Director of development jobs

Scottish Opera is Scotland’s national opera company and the country’s largest performing arts organisation. Founded in 1962 to make opera accessible to all, the company presents productions of international acclaim, from early works to world premieres. Performances are designed to be inclusive, with supertitles, audio-described and dementia-friendly shows, free and discounted tickets for under-26s, refugees, asylum seekers and schools, and touring productions reaching communities across Scotland. 

The charity is looking for an experienced fundraiser to lead the team across a period of maternity leave. The Individual Giving team look after donors across philanthropy, corporate, members and legators. Internally this role is called the Head of Individual Giving, the job title has been amended for this selection process to reflect the broader remit of the role beyond regular donors.

The post holder will, in conjunction with the Director of Development, set and embed Scottish Operas Individual Giving strategy and will personally solicit gifts and steward key donors, whilst supporting and overseeing the work of the Individual Giving team. 

There are some fantastic projects in the works that Scottish Opera can use to engage donors, and there is brilliant internal buy in and understanding of fundraising. Income performance is strong, so there are solid foundations from which to test and trial new ideas.

This role has wide ranging appeal. Scottish Opera are happy to consider candidates for whom this role might be an exciting step up to managing multiple income streams beyond one specialist area, but equally this would be an engaging role for an experienced Head of looking to work in an exciting arts charity, taking their income success to the next level.

Working within an arts and culture charity would be helpful for the candidate to have but isn't essential.

Application notes 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To progress your application, please contact Jo at THINK Recruitment to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.

If you need assistance with downloading the pack, please contact our team and we will support you.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Monday 12th January 

Interview Date(s): 1st Interview: Tuesday 9th December 2025 & 2nd Interview: Tuesday 16th December 2025

Location: Camden (Hybrid Working)

Salary: £55,360 - £59,455 per annum

(Please note that applicants are usually appointed at the bottom of the relevant band)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (will also consider part time working 30 hours per week)

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Tuesday 2nd December 2025

Closing Time: 00:00am

Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as an Deputy Director of Fundraising at Solace Women's Aid.  

You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference.

Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.

About the Service
Income generation and fundraising at Solace is ambitious, dynamic and rewarding. This role is situated within the Business Development team driving forward our trusts and foundations grant applications and our unrestricted funding portfolio. We work alongside our award-winning Communications, Partnerships & Public Affairs team.

About the Role

We are seeking a forward thinking, creative and motivated individual who can envision and manage commissioned tenders, grant funding, individual giving, corporate partnerships and our training and consultancy functions.

You will be a highly skilled and successful fundraiser and business development professional.

The role will manage the statutory and non-statutory income generation team including tenders, grants and fundraising staff to achieve a net target of approximately £2m per annum. This team plays a pivotal role in the financial wellbeing of the charity enabling us to support the thousands of women and children who come to us each year as a result of violence against women and girls (VAWG).

About You

You will be someone who is committed to the Solace values, who thrives on leading a team to achieve challenging targets and who has excellent verbal and written communication skills.  You will also enjoy managing time and projects to achieve strategic success.

We understand that you may not have all the knowledge, experience, and skills mentioned in the Job Profile Document. However, your interpersonal skills, passion to have a positive impact, commitment to our purpose, and ability to learn quickly and collaborate effectively will be equally important.

What we can offer you

We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including:

• Flexible working
• Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Employer pension contribution
• Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
• Access to Inclusion Networks
• Daily clinical debriefing
• Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
• Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings
• Flow & Restore yoga classes
• Meditation sessions
• Cycle to Work Scheme

How to apply

When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document:

• Values, Behaviours & Competencies
• Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.

No agencies.

Salary: £65,000–£75,000
Hours: 37.5 per week
Location: Barnsley Hospice (Gawber) & Retail Hub (Dodworth)

Barnsley Hospice is seeking an inspirational Director of Income Generation to lead the strategic growth of our fundraising, retail, marketing and communications activity. As a key member of our Executive Leadership Team, you will shape the future of our income strategy to ensure we can continue delivering exceptional care for local people and their families.

