk management in a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to Beat’s mission, values, and to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion.

Further Information

For extended information about Beat, the role responsibilities and the person specification, please download the Candidate Information Pack.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this brilliant opportunity, please provide the following with your application:

• An up to date CV with details of two referees (we will not contact them without your prior permission).
• A supporting statement which addresses how you meet the criteria for the role and highlights your motivations for applying.
• You will be asked to complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.

Next Steps

The closing date for applications: Wednesday 17th September 2025
Preliminary interviews with Russam: 18th – 23rd September 2025 (online)
First stage interviews with Beat: 2nd-8th October (London)
Second stage interviews: 13th-14th October (Norwich)

Travel expenses can be covered for in-person interviews.

Harris Hill are delighted to be working with Caudwell Children Charity to recruit for a Director of Income Generation.

Are you a visionary income generation leader ready to drive real change?

At Caudwell Children, they empower children to live their best lives. The charity are now entering a new chapter with a transformational 5-year strategy launching in October 2025, and they're looking for a Director of Income Generation who can help the organisation make it a reality.

As new Director of Income Generation, you’ll lead and shape a high performing, multi-disciplinary fundraising team across:

• Grants & Philanthropy
• Events
• Corporate Partnerships
• Community Fundraising
• Individual Giving

With events currently contributing a significant portion of the income, your mission will be to diversify and grow our income portfolio, tapping into new charity, statutory and commercial funding streams, both in the UK and internationally.

As a Director of Income Generation you will be reporting directly to the CEO and work collaboratively across the charity to deliver long term, sustainable growth.

To be successful, you must:

• Demonstrable experience of developing income generation strategies including some streams from scratch. 
• Demonstrable experience of leading across all forms of voluntary income generation and specialism in numerous streams.
• Demonstrable track record for setting and achieving significant income generation targets.
• Demonstrable experience of creating and developing fundraising teams and staffing structures.
• Demonstrable experience in managing relationships with high net worth/high profile individuals and companies. 
• Experience of charity retail is beneficial.
• Experience of operating as part of a senior management team.
• Computer literate, with strong competence in using the mainstream computing packages and products
• Driven, proactive and productive self-starter 
• An enthusiastic, driven and sensitive team member - able to support their peers and encourage others for the benefit of the team
• Well organised – able to prioritise and manage own workload
• Confident, professional and friendly communicator with a hands-on approach

Salary: £80,000 + bonus (DOE)

Location: Hybrid (Staffordshire HQ) around 2 twice a month

Contract: Permanent

Closing date: Thursday 25th September at 9am

Interview: 1st round w/c 29th September

                2nd round w/c 6th October

Recruitment process: Cv and Supporting Statement to

Benefits:

• 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 33 with service, plus Bank Holidays and Christmas shutdown
• State-of-the-art workplace facilities and a supportive, inclusive team culture
• Enhanced pension, sick pay, and Employee Assistance Programme
• Opportunities for professional development, CPD support, and volunteering

If this sounds like you, then please do get in touch ASAP!

Unfortunately, due to resource capacity, we will only contact candidates that are shortlisted for interview. Therefore if you do not hear from us within 2 weeks of the closing date please note your application has been unsuccessful.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

As Director of Fundraising, you’ll be part of the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT), leading fundraising development and investment. An experienced leader, you’ll manage diverse income streams and teams, excelling in high-value individual and corporate relationships. Strong communication, strategic thinking, and team development skills are essential - you’ll oversee a fundraising strategy, collaborate with other SLT members on grants and campaigns, and help shape the charity’s culture, ensuring all staff align with its values. 

Please see the website for the complete job pack Join Us | Sheffield Hospitals Charity

The Director of Policy, Strategy and Governance is a new leadership role at the forefront of shaping and communicating our strategic direction.

As a member of the executive team reporting to the CEO, the Director will work with school leaders, other key external partners and teams within Camden Learning to drive high standards and grow a school-led system striving for both excellence and equity.

The Director will be responsible for leading, developing and communicating Camden Learning’s strategic direction, including plans for future growth and success. This entails keeping abreast of current developments, not only identifying opportunities and trends but also developing and supporting innovative approaches while ensuring alignment with Camden Learning’s goals.

The Director will be responsible for overall governance effectiveness, as well as provide strategic leadership for school governor services, ensuring effective support for governors in their key strategic and statutory roles. This includes establishing high-quality development and training programmes, the provision of a clerking service and bespoke support for governing bodies, as needed.

