Director of development jobs

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with Salford CVS in their search for a Director of Delivery.

Salary: £52,413 - £54,495 per annum
Location: Eccles, Salford (predominantly office-based)

Make a difference in Salford

Salford CVS has been supporting local people and communities since 1919. As the city-wide infrastructure body for the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, they are passionate about creating a fairer, healthier, and more connected Salford.

They’re now looking for a Director of Delivery to join their Senior Management Team and play a key role in ensuring their projects and programmes deliver meaningful impact across the city.

About the Role

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for the successful delivery of a diverse portfolio of programmes. You will:

• Lead and support Programme Managers and delivery teams.
• Ensure projects meet funder requirements, deliver outcomes, and demonstrate impact.
• Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and impact reporting systems.
• Manage budgets and contracts, ensuring compliance with GDPR, safeguarding, and health & safety.
• Build strong partnerships with public sector bodies, funders, and community organisations.
• Deputise for the Chief Executive when required.

You’ll be joining a values-led organisation with nearly 50 staff and over 1,000 member organisations. Together, they champion the VCSE sector, influence local and regional policy, and deliver programmes that support volunteering, health, skills, and community wellbeing.

About You

We’re looking for a confident and experienced leader who can balance strategic oversight with hands-on operational management. You’ll need to bring:

• Significant experience of managing complex programmes and contracts.
• Strong line management and staff development skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building ability.
• A track record of performance management, monitoring and evaluation.
• Knowledge of compliance areas (safeguarding, GDPR, H&S).
• A collaborative, solutions-focused and values-driven approach.

Experience in the VCSE sector is desirable, but more important is your commitment to the mission: making a difference in Salford.

Join Salford CVS and help shape the future of communities across Salford.

For the full application pack and to schedule a call for more information, please send your CV to  Lizzy Clark at Harris Hill:

Deadline: 1st October 2025

Please note, CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis and only successful applicants will be contacted with more information.

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.

Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER) is seeking our next Executive Director. This is an opportunity to lead Scotland’s foremost strategic anti-racist organisation, taking forward its mission and objectives at a pivotal moment.

About Us

The Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER) is Scotland’s leading strategic anti-racist organisation. Based in Glasgow, we work to eliminate racial discrimination and harassment and to promote racial justice across Scotland through research, policy development, lobbying, campaigning and network-building.

Our mission is to protect, enhance and promote the rights of Black and minority ethnic (BME) communities across all areas of life in Scotland, strengthening their social, economic and political capital, particularly for those most at risk of disadvantage.

The Role

As Executive Director, you will be the senior officer responsible for the strategic leadership, policy development, office and staff management, financial control, stakeholder relationships and Company Secretary duties. You will ensure delivery of annual work plans, contractual compliance and organisational sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy, Research and Policy Development: Provide strategic direction, delivering CRER’s vision, aims and objectives; lead development and execution of strategy with staff and Board, setting policy, research and advocacy priorities.
• Governance and Operational Management: Act as Company Secretary; oversee OSCR compliance; support the Board’s duties through guidance and information; prepare annual budgets; ensure sound financial management; oversee management accounts and annual reports; maintain infrastructure and regulatory compliance; implement risk management; develop funding applications and tender responses.
• Staff Leadership and Development: Lead and line-manage a motivated team; maintain and apply the CRER Policies and Procedures Handbook consistently.
• Stakeholder Relations and Public Relations: Manage external relationships with BME organisations, third sector, government, funders, academia, and parliamentarians; represent CRER in strategic discussions, public events, media, and on social media platforms.
• Other Duties: Any additional tasks required for effective organisational functioning.

Key Details

• Job Title: Executive Director
• Salary: £67,000 per annum
• Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week)
• Location: Hybrid home/office (minimum three days per week in our Glasgow City Centre office, with occasional travel across Scotland). Support with required relocation costs available.