In this pivotal role, you will:

• Lead the development of innovative, sustainable income streams across fundraising, retail and commercial partnerships
• Strengthen our brand, communications and digital presence to grow awareness and engagement
• Build strong relationships with donors, supporters and partners
• Provide expert strategic leadership, governance and insight to colleagues, trustees and stakeholders
• Inspire and develop high‑performing teams who live our values and deliver meaningful impact

If you are a visionary, collaborative leader with a passion for making a difference in your community, we would love to hear from you.

If you wouldlike to apply please upload your CV and covering letter.

Please explain your interest in Barnsley Hospice and how your skills and experience reflect the person specification for the role.

An informal visit to the hospice to meet our CEO/Chief Nurse and relevant teams is an essential step in the application process and must take place before the deadline.

Barnsley Hospice is committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusionin all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQIA+ candidates and candidates with disabilities because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Barnsley Hospice.

Any candidate who identifies themselves as disabled will be shortlisted if they meet the essential criteria for the role. Essential criteria can be found in the job description and person specification for the role. If you require any accessibility adjustments ,please contact a memberof the HR team

The closing date for applications is midnighton Sunday 18 January 2026.

The shortlist of candidates will be determined the following week.

Panel interviews will take place on Thursday 5 February 2026.

Be part of shaping a sustainable future for Barnsley Hospice.
Apply now and help us deliver care, compassion and support when it matters most.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.

As Director of Policy & Research, you will:

• Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
• Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
• Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
• Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
• Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
• Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
• Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
• Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
• Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
• Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:

• Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
• Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
• Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
• Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
• Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and visionary thinker.
• Collaborative and inclusive leader.
• Politically astute and intellectually curious.
• Practical, focused, and reliable.
• Committed to personal and professional development.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• 3% pension contribution
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.

Join a movement transforming how communities create lasting change. This isn't a typical charity role—it's a chance to shape the future of place-based working across the UK and help lead a growing organisation.

Place Matters is a small, entrepreneurial charity punching above its weight. We work at the intersection of communities, public services, funders, and policymakers to tackle the root causes of inequality and create changes that communities want to see. Our approach? Empower communities to lead change in their own places, learn from what works, and influence the systems that hold them back.

Why this role matters

This is a senior position on our Executive team, reporting directly to a co-CEO. You'll play a leadership role in developing our organisation—shaping strategy, building our team, and deepening partnerships. We're looking for someone colleagues and Trustees trust to make sound decisions on behalf of our mission.

Learning and practice development is at the heart of everything we do. You'll design and lead learning partnerships that build the capabilities of communities and organisations to work differently. You'll capture insights from the ground and turn them into accessible tools, frameworks, and resources that make place-based working more effective for everyone.

You need to be a team player, confident and with strong opinions, but low ego and collegiate

What you'll do

• Lead the development and delivery of Learning and Practice Development Partnerships
• Initiate, convene and participate in ‘field-building’ efforts that aim to influence the broader place-based change sector, bringing together community organisations, public sector organisations, policy makers, foundations and businesses to build broader support for community centred place-based change
• Develop Place Matters thought and practice leadership
• Draw together the themes and patterns from learning into regular blogs and publications to make the learning as widely accessible as possible and influence key policy makers and funders
• Initiate and convene field-building efforts to influence the broader place-based change sector
• Build a wide network of place-based practitioners from all sectors
• Play a key role in business development, securing new partnerships, fundraising, and improving organisational efficiency

See job description (JD) for full details

What makes this role special

• Executive leadership: Part of the leadership team shaping organisational direction
• Real autonomy: Lead your own projects, design new partnerships, represent Place Matters externally
• Learning culture: We practice what we preach—continuous learning and innovation are built in
• Flexible working: Hybrid arrangement, negotiable location, with UK travel (up to 50 days annually)
• Competitive salary: £65,000-£75,000 (negotiable based on experience)

Practical details

Ideally 37.5 hours per week (flexible) but we'll consider part-time. UK travel required, including occasional overnight stays and some evening/weekend work.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from disabled people and people from diverse backgrounds.