We are looking for a leader who can take ownership of shaping this role from day one – a strategic thinker, a skilled communicator, and a champion of inclusive governance. This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of education in Camden and beyond. Your leadership will help us tell our story, measure our impact, and ensure that our strategy remains both ambitious and grounded in the realities of our schools.

Key dates

• Applications close: 9am Mon 6 October
• First round interviews: Tue 21 and Wed 22 October (online)
• Final round interviews: Tue 28 October (in person at 5 Pancras Square, London)
• Start date: As soon as possible (January 2026), to be agreed with the successful candidate.

ImpactEd Consulting is acting as recruitment advisor to Camden Learning on this appointment.

About the Role

As Director of Finance, you’ll:

• Lead all aspects of financial strategy, reporting, and governance
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations and team leadership
• Provide critical insight and assurance to the Chief Executive and Trustees
• Responsible for executive on-call duties as part of a scheduled rota, handling urgent issues outside regular business hours.
• Support the financial management of fundraising income and grant funding
• Manage the Facilities function to ensure safe, compliant, and well-maintained premises
• Drive continuous improvement, sustainability, and operational effectiveness
• Support the IT and Data protection operations 

You’ll be instrumental in helping us deliver our strategic vision with financial clarity, stability, and confidence.

NEON’s People & Operations Hub makes sure all our internal systems run smoothly and that our team is happy, high-performing and cared for. As Co-Director of People & Operations, you will lead on the “People” (HR and culture) side of this Hub – overseeing our people strategy, HR policies, and team development – while your co-director focuses on other operational areas like finance, fundraising and compliance. Together, you’ll ensure NEON is both  high impact and a joyful place to work, embodying our values of respect, generosity and solidarity in all internal practices.

This is a senior leadership position for an experienced people-operations professional who is passionate about social justice and building healthy organisations. If you’re excited about developing teams and culture in a way that challenges oppressive systems while delivering real-world impact, we’d love to hear from you!

Prospectus are excited to be working exclusively with our client to recruit their new Director of Philanthropy Partnerships to join their team. The organisation is part of a global charity that uses hospital ships to deliver free healthcare to people in some of the poorest countries in the world. Their volunteers work with host nations to improve healthcare systems by training local medical staff and renovating facilities to leave a lasting legacy. Since 1978, They have visited 55 countries, providing services worth more than £1.2 billion.

The UK currently raises £9 million a year to support the charity's operations, benefiting from a diverse base of committed funders and partners.  As well as providing financial resources for surgeries, healthcare, education and local partnerships, the UK identifies over 400 professional volunteers with medical, maritime and many other skills to crew the world’s largest charitable hospital ships.

This role is offered on a permanent full-time contract basis paying a salary between £68,000 to £75,000 per annum with flexible hybrid working arrangements at their Stevenage office.

The Director of Philanthropy Partnerships will be a member of the executive leadership team, and they will lead the ambitious Philanthropy team to fundraise from corporate partners, Major Donors, Trusts and Foundations. They will operationalise the three-year strategy, with realistic stretch targets and develop a prospect pipeline, mapping stakeholder and donor relationships. They will develop a personal caseload of donors capable of giving +£100K, over the next three years, building relationships with them and co-ordinating their solicitation and stewardship. The post holder will work closely with the Executive Director to identify key influencers and supporters, to build a strong group of high-calibre ambassadors.

They are looking for someone with demonstrable experience in securing six & seven-figure gifts and providing excellent relationship management. They are looking for a candidate with a strong background in leadership with the charity sector and experience in managing ambassadors and patrons. The ideal candidate will be committed to the values of the charity and understands the cultural nuances of a global organisation.

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

We are looking for an outstanding individual to join our Development and Alumni Relations team to help guide and deliver ourregular giving and stewardship programmes. The ideal candidate will have experience of running successful major fundraising appeals to large audiences. They will have the ability to draft persuasive and accurate copy to support both fundraising and stewardship literature. They will be highly motivated and creative, driving new initiatives to boost participation, increase overall giving, while also increasing retention of donors through an outstanding, tailored stewardship programme. They will be a team-player who can work autonomously when required, but can work collaboratively, and will support other team members with aspects of their work.

The Development and Alumni Relations Office leads the process of generating long-term and consistent voluntary income for Merchant Taylors’ School, and forrunning a comprehensive alumni and parental relations programme.

The Development Manager (Fundraising and Stewardship) will be responsible for planning, managing and having an input to the strategy for a regular giving programme at Merchant Taylors’ School, with a focus on increasing the participation (giving rates) of both our alumni and parental constituencies, as well as donor retention through planning and executing a stewardship programme for benefactors of all levels. Some face-to-face fundraising may also be required, particularly relating to legacy fundraising and the post-holder will build a portfolio of mid-level donors they will manage.