Person specification:

• Degree level qualification or equivalent
• Expertise in strategic, anti-racist approaches to race equality
• Strong oral and written communication with diverse audiences
• Ability to interpret complex social policy and devise effective interventions for Black minority ethnic communities in Scotland
• Current awareness of developments in the race equality arena
• Lived experience of racialisation, applied to policy and practice
• Senior leadership with strategic planning and business implementation
• Proven track record in securing varied funding and managing charity finances and governance
• Skilled in report writing, research, presentations and policy influence
• Commitment to CRER’s mission, aims and values
• Relationship-building and interpersonal skills at all levels
• Strategic, analytical thinker who works well under pressure and exercises sound judgement
• Flexible team player with initiative
• Highly motivated self-starter driven to advance racial equality in Scotland

While prior experience in the above areas gained in a Scottish context would be desirable, CRER is keen to appoint the best person for the role wherever they may currently be, so long as they have the right to work in the UK.

The information pack can be found attached to this advert which includes details on how to apply. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny at Harris Hill via the apply button with suitable times to speak.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 22nd September 2025.

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, and will endeavour to promote equality for all candidates, in line with the protected characteristics and requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

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

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

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

We’re looking for a Programme Director to help drive forward our vision of a fairer Redbridge where everyone and every community has an equal opportunity to thrive. In this pivotal role, you’ll lead the design and delivery of high-impact programmes that respond to local priorities and make a real difference.

Working collaboratively with partners, funders, and stakeholders, you will help shape innovative and inclusive approaches to tackling complex social challenges.

We are looking for an autonomous, inspiring, confident and organised leader. A transformer, capable of leading change and of developing services systematically and robustly. Someone who is inspired by the work we are doing now, and the opportunity to continue to lead growth and development. 

Joining at an exciting time as we prepare a three-year strategy, you will have experience of charity sector, be able to evidence service leadership, change management, service design / transformation. You will have a strong understanding of governance, quality and safety in service design, as well as lived experience impact.

You will have had experience of working in or alongside the NHS. You will be an empowering leader, supportive and coaching in style, bringing people with you through development and change work.

You will be collaborative in your approach and credible in your leadership. You will have worked with other senior leaders and be comfortable presenting to boards and to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. 

Please refer to the attached recruitment pack for the full Job Specification.

Please upload your CV and supporting cover letter, outlining why you’re interested in the role. Please take your time to explain how your experience is relevant to this post and how you meet the criteria.

Closing date: Midnight Sunday 21st September 2025 

First stage virtual interviews: Monday 29th September 2025 

Second stage in-person interviews: Wednesday 15th October 2025 

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to join us as our Director of Service Delivery. This is a pivotal role leading the design and delivery of our frontline services, ensuring they are high quality, person centred and making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities across Surrey and surrounding areas.

Location: Woking / Hybrid

Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 DOE

Permanent | Full Time (35 hours/week)

Benefits: 26 days annual leave (rising with service) + bank holidays + 1 extra days leave on your birthday, Pension, Access to Simply Health, Blended working, Employee discount programme and more…..

About Us

Catalyst Support, is a respected non-profit organisation in Surrey that’s been supporting people facing mental health challenges, substance use, and wellbeing needs for over 35 years. Operating with values at the heart of everything they do, Catalyst empowers communities through responsive, high-quality services and compassionate care.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the CEO and as part of the senior leadership team, you will provide compassionate and strategic leadership across all operational areas – including mental health, substance use, and outreach – the Director of Service Delivery ensures services are safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed, and that they reflect the diversity and lived experience of the communities we support.

You will hold accountability for service performance, safeguarding, quality assurance, and system partnerships. They work closely with the CEO, the Director of Operations (internal systems and transformation), and the Head of Finance and Resources to ensure operational delivery is effectively supported by infrastructure, systems, and financial stewardship.

Who We’re Looking For

Proven track record of delivering high quality, person led and socially impactful services and managing internal functions

Senior operational leadership experience in health, care, VCSE or related sectors

Experience in managing service compliance and staff wellbeing

Demonstrated success in leading performance improvement and impact measurement

Strong partnership working experience across statutory, VCSE and community systems

Budget management, including responsibility for service level budget setting, monitoring and decision making

Deep understanding of safeguarding frameworks, regulation and operational risk

Strong leadership and coaching skills rooted in empathy, empowerment and inclusion

Applications are open until 29th September, though we may close earlier if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply soon. Please note, we are not working with recruitment agencies for this vacancy.