We'll conduct interviews on 19th and 21st January.

Our partner, a respected and established international charity supporting programmes across Africa; seeks a qualified and experienced senior finance professional to provide strategic financial leadership, maintain robust systems, controls, and donor compliance across the organisation. The Director of Finance is responsible for organisational financial strategy, budgeting, reporting, external audits, risk management, and supporting programme delivery through high-quality financial oversight.This hands-on role requires the Director of Finance to execute daily tasks as well as overseeing, and mentoring, others within the team to undertake what is required.

Key responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership & Financial Planning 

• Lead the organisation’s financial strategy ensuring sustainability and alignment with mission and organisational priorities. 

• Advise the CEO and Board on financial performance, risk, and scenario planning. 

• Develop long-term financial models and cashflow forecasts. 

• Provide financial insight to strategic decisions, business cases, growth opportunities, and operational planning. 

Financial Management & Control 

• Oversee and execute specific tasks relating to financial operations including accounting, treasury, cash management, payroll, and banking. 

• Ensure monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closes are accurate and timely. 

• Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls across central team and country/project operations. 

• Implement efficient systems and processes to support a lean but compliant financial environment. 

Budgeting & Organisational Performance 

• Lead the annual budgeting process 

• Monitor budget performance, variances, and financial KPIs, providing clear analysis for senior leadership. 

Donor Finance & Grant Compliance 

• Oversee donor grant finance, ensuring compliance with institutional donor restrictions and requirements. 

Audit & Assurance 

• Lead the annual organisational audit: prepare schedules, financial statements, and required disclosures. 

• Ensure compliance with charity accounting standards (SORP) 

• Oversee financial donor audits, ensuring timely, accurate responses and evidence. 

Risk Management 

• Contribute to the organisational risk register by recording and presenting on financial risks to the Board and Finance and Audit Committee. 

• Implement financial due diligence for donors, suppliers, and country operations as required to meet organisation and donor policies. 

Oversight of International Operations 

• Ensure strong financial management of new country programmes creating and reviewing and renewing policies as required. 

• Support the development or review of financial systems, capacity, and reporting in relation to new country expansion work. 

• Oversee financial arrangements for countries where the INGO has no legal entity, including fiscal hosts, secondee payments, and contract structures. 

Leadership, Management & Culture 

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team to achieve operational excellence. 

Person Specification 

• Worked as a Finance Director or as a Head of Finance (with autonomy of decision making and board reporting duties) 

• Strong understanding of charity accounting standards and regulatory requirements. 

• Senior-level finance experience in an INGO, charity, or multi-country organisation (preferably with operations in the Global South) 

• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CPA or equivalent). 

• Demonstrable experience with institutional donor compliance. 

• Experience leading annual audits and preparing financial statements. 

• Strong leadership and team management skills, including developing staff. 

• Strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis skills. 

• Experience managing multi-currency environments and international financial operations. 

• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance staff, senior leaders, and Boards. 

About Ladywell and FMDM Foundation CIO

The Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM) is an international congregation of Catholic women inspired by the life of Francis and Clare of Assisi. At the heart of their mission is Ladywell, a serene and vibrant multi-purpose site in Godalming, established in 1956, which includes a Care Home, Congregational Leadership Team offices, and a Finance and Administration hub. Ladywell is known for fostering hospitality, personal growth, and a peaceful environment rooted in Gospel values. It also serves as the location for a Franciscan Centre offering programs for day and residential groups. The organization supports its community of sisters with a team of approximately 70 employees dedicated to its mission.

In Ladywell, we seek to create a hospitable Franciscan place, rooted in Gospel values, where a peaceful atmosphere nurtures life for everyone. As Mission Partners, we do more than work for the Sisters; we work alongside them, each bringing professional expertise to help shape and direct the mission of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM).

