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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We're looking for an enthusiastic and highly organised HR & Executive Support Assistant to support a high quality people function at IHP. This part-time role combines HR administration with wider organisational and executive support, offering a varied and rewarding opportunity within a small charity that is making a significant impact around the world.
IHP’s vision is to see a world in which all suffering due to lack of healthcare is eradicated. Our Christian faith underpins all that we do. It motivates us to care for those in need, and give our best in all circumstances, as an expression of God's love. We serve the poor in health without regard for ethnic or religious background, focusing on where the need is greatest.
About the role
The HR team is responsible for a broad range of functions supporting our 24-strong staff team and trustees. The HR & Executive Support Assistant will play a key role in delivering effective HR administration while also providing wider administrative support to help ensure the smooth running of the organisation.
Working closely with the Director of Finance & Resources, our outsourced HR Consultant and the Finance & Administration Officer, the postholder will support the employee lifecycle, maintain HR systems and records, coordinate training and wellbeing activities, and help ensure HR processes are delivered accurately and efficiently.
Alongside the core HR responsibilities, the role will provide support across a range of central organisational activities, including supporting with office administration, governance, trustee administration, staff meetings and events, maintaining internal systems and records, and assisting with cross-organisational projects led by the Senior Leadership Team.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, has strong organisational skills and wants to develop their HR career while gaining experience across the wider functions of a small, collaborative charity.
We're looking for someone who can:
- Support all areas of HR administration and people processes under the direction of the outsourced HR Consultant and Director of Finance & Resources.
- Ensure HR records, systems and processes are maintained accurately, efficiently and confidentially.
- Coordinate staff training, maintain accurate training records and support employee wellbeing initiatives.
- Contribute to a positive staff experience by supporting managers and colleagues throughout the employee lifecycle.
- Provide high-quality administrative support across the organisation, including governance activities, trustee administration, office management and organisational projects.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to help ensure the smooth and effective running of IHP's central support function.
Essential skills and experience
- Experience working in an HR administration role, or in an administrative role with significant HR responsibilities.
- Experience supporting recruitment, onboarding or other employee lifecycle activities.
- Experience maintaining accurate records, databases and administrative systems.
- Excellent administration and organisational skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Experience handling confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
Personal attributes:
- Empathetic, approachable, and discreet
- Strong communicator with the ability to build positive working relationships across the organisation
- Solutions-focused with a hands on, flexible approach
- A commitment to staff wellbeing, development and good HR practice
- Excellent judgement
- Committed to IHP's Christian Ethos and values
For further details regarding responsibilities and person specification, please see the job description.
IHP is an Equal Opportunities Employer and is committed to working and embedding diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work, including recruitment and selection. We actively encourage applicants to inform us of any specific support or reasonable adjustments we can make in the recruitment process (eg for disability or neurodivergence) and will continue this conversation into employment, as appropriate.
Staff regularly spend time together praying for IHP’s work and there is an occupational requirement for the post holder to have a personal commitment to the Christian faith.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a meaningful mission with a strong values driven organisation
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rate for part-time hours)
- Health and wellbeing support through Unum help@hand
- Life Insurance and Critical Illness Cover
- Hybrid and flexible working options in a modern office near Chancery Lane Tube Station
Join a supportive and inclusive team where your skills are valued, your voice is heard, and you have the space to work independently and develop.
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter of no more than two A4 sides setting out how you meet the person specification including the Occupational Requirement. Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. If you require any support with your application please call the IHP Office and select Option 2.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, therefore we encourage applications to be submitted at the earliest opportunity.
We want to see a world in which all suffering due to lack of healthcare is eradicated.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Salary: £60,000 - £80,000 FTE (£48,000 - £64,000 Pro rata for part-time), commensurate with experience
Contract: Permanent | Part-Time (0.8 FTE) | Year-round (Flexible working patterns considered)
Reporting to: The Head
St Catherine’s is seeking a visionary Director of Strategic Partnerships & Development to join our Senior Leadership Team. In this pivotal executive role, you will lead the strategy for our fundraising, external relations, corporate partnerships, and business development initiatives—shaping the future financial resilience and educational ambition of the School.
You will be responsible for securing philanthropic support, cultivating major donors, developing strategic partnerships and generating sustainable income opportunities. Whether your background is in corporate partnerships, high-value fundraising, commercial growth, hospitality, or professional services, this is an extraordinary opportunity to leverage your relationship-building expertise to make a lasting impact. Prior experience in the education sector is not required.
The Opportunity
As a senior ambassador for St Catherine’s, you will shape and execute an ambitious strategy to diversify income, engage key stakeholders, and maximize the value of the School’s brand and physical assets.
Reporting directly to the Head, you will oversee our Development and Alumnae Relations functions while collaborating closely with Admissions, Marketing, and Finance.
Key Priorities:
- Philanthropy & Major Gifts: Build and steward a pipeline of prospective donors, leading capital campaigns, grant applications, and major gift initiatives across alumnae, parents, and benefactors.
- Strategic Partnerships & Commercial Growth: Identify and secure mutually beneficial collaborations across business, technology, arts, sport, and the wider community.
- Alumnae & Community Engagement: Deliver an exceptional engagement strategy that turns network affinity into meaningful advocacy, mentorship, and support.
- Asset Optimization: Partner with executive colleagues to identify commercial opportunities within the School’s Site Masterplan and facilities.
- Data-Driven Strategy: Champion CRM systems and performance insights to track growth, evaluate potential initiatives, and guide executive decision-making.
About you:
- Senior Commercial Leadership: Proven success in a brand-led, growth-focused, or customer-centric organization.
- Relationship Mastery: Outstanding networking, negotiation, and influence skills with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, or executive stakeholders.
- Strategic Vision & Execution: The ability to translate big-picture strategy into clear, measurable execution frameworks.
- Data Literacy: Comfortable utilizing data insights, CRM systems, and performance dashboards to track pipeline conversion and guide choices.
- Ethos & Integrity: Alignment with St Catherine’s values, a commitment to holistic education, and an uncompromising dedication to child safeguarding.
Why Join Us?
At St Catherine’s, we offer a collaborative environment and a competitive benefits package, including:
- Flexible Working: Part-time (0.8 FTE) with flexible working patterns considered.
- Pension Scheme: Generous employer pension contributions (up to 12% employer).
- Holiday Allowance: 25 days plus Bank Holidays (pro-rata), available to book year-round.
- Fee Remission: Discounted school fees for daughters attending St Catherine’s.
- Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive Health Cash Plan, complimentary lunches during term time, and a Cycle to Work scheme.
- Convenience: Free ample on-site parking.
How to Apply
Please submit your application online via My New Term by 10:00 AM on Tuesday 1st September 2026.
Please note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled prior to the closing date. Early application is strongly recommended.
St Catherine’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced DBS with Barred List check. St Catherine’s is an equal opportunities employer.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Green Alliance is an environmental thinktank, charity and advocate committed to achieving a greener, fairer future for the UK. We believe that ambitious political leadership is essential for meaningful environmental change at the speed and scale necessary.
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our operations team, someone with a strong financial background with excellent attention to detail, a flexible attitude, an ability to work effectively under their own initiative and as part of a small team, together with excellent organisation and administrative skills.
Effective financial control is central to our strategy and operating model. The finance officer plays an essential role in maintaining control over our finances and operations. You will process and monitor financial transactions, liaise with our payroll bureau regarding staff payroll and pensions and support the Head of finance. You will be experienced in using Dynamics 365 Business Central as an accounting system.