This post is subject to the DBS check. Please note past drug and/or alcohol or criminality history will not necessarily discount you from undertaking this role.

Are you a values-led leader with a passion for delivering impactful services?

We are seeking a Director of Services to lead the development and delivery of national carer support services. This is an exciting opportunity to join a committed senior leadership team and play a key role in shaping the next stage of their strategy.

Remote (UK-based) | Contract until Dec 2026

About the Role

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team to deliver impactful services.
• Use data and insights to strengthen outcomes and ensure services remain responsive and effective.
• Collaborate with the senior leadership team to drive strategic goals.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery.

This role offers the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere in the UK, with occasional in-person meetings (typically twice a month) in London.

About you

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Proven experience at Director or senior leadership level within a service delivery role (preferably within the charity sector).
• A track record of managing counselling or advice services and involving service users in co-design.
• Strong skills in impact reporting, partnership building, and leading high-performing teams.
• A collaborative and strategic mindset, with the ability to balance competing priorities.
• Understanding of safeguarding and the issues facing carers (experience in the dementia or carers’ sector desirable but not essential).

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference for carers and ensure services remain robust, inclusive, and impactful.

For more information, please submit your CV to .

 Please note, CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis, and only successful applicants will be contacted with more information.

 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.

ABOUT US 

The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats. 

Join our Online Information Session! We are hosting an Online Information Session with the CEO and interim Director of Fundraising to give candidates an opportunity to learn more about the role and to ask any questions.

The session will last no longer than 45 minutes and will be held at 14:00 on Friday 5 September.
Please register your interest by emailing Charlotte Hines (full details available via our website). 

THE ROLE 

 Due to the retirement of a long-standing executive team member, this newly repurposed Executive Leadership role has a clear focus on our long-term financial sustainability and mission impact. As Executive Director of Fundraising Development, you will lead our strategic partnerships, philanthropy, and major income generation programmes. 

 You’ll be responsible for inspiring significant financial support through trusts, major donors, corporates, legacies, and philanthropic networks. Working closely with the CEO and fellow Executive Directors, you’ll play a key role in shaping and delivering our Strategy to 2030 - ensuring we have the income, influence, and innovation to match our ambition. 

 Protecting and restoring woodlands that have stood for centuries - the crown jewels of the natural world in the UK - and creating the woods of the future, means this role will leave a legacy which will last for generations.  It’s an opportunity to lead with purpose, engage with powerful networks, and literally change the nature of the UK landscape for the better. 

THE CANDIDATE 

We’re looking for a proven senior leader with extensive experience in fundraising, income generation or strategic partnerships - ideally within the not-for-profit sector. 

You’ll bring: 

• Strategic fundraising expertise across major giving, trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships, and philanthropy. 

• Inspiring leadership - able to guide, develop and motivate high-performing teams. 

• Strong external profile - with a track record of building and leveraging influential networks. 

• Collaborative mindset - experienced in working at Executive level, shaping cross-organisational strategy. 

• A personal commitment to nature recovery, equity of access, and environmental impact. 

Most importantly, you’ll be values-led - excited by the potential of this pivotal role to shape lasting change. 

Our Organisational Nature enables us to better understand what it means to be part of the Woodland Trust, empowering us to make an impact, every day. We want you to be able to role model our values; ‘Grow Together’, ‘Focus’, ‘Explore’ and ‘Make it Count’ to ensure each of us plays our part in helping to protect, restore and create our woods and trees. 

Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer: 

• Enhanced Employer Pension 

• Life Assurance 

• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options 

• Generous Annual Leave (25 days + bank holidays) 

• Annual leave buy and sell 

• Enhanced Parental Pay 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: The Woodland Trust embraces diversity and inclusion. We want our team to reflect the UK's diverse community. We support people from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who are under-represented. 

Application Advice: Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply. Your enthusiasm for the environment and our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count-are what matter most.