In Ladywell, we seek to create a hospitable Franciscan place, where a peaceful atmosphere nurtures life for everyone. As Mission Partners, we do more than work for the Sisters; we work alongside them, each bringing professional expertise to help shape and direct the mission of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM).

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and values-driven Director of Finance to provide strategic leadership of all financial functions of the FMDM Foundation CIO and the wider Congregation.

Reporting to the General Bursar and working closely with the Congregational Leadership Team (CLT) and Trustees, this is a senior and influential role with responsibility for ensuring long-term financial sustainability, robust governance, and compliance with Canon Law, Charity Law, and financial best practice.

The post-holder will play a vital role in enabling the Congregation’s mission and global activities to flourish through sound financial stewardship, effective risk management, and collaborative leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall strategic and operational leadership of finance and business administration
• Oversee budgets, management accounts, audits, payroll, and statutory reporting
• Advise Trustees and CLT on financial viability, risk, and forward planning
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission requirements, SORP, Canon Law, Charity Law and Civil Law
• Lead and inspire the Finance Team, supporting professional development and change
• Manage property, assets, investments, and external professional relationships
• Work collaboratively with international FMDM leaders and bursars
• Attend Trustee Board, Committee, and CLT meetings, providing high-quality financial reports

About You

You will be a senior finance professional who combines technical excellence with integrity, discretion, and a collaborative leadership style. You will be comfortable working in a faith-based, values-led environment and committed to supporting the mission and ethos of a religious charitable organisation.

Essential requirements include:

• ACA / ACCA / CIMA (or equivalent) qualification
• Senior-level experience in charity or not-for-profit finance and governance
• Proven experience of budgeting, management accounts, audit, and strategic planning
• Experience reporting to Boards of Trustees
• Strong people management and leadership skills
• High levels of confidentiality, professionalism, and attention to detail
• An understanding of the ethos of the Catholic Church in a professional context
• Excellent communication skills
• Willingness to travel overseas to countries in which the FMDMs are present, should the need arise

Desirable experience includes:

• Experience within international or religious organisations
• Knowledge of charity property matters and investment oversight
• Familiarity with charity-specific financial reporting (SORP)

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and the post holder must have right to work in the UK.

Why Join Us?

• A unique opportunity to contribute your professional expertise to a meaningful global mission
• Work in a peaceful, values-led environment grounded in Franciscan hospitality
• Collaborative working alongside Sisters and Mission Partners
• The chance to make a lasting impact through responsible stewardship and service

How to apply

To apply please write a covering letter clearly stating your interest and reasons for applying to work for the FMDM Foundation CIO as Director of Finance and Business Administration and provide an up-to-date CV to us by 7th January 2025. CV only applications will not be accepted.

First round of interviews to take place week commencing 12th January with those shortlisted to a second round later in January

Maudsley Charity funds work led by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, research teams at King’s College London, and partners in the voluntary and community sector to help build a more equitable and effective mental health care system in south London. We share what we learn to inform and inspire change across the UK.

We are a grant-making charity focused on advancing and accelerating positive change in mental health care. Our aim is to ensure that everyone who experiences mental illness can access the care that’s right for them.

While our roots are firmly in south London, we seek to amplify the knowledge and evidence generated through our programmes to influence practice nationally. We are a small but growing team (21 staff) with bold ambitions.

The role

Maudsley Charity is entering a new chapter of growth and renewal. We are strengthening our governance, welcoming new trustees, and establishing a Finance, Audit and Development Committee to underpin our ambitions. We are evolving our operating model to ensure we remain agile and effective as we scale our impact.

Following a period of interim leadership in this role, we are now seeking a permanent Director of Finance and Operations who will play a pivotal role in shaping this next phase.

This is a role of considerable breadth and strategic influence. The Director of Finance and Operations will lead our financial strategy, oversee our investment approach, including social and impact investing and manage our property portfolio. The role will also explore innovative funding models and commercial opportunities, ensuring we have the resources and resilience to deliver our mission. Alongside this, it will lead core operational functions; HR, IT, Facilities and drive digital transformation to strengthen our infrastructure for the future.

