Director of income generation and communications jobs

Job Title: Head of Major Giving - Trusts & Foundations and Individual Donors

Reporting to: Director of Fundraising and Development

Location of work: Home based. The post holder will be expected to travel to meet donors, travel to away days and team meetings in London. The role may involve some irregular travel throughout England and Scotland. Expenses will be paid in line with our Travel and Expenses policy. 

Contract type: Ideally full-time, 35 hours per week, 28 hours or 35 hours compressed would be considered.

Contract Length: This is a fixed term contract starting ASAP for 12 months.

Salary: £48,500 

Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Magic Breakfast is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

JOB PURPOSE    

This is a unique opportunity to step into a pivotal leadership role during an exciting period of transformation at Magic Breakfast. As Head of Major Giving (Maternity Cover), you will shape and deliver our strategy for high-value income generation across philanthropy  and trusts and foundations, while embedding a newly merged team and fostering a culture of one unified, high-performing team within Major Giving and more widely as part of Fundraising and Development.  

You will lead a team of five people, line managing and working closely with two Major Giving Leads, empowering them and co-creating a Major Giving strategy that fully seizes the opportunities presented by our refreshed organisational strategy. You will also oversee a well-established Trusts and Foundations portfolio and a group of highly engaged individual donors, maintaining and growing these important relationships whilst helping to provide strategic and targeted support across pipeline development. 

This role offers a chance to make a tangible difference by bringing together two recently merged teams, embedding new ways of working, and setting up structures for long-term success. You will have a dotted-line relationship with the Business Development Manager (Scotland), enabling you to ensure joined-up major giving approaches across the UK and unlock exciting opportunities in Scotland. 

We are looking for a natural relationship-builder with a proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts, outstanding communication skills, and the ability to inspire donors, colleagues, and external stakeholders alike. As part of the Fundraising Leadership team, you will deputise for the Director of Fundraising and Development when needed and collaborate across the organisation to implement, monitor, and adapt our fundraising strategy, maximising the impact of major giving. 

This is a rare chance to leave your mark on a highly visible and strategically important function, shaping a newly merged team, influencing our major giving strategy, and contributing to the long-term success of Magic Breakfast.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver an integrated Major Giving strategy covering philanthropy and trusts & foundations with clear objectives and KPIs for income and performance and an embedded review, learn and continuously improve culture.
• Provide strong leadership across the Major Giving team, ensuring delegation and empowerment whilst also setting clear direction that helps to mitigate challenges and unlock and seize on opportunities.
• As part of the wider leadership team, play a key role in ensuring effective delivery of the fundraising strategy, organisational goals and our long-term strategic vision.

• Oversee a collaborative approach to prospect research and pipeline development to ensure a sustainable flow of opportunities, working with colleagues from across the wider department to leverage opportunities for referrals and pipeline development.

• Work across the organisation to package innovative and compelling projects for funding. Maintain a strong knowledge of the organisation strategy, business plan and opportunities for innovation, to identify and build compelling giving propositions, wish lists and a persuasive case for support including non-financial asks. 

• Prepare phased budgets and reforecasts, identifying and recognising opportunities and risks to income in line with activity plans and progress. 

• Work with finance and performance and relevant business leads to manage programme budgets and restrictions. 

• Foster strong communication and collaboration with the Business Development Manager (Scotland), ensuring effective two-way sharing of insight, alignment on donor and funder relationships, and joined-up approaches to national and devolved opportunities. 

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to bring their whole self to work.

Please see our website for more infromation and our job pack 

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, recruitment @ magicbreakfast. com

Shortlisting - 12th - 14th January

Interview 1 - 19th OR 20th January

Interview 2 - 23rd January

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

The Head of Finance is a key member of the Senior Management Team responsible for the Trust’s financial management including; financial and management accounts, financial planning and budget submissions, forecasting and cashflow management, compliance and financial governance and the statutory accounts and audit. The produces group accounts comprising the GWT charity and the wholly owned trading subsidiary, GWT Trading Ltd. The GWT charity includes the UK based headquarters, fundraising team and two welfare advice centres, and GWT (Nepal), which is responsible for delivering the majority of charitable activities directly in Nepal. Supported by the Finance Director GWT (Nepal), Head of Finance is responsible for reporting on the financial performance of the Trust to the CEO and the Audit and Finance Committees.

Secretary of the Investment Committee and the key interface between the two Investment Managers and the Investment Committee Chair and members.