To maintain fairness and reduce bias during shortlisting, we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from hiring managers, please help us to maintain your anonymity by removing personal details from your CV prior to submission. 

Apply Now: If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make a positive impact on our planet. 

1st Interviews will be held via Teams on Friday 3 October 2025 
2nd Stage Interviews will be held in-person at our Grantham Office on Monday 13 October 2025 

Details of both events will be shared with shortlisted candidates prior to each stage. 

The Childhood Trust is London's child poverty charity. We are dedicated to creating opportunities and brighter futures for the 700,000 children growing up in poverty in London. While we work to alleviate today’s impact of poverty, we support children and families to build pathways to become happier, healthier, safer and more resilient, breaking the cycles of inequity. Listening to and engaging with young people who have experience of living in poverty, is critical to ensuring our efforts truly reflect their needs and aspirations.  

As Director of Fundraising, you will be a key member of our senior leadership team delivering on the strategic objectives of the charity with responsibility for raising £4m this financial year in voluntary income for the Childhood Trust across trusts & foundations, corporates, major donors and community.  Delivering growth year on year to support the ambitious plans of the organisation.  Directly managing three ‘Heads Of’ fundraising roles, you will create a new fundraising strategy, steer the fundraising team’s activities, secure funding, and cultivate relationships that fuel our mission. 

Benefits to working at the Childhood Trust include: 

• Competitive holiday package including a day off for your birthday and the days between Christmas and New Year Off
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Flexible working environment
• Hybrid working, with the expectation of ideally two days in our office in Victoria a week
• Part time hours are considered

To read more about the responsibilities in the role, please read the attached Job description. 

We are aiming to hold interviews the week beginning the 6th October. 

Womankind Worldwide are exclusively partnering with Robertson Bell in their search for a new Director of Finance, People & Culture to join their team on a permanent basis. Womankind Worldwide is a global women's rights organisation working in partnership with women's rights movements and organisations to transform the lives of women and girls.

Reporting into one of the Co-CEOs, the Director of Finance, People & Culture will lead Womankind’s finance, HR, and Resources functions while ensuring regulatory compliance across jurisdictions (UK and Kenya). You'll work closely with their Finance & Resources Committee and serve as Company Secretary, supporting their ambitious Strategy to 2030.You will also lead the people strategy that strengthens Womankind’s culture, enhances employee wellbeing, drives engagement, and aligns talent with their strategic goals.

The organisation:

Womankind Worldwide strengthen and support women’s movements in their focus countries in Africa and Asia, and take collective action at regional and global levels, to ensure women’s voices are heard, their rights are realised, and their lives are free from violence. Currently, Womankind has staff based in Kenya and the UK. They’re undertaking a strategic transformation to strengthen their impact through a grantmaking and partnership review, an updated business model and a strategic alignment process. Staff wellbeing - one of their core feminist principles - will remain central as they navigate this journey. These changes reflect their deep commitment towards a feminist future and will position them to provide more strategic support where it is most needed across their focus countries during these unprecedented times in the development sector.

The key duties of the Director of Finance, People & Culture are as follows:

• Lead strategic financial and HR planning in collaboration with Co-CEOs and Finance & Resources Committee
• Drive implementation of Strategy 2030 particularly those strategies pertaining to Womankind’s goals to value our team and decolonise our practice
• Support assessment of funding landscape and sustainable financing strategies
• Ensure effective 3-year rolling budgeting and planning cycles
• Line manage Finance, People & Culture team, provide coaching, supervision, and development support, whilst building team capacity through process improvement
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes
• Lead annual audit and statutory accounts production in the UK and Kenya
• Act as Company Secretary to Board of Trustees
• Ensure consistent quality and delivery of all finance processes (internal and external)
• Strategic development and review of Human Resource management, policies and processes
• Shape and model a feminist, inclusive, and high-performing organisational culture that aligns with Womankind’s values
• Oversee design and implementation of a wellbeing strategy
• Lead on information technology, ensuring systems meet needs of the organisation
• Provide oversight of facilities in the UK and Kenya

The successful candidate will have:

• Qualification: A full, recognised accounting qualification
• Leadership: Proven track record delivering strategic plans as part of senior leadership team
• Experience: Significant experience leading Finance and HR functions
• International: Experience working across multiple jurisdictions
• Charity Sector: Understanding of charity governance, SORP accounting, and charity financing
• Management: Strong staff management and development experience
• Communication: Ability to explain complex financial matters to non-financial
• Governance: Experience working with and being accountable to Board of Trustees
• Values: Strong commitment to feminism, anti-racism, and social justice

This role can be based in either the UK or Kenya, with flexible hybrid working policies in place. The team are also open to considering candidates with strong experience on a 0.8 FTE basis.