This is a part-time role for two days a week (0.4FTE), with flexibility about when the hours are worked. It's a hybrid role, working from home and from our office. You will report to our Head of finance. You will also work with all staff on financial matters including personal and credit card expenses, central and project income and expenditure, and processing of payroll by liaising with our external bureau.
Green Alliance is an independent think tank and charity focused on ambitious leadership for the environment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Us
For over 21 years, The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre has offered free, holistic support to anyone in our community affected by cancer through complementary therapies, talking therapies, art, and our supportive community.
In 2025 alone, we had 1,911 individual visits and 1,021 therapy sessions - entirely through the dedication of our volunteer team. We are currently renovating our new centre, and we want to use it to reach further into our community than ever before. This is the first paid role in our history.
About the Role
As our first Executive Director, you will be the single point of accountability between our Board of Trustees and the day-to-day operation of the Centre - working alongside our (voluntary) Centre Manager and (voluntary) Volunteer Manager to support their roles, not duplicate them. You'll lead our strategy delivery, guide the charity's move into its new home, and oversee a service redesign informed by a fresh programme of visitor, volunteer and community research.
About You
You already know how to do this job - you've held a senior, accountable position in a charity or comparable organisation and can bring that experience from day one. You're confident reporting to a board of trustees, comfortable getting things done, and able to win the trust of a highly experienced, long-standing volunteer team through competence and credibility, not authority alone.
Key Activity Areas
• Financial management – budgeting, financial controls, and reporting to the Board and Treasurer
• Governance & best practice – supporting trustees to discharge their statutory duties; maintaining the policy suite and risk register
• HR & people leadership – supporting our entire volunteer and therapist team; communication is key to our volunteers
• Fundraising – write and lead on a fundraising strategy, implement new funding streams and be the ‘face of Pickering’ – local networking will be essential
• Change management – leading the transition to our new centre and evolving service model with care and consultation
• Compliance – safeguarding, health and safety, GDPR, and other regulatory requirements
Qualifications - Desirable
All the below are not necessary qualifications but would assist with this role:
• CIPD qualification, or equivalent hands-on HR experience
• A recognised governance qualification (e.g. Chartered Governance Institute) or completion of a charity leadership programme or similar
• Financial management experience – a qualification would be useful but not essential
• Safeguarding lead training
Experience and Competencies — Essential
• Senior leadership experience with genuine authority and accountability in a charity or comparable mission-led organisation
• A track record of reporting to and working with a board of trustees or non-executive directors
• A track record of leading organisational change, with evidence it was genuinely adopted
• Sound financial literacy - budgets, management accounts, financial controls, dealing with auditors
• Working knowledge of safeguarding, risk management and regulatory compliance
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including board-level reporting as well as the ability to speak in public
• Experience making a leadership role pay for itself, through income generation, cost savings, or both
• A genuine, demonstrable commitment to Pickering's mission
Experience and Competencies — Desirable
• Fundraising experience across grants, trusts, community fundraising and corporate partnerships
• Experience within the cancer support, wider healthcare, or hospice sector
• Lived experience of cancer, personally or through supporting someone close to you
• Experience leading a refresh of a brand or a rebrand, service redesign, or physical relocation of services
• Familiarity with Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding local community
Safeguarding
This role involves working with adults who may be vulnerable by virtue of serious illness. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory reference checks before appointment, and will act as, or oversee, the charity's designated safeguarding lead.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Pickering is committed to equal opportunity for all and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. A copy of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy is available on request.
How to Apply
Please apply by Sunday 6 September 2026. Interviews are expected to take place w/c 14 September 2026.
To ensure that everyone impacted by cancer in our community has the love, care, and support they need.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is a unique opportunity to join an influential organisation working in an increasingly challenging external environment. If you like to be both hands on and strategic, have an in depth knowledge of charity finance, experience of leading effective enabling functions in a small organisation and are passionate about social justice then this could be the home for you in your next role.
We are looking for an experienced and collaborative leader to work with the CEO and a new leadership team to embed new ways of working following a period of change for the charity.
You will lead a small team to deliver a supportive and modern experience for our people; effective IT and governance support; manage our fundraising and implement a robust project management approach. This role will be based for two days per week in our office in Hoxton.
Help shape the future of international development.
Location: Hybrid (minimum one day per month in our London office – with the occasional need to attend additional in-person meetings)
Reports to: Chief Executive
Help shape the future of international development.
Location: Hybrid (minimum one day per month in our London office – with the occasional need to attend additional in-person meetings)
Reports to: Chief Executive
Finance isn't just about numbers. It's about making change possible.
At Bond, we believe a more just and equitable world is possible.
As the UK network for organisations working in international development, we bring together more than 300 civil society organisations united by a shared ambition: to tackle poverty, inequality and injustice around the world. We champion the sector, influence policy, strengthen organisations and create the connections that enable our members to achieve greater impact together.
International development is changing.
Funding is becoming more complex. Expectations are growing. Organisations are navigating increasing uncertainty while responding to global crises that demand collaboration, innovation and resilience.
That is why we're looking for an exceptional Director of Finance & Resources.
This is a rare opportunity to join our Senior Management Team and help shape the future of Bond at a pivotal moment in our journey.
A leadership role with purpose
As our Director of Finance & Resources, you'll do far more than lead finance.
You'll help ensure Bond remains financially resilient, operationally strong and strategically focused so that we can continue supporting the organisations working to create lasting global change.
Working closely with our CEO, Trustees and senior colleagues, you'll provide the financial leadership, organisational insight and strategic challenge that enables confident decision-making across the organisation.
You'll oversee Finance, Planning, Operations, HR and IT, ensuring the systems, people and financial governance behind our work are as strong as the mission we exist to serve.
What you'll be doing
You'll lead:
- Our long-term financial strategy and organisational planning.
- Annual budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
- Financial sustainability across both restricted and unrestricted funding.
- Board reporting and support to our Finance, Audit & Risk Committee.
- Risk management, company secretarial and organisational compliance.
- Finance, Operations and HR leadership.
- Grant budgeting, reporting and organisational cost recovery.
- Strategic planning that enables teams to maximise their impact.
This is a role for someone equally comfortable presenting to Trustees, supporting colleagues with complex funding proposals, reviewing organisational risk, or rolling up their sleeves to solve operational challenges.
Who we're looking for
You're an experienced finance leader who understands that great organisations need both strong financial stewardship and ambitious thinking.
You'll be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with senior leadership experience and an ability to balance strategic oversight with practical delivery.
You'll bring:
- Significant experience leading finance within a complex organisation.
- Strong understanding of charity finance and grant management.
- Experience working with Boards and Trustees.
- Outstanding planning, analytical and leadership skills.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams.
- A collaborative approach and the ability to build trusted relationships across an organisation.
Most importantly, you'll share our commitment to equity, inclusion and creating positive change. We're looking for someone who sees finance not as a control function, but as a catalyst for organisational impact.
Why Bond?
Everything we do is rooted in collaboration.
You'll join an organisation that believes lasting change happens when people come together, share expertise and challenge one another to do better.
Alongside meaningful work, we offer:
- Hybrid working with flexibility built around trust.
- 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, a day off for your birthday and additional Christmas closure.
- 7% employer pension contribution.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Comprehensive health and wellbeing support.
- A welcoming, inclusive and values-driven culture where everyone can thrive.
Join us
This is more than a finance leadership role. It's an opportunity to help strengthen the organisations working to build a fairer, more sustainable world.