How to apply

To make an application, please click on the apply now button, with the following prepared:

• Your CV (no more than three sides).

• A supporting statement (no more than two sides) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.

Timeline

· Closing date - Friday 23rd January 2026

· Preliminary interviews - w/c 2nd February 2026

· First stage panel interviews - Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th February 2026

· Final panel interviews – w/c 9th March

Want to work in a vibrant, dynamic and youth driven organisation that is protecting children’s health by transforming the food system?

Be part of the creative, agile and growing team empowering Bite Back’s exceptional teenage activists. As our Director of Finance and Operations you will make a real difference to our mission to help make the food system healthier and fairer.

As a key member of the Leadership Team, the Director of Finance & Operations provides strategic and operational leadership across finance, people, digital, operations and governance. They ensure the charity is financially sustainable, well-run, compliant and values-driven, so that our resources, systems and culture are aligned with our mission.

They will be accountable for the following areas:

Strategic leadership & organisational development

• Act as a strategic partner to the CEO and Leadership Team, shaping organisational strategy and translating it into robust financial, people and operational plans.

• Lead the annual organisational planning cycle, ensuring objectives, budgets and KPIs are aligned to the strategy and are realistic, affordable and measurable.

• Champion a culture of accountability, inclusion, learning and collaboration across the charity, role-modelling our values in leadership and decision making.

• Provide clear, insight-driven analysis and recommendations to support major strategic decisions (e.g. growth, new programmes, partnerships, investments, cost management).

• Lead and develop the Finance & Operations team (Finance, Fundraising, HR, IT/systems, operations) building a high-performing, service-oriented function that supports colleagues to deliver impact.

Financial strategy, planning & stewardship

• Develop and keep under review the charity’s financial strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability, appropriate reserves and effective use of resources.

• Lead and coordinate the annual budget and medium-term financial planning process, working closely with budget holders to create robust, activity-based budgets.

• With the support of the Senior Finance Manager, provide timely, accurate and insightful financial reporting to the CEO, Leadership Team and Board, including management accounts, restricted funds reporting, cashflow and forecasts.

• Maintain robust financial controls, policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, accounting standards and Charity Commission / Companies House requirements.

• Lead the relationship with external auditors and oversee the annual audit process, ensuring high-quality statutory accounts and a culture of continuous improvement in financial controls.

• Oversee financial aspects of funding bids, contracts and grant reporting, including costing models, financial due diligence and project / restricted fund monitoring.

People, culture & HR

• Champion Bite Back’s values - Fresh, Resilient, Respectful, Energetic, and Real - in all your work.

• Provide strategic oversight of HR, working closely with the HR & People Manager on people strategy, workforce planning, recruitment, employee relations and HR operations.

• Champion a positive, inclusive and psychologically safe workplace culture. Lead on embedding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across the organisation, shaping recruitment, policies, culture and practices so that staff from all backgrounds feel welcomed, represented, supported and able to flourish.

• Lead the organisation-wide objective-setting and performance management framework, ensuring clear expectations, regular feedback and fair, constructive review processes.

• Oversee learning and development approaches so that staff and managers have the skills, tools and support to perform at their best and develop their careers.

• Ensure all people-related policies and procedures (including safeguarding where appropriate), are up-to-date, legally compliant, values-aligned and consistently implemented.

• Oversee pensions, insurance, payroll and benefits ensuring these are well-managed, compliant and provide value for money.

Digital, data, IT & systems

• Work alongside the Digicomms team to support the organisation’s digital and technology strategy, ensuring systems and tools are fit for purpose and future-focused.

• Ensure the charity’s CRM (Salesforce) is effectively governed, embedded and used across the organisation, with clear ownership, training and data standards.

• Oversee data protection and information security, ensuring GDPR compliance, robust data governance and adherence to frameworks such as Cyber Essentials where relevant.