Applications are open until Sunday 28^th September, with first stage interviews due to take place the week commencing 6^th October. CVs will be under continuous review in advance of this date and we reserve the right to close the advert early, so please submit your application today to make sure you don’t miss out!

Charity Director – Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children
 

Location - Cannock, Staffordshire |
Full Time, Permanent 
Competitive Salary Benefits
 
As one of the UK’s leading charities providing essential specialist equipment to children with disabilities, Newlife is dedicated to making life better - for the families we serve, and for the people who help us to make that happen.
 
Through grants and emergency equipment loans, we ensure children get the vital equipment they need, when they need it, while our free nurse helpline offers crucial support and information – as well as a listening ear. Our campaigns help to give children with disabilities and their families a voice, advocating for change to benefit the families we serve. And we support adults with additional needs with volunteering and employment opportunities, providing an introduction to the workplace and a means for career development.
 
Across the whole of Newlife, our teams are crucial to our success – it’s not just a job; here you’ll be helping us to change lives every day.
 
Make a life-changing impact for disabled children across the UK.

We’re entering an exciting period of growth and innovation, and we’re seeking a dynamic Charity Director to help shape our future.
 
As Charity Director, you’ll play a pivotal role in leading and strengthening the charity side of our organisation. Reporting directly to the CEO, you’ll oversee service delivery, drive operational excellence, secure sustainable income, and ensure our teams are empowered to deliver high-impact support for children and families.
 
This role is perfect for an experienced charity leader with a proven track record of delivering strategic growth, leading multi-disciplinary teams, and championing inclusion and innovation. You’ll act as a key ambassador for Newlife, building meaningful partnerships and influencing change that improves the lives of disabled children nationwide.
 
Key responsibilities:

• Providing visionary leadership and supporting Newlife’s strategic goals.
• Overseeing day-to-day service delivery across equipment provision, family support, volunteering, and campaigning.
• Driving income generation and ensuring effective financial management.
• Strengthening governance, compliance, and organisational resilience.
• Acting as a spokesperson and ambassador to raise Newlife’s profile.
• Developing a high-performing, inclusive workplace culture where staff thrive.

 
What we’re looking for:

• Director-level leadership experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Proven ability to deliver strategic goals and operational excellence.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and public speaking skills.
• Commitment and passion for improving outcomes for disabled children and their families.

 
Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a leading national charity. We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference every day. You’ll be joining a passionate, supportive team dedicated to transforming lives.
 
REF-223 857

XLP is a leading Christian youth work charity with a 30 year history of empowering young people in London. They are committed to creating a more just and equitable city where young people can thrive.

We’re partnering with XLP to recruit a strategic and proactive Director of Fundraising to shape and lead the charity’s income generation and communications. You will bring direction, structure and momentum to a newly forming team, strengthening individual giving and philanthropy, growing corporate partnerships, and overseeing trusts, events and digital campaigns. You will work closely with the CEO and the Partnerships Lead to drive the next phase of development, improve income planning and forecasting, and embed effective use of Salesforce for reporting.

As a key member of the Executive Team, you will report to the Chief Executive Officer and collaborate with the Director of Youth Work and Director of Operations. You will also line manage the Head of Fundraising, the Partnerships Lead and the Fundraising & Reporting Officer, and oversee the Communications Manager to ensure clear, consistent and compelling external messaging that supports fundraising objectives.