If you're looking for a role where your financial expertise can support meaningful change on a national and global scale, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply with your CV and a supporting statement explaining why you'd like to join Bond and what you'll bring to the role.
We are partnering exclusively with Bryony Thomas at Allen Lane. For an informal conversation about the role, get in touch via the agency website.
Bond is the UK network for organisations working in international development.
Interim Finance Director | Immediate Start | 7-Month FTC
- *£80,000–£90,000 + benefits | 7-month FTC | Hybrid London | Immediate Start**
A pivotal finance leadership role with purpose!
We’re partnering with a highly respected UK charity to appoint an **Interim Finance Director on a 7-month FTC**, this is a full-time, London based hybrid role, starting immediately, during an important period of organisational transition.
This is a hands-on leadership role where **financial resilience, governance and positive change** genuinely matter. The organisation provides supported housing and support to vulnerable and disabled veterans, helping those who have served their country to live with independence, dignity and wellbeing.
The opportunity
Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Executive Team, Board and Finance, HR, Audit & Risk Committee, you’ll lead a broad finance transformation and improvement agenda.
Key priorities include:
- Leading and strengthening the finance function
- Completing and embedding outstanding external audit actions
- Developing a robust **five-year financial strategy** and leading the **2027/28 budget**
- Creating a credible pathway from current deficit positions towards sustainable operating surplus
- Refreshing the Finance Manual and financial policies, controls and procedures
- Leading internal audit and assurance
- Improving management accounts, forecasting, KPIs and Board reporting
- Providing executive oversight of finance and IT systems, including **Pyramid implementation**
- Advising the CEO, Board and Committee with clear, decision-focused financial insight
- Building a confident, collaborative and high-performing finance team
What we’re looking for
You’ll be a **fully qualified accountant** with significant senior financial leadership experience, including working with Boards and Audit/Risk Committees.
You’ll bring strong experience across **financial strategy, budgeting, controls, audit, governance, forecasting and organisational change**, with the ability to turn complex financial information into clear, actionable advice.
Why this role?
This is a genuine **delivery-focused interim assignment**. In seven months, you’ll have the opportunity to strengthen the finance function, improve governance and reporting, shape the five-year financial strategy and establish a credible route towards sustainable financial performance.
If you’re a strategic, hands-on finance leader available immediately and ready to make an impact, please apply online today I would love to hear from you!
Head of Finance
Salary£80,000.00 per annum
LocationLondon/Hybrid (with 1 to 2 days a week in the office)
Weekly Hours35
The Vacancy
Job Title: Head of Finance
Location: London/Hybrid (with 1 to 2 days a week in the office)
Salary: £80,000.00 per annum
Weekly Hours: 35
Reference: YMC1228366
About Us
Founded in 1844, YMCA is a global movement and the world's largest youth-focused charity. In England and Wales, YMCAs are based in over 700 communities across 168 local authorities supporting young people and communities to reach their potential. The turnover of YMCA in 2025-26 was £386m. YMCA England & Wales is a £23 million organisation of more than 400 colleagues, supporting a Federation of 80 local YMCAs to deliver vital services which positively impact young lives across the country. As we grow our income and impact, we are seeking an established and inspirational Head of Finance to take on one of the most pivotal roles in our organisation.
The Opportunity
This is a senior leadership appointment, reporting to the Director of Resources and leading a Finance team of around nine, including the payroll function. You will act as our lead on all matters of finance, liaising with our Federation members where necessary, providing expert support to our Income Generation Directorate (Fundraising and Retail) and other internal Directorates, embedding financial insight into revenue-generation strategy and working in close collaborative partnership with senior colleagues both within those teams but also across the Federation. Beyond this, you will oversee statutory reporting, investments, VAT and taxation compliance, and provide expert counsel to our Board of Trustees and Finance and Audit Committee.
Why You
Perhaps you have already established an excellent track record within a charity with significant fundraising and retail operations and are ready for the scale and influence this role commands. Or perhaps this is your first move into a charity; you are a seasoned accountant whose clients have included charitable organisations, and you now plan to apply that expertise where it matters most. Either way, this is a genuine opportunity to shape the financial future of a movement with over 180 years of heritage as we continue to embed strong financial practices whilst delivering our strategic ambition
What We're Looking For
You will be a fully qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) with senior management experience leading finance in an organisation of comparable scale, ideally with charity reporting and SORP knowledge. Strong business partnering skills, gravitas with trustees and committees, and genuine collaborative leadership are essential to succeed in this crucial role.
Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check
YMCA is the world's oldest and largest youth charity. Collectively, we support 402,501 young people across 708 communities in England and Wales.


Hours: Full-time
Pay: £83,840 - £88,490 GBP gross per annum (dependent on experience)
Duration: Permanent
Location: Manchester, UK (hybrid working available), with an expectation of up to 25% international travel to support UK-Med's international programmes, governance and humanitarian operations. The postholder must be deployable and able to travel internationally at short notice where operationally required)
Are you an exceptional finance leader ready to shape the future of a global humanitarian organisation?
UK-Med is a frontline medical aid charity, born of the NHS and committed for over 30 years to ensuring that everyone can access the healthcare they need when crises and disasters strike. We deploy emergency medical teams and health specialists worldwide, supporting communities affected by conflict, disease outbreaks and natural disasters, whilst strengthening local health systems and preparedness.
Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director of Finance will provide strategic leadership across UK-Med's financial stewardship, sustainability, governance and organisational performance. As the organisation's principal financial adviser to the CEO, Board of Trustees and Board Committees, you will help shape UK-Med's long-term strategy and ensure the organisation remains financially resilient and well positioned to deliver its humanitarian mission.
Working closely with the Associate Director of Finance and colleagues across the organisation, you will lead the finance function and support delivery of UK-Med's Five-Year Strategy by strengthening financial governance, resilience and organisational sustainability across a complex, multi-country organisation.
You will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) with substantial experience providing strategic financial leadership at executive level within a complex organisation. You will have a proven track record of advising CEOs, Boards and Audit & Risk Committees, leading organisational change and financial transformation, and overseeing complex budgets, diverse funding streams and robust financial governance. Experience within the humanitarian, international development, healthcare or wider charity sectors is essential, with knowledge of institutional donor funding and grant compliance highly desirable.
This is a unique opportunity to influence the strategic direction of one of the UK's leading humanitarian organisations, helping ensure UK-Med remains financially resilient and ready to respond wherever communities need us most.
Can you help build a world prepared to help?
How to apply
We strongly recommend that you read theCandidate Information Pack - Director of Finance - August 2026before applying for this role.
To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting letter (2 pages) through our online jobs portal.
Please apply below, as soon as possible and no later than Monday 31st of August 2026.
UK-Med is committed to safeguarding of our personnel and beneficiaries and has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse. We conduct thorough vetting before any appointment is confirmed.
UK-Med is committed to the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel respected and supported to be able to fulfill their potential.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
For nearly 20 years, Lively Minds has been proving that parents are the sleeping giants of early childhood development. With strong evidence and a national scale proof point in Ghana, we have shown that parent powered approaches delivered through government systems can transform children's lives at scale.
We are now at a pivotal moment. We have the evidence, the model and the momentum, and we need the funding, profile and influence to match our ambition. This is a rare opportunity to lead income generation and external voice for an award winning NGO entering an exciting new phase of growth. You will lead our fundraising strategy and direct engagement with Funders ensuring that we maximise all funding opportunities as we continue our strategic evolution. You will also shape a compelling external narrative that will help position Lively Minds as the definitive partner for governments strengthening their early childhood development systems.