Harrogate Neighbours (HNHA) exists to support and improve the lives of elderly and vulnerable people across the region, transforming lives and empowering the community on a daily basis! With over 50 years of experience, they provide a vast range of services ranging from meals on wheels in the community to residential care (at their homes in Starbeck and Boroughbridge). The charity’s values focus on compassion, accountability, respect and excellence, and the incredible staff team deliver an uncompromised standard of care to all.

Following a hugely successful restructure we are recruiting 2 pivotal new roles into this life affirming organisation and are looking for passionate and talented individuals able to take on the challenge of leading the charity through this exciting next phase.

Are you a transformational strategic leader with experience in the care, charity or housing sector? We would love to hear from you!

The Role 

The Director of Service Development is a strategic role, responsible for the development and growth of services across HNHA. Duties will include:

• Responsibility for the people strategy, HR processes and marketing.
• Accountability for the implementation and development of the organisational strategy, including HNHA’s hospitability and community engagement projects.
• Identifying and exploring opportunities for strategic service expansion, improvement and innovation.
• Responsibility for partnership strategy and building and maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders.
• Developing and delivering a robust people strategy and managing and supporting departmental leaders.

The Person

We are looking for a talented strategic leader with prior experience in a senior role within the care, housing, or charity sector. With extensive experience in HR management, people strategy and service delivery and growth, you should also have excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship building skills.

This is a leadership role so we are looking for someone inspiring, someone who can lead the team and foster a culture of collaboration and excellence. Passion for the cause is key – we are looking for an individual who will rise to the challenge of ensuring HNHA continues to change lives across the region!

Why HNHA?

Not only does HNHA care deeply for the people it serves in the community, but it also provides a wonderfully supportive working culture. Spending even a short time at the residential homes, or with the staff team, shows you what a special place this truly is. Following a successful restructure, this is a hugely exciting time to join the charity as they embark on the next phase of their journey. Benefits include:

• Health insurance from WPA
• 3 x Life cover with company pension
• Paid massages
• 1-to-1 Support Sessions: Fully paid and tailored for your personal growth.
• Long Service Awards: Celebrate milestones with rewards.
• Annual staff awards evening
• Events for Staff & Families: Regular gatherings to foster connection and fun.
• Access to Blue Light card
• Free on-site car park
• Free meals on shift as well as tea, coffee and water
• Nearby station and buses for commuting.

The role will be predominantly based out of The Cuttings, in Harrogate, but there will also be the option for some flexibility and hybrid working. To express your interest, or find out more, please apply directly or contact the team below. Please note that 1st stage interviews will be held on the 7th / 8th October and 2nd stage on Monday 20th October 2025.

Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format such as audio or video upload, or require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us, please contact either Jen, Charlie or Leanne who will be happy to advise on this.

Please also be aware that we use anonymous recruitment methods when submitting shortlists for all our roles and we only work with organisations that are happy to engage with us in this way.

Charity Horizons is an equal opportunities employer and as such actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates irrespective of age, disability, hidden disability, race or national origin, religion or belief, gender, gender expression, political view, sexual orientation, medical condition and pregnancy.

We are looking for an experienced Finance Director to join our team of nearly 100 staff, ideally before the end of 2025.

This is a full-time, home-based, permanent position. You can be based anywhere in mainland UK or Ireland, with some travel and occasional overnight stays to meeting and conferences mainly in England and Wales.

We offer flexibility around working hours, including the option of a 9 day fortnight - time off in lieu is also available. We offer 25 days holiday pro rata (rising to 28 days) plus statutory public holidays. We are happy to make adjustments for people with disabilities and/or caring responsibilities, and we welcome applications from all communities.

The role is a grade 7 position with a starting salary circa £75,000 plus benefits including 9% employer pension contribution.

The Finance Director (“FD”) works alongside the Chief Executive and Operations Director to manage the finances and governance of The Rivers Trust, a leading conservation charity with three associated trading subsidiaries operating across the UK and Ireland, with a collective annual income approaching £10m.

Given the prospective retirement of the current postholder at the end of 2025, we are seeking a well-qualified and experienced individual to take on this senior leadership role as soon as possible to enable handover to occur.

The role is very varied and wide-ranging, including presenting financial information to the Trustees and senior management on a quarterly basis, reviewing monthly management accounts, leading on annual budgeting, appraising internal project concepts and contracts, statutory compliance administration and liaising with auditors.