• Manage relationships with IT and systems suppliers, ensuring contracts are well-specified, performance is monitored and services deliver value for money.

• Lead the design and continuous improvement of cross-organisational systems and processes to reduce duplication, improve user experience and increase efficiency.

Operations, facilities & supplier management

• Oversee the effective management of the charity’s co-working space in Fivefields and any hybrid / remote working arrangements, ensuring they are safe, inclusive and support collaborative working.

• Plan for future workspace needs in line with organisational growth, culture and budget.

• Lead procurement and supplier management, together with the Operations & Contracts Manager, for key operational services, ensuring contracts are well-managed and aligned with our ethical, environmental and sustainability commitments.

• Ensure robust health and safety arrangements are in place and implemented across all activities, including appropriate policies, risk assessments and training.

• Oversee business continuity planning and disaster recovery arrangements so that critical operations can continue in the event of disruption.

Governance, risk & compliance

• Act as Company Secretary and secretary to the Board, ensuring effective governance processes and high-quality information flows between the executive and trustees.

• Ensure timely and accurate compliance with Charity Commission, Companies House and any other regulatory or funder requirements, including statutory filings and returns.

• Lead the development, maintenance and regular review of the organisational risk register, ensuring an appropriate appetite for risk and clear mitigation actions.

• Provide assurance to the Board and its committees on the effectiveness of internal controls and compliance frameworks across finance, HR, data protection, health & safety and other key areas.

• Coordinate the review, approval, communication and implementation of organisational policies, ensuring staff are inducted, trained and clear on their responsibilities.

• Support the Chair and CEO in planning Board and committee agendas, ensuring trustees are well-supported to discharge their duties and have appropriate information to make decisions.

We are looking for a dynamic, values-led, strategic leader to drive our mission for migration justice and social work solidarity. The role entails oversight of the operations and strategy of the organisation, responsibility for financial management and fundraising, maintaining the health of the organisation and embedding anti-racist and anti-opressive values into every aspect of the organisation. 

The Director of Strategy is a key player in our leadership team, helping to shape the business and strategic direction of the NT. You will be the primary support for the Executive Director and Co-CEO and will also work closely with the Director and Co-CEO and wider Executive Committee to connect across the organisation to keep all areas aligned.

Your role will predominantly be working to define, plan and execute/monitor our strategic and business goals, involving competing stakeholders (internal/external), multiple divisions and senior figures. You will work at the heart of the NT, facilitating excellent communication and strategic alignment and collaboration on business planning between departments and their directors. You will lead planning Board and senior leadership agendas to ensure discussion is centred around governance and strategy alongside driving business goals forward.

You will lead and/or support the execution and evaluation of various business development and significant commercial opportunities as the organisation works to diversify its income streams and looks increasingly to international markets for commercial partnerships and creative exchange.

This role line manages the Directors’ Office and works closely with other Directors across the NT to inform strategic communications, in particular the Directors of People and Culture, Communications and the Policy team.

The successful candidates will have the following:  

• Excellent communicator and effective collaborator with demonstrable experience of working in a strategic and project-based role, with exposure to Board and governance activity in a large organisation
• Experience of coaching and motivating teams with demonstrable experience of line managing and leading teams
• Excellent process-creation skills, with the ability to work with autonomy and flexibility, to safeguard sensitive and confidential information, and prioritise accordingly
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build effective relationships, with the ability to influence up, down, and across in a positive manner using tact and diplomacy
• Highly developed written and oral communication skills to deliver Executive-level briefs as required

If that sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Thursday 15th January 2026 at 12 noon

Director of Operations

Lead with Purpose. Shape the Future of Christian Care.

Pilgrims’ Friend Society has been providing Christian care to older people for over 200 years. Today, as the UK faces an unprecedented ageing population, we are growing to meet the challenge and we need an exceptional leader to help us deliver our vision of fulfilled living for older people.

We operate 12 care homes and 9 housing schemes across England, with ambitious plans to expand to 15 homes and beyond. Our mission is clear: to provide outstanding care rooted in Christian values, and to partner with local churches so that older people experience dignity, community, and the love of Christ.