If you are an exceptional fundraiser and communicator who is equally comfortable in a strategic conversation and writing a winning proposal, we would love to hear from you.
Read the full advert and apply below. Closing date: 3rd September 2026.
About Lively Minds
Lively Minds is an award-winning NGO with nearly 20 years of experience designing, testing and scaling early childhood development (ECD) solutions across the Global South. Our core idea is simple but radical: parents are the sleeping giants of ECD. Governments and donors have long overlooked parents, assuming that poverty and low literacy make them unable or unwilling to support their childrenʼs development. We have spent two decades proving otherwise. With RCT-backed evidence and a national-scale proof point in Ghana, we have demonstrated that parent-powered approaches, delivered through government systems, can achieve meaningful child development outcomes at scale.
Our 2026–2028 strategy marks a pivotal shift. Having demonstrated what is possible, we are now helping pioneer an innovative model of country-led sustainable scale. Rather than delivering programmes ourselves, we provide lean, time-limited technical advisory support to governments to help them integrate parent-powered ECD into their own systems, budgets and institutions. We are currently working with the governments of Ghana, Uganda, Oromia state (Ethiopia) and The Gambia in 2026, growing to six or more country engagements by 2028. Our ambition is to catalyse a sector-wide shift, positioning Lively Minds as the definitive partner for governments seeking to strengthen their ECD systems.
Our scale strategy rests on three interdependent pillars: fixed-term Technical Advisory partnerships with governments; the development of a modular radio model simple and affordable enough for governments to adopt and fund independently; and an advocacy and sector influence agenda designed to make parent-powered ECD the norm globally.
Purpose of the Role
Lively Minds is at a critical inflection point. We have the evidence, the model and the momentum. We now need the funding, profile and sector influence to match our ambition. The Director of Fundraising and Communications is a priority hire, created to provide the dedicated, experienced leadership that this moment demands.
The Director will own and drive Lively Mindsʼ income generation, building new funder relationships, managing and deepening existing ones, and ensuring the organisation has the pipeline, discipline and quality of engagement to meet and exceed its fundraising targets. Working in close partnership with the Founding CEO, who retains ownership of a small number of long-standing strategic relationships, the Director will take primary responsibility for securing the funding that makes the 2026–2028 strategy deliverable, and that opens the door to greater scale beyond it. We need to raise approximately £3.4m over the next 3 years to deliver our strategy. But our ambition is to exceed that target so we can support additional governments.
Alongside fundraising, the Director will provide strategic leadership to Lively Mindsʼ communications and advocacy work, ensuring that the organisationʼs external voice is compelling and that we are building credibility in the spaces where funding decisions are made. The Director will lead and provide strategic coherence to a small but outward-facing team, including Head of Partnerships and Advocacy Lead who are active on the international stage. Lively Minds is committed to thought-leadership and active external engagement, but equally committed to ensuring that communications resource is deployed with discipline and rigour. The Director will set a clear strategic filter for where the organisation shows up, what it publishes and who it engages: prioritising focus and quality over volume, and always asking whether external activity is building the relationships and reputation that ultimately drive income and/or systems change.
Lively Minds is a dispersed, remote organisation. The Directorʼs team the Advocacy Lead, Development Manager and Communications Officer - are internationally distributed. The ability to lead, develop and maintain high standards across a dispersed team is essential. The role requires regular travel to international conferences and events.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Income Generation
- Own and deliver the multi-year fundraising strategy with clear priorities, targets, income streams and a disciplined pipeline to support the 2026–2028 strategy and future scale
- Steward existing funder relationships, turning strong partnerships into long-term supporters, advocates and connectors to new funding opportunities.
- Lead the shift towards Big Bet and catalytic funding, personally cultivating and negotiating high-value, multi-year partnerships and positioning Lively Minds for system-level scale
- Maintain a high standard of fundraising quality, pipeline management and forecasting, while coaching the team to produce compelling, sophisticated fundraising materials
- Build and continuously strengthen a diverse funding pipeline, identifying emerging opportunities, new funding markets and strategic partnerships that reduce concentration risk and support long-term financial sustainability
Communications, Brand & Advocacy
- Own and deliver Lively Mindsʼ communications and marketing strategy, balancing visibility and sector influence with the need to strengthen fundraising and systems-change objectives
- Partner closely with the CEO to shape and steward a coherent external narrative, brand and messaging framework across all audiences and channels
- Oversee high-quality core communications and fundraising materials, including cases for support, pitch decks, website content, proposals and donor reports
- Provide strategic communications expertise to Advocacy, Partnerships and MEL, ensuring evidence and learning are translated into compelling narratives and consistent external messaging
- Lead efforts to strengthen Lively Mindsʼ profile and thought leadership in the ECD sector, identifying opportunities for strategic media, events, publications and external platforms that reinforce its positioning and influence
Organizational Leadership&TeamDevelopment
- Contribute actively to SMT and organisational strategy, bringing funder intelligence, external perspective and communications expertise to strategic decision-making.
- Work closely with Finance and MEL to align fundraising targets, forecasting, budgets and evidence, ensuring proposals are credible, accurately costed and evidence-led
- Act as the organisationʼs communications subject matter expert, providing guidance and challenge to ensure high-quality, consistent external communications
- Lead and develop the Advocacy Lead, Development Manager and Communications Officer, fostering a team culture of quality, accountability, strategic clarity and continuous improvement
- Build strong cross-organisational collaboration, ensuring teams understand how fundraising, communications, advocacy and evidence work together to advance Lively Mindsʼ strategic priorities
Person Specification
Essential Experience & Skills
- 10+ years of significant senior-level fundraising experience within international development, education, philanthropy or a comparable sector
- Proven track record of securing major grants from foundations, institutional donors and high-net-worth individuals, alongside demonstrated experience securing or meaningfully progressing large-scale, catalytic funding from Big Bet philanthropy programmes such as the Audacious Project, Skoll Foundation or comparable funders. A strong understanding of what these funders look for and how to position an organisation compellingly within their processes is essential
- Exceptional fundraising writing skills, with the ability to personally develop compelling cases for support, funding proposals, award applications and pitch decks tailored to sophisticated impact funders. This is a hands-on role requiring both strong writing capability and the ability to coach others to consistently produce high-quality fundraising content
- Experienced in developing and owning a marketing and communications strategy, with a strong understanding of how to balance organisational visibility, thought leadership and sector influence with coherence, strategic focus and income generation
- Demonstrated ability to work closely with a Founding CEO to shape and steward the organisationʼs external narrative and brand. Comfortable working in a founder-led environment, providing expertise and constructive challenge while ensuring the organisation maintains a clear, consistent and coherent external voice
Desirable Experience
- Experienced fundraising for a technical advisory, systems change or government-facing organisation
- Knowledge of the ECD, education or early childhood sector and its funding landscape
- Familiarity with the Big Bang Philanthropy network or equivalent impact-focused funder communities
- Experience working alongside advocacy and partnerships teams, providing communications expertise and strategic coherence to their external activity
- Familiarity with the funding landscape for organisations operating in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Experience working remotely across multiple countries and effectively collaborating with cross-cultural teams
Behaviours & Ways of Working
- A doer, equally comfortable in strategic conversations and writing a funding proposal
- Sets a high bar for quality and clarity in all external communications and holds it consistently
- Builds a strong, trust-based partnership with the Founding CEO, provides honest challenge and operates effectively within a founder-led dynamic without losing their own voice or judgement
- Collaborative and cross-organisational. Invests in strong relationships with programme, MEL and finance colleagues, understanding that the best fundraising is grounded in organisational reality
- Calm and focused under pressure - able to manage competing priorities and maintain quality when the stakes are high
What We Offer
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- 25 days annual leave
- Health insurance
- Pension contribution
- Generous learning and development budget
- Flexible, remote working
Application Instruction
Interested candidates are encouraged to read the Job Description carefully before applying to ensure they understand the role and meet the required criteria.