Head of profession, providing leadership and professional mentoring and development to the finance teams in the UK and Nepal.

The Trust is looking to introduce a new finance system within the next 12 months, under the direction of Head of Finance.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This role’s primary responsibilities will be as follows:

 1. Financial Leadership and Control

•  Day to day responsibility for the Trust’s finance function ensuring robust financial control, accurate reporting, and effective systems that underpin the charity’s strategic ambitions and operational delivery.
• Advising Trustees on all aspects of the Trust’s financial performance and position including that of GWT(N).
• Provide financial advice in support of the strategic direction of the Trust.

2. Financial Management and Control

• Preparation of the quarterly management accounts with supporting commentary for the Finance Committee and Trustees.
• Monthly Group consolidation, including Balance Sheet and P&L revaluations and review of completeness of management accounts.
• Payroll management for all GWT UK staff including salaries, pension contributions and medical insurance. Ensuring the correct application and reporting of statutory allowances to HMRC through monthly RTI reports.
• Cashflow management.
•  Investments: key interface with Investment Managers (Sarasin & Partners LLP and CCLA), and ensuring the correct accounting and reporting of in-period movements within PS Financials.
• Constructive Obligation: Review annual assumptions and options for agreement by the Audit Committee. Liaise with the actuary (located in India) for annual valuation.

 3. Financial Reporting and Audit

• Preparation of the Trust’s annual budget and 10-year income & expenditure and investment assessment with supporting schedules for submission to the Finance Committee and Trustees.
• In liaison with HR, evaluate and present options for UK staff annual salary awards.
• Monitor Trust’s financial performance, identifying risks and opportunities for performance improvement.
• Prepare GWT and GWT Trading Ltd statutory accounts in accordance with Charities SORP and Charity Commission requirements and with supporting schedules for audit purposes. Maintain reserve policies, presenting changes for Audit Committee approval.
• Lead for ensuring the correct adoption of SORP 26, with specific focus on the changes in lease accounting.
• In liaison with Comms & Digital Manager, oversee the preparation of the Annual Report for Trustee approval.

4. Compliance and Governance

• Responsibility for maintaining an appropriate system of internal control within the Trust.  Lead for the contracted UK Internal Audit capability and provide advice and support to GWT(N) Internal Auditor.
• Lead for Counter Fraud Policy and fraud awareness.
• Responsibility for accounting policies and procedures throughout the Trust, ensuring they are up to date and in accordance with current best practice and regulatory and Charity Commission requirements.

5. Financial Guidance and Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain regular liaison with the Treasurer and Auditor.
• Liaise with HMRC as required on all aspects of the Trust’s accounts.
• Providing an external interface with banks, auditors, pension funds, investment managers, consultants and charity finance specialists.
• Lead for negotiating the annual Support and Medical Grant-in-Aid (GIA) with MOD and providing quarterly performance reporting.
• Provide financial advice and support to all members of staff within their areas of responsibility including assisting with the financial aspects of grant applications, contract negotiations and project proposals and to provide guidance on HMRC, Charity Commission and other regulations.

 6. Leadership and Line Management

• Line management responsibility of Financial Accountant who has day-to-day responsibility for financial transactions and input to PS Financials.
• Provide financial advice and support to Finance Director GWT(N).
• Ensuring the continued profession development of all finance staff.
• Secretary to Audit Committee and Investment Committee.

KEY SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND KNOWLEDGE, AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Applicants for this position should be able to satisfy the following criteria:

Essential:

• Qualified Accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Track record in financial management at a senior level
• Experience of working in the charity or third sector at a senior level
• Understanding of how an organisation’s strategic direction is supported by its financial framework
• Experience of accounting data processing and report generation using current business intelligence (BI) and reporting packages in addition to Excel
• Ability to work both strategically and operationally
• Track record in managing direct reports including effective delegation, coaching and performance management
• Attention to detail while being able to see the big picture
• Leading a team

Desirable:

• PS Financials
• Experience of implementing a new finance system within an organisation

QUERIES

If you have any questions over the job description or terms and conditions, please get in touch with us.  Please note we may close this vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Programmes, a pivotal role at the heart of our mission. You will lead the design, delivery, and impact of Belong’s programmes across England and Wales, ensuring they are strategic, inclusive, and evidence-based. Working closely with the CEO and senior colleagues, you will shape programme strategy, oversee complex portfolios, and drive systemic change that strengthens social cohesion nationwide.