About the Role

As Director of Operations, you will:

• Lead and oversee our portfolio of established care homes and housing schemes.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, quality of care, and financial sustainability.
• Drive operational excellence, innovation, and efficiency through systems and processes.
• Work closely with our Executive Team to deliver our Growth and Renewal Programme, including new builds and acquisitions.
• Inspire and develop a talented team of managers and operational leaders.

This is a senior leadership role with significant influence on the future of our organisation and the lives of hundreds of older people.

About You

• We are looking for a strategic, values-driven leader who brings:
• Significant experience in adult social care operations or a closely related sector.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory, Health & Safety, and compliance frameworks.
• Proven ability to deliver quality and financial targets at scale.
• A collaborative leadership style, with a commitment to developing people and culture.

A personal Christian faith and alignment with our basis of faith(a genuine occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010).

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a growing organisation with a clear vision and calling.
• Influence how society values older people and supports churches in ministry.
• Work in a culture that prioritises prayer, faith, and excellence.
• Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and life assurance.

About SCEC

SCEC was founded over twenty years ago to provide learning enrichment opportunities to primary school children in disadvantaged communities in south London. Together with our partners, several leading independent schools, we currently operate four schemes in math, literacy, science and art. Children learn through fun, engaging group activities like science experiments, storytelling and mathematical treasure hunts, all taught by qualified teachers with added support from student mentors. Through the schemes, children explore their curiosity, build knowledge and develop their confidence as learners.

Your Role

The Scheme Director is a newly created role that will be pivotal in helping SCEC extend its reach. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will help SCEC design and implement an expansion programme as well as coordinating the delivery of the existing schemes via our school partners. You will also serve as a trusted partner to the Board in the administration of the charity.

Similar to a COO, this role straddles the operational and the strategic. We are looking for a confident communicator and relationship builder who can work across varied stakeholder groups. You will have project management experience that can be applied to challenges like process design and change management. You should be able to grasp the big picture and have an eye for the details needed to deliver successful outcomes.  This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to join SCEC on a transformational journey working with excellent learning partners and established leaders to improve educational outcomes for children.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee scheme operations including pupil recruitment, enrolment and attendance to ensure the smooth running of schemes and maximum impact
• Promote the charity to prospective partners and donors
• Support the Board in developing, implementing and monitoring an expansion programme
• Monitor and report on scheme performance and impact
• Prepare and manage budgets and disbursement of funds 
• Build and maintain systems and processes to support scheme operations, compliance and monitoring

Key Qualities

• Passionate about making a difference in the lives of children
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic plans to achieve organisational goals
• Track record of effectively managing programmes and services, including programme development, implementation, and evaluation
• Committed to working collaboratively to build strong relationships with business partners and colleagues and proactively engaging stakeholders when making decisions
• Self-motivated and highly organised, you have a strong sense of initiative and take a hands-on approach to planning and administration

Child Protection

SCEC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This is the responsibility of the whole organisation (trustees and staff).  An enhanced DBS Disclosure is required for this role.

For more information, please see the attached Job Description below

Employer: Community Rail Network 

Salary: £43k-£51.5k pa, full time 

Location: Home based / flexible or Huddersfield 

We are seeking a dynamic director of policy and communications, to lead and develop our increasingly impactful external affairs activity. You’ll be sharing community insights and evidence with policy and decision-makers at national and devolved level, supporting a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable transport and mobility, while overseeing high-quality, inspiring member communications and thought-leadership, drawing on grassroots experiences.  
  

About us 

Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.

Community rail is made up of 76 community-based partnership organisations, and c.1,300 station friends volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.

Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in different locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support our members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in developing our team and helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.

About this role 

This role is crucial for us, our members and their communities, especially at the current time, with our need to seize on the opportunities of rail reform and devolution, promote wider use of sustainable transport, and bring communities together. You will spearhead our external affairs strategy and plans, building political relationships, influencing decision-making and raising awareness of community rail and its insights, while ensuring effective communications with our members and helping them to have a voice locally and regionally. You’ll be striving to put community rail at the forefront of a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable mobility.