To apply, please complete the pre-screening questions and submit your updated CV
PLEASE NOTE - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Timeline
Closing Date: 3rd September 2026
Our Stance
Lively Minds operates a strict Safeguarding Policy and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable people. As part of our recruitment process, the suitability of successful candidates will be verified through appropriate background checks including professional references and police checks.
Lively Minds is fully committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and to providing equal opportunities throughout our recruitment process. We want this commitment to be reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, experiences and perspectives.
We are committed to ensuring that recruitment decisions are based on merit, skills, experience and suitability for the role, and that all candidates are treated fairly and with respect throughout the recruitment process.
Harris Hill is delighted to be working on behalf of Freelands Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting innovative work across education, galleries and the wider arts sector. As HR Manager, you will play a pivotal role in delivering and overseeing the Foundation’s people strategy as it enters an exciting period of growth, including the expansion of key programmes, reaching new audiences and a major capital project. The role will be initially office-based throughout the probation period, moving to a hybrid arrangement of four days per week in the office thereafter.
Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, you will oversee the full employee lifecycle, ensuring HR processes, policies and practices are effective, compliant and aligned with the Foundation’s values and strategic objectives. This will include overseeing recruitment, selection and onboarding, employee records, performance management, training plans, flexible working and reasonable adjustment requests, as well as supporting disciplinary and grievance processes. You will review and improve HR systems and processes, maintain and update the employee handbook and HR policies in line with UK employment legislation and best practice, and provide advice and support to managers and colleagues across the organisation. You will also contribute to the Foundation’s wider people strategy, including its approach to diversity, equity and inclusion, employer brand, benefits and organisational development.
We are looking for an experienced HR generalist with substantial experience of supporting employees and senior managers within a small to medium-sized organisation. You will have a strong understanding of UK employment law and practical experience of delivering effective recruitment, onboarding and performance management processes, alongside the ability to develop well-researched recommendations on HR policy and practice. Excellent interpersonal, influencing, written and interviewing skills are essential, as is the ability to remain calm, objective and organised when managing sensitive or competing priorities. You will be proactive, collegiate and comfortable working in a deadline-driven environment, with a genuine commitment to Freelands Foundation’s mission to champion art education and a belief in the intrinsic value of art. A minimum CIPD Level 3 qualification or equivalent is required. Charity or arts-sector experience, change management, and coaching experience would be advantageous.
To apply, please submit your up-to-date CV by 30 August at 23:59.
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit a supporting document answering some specific questions after reviewing the full job description. Please note that only applicants with an unrestricted right to work in the UK will be considered for this position.
Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.
As a leading charity recruitment specialist 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.
Why apply?
This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected local charity at a pivotal moment in its development. You will have the opportunity to shape the organisation's future, strengthen its long-term sustainability and make a meaningful difference to the lives of refugees and people seeking asylum.
We offer flexible working arrangements where appropriate, professional development opportunities and a supportive and committed Board of Trustees.
The role would suit someone with senior management experience who wants meaningful, flexible, part-time work; someone looking for a stepping-stone into a more senior charity management role; and/or someone who wants a hands-on role in a small organisation where they will have autonomy and their contribution will be visible.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve.
Post outline
Location: Hybrid post. Part home-based, part at two locations in Rossendale
Salary: £35,900 pro-rata
Hours: 0.4 FTE (flexible but must regulary include Tuesday and/or Wednesday mornings). We are seeking funding to increase this to 0.5 FTE
Duration of Contract: Initially 12 months. Likely to be extended for at least 12 months, depending on funding.
Closing Date: 2nd September.Interview date: 9th September.
About Us
Rossendale Refugee Support Group is a small, community-based charity committed to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum to rebuild their lives in safety . We provide practical advice, advocacy, support and opportunities for social contact to individuals and families living in Rossendale. We currently have a single employee who leads service delivery, and over 20 highly committed volunteers.
We provide two weekly Drop-in sessions for clients, one at Haslingden Link on Wednesdaymornings (offering casework and social opportunities) and one at Bacup Maden Centre on Tuesday mornings (offering casework only).
We are a small charity entering a significant stage in our development. Having established a strong reputation locally we have recently secured a Local Authority contract for delivering refugee advice services. We are now seeking a Director who can lead the charity at a time of transformation, capitalising on our increased financial security to improve our offer, develop strategic direction, and establish the charity on a more sustainable footing. There is more information on our website.
Key Responsibilities
· Strategic Leadership. Work with Trustees to develop and implement future direction of the organisation.
· Partnership development. Represent RRSG and build partnerships with funders, community organisations, national bodies, and other stakeholders.
· Fundraising. Lead the development and delivery of the organisation's fundraising strategy, identifying funding sources, preparing high-quality funding applications and reports, diversifying and strengthening income streams.
· Operational management. Provide overall leadership and management of the charity's services, ensuring services are high-quality and responsive to clients’ needs.
· Line management. Responsible for the Service Delivery Lead postholder.
· Financial management. In partnership with the Treasurer and finance group, oversee financial management.
· Information systems. Oversee the management of organisational records and information systems, ensuring data security, accurate collection, analysis and reporting, to support quality improvement and decision-making.
· Website. Ensure website is kept up to date and developed according to needs.
· Governance. Oversee organisational policies, procedures and risk management, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, funders’ requirements and organisational policies.
· Casework. Provide input into casework service, normally a maximum one session/week, plus cover for absence of the Service Delivery Lead.
· Attending monthly board meeting to report back on service performance.
· Support to the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its responsibilities.
About You
We are looking for someone committed to our aims, able to work autonomously, excited to help shape our future with proven capacity to do so.
You will have:
· Strong commitment to the wellbeing of refugees and people seeking asylum
· Significant experience in a senior leadership or management role
· Experience in all aspects of management including finance, monitoring and evaluation, data systems, and people management
· Strong strategic planning, organisational development and project management skills.
· Excellent report writing, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.
· Understanding of safeguarding and data protection requirements
· Willingness to work flexibly according to the charity’s needs
· Ablility to work on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings as needed.
Desirable characteristics:
· A successful track record of securing and managing funding
· Knowledge of the refugee and asylum sector.
· Experience of working within the refugee sector.
· Experience of working with trustees and charity governance.
· Experience of leading organisational change.
· Experience of managing externally funded projects.
· Personal experience of forced migration.
· Ability to speak relevant languages other than English
Please provide a curriculum vitae and a letter (maximum two pages) explaining how you would approach the role.
Please provide contact details for two referees.
Please note that shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend for interview on 9th September and will be asked to attend the refugee drop-in session the same morning.
Closing date 2nd September 5pm.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) is partnering with Robertson Bell on a retained basis to recruit a Director of Finance on a permanent basis. This is a rare opportunity to join a globally influential organisation at a pivotal point in its growth, leading the transformation of the finance function whilst helping drive the organisation's ambitious mission to eliminate avoidable sight loss worldwide.