As Director of Programmes, you will:

• Lead strategic development and delivery of Belong’s place-based programmes, ensuring alignment with our mission and values.
• Oversee programme design, implementation, evaluation, and learning to guarantee quality and measurable impact.
• Line manage a talented team of Programme Leads and Coordinators, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment.
• Apply systems thinking to understand the interconnected nature of community, policy, and service ecosystems.
• Build and maintain high-level partnerships with funders, commissioners, local authorities, and community organisations.
• Represent Belong at national forums, events, and networks, championing our work and influence.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for programme development and funding, supporting organisational growth.

This is a senior leadership position that combines strategic vision with hands-on delivery. You will play a key role in shaping Belong’s future and ensuring our programmes make a lasting difference to communities across the UK.

About You
We are seeking a visionary and experienced leader with:

• Proven experience in leading complex programme portfolios and delivering impactful initiatives.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a track record of shaping programme strategy.
• Excellent leadership and line management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Experience managing diverse stakeholders, from senior decision-makers to community partners.
• Familiarity with systems change and participatory approaches.
• Understanding of social cohesion, integration, and related social policy issues.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, able to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
• Highly organised, diplomatic, and politically astute, with experience in income generation and bid development.

Desirable: Experience in areas such as Prevent, PCVE, community tensions, hate crime, or tackling misinformation.

Personal qualities matter too: we’re looking for someone passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK, collaborative and inclusive in their leadership style, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

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
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Closing Date: 12 January 2026

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. We work with communities, local authorities, and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience. Through innovative place-based programmes, research, policy influence, and thought leadership, we help create stronger, kinder, and more connected communities. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses, and we are proud to champion collaboration, diversity, and evidence-led approaches.

*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.*

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 

This new post will build on our Charity fundraising work which seeks to generate income from a portfolio of philanthropic sources, including trusts, foundations, individuals, corporate sponsors, and statutory bodies. The primary focus of this role will be to support the Reinventing Borde Hill project, helping to transform Borde Hill’s South Park and establish a community growing garden at Sugworth Farm.

The project has an am fundraising target of £1million, to be raised over the next two years. Additionally, this post will also seek and pursue opportunities to support the work of Borde Hill Garden Charity more widely. Working with the Reinventing Borde Hill project team, the role will effectively manage funders, driving the financial sustainability of the project and wider charity operations.

Your passion for heritage, the natural landscape, and community involvement will feed into compelling funder proposals and ongoing relationship-building with supporters. You will report to the Managing Director, and prepare monthly/quarterly updates for the Project Board and NLHF.

Director of Fundraising

Location: Hammersmith, London (2 or 3 days per week in the office)
Hours: 37.5 per week
Salary: £75,000–£80,000 per annum
Reporting to: Chief Executive
Term: Permanent

Aquilas is delighted to be partnering with The Honeypot Children’s Charity to recruit a visionary Director of Fundraising to lead the organisation into its next phase of growth and impact.

About Honeypot:

For over 30 years, Honeypot has supported young carers aged 5–12 across the UK, providing respite and learning breaks alongside a holistic range of services. We create safe, nurturing environments where children facing demanding home responsibilities can thrive and reach their full potential.

Our work supports children caring for a sick or disabled parent or sibling through ongoing, tailored services including respite and educational breaks, wellbeing grants, healthy eating and nutrition support, and pastoral care. We focus on early intervention and work in partnership with more than 130 referral organisations to provide sustained support for up to eight years, depending on individual need.

About the role:

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Fundraising will lead and deliver ambitious fundraising strategies, grow income streams, strengthen partnerships, and secure sustainable funding to support Honeypot’s vital work. The successful candidate will bring proven fundraising leadership experience, strong relationship-building skills, and a genuine passion for improving outcomes for young carers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver the fundraising strategy
• Lead, manage, and inspire the fundraising team
• Build and maintain relationships with major donors, corporates, and grant-makers
• Ensure compliance and best practice in fundraising
• Grow income through Charity of the Year partnerships

Person Specication:

• Proven track record in income generation
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Charity sector experience (desirable)

To Apply:

To receive a candidate pack or arrange a confidential conversation, please contact:

Kieran McGorrian, Head of Not for Profit Appointments, Aquilas (contact details in candidate pack)

Applications close 5pm Monday 5th January 

Role Purpose:

The Clinical Director will provide strategic clinical leadership to the Restraint Reduction Network, ensuring that all initiatives, standards, and practices align with evidence-based approaches, human rights principles, and the goal of reducing restrictive practices across education health and social care settings. This role will champion best practice, influence policy, and support the implementation of RRN Training Standards nationally and internationally.