The postholder will lead a team of eight in the Finance department and join a very welcoming team of 95 highly engaged and passionate staff at The Rivers Trust.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Working alongside the CEO, the Finance Director will provide commercial, financial and governance management and leadership for The Rivers Trust ("the Charity") and its associated subsidiaries (“The Companies”). The FD will not only be an exceptional accountant, with executive oversight of the finance function, but will be commercially astute and have the confidence to represent robustly the best interests of The Companies. The FD will also be an experienced manager of people.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Act as a business partner to support and constructively challenge the CEO in the general management of the Charity and the Companies, reporting to the board.
2. Lead all aspects of the finance function (including maintaining and developing the financial control environment; robust financial accounting; cashflow management; incisive management information; clear and concise reporting to Board) to ensure that the Charity and the Companies’ assets are secured, risks are managed, and the Board of Trustees, subsidiary boards and committees can make well-informed decisions.
3. Manage relationships with auditors, funders, IT specialists, banks, investment platforms and other external organisations.
4. Provide support to project bids and the development of other commercial opportunities to ensure that bids/opportunities are optimised for the Charity and the Companies as a whole.
5. Provide input to project and programme delivery from time to time, to ensure that performance is maximised for the Charity and the Companies.
6. Attend Board meetings and Business Audit and Risk Committee meetings to guide the Board and the Senior Management Team on financial, commercial and governance issues.
7. Ensure compliance with the requirements of the Charity Commission and Companies House and, from time to time, provide guidance to members of the Rivers Trust movement on good governance practice.
8. Maintain the finance department operational manual for business continuity.
9. Serve as the Company Secretary for the Charity and Companies.

Staff Management:

1. Lead, manage and develop the finance team (who work remotely) and ensure the team understands their respective and collective contribution to achieving the Charity's and the Companies’ objectives.
2. Support the team in their professional development.
3. Ensure the team delivers a high-quality service focused on internal and external customers and funders.

Knowledge, skills, experience, and personal qualities:

Essential

• Significant experience in financial management and senior leadership roles, ideally gained in a range of organisations.
• A strategic thinker, able to see the big-picture, shape long-term direction and balance this with attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills combined with creativity and openness to innovate.
• Strong IT and digital skills, with experience of using technology to improve efficiency and automate processes.
• Proven people leadership experience, with a track record of managing, developing, and inspiring teams and creating a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative culture.
• Excellent relationship builder, with the interpersonal skills to influence, collaborate, and provide constructive challenge while maintaining positive relationships across the organisation, including with trustees and senior stakeholders.
• Experience reporting to boards of trustees and/or directors, with the confidence to contribute to board-level discussions as a trusted adviser.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills, able to distil complexity into pertinent, concise and understandable messages tailored to diverse audiences.
• The courage to make and communicate tough decisions and be open about risks and setbacks.
• Resilient and calm under pressure, with the ability to maintain focus and steady leadership in challenging circumstances.
• Impeccable standards of integrity and personal ethics, acting as a role model for the organisation values.
• Knowledge of Sage financial software packages.
• Work to a good standard in Microsoft 365, especially Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams.

Desirable

• Experience of working in the charitable sector.
• Experience of being a Company Secretary.
• Understanding of the environmental sector or a passion for making a positive impact.
• Familiarity in using Sharepoint, Sage and Slack.
• Knowledge of Partial Exemption VAT rules.
• A basic understanding of Irish tax law, Irish and UK payroll taxes and corporate governance.

Qualifications/ Education

• Qualified Accountant, preferably ICAEW or ACCA.

Additional information

Everyone who works for us is expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive working culture and follow our policies and procedures including Health & Safety, EDI, Cybersecurity and GDPR.

Please note we can only accept applications made through this site, and not sent by email or other methods.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If you would benefit from any adjustments to support you through the process, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

To apply please send your CV and a covering letter.

Closing date: Wednesday 24th September 2025

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a strong pool of applications, so we encourage early submission

Help shape the future of England’s common land.

We’re the only charity in England dedicated to protecting and enhancing common land and supporting the tradition of sustainable pastoral commoning. Fresh from completing a landmark £3.1 million National Lottery project, we’re growing fast — and we’re looking for our first Operations Director to help us scale up our impact.

You’ll lead on operational strategy, build strong systems and processes, and make sure our small but talented team has what they need to deliver their best work. If you’re an experienced, adaptable leader who thrives in a small charity and cares about landscapes, heritage, and community, we’d love to hear from you.

Role: 0.8 FTE fixed 2 year contract extendable subject to funding.

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 24th September 2025.

Vist our website to apply and for further information