We are looking for someone who can:

• Set the strategic direction for fundraising and communications, embedding strong planning, process and performance monitoring.
• Grow and diversify income across individuals, corporates, trusts and foundations, events and digital campaigns, with a focus on individual giving, major donors and philanthropy.
• Build and steward long term, high value supporter relationships, representing XLP confidently with senior stakeholders.
• Lead, develop and motivate a high performing, collaborative team and culture.
• Own income targets of £2.5m - £3m per annum, with robust pipeline management, budgeting and forecasting.
• Use data and insight to shape supporter journeys, and ensure accurate, timely reporting in Salesforce in partnership with Finance and Impact teams.
• Work cross functionally to align fundraising with programme delivery and organisational priorities, including campaigns for XLP’s 30th anniversary.

We are actively committed to growing the diversity of our leadership team and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage women and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities to apply.

If you would like an informal conversation, please contact Adam Stacey, Managing Director at Charisma Charity Recruitment.

Applications should please be submitted through the Charisma website, to include your CV and supporting statement. Please see the candidate pack for full details.

All applicants must be wholeheartedly committed to the aims, ethos, and values of XLP. This post is subject to an Occupational Requirement that the post holder is a practising Christian, under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010.

Location: London/Hybrid

Closing date: 15 September 2025
First stage interviews with XLP: w/c 29 September 2025
Second stage interviews with XLP: w/c 6 October 2025

The Youth Endowment Fund

Assistant Director of Public Affairs and Partnerships

Reports to: Director of Change, with significant engagement with Director of Public Affairs and Comms and CEO

Salary: £75,500 per annum

Location:  Central London or Hybrid

Contract: 2-year fixed term – potential to extend. Open to 0.8 FTE for the right candidate

Closing date: Friday 26th September by 12pm

 

About the Youth Endowment Fund

We’re here to prevent children and young people becoming involved in violence. We do this by finding out what works and building a movement to put this knowledge into practice.

Last year, 244 people in England and Wales tragically died after being assaulted with a knife. Of these, 32 were children. Every child captured in these numbers is an important member of our community and society has a duty to protect them. Even when violence doesn’t strike directly, we know that the fear of violence has a terrible effect on children’s lives.

The Youth Endowment Fund exists to try and permanently change things. To succeed, we must build an exceptional body of knowledge about violence affecting young people and how we reduce it. This knowledge has to be both rigorous and highly relevant to those making decisions about how to support vulnerable young people. We need to find out what works and what doesn’t through evidence synthesis, data analysis and qualitative research into children’s lives. We need to convert this into highly accessible content on what works, how delivery organisations need to change their practice and how the systems they operate in need to be reformed. We then need to work with the right people that can make change happen, across systems, policies and practice, to have a real impact on reducing violence affecting children’s lives.

We can’t do this alone, we have to build and maintain brilliant partnerships across government, with other funders and with wider society. We are looking for an exceptional individual to lead on this work. We also need to have an eye for the future. Our present endowment must be spent down by April 2029. We need someone who can lead on planning for the future.

Key responsibilities

You ensure that we:

· Are ready for the future: Born with a ten-year endowment, the YEF has become the leading authoritative voice on how to reduce violence affecting children. We must spend down this endowment by April 2029, so need to start thinking about after this date. You will lead on ensuring we have a great plan for post 2029. You will spot the best opportunities, assess them and, over time, take them. This includes both building great external relationships and also ensuring there’s a clearly articulated, inspiring narrative – filled with facts, examples and case studies - of what has been delivered to date and what needs to happen between 2029 and 2039 to double down on our mission. To do this, you will orchestrate the expertise and knowledge of colleagues across the organisation – ensuring that what you need comes together perfectly.

· Build and maintain great relationships across government: We have an increasingly large number of relationships across government – providing advice and support on what works to prevent violence. You will be ready to offer advice to colleagues on those relationships where needed. You will build new relationships and maintain them where they are needed so we are ready for the future. You will be really well organised too ensuring that internal colleagues know which relationships they own and making sure that key regular meetings are in place. We have a simple process that tracks these relationships; you will make this process work well for us – with minimum bureaucracy and maximum effectiveness. You will also provide help and advice and coaching as YEF colleagues think through how best to get system changes to happen that will ultimately reduce violence.