This role will also include delivering training, audits, working on projects that reflect areas of expertise and supporting organisations to restrictive practices through six core strategies.

Role Summary

· To be the clinical lead for RRN including leading our work supporting providers to improve via the six core strategies.

· To provide clinical leadership for the RRN  Partners Programme through acting as lead RRN consultant and delivering programmes.

· Working with the Director of Organisational and Workforce development to ensure programmes are effective and contemporary and evolves as practice evolves and improves with feedback

· Providing collaborative leadership of RRN in leading a restraint reduction movement across the British Isles and leading our RRN members community.

· Work with members of RRN Senior leadership team and board of trustees to ensure RRN is both sustainable and impactful in line with charities purpose

· Support RRN manager and associates to develop a range of resources ensuring that all RRN resources are:

o evidence based (linking with academics and universities)

o co-produced (with people with lived experience of restraint)

o protects human rights (linking with human rights organisations)

· Support and contribute to the continuous improvement of the RRN training standards and RRN Practice Leadership Diploma

· Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the RRN, ensuring positive relationships with key stakeholders including charities, civil servants, professionals, academics and people with lived experience

· Ensure RRN develops its reputation as leaders in restraint reduction nationally and internationally and ensure internal culture reflects trauma informed practice we promote

· Work collaboratively with CEO to ensure clear strategy and internal culture reflects trauma informed practice we promote

· Ensure all resources and work undertaken by RRN reflect best practice in co-production with people with lived experience of restraint

· Supporting RRN associates with lived experience with clear expectations of their role and putting in person centred processes to minimise the impact of trauma through the direct work they do  for RRN and the interaction with the organisation.

· Contribute to the development of a Community of Practice

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the clinical vision for restraint reduction across education, health and social care, ensuring alignment with RRN’s mission and values.
• Provide clinical leadership in ensuring all RRN activities are trauma informed and people with lived experience are provided with support then need to minimise risk of retraumatising.

Policy & Standards

• Ensure RRN Training Standards and resources are co-produced, remain current, evidence-based, and compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to national and international policy development on restraint reduction and restrictive practices.

Quality & Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including audits, research, and evaluation of restraint reduction strategies.
• Monitor and report on clinical outcomes and impact measures related to restraint reduction.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with NHS Trusts, social care providers, special schools, regulators, and self-advocacy groups.
• Promote co-production with people with lived experience of restraint and their families.

Education & Workforce Development

• Support the development and delivery of RRN Diploma
• Provide clinical leadership for webinars, conferences, and professional development initiatives.

Research & Evidence

• Collaborate with academic partners to advance research on restraint reduction and disseminate findings.
• Ensure all RRN resources are evidenced based reflecting best practice from both research and people with lived experience.

Thank you for taking the time to explore the role of Marketing and Communications Manager at the Family Holiday Charity. We're here to help families facing some of life's toughest challenges to experience the anticipation, joy and impact of a break from the day to day. Can you help us spread the word?

This role is an important one to help us build brand and awareness around our mission and goals  - in simple terms, helping more families to get away and ensuring that every family has the chance to go on holiday.

At its heart, this role is about storytelling and our ability to tell stories that capture hearts and minds. Taking ownership of the full story capture and storytelling process, you'll use this output to help build our brand, fundraise and tell our advocacy story. What's new for us in this role is PR - it's just not something we've done before, so you'll build relationships, networks and opportunities with earned media. You'll work with talented fundraisers, partnership builders and operational delivery colleagues to ensure we're sharing a cohesive and coherent message that supports all our audience goals and targets. And you'll get to work with a talented Comms Officer who delivers on our social, email and web activities. 

This role is key to helping us make sure we're doing our best for families and putting our best foot forward every time. 

It's a varied and fast-paced role (Comms roles are, right!?) that means you'll be involved in planning, creating and managing activities, so you'll need to have some awesome planning skills and be good with interpersonal relationships.

We're a small but flexible team - just like our approach to work. This is a hybird role, and you'll need to come into the office periodically (but none of that performative days a week nonsense!).

It's vital that you're happy and confident in making your next career move, so let's take the time to chat if you'd like to!

This is an exciting opportunity to join The National Brain Appeal, a highly ambitious neurological charity with an outstanding track record. We have raised significant funds to transform research and care for people living with neurological conditions – from dementia and brain tumours to motor neurone disease and epilepsy.