This is far more than a traditional Finance Director role. The successful candidate will inherit a finance function ready for transformation, with the full backing of an ambitious Senior Leadership Team committed to investing in modern systems, stronger processes and strategic financial leadership. It is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious finance leader looking to make their first move into a Director position, whilst remaining close to the operational detail and leading meaningful organisational change.
The role
- Partner with the Deputy CEO and Senior Leadership Team to shape the organisation's financial strategy and support the delivery of its ambitious three-year strategic plan.
- Lead the transformation of the finance function, moving from manual, spreadsheet-led reporting to streamlined systems, efficient processes and insightful business partnering.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting and financial planning, including scenario modelling to support significant organisational growth and major international funding opportunities.
- Deliver high-quality management reporting for the Executive Team, Finance & Audit Committee, Board of Trustees and major international funders.
- Lead the production of statutory accounts, oversee the annual audit process and ensure full compliance with Charity Commission, Companies House and tax requirements.
- Develop robust financial controls, policies and governance frameworks that support a growing international charity.
- Manage treasury activities, cashflow and foreign currency exposure across an increasingly global operation.
- Build strong relationships with budget holders across the organisation, embedding a proactive and commercially minded finance business partnering culture.
- Lead, develop and mentor a small finance team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
- Play a key leadership role in organisational decision-making, helping ensure finance is viewed as an enabling function that supports innovation and impact.
The organisation
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness is the only global alliance dedicated to eliminating the world's avoidable vision crisis. Representing NGOs, professional associations, hospitals, academic institutions, corporations and philanthropies, IAPB works to influence policy, mobilise investment and strengthen health systems across the world.
The organisation has experienced significant growth in recent years, expanding to over 50 staff and securing substantial new investment to support its ambitious global agenda. This includes convening the inaugural Global Summit for Eye Health in November 2026, bringing together heads of government, multilateral organisations and major funders to accelerate progress towards ending avoidable sight loss for the 1.1 billion people currently living without access to the eye care they need.
With strong leadership, genuine investment in organisational development and a culture built around being ambitious, collaborative, inclusive and strategic, IAPB offers an outstanding opportunity to shape both the finance function and the future direction of the organisation.
Essential criteria
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Experience working within an international charity.
- Strong understanding of charity finance, including restricted funding, grant reporting and Charity SORP.
- Demonstrable experience producing high-quality financial reporting, budgeting and statutory accounts.
- Experience improving financial systems, controls and reporting processes.
- Proven ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders, trustees and non-finance colleagues.
- Strong leadership skills, with experience developing and supporting finance teams.
- Commercial mindset with the ability to translate financial information into strategic insight.
- Excellent communication skills, with confidence presenting complex financial information to a range of audiences.
Apply now
This is a permanent, full-time position with a salary of £87,000 based on a hybrid working model requiring one day per week in the London office, typically on Tuesdays.
The role offers an excellent benefits package, including a 10% employer pension contribution, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, flexible working, enhanced family leave policies and an Employee Assistance Programme.
IAPB is the premier eye health body which brings together a unique network of members and membership bodies from across the world.


Employment Details:
- Location: Haringey (N17), London, UK. (This is an In-Person role with optional one day working remotely)
- Job Title: Director of Operations
- Reporting to: CEO, with accountability to the Board of Trustees
- Line Manages: Operations Co-ordinator and Finance Officer
- Employment Type: Full-Time (40hrs Per Week)
- Start date: October 2026 (Ideally, or later if you have a notice period)
Benefits:
- Annual Leave: 25 days (Exclusive of Bank Holiday)
- 1 x WFH/flexi working as per policy
- CPD Budget: £1000
- Group Life Insurance
- Discount on Food (Specific Restaurants)
- Free Brunch every Thursday
- Company Well-being Events
- Pension Contribution
Summary of the role:
The Director of Operations is a pivotal senior leadership role at Sister System, responsible for strengthening the people, culture, systems and organisational foundations that enable our mission to thrive. Working closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees, the postholder will play a central role in delivering our current strategic priorities and shaping the next chapter of Sister System as we develop our future strategy beyond September 2027.
This is a significant opportunity to help shape a growing, values-led organisation founded on co-curation, sisterhood, race & gender equity and the belief that girls and young women should be active architects of the services, systems and opportunities designed for them. With oversight of financial management, people and culture, compliance, risk and organisational infrastructure, the Director of Operations will lead on empowering & ensuring that our internal culture and ways of working reflect the same care, accountability, ambition and empowerment that sit at the heart of our model.
The role will be instrumental in translating our founding vision into strong, sustainable practice, ensuring Sister System is equipped to grow its impact while remaining deeply connected to the voices, experiences and leadership of the girls and young women we exist to serve.
Our Charity:
Sister System exists to ensure that care-affected girls and young women are not defined by the systems they have experienced, but are supported to recognise their strengths, shape their futures and access the same opportunities as their peers.
Our culturally competent, co-curated model works alongside girls and young women aged 13–24 through a long-term journey of support, progression and leadership. Across three interconnected stages, we provide trusted relationships, mentoring, therapeutic support, education, leadership development and pathways into employment. Our approach recognises that meaningful change takes time, consistency and a community that continues to believe in her.
Founded with girls and young women, not simply for them, Sister System places their voices, experiences and ambitions at the heart of everything we do. Through our growing hub-and-spoke model, we are expanding our reach while also influencing the wider systems, services and institutions that shape their lives.
Our ambition is not only to improve individual outcomes, but to demonstrate a better way of working with care-affected girls and young women—one that is relational, culturally responsive, asset-based and built around what they tell us they need to thrive.
As Sister System enters its next phase of growth and prepares to shape its future strategy, we are seeking an experienced and values-led Director of Operations to join our Senior Leadership Team. This is an exciting opportunity to strengthen the people, culture, systems and infrastructure that will enable our organisation—and the girls and young women alongside us—to achieve even more.
Our Vision:
A world where empowered girls reach their potential through equitable opportunities.
Our Mission:
To bridge the gap between care-affected girls and young women within mainstream society by working alongside them to ensure they have the same opportunities that everyone else has – at home, school, work and within our communities.
Our Values:
- COLLABORATIVE
We co-curate programmes with our Sis-Stars. We seek powerful partnerships. - EVIDENCE-BASED
We build trust and respect within our sector. - MASTERFUL
We aim for excellence as standard and share our learning. - SOLUTION-FOCUSED
We innovate to overcome challenges with a long-term goal in mind. - TENACIOUS
We are not afraid to take a stand and push for change.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Implementation
- Work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees to translate Sister System’s strategy, theory of change, operational model and financial plans into clear organisational priorities and coordinated action.
- Play a central role in shaping Sister System’s next strategy ahead of the September 2027 refresh, ensuring it reflects our founding commitment to co-curation, the voices of girls and young women, our evolving three-stage model and our future growth ambitions.
- Lead the development of proportionate planning, monitoring and review processes that enable the Senior Leadership Team to track progress, reflect on performance, identify barriers and remain accountable for delivery.
- Monitor progress against agreed strategic goals and KPIs, ensuring that risks, dependencies and areas requiring leadership attention are clearly identified and addressed.
- Support senior leaders to turn strategic priorities into realistic plans, with clear ownership, timescales and measurable outcomes.
- Ensure that learning from delivery, impact data, staff experience and the voices of girls and young women inform strategic decision-making and organisational improvement.
- Cultivate a strong shared sense of purpose across Sister System, helping colleagues understand how their roles contribute to our mission, values and long-term ambitions.