· Build great relationships with other organisations that will be key to the future: As the lead organisation on reducing violence affecting young people, we increasingly receive and see a host of opportunities to partner with other organisations including funders on projects, co-funding and research. You will support this work – leading on relationships that are essential in making us ready for the future. You will spot the opportunity, build relationships, bring in other YEF colleagues, pull together key information, write brilliant documents where needed, win others over. In short, you will make great things happen.

As a senior member of staff in the organisation you also:

• Lead on culture: Build and maintain a culture where it is natural to perform well and support colleagues brilliantly.
• Deliver on strategy: Contribute to setting the strategy, delivering results, and building and modelling the culture that we need to succeed.

 

About you

You are this sort of person:

· You make things happen. You’re organised, delivery-focused, and produce high-quality work, even under pressure. You work independently and to a high standard. You are quick at really understanding something so you can make good decisions quite fast. You put plans together and make them happen. Wherever you work, people think of you as someone who makes things happen. You do it in a generous, kind way that means people are feel delighted to see you succeeding, never trampled upon.

· You like bringing order and clarity to a big project that involves lots of people. You are at home bringing order to a big project: working out who is going to do what by when, having a regular steering group to ensure progress, keeping everyone on side and delivering a great result at the end.

· You understand how government works – as in really understand. You understand the nuance of how decisions are made within government. You understand that there is no such thing as ‘the department’s position’ (instead there are different views competing) and that while some decisions are very rational, some are more about personalities and politics. You find the process of how decisions get made within government departments, and with Number 10 and the Treasury, fascinating.

· You are fantastic at spotting how to get something done in Whitehall or Westminster. You are really good at thinking about how to make change happen. To some, Westminster and Whitehall can seem like a blob but you are brilliant at spotting how to make change happen there. You can think through the intricacies of who to get onside, who to get advice from, who to persuade and how to get the job done. You have a track record of doing this.

· You write really well. The idea of writing one or two pivotally important longer documents (30-40 pages) for the organisation that makes the case for something and pulls in content from lots of colleagues, synthesising and making it all fit together sounds interesting. You know – from experience – that you would be good at it.

· You win people over. People tend to warm to you and respect you. You easily build good relationships with both very senior and very junior people. You can be at ease talking to a senior politician or a 15 year old. It is important to you to be humble. You acknowledge how much you don't know as well as how much you do.

· You are great at building lasting partnerships with other organisations. You have experience of building partnerships or collaborations with other organisations, winning them over, doing conflict well when you need to, communicating clearly so that the work gets done and people feel as good as possible about it.

· You are a team player. You work brilliantly in a team. You are not motivated by being the individual winner. You want the team as a whole to succeed. You enjoy coaching other people so that they perform excellently in a meeting. You are not possessive of your contacts. You don’t care who gets the credit as long as things get done. You like the idea of being part of a small, well-motivated team and are ok with the downside of this – that we don’t have a lot of junior admin staff to do the jobs we like less.

· You think and communicate really well from the big picture to practical reality. You’re a strategic thinker who can see the big picture without losing sight of the detail.  You find it quite easy to summarise in a few sentences, a few pages or a few words a complex argument or case. Whether speaking or writing, you break down complicated concepts in ways that make sense to different audiences – without oversimplifying. You bring clarity where others bring jargon.

· You care about our mission. You can be easily motivated to do work to prevent violence. This is something that matters to you. You believe in getting people to do things that are most likely to save lives, rather than just things that sound good.

· You’re committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Not just in theory – but in how you work, who you listen to, and what you prioritise.

 

While it’s not a criterion, we are especially interested to hear from applicants who have lived experience of violence affecting young people.

It’s also important to us that the people we hire do not discriminate. We believe in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or social economic background. 

Secondments

We are open to candidates that would prefer to join us on a 2-year secondment or career break. Secondment candidate should ensure that their current organisation is in support of this in principle, all candidates will go through the full interview process. Candidates should state clearly in their covering letter if they would like to join us as secondee.