As a member of our senior leadership team, reporting to and working closely with our chief executive, you will manage a passionate team of four, ensuring collaboration with our other teams, partners and funders, and drawing on members’ insights.

 
Main responsibilities 

• Lead the review, development and delivery of our communications, policy and insights strategy, working to position the community rail movement effectively, use its insights to influence policy change, and ensure our members are well-informed and have a voice; 

• Further strengthen our advisory and influencing work with national, devolved and regional government, transport bodies, parliamentarians and other decision-makers, especially around rail reform, transport devolution and integrated, inclusive, sustainable transport; 

• Ensure we’re engaging effectively with policy developments and opportunities, taking forward a programme of relationship-building, and identifying and engaging in relevant consultations, events and speaking opportunities, enabling community rail’s insights and experiences to be shared; 

• Collaborate with partners in rail, government and the third sector to feed in our expertise on community engagement with rail, amplify our campaigns, and build opportunities for joined-up communications and policy work;

• Continually develop and disseminate our evidence base and insights on the social, environmental and economic value community rail delivers, and opportunities to create greater benefits for communities from rail and transport; 

• Oversee high-quality, coherent and inspiring communications with our members and partners, promoting our work, and sharing news, opportunities, and good practice across the movement; 

• Manage production of high-quality resources, case studies and reports that our members can use to enhance their impact and which showcase community rail’s impact; 

• Lead and develop our media relations and awareness-raising PR, championing community rail and its messages on sustainable, inclusive travel and communities at national and regional level, while supporting members on local PR; 

• Develop our online presence and reach, making full use of our website, social media, our Scenic Rail Britain campaign, and partners’ channels to celebrate and position community rail and grow its reach and impact; 

• Oversee a calendar of creative and impactful campaigns that involve and empower our members, creating PR and engagement opportunities, including Community Rail Week;

• Play a key role in collective leadership, strategic focus and organisational development as a member of our senior leadership team, including through internal communications and cross-team working, annual planning, funder liaison and reporting, upholding our strategies and policies, and pursuing opportunities for continuous improvement. 

 
Skills and competencies 

1. Strong leadership and management skills, including experience managing, developing and drawing on a multi-faceted team delivering complex campaigns or projects, and budget management; 
2. Excellent communication and external leadership skills; articulate, assertive, and with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels; 
3. An understanding of public affairs, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, and a demonstrable ability to identify influencing opportunities, deliver thought-leadership, and engage with policy-makers, including sharing community insights; 
4. Politically astute, with awareness of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a good grasp of the importance of public transport sustainable travel, and community-led action, to these agendas; 
5. Understanding of political processes and experience of engaging with policy and decision-making, ideally at national, devolved and local levels; 
6. Sound knowledge of communication and marketing methods and channels, and ability to oversee messaging and targeting of public and professional audiences, and to align content across multiple channels; 
7. A demonstrable ability to think analytically and draw on statistical and qualitative research to construct robust, evidence-based arguments; 
8. Experience of working with the media and achieving coverage at national, regional and local level; 
9. Experience working collaboratively with partners and ideally funders to deliver communications and policy activity and forming professional networks; 
10. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while dealing with competing priorities, and to support team members to do so; 
11. IT literate with a good working knowledge of Office, the internet and social media; 
12. Appropriate qualifications and professional development demonstrating knowledge and skills in line with the above, and a commitment to ongoing learning and development.

Other information

As you will be home-based, we are flexible about your location. However, you will be expected to travel to in-person full team meetings quarterly (usually in West Yorkshire), and you will need to bring your team together (currently all West Yorkshire based) with similar regularity in between. Attendance at in-person events and meetings is also important. We therefore welcome applications from those with decent public transport links, not too far from a railway station, to enable journeys to 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 six months.   

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.