Financial Strategy and Audit
- Work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees to shape, implement and regularly evaluate Sister System’s financial strategy, ensuring it supports our mission, strategic ambitions and long-term sustainability.
- Provide clear, financial recommendations to the CEO, helping the organisation navigate the balance between delivering high-quality, meaningful impact for girls and young women, achieving value for money and maintaining financial resilience.
- Translate Sister System’s strategic priorities, delivery model and growth ambitions into realistic financial plans, forecasts and scenarios that support timely and well-informed decision-making.
- Lead financial scenario planning and ensure that the CEO and Board have a clear understanding of the financial implications, risks and trade-offs associated with key organisational decisions.
- Lead and oversee the annual audit process, working effectively with external auditors, the finance team, senior leaders and the Board to ensure a robust, timely and transparent process.
- Ensure that learning and recommendations arising from audits, financial reviews and assurance activity are translated into clear improvements and strengthened organisational practice.
Financial Management
- Lead the development, monitoring and management of annual budgets, reforecasts and longer-term financial plans, ensuring resources are aligned with Sister System’s strategic priorities.
- Hold and actively manage the tension between quality, impact, affordability and value for money, ensuring financial decisions protect the integrity of Sister System’s model and the experience of the girls and young women we serve.
- Provide the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board with clear, accessible and timely financial information, insight and recommendations to support effective leadership and governance.
- Produce high-level financial reports and analysis covering budgets, cash flow, reserves, forecasts, strategic KPIs and other relevant performance indicators.
- Maintain and continuously strengthen proportionate financial systems, controls and processes that reflect Sister System’s size, stage of growth and evolving operating model.
- Ensure that robust financial and performance-reporting infrastructure is in place, with clear accountability, reliable data and appropriate oversight across the organisation.
- Support Directors and budget holders to understand their financial responsibilities, manage resources effectively and make informed decisions within agreed parameters.
- Identify emerging financial risks, pressures and opportunities for greater efficiency, advising the CEO on appropriate actions and ensuring these are monitored and addressed.
- Oversee high quality bookkeeping practice to ensure reporting is accurate and up to date.
- Work with the fundraising team to develop budgets for proposals and create timely financial reports for funders and donors
Culture and Operational Effectiveness
- Work closely with our People and Culture consultant, CEO and Senior Leadership Team to shape and embed a progressive, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture aligned with Sister System’s values: Collaborative, Evidence-based, Masterful, Solution-focused and Tenacious.
- Champion a culture of regular, honest and constructive feedback, helping managers and colleagues to hold crucial conversations with clarity, care and accountability.
- Ensure that Sister System’s internal culture reflects the relational, empowering and values-led approach that sits at the heart of our work with girls and young women.
- Review existing organisational processes and workflows, identifying practical opportunities to improve clarity, consistency, collaboration and efficiency.
- Develop and embed proportionate ways of working that support Sister System’s current size, evolving operating model and future growth.
People Planning and Management
- Lead the development of a clear and forward-looking people plan that ensures Sister System has the right structure, capacity, capabilities and leadership in place to deliver its strategic ambitions.
- Support managers to build high-performing teams through effective objective-setting, regular feedback, performance management and professional development.
- Foster an environment in which people are supported to grow, appropriately challenged and held accountable for delivering against agreed expectations.
- Facilitate professional learning, career development and progression across the organisation, ensuring that opportunities are transparent, equitable and aligned with organisational need.
- Oversee workforce and succession planning, ensuring that the organisational structure remains appropriate, affordable and responsive to Sister System’s development.
- Work with the CEO and relevant advisers to ensure fair and appropriate pay, benefits and working conditions.
- Oversee recruitment and the end-to-end employee experience, from attraction and onboarding through to development, retention and exit.
- Ensure that people policies, practices and management approaches are legally compliant, consistently applied and reflective of Sister System’s values.
Compliance and Risk Management
- Ensure that Sister System meets its legal, regulatory and governance responsibilities as a charity and employer.
- Lead the development and maintenance of a proportionate organisational risk-management framework that protects Sister System’s people, assets, reputation and ability to deliver its mission.
- Ensure that key organisational risks are clearly identified, owned, monitored and reported to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.
- Promote a culture in which risk is understood and actively managed without limiting thoughtful innovation, learning or ambition.
Governance, Communications and Facilities
- Facilitate clear, timely and effective communication and cooperation between the Board of Trustees, CEO and Senior Leadership Team.
- Support the development of strong governance systems, ensuring that trustees receive the information, insight and assurance required to fulfil their responsibilities effectively.
- Work closely with trustees through the Finance and Audit committee
- Oversee the organisation’s IT infrastructure and digital systems through external providers, ensuring that they remain secure, reliable and appropriate for Sister System’s needs.
- Oversee the effective operation of Sister System’s physical workspace within a fully managed office environment, working with building management and relevant external providers where required.
- Ensure that Sister System provides a safe, welcoming and accessible environment for girls and young women, staff, volunteers, visitors and partners across its hub, spoke locations and external activities.
- Ensure that appropriate health and safety systems, procedures and responsibilities are understood, implemented and regularly reviewed.
Person Specification
We are seeking an experienced, dynamic and values-led operational leader to join Sister System’s Senior Leadership Team. You will combine sound judgement and strong organisational skills with a warm, collaborative leadership style and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for care-affected girls and young women.
You do not need to be a specialist in every area of the role. You will, however, need the confidence and experience to lead across a broad operational portfolio, work effectively with professional advisers and external providers, and provide clear, practical advice to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.
Essential Experience and Knowledge
- Significant experience in a senior operations, finance, people, governance or organisational leadership role within a charity, social enterprise or similarly values-led organisation.
- Experience of translating organisational strategy into clear priorities, plans, systems and measurable outcomes.
- Experience of developing and managing organisational budgets, forecasts and financial reporting, with the ability to balance quality, impact, affordability and value for money.
- Experience of supervising or coordinating an external audit process, working effectively with auditors, finance colleagues and the Board.
- Experience of people planning, performance management and supporting managers to build capable, accountable and high-performing teams.
- Experience of developing or improving organisational systems, processes and ways of working during a period of growth or change.
- A sound understanding of charity governance, organisational risk, compliance and the responsibilities of senior leaders and trustees.
- Experience of working collaboratively with a CEO, senior leadership colleagues, trustees, consultants and external professional advisers.
- A strong understanding of equity, inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice, and the ability to embed these principles within organisational culture and decision-making.
Skills and Leadership Approach
- An approachable, emotionally intelligent and credible leader who can build trust, motivate others and develop effective working relationships across an organisation.
- The ability to lead with both care and accountability, supporting open feedback and helping colleagues to hold constructive and sometimes crucial conversations.
- Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to understand the wider organisational picture while maintaining oversight of important operational detail.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial, people or operational information clearly and accessibly.
- Strong organisational and project-management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, meet deadlines and maintain momentum.
- Sound judgement and the confidence to provide constructive challenge, identify risks and offer clear recommendations to the CEO and Board.
- A practical and solution-focused approach, with the ability to move from discussion and planning into coordinated action.
- The ability to handle sensitive, confidential and personal information professionally and in accordance with Sister System’s policies, data-protection responsibilities and GDPR.
- Energy, curiosity and enthusiasm for strengthening an ambitious organisation as it prepares to shape and deliver its next strategy.
Values and Commitment
- A demonstrable commitment to Sister System’s mission and to improving the opportunities, experiences and outcomes of care-affected girls and young women.