Hybrid Working Details

The office is based in Central London. Those living in and around London are expected to be in the office for a minimum of 2 days per week. If you live outside of London and work remotely, you’ll be expected to work from the London office 2 days per month.

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 the interview stage.

To Apply

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter, and complete the monitoring form click on "Apply for this" button by Friday 26th September 2025.

When applying for this role, please ensure that your cover letter can answer, within a maximum of 1000 words (there is no need to be this long though) the following questions:

1. Tell us in two paragraphs about something you made happen. We are keen to find someone who is good at be a self-starter, organised and finding the way to make something happen. Tell us what you were trying to get done, how you organised the task and how you made it happen.

2. Summarise in one or two paragraphs your experience of working with or in central government. We are keen to find someone who knows how decisions are made in government and has seen them being made.

3. Tell in two paragraphs about someone or an organisation you won over or built a good relationship with.Tell us how you went about it. We are keen to find someone who quite easily builds good relationships with other organisations.

Interview Process

This will be a two-stage interview process. The first stage interviews will take place in the week commencing 13th October 2025. Second stage interviews are currently scheduled for the week commencing 20th October 2025

PLEASE NOTE: We do not sponsor work permits and you will be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Benefits Include

· £1,000 professional development budget annually

· 28 days holiday – 3 of which are taken between Christmas and New Years - plus Bank Holidays

· Employee Assistance Programme – 24hr phone line for free confidential support

· Volunteering days - 4 half days per year

· Death in service - 4 times annual salary

· Flexible hours. Core office hours 10am – 4pm

· Financial support including travel and hardship loans

· Employer contributed pension of 5%.

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.   

 

Are you a visionary community leader with a passion for people, place and planet?

Groundwork Greater Manchester is looking for a values-driven, strategic leader to head up its Communities and Neighbourhoods directorate. You'll join a passionate, committed team delivering bold initiatives in community development, climate action and nature recovery.

As Director of Communities and Neighbourhoods, you'll be at the heart of driving impact, innovation and inclusive, sustainable growth. This is a special opportunity to join a high-performing Executive Team working for a greener, fairer and stronger Greater Manchester. It's a team that looks out for each other and cares deeply about the vibrant, diverse communities it serves.

Salary: £48,218-£58,350
Contract: Permanent, 36.67 hours FTE (flexible, compressed and reduced hours considered)
Location: Hybrid - based from either Ashton-under-Lyne or Trafford, with flexibility to work from home and travel across Greater Manchester as needed
Benefits: 25 days holiday (rising to 31 with length of service) and 4% employer pension contribution

About the role
It's a pivotal leadership opportunity shaping strategy, service innovation and driving income growth across a £2.5m+ directorate. As part of the senior team, you'll also play a vital role in cross-organisational leadership - supporting workforce development, embedding ED&I, and stepping in for the Executive Director when needed.

You'll lead an ambitious, passionate team delivering services that drive real and measurable impact across:

Community and youth engagement - including climate action, development and outreach
Energy & homes - tackling fuel poverty and improving sustainability
Urban nature - empowering communities to protect green spaces and biodiversity

About you
You're a natural communicator and connector, someone who thrives on forging relationships and sees the 'bigger picture'. With a whole-systems mindset, you bring nuance, insight and the ability to chart a clear path through complexity.

We're looking for a strategic leader with:

* In-depth knowledge of relevant local, GM and national policy agendas that feed into funding streams
* Strong track-record building partnerships across complex systems that deliver on purpose and income
* Understanding of community-led approaches and how they connect with climate and environment
* Collaborative, coaching style that empowers people to thrive
* Real passion for place-based working and amplifying community voice

Highly desirable: It would also be a real advantage if you've worked in the voluntary, public or environmental sectors - giving you the confidence to navigate the complex stakeholder landscape GGM operates in.

In return, you'll be part of an organisation that values, supports and invests in its people.

Interested and ticking the boxes? Then we'd love to hear from you.

To apply
Please send your CV or profile to Amelia Lee at Charity People as the first step. If your experience aligns, we'll be in touch with details on how to apply.

Deadline: 9am on Wednesday 24th September
Interviews: Will be confirmed soon - likely to be mid-late October.

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