- The ability to model and champion Sister System’s values: Collaborative, Evidence-based, Masterful, Solution-focused and Tenacious.
- A commitment to co-curation and to ensuring that the voices, experiences and leadership of girls and young women inform organisational planning and decision-making.
- A commitment to continuous learning, reflective practice and personal and professional development.
Desirable
- Lived experience of the care system, or a strong professional understanding of the experiences of care-affected girls and young women.
- Experience of working within a founder-led organisation or alongside a founder CEO.
- Experience of supporting an organisation through growth, restructuring or the development of a new strategy.
- Knowledge of culturally competent, trauma-informed or relational approaches to working with young people.
- A relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience in operations, finance, human resources, governance or organisational leadership.
- Experience working with social care and educational service providers (statutory and third sector).
- Knowledge of the Charity SORP, Charity Commission reporting requirements, and other third-sector financial regulation.
Sister System is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
This post is subject to two satisfactory reference checks and DBS enhanced disclosure.
How to apply
Please apply via our recruitment platform Breathe by 31st August 2026. You will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following questions:
Values alignment
Sister System's model is built on co-curation (working with girls and young women, not simply for them) and on being Collaborative, Evidence-based, Masterful, Solution-focused and Tenacious. Which of these values do you feel most aligned with, and which do you find hardest to live up to in practice?
People & Culture
Sister System is a founder-led organisation, underpinned by race and gender equity and a culturally competent, trauma-informed approach to working with girls and young women. Tell us about a time you strengthened internal culture of this nature within a team. What resistance did you meet, and what was different a year later?
Finance
A key element of the role is monitoring income against budget for current and future years. Charity income can provide additional complexities, particularly with different types of grants. Please explain your understanding of these complexities, and how they impact on recording and reporting, including examples from your own experience if relevant.
Timeline
Deadline for applications: End of day Monday 31st August 2026
First round interviews: w/c 7th September
Second round interviews: w/c 14th September
Decisions made: by 22nd September
Thank you for your interest in joining Sister System in our mission to inspire and empower young women.
We work alongside girls and young women aged 13-24 affected by care, offering her an early intervention mentoring and educational programme.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Director of Operations & Organisational Effectiveness is responsible for leadingUbele's operational infrastructure and ensuring the organisation has the systems,processes, people, governance and resources required to operate effectively andsustainably.
As a member of the management board, the postholder will work closely with thecurrent CEO and colleagues across the organisation to strengthen organisationaleffectiveness, improve operational performance and create the conditions forsuccessful programme delivery and long-term organisational resilience.
The role will provide leadership across operations, governance, finance oversight,people management, compliance, organisational planning and businessimprovement, ensuring that Ubele's operational foundations support its mission,values and ambitions.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Operational leadership and organisational effectiveness
Lead the development and continuous improvement of organisational systems,processes and operational practices.
Drive organisational effectiveness through improved planning, coordination,accountability and performance management.
Ensure effective operational planning and resource allocation across theorganisation.
Establish and embed clear operational frameworks, policies and procedures
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen delivery and enhanceorganisational performance.
Lead organisational improvement initiatives and support the implementation ofchange programmes where required.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and accountability.
People, culture and performance
Provide leadership for organisational people practices, ensuring effectiveworkforce planning, employee engagement and performance management.
Support managers to develop high-performing and inclusive teams.
Ensure HR policies, procedures and employment practices are effectivelyimplemented.
Lead organisational approaches to performance management, learning andprofessional development.
Contribute to the development of a positive organisational culture that reflectsUbele's values and commitment to equity and inclusion.
Support organisational wellbeing and employee engagement initiatives.
Finance, risk and governance
Work closely with the Finance Lead and CEO to ensure robust financialmanagement, planning and reporting arrangements are in place.
Support the development and monitoring of organisational budgets and financialcontrols.
Ensure effective governance processes are maintained and support high-qualityreporting to the Board.
Lead the development and maintenance of organisational risk managementframeworks.
Oversee organisational compliance with legal, regulatory and statutoryrequirements.
Ensure organisational policies are regularly reviewed, updated and implemented.
Coordinate internal and external audits and compliance reviews.
Programme operations and organisational delivery
Support effective organisational planning and delivery across programmes,projects and services.
Develop systems and processes that enable effective programme management,monitoring and reporting.
Ensure organisational resources are aligned to operational priorities and deliveryrequirements.
Oversee organisational performance reporting and management informationsystems.
Support cross-organisational collaboration and effective communication betweenteams.
Ensure grant, contract and reporting obligations are effectively monitored andfulfilled.
Assets, infrastructure and compliance
Provide operational oversight of Ubele's facilities, assets and organisationalinfrastructure, including supporting Wolves Lane leadership and other operationalresources.
Ensure effective management of suppliers, contractors and operational serviceproviders.
Oversee health and safety, safeguarding, data protection and organisationalcompliance arrangements.
Ensure business continuity and organisational resilience plans are maintained andregularly reviewed.
Maintain appropriate systems and controls to support safe, compliant andeffective operations.
External relationships and organisational representation
Develop effective relationships with operational partners, suppliers, funders andstakeholders as required.
Contribute operational insight and expertise to partnership discussions andorganisational initiatives.
Represent Ubele on operational, governance and organisational matters whereappropriate.
Support the CEO and management board through the provision of high-qualityoperational information, analysis and recommendations.
Person Specification
Skills
Operational leadership skills, with the ability to drive organisational effectivenessand continuous improvement.
Planning, prioritisation and organisational skills.
People management and leadership skills, including the ability to develop andsupport teams.
Ability to analyse information and use data to support decision-making andperformance improvement.
Financial and commercial awareness.
Communication, influencing and relationship management skills.
Ability to build productive working relationships with colleagues, Board members,partners, funders and external stakeholders.
Problem-solving skills and the ability to identify practical solutions toorganisational challenges.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work within a dynamic and evolvingenvironment.
Report writing, presentation and analytical skills.
Experience
Experience in a senior operational leadership role within a charity, socialenterprise, CIC, public sector or similarly complex organisation.
Experience leading organisational operations, systems, processes and businessimprovement initiatives.
Experience managing organisational change and embedding new ways ofworking.
Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams.
Experience overseeing organisational budgets, financial controls and resourceplanning.
Experience supporting governance arrangements and working with Boards andSenior Leadership Teams.
Experience developing and implementing organisational policies, procedures andoperational frameworks.
Experience overseeing risk management, compliance and organisationalassurance processes.
Experience managing contracts, suppliers and operational resources.
Experience supporting the delivery of programmes, projects and services within acomplex organisational environment.
Knowledge
Knowledge of governance, compliance and risk management frameworks.
Knowledge of financial management principles, budgeting and performancereporting.
Knowledge of employment legislation and people management practices.
Knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and organisationalcompliance requirements.
Knowledge of organisational development and continuous improvementapproaches.
Understanding of the operational challenges and opportunities facing charities,CICs and social enterprises.
Understanding of equity, inclusion and community-centred approaches toorganisational leadership.
Understanding of the social, economic and structural issues affecting AfricanDiaspora communities and community-led organisations.
Knowledge of grant-funded and contract-funded operating environments.
This role involves responsibility for socially impactful and occasionally emotionallydemanding work. A commitment to wellbeing, reflective leadership, and resilience isessential.
A DBS check may be required depending on Ubele’s programmes.
This job description may evolve as Ubele continues its organisational development.
Advocating for Equity & Justice in Our Communities


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