Building on the success of our recent appeals, this role will play a pivotal part in expanding our major gifts fundraising and delivering a step-change in the impact of our work. We are seeking a highly experienced philanthropy and partnerships professional with a proven track record in generating major gifts up to figures, who will lead the creation of a new Development Board and work closely with senior supporters, clinicians and researchers to grow and deepen our networks.

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy Manager) to lead our fundraising efforts and drive sustainable income growth. This is a pivotal role identified by our Board of Trustees as critical to the future of Life Charity. You will shape and deliver our fundraising strategy, lead a talented team, and cultivate relationships with major donors and supporters.

Reporting to the Director of Income Generation & Housing, you will:

• Take strategic ownership of Life’s fundraising strategy and ensure its successful delivery.
• Lead and inspire the fundraising team, embedding a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Manage and grow relationships with major donors, creating inspiring supporter journeys that encourage long-term engagement.
• Oversee budgets, systems, and processes to ensure efficiency and compliance with fundraising regulations.
• Work closely with marketing and service teams to develop compelling cases for support and impactful campaigns.

About You:

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced: Proven track record in fundraising leadership, major donor cultivation, and strategic income growth.
• Innovative: Skilled in developing creative proposals and pitches that win hearts and minds.
• Collaborative: Able to work across teams and build strong relationships internally and externally.
• Values-driven: Committed to Life’s mission and able to champion our ethos in all fundraising activities.

Essential skills and experience include:

• Leadership of fundraising teams and strategy development.
• Expertise in major donor fundraising and supporter stewardship.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of compliance with fundraising codes and GDPR.

About Life:

Life is a UK charity for vulnerable women and families facing unexpected pregnancy or pregnancy loss. Life’s aim is to provide housing, care and support to vulnerable pregnant women (typically aged 16-25) who are in crisis situations, such as those facing homelessness (or at risk of), escaping abuse or other traumatic circumstances. We offer supported housing, a helpline and counselling service, and other practical and emotional support. Our services are inclusive; non-judgemental; and client-centred.

Our Values:

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values:

• Humanity – All people are special and equal.
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you.
• Community – We’re better together.
• Charity – Doing good for one another.
• Common good – Building a better world.

Information about the role: 

For further information, please see the job description on our website. 

Salary: £40,000 – £44,000 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Home-Based with frequent travel to supporter locations and occasional travel to Head Office (Leamington Spa)

Please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if a suitable candidate is found.

Benefits:  

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:  

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours) 
• Birthday Leave  (applicable after 1 years service)
• Extra annual leave for long term service  
• Company Pension Scheme  
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge 

Safeguarding and Equality: 

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.   

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.  

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.  

Are you a commercially minded, senior leader with strong experience in operations, company management, partnership building and income generation?

VDT is seeking an experienced Head of Operations and Business Development to spearhead the implementation of our ambitious new Commercial Strategy, driving growth and expanding income streams.

This is a crucial, high-impact role for someone who thrives on operational excellence, has excellent management skills and a passion for strategy implementation. It is ideal for someone with strong experience in partnership building, negotiating contracts, lead generation and organisational development.

Working closely with the Chief Executive / Artistic Director, the role works collaboratively across the small staff team to deliver the company’s Business Plan, Funding Agreement, Mission and Values. You will identify opportunities, generate new leads and manage the company’s wide range of production, participation and continued professional development programmes. You will grow a new customer base for our online training and E-learning and develop income from within arts academic and social enterprise settings. You will track progress and ensure the company is run in line with best practice. 

You might not have worked in the arts or creative industries before. If you have experience as a Business Manager, Operations Director, Executive Director or Senior Producer within or outside of the cultural / charity sector, then you’ll have the core skills we are looking for.

Closing date for applications: Midday Tuesday 6 January 2026

Interview Date: Thursday 15 January 2026 (possible second interview 23 January 2026).

Cambridge Science Centre (CSC) sits at the heart of a vibrant network of philanthropists, educators, community groups, visionary businesses and local government bodies across East Anglia. With over a decade of trusted STEM engagement behind us, a dedicated expert team and a loyal network of long-term supporters, CSC is uniquely positioned to drive lasting
change in communities across the region.

This role builds on that strong foundation. You will deepen existing relationships, identify and shape new opportunities, and help secure CSC’s long-term financial sustainability through innovative, high-impact partnerships.

As the primary contact for partnership development, you will play a central role in shaping and funding our multi-year programmes, while also leading on high-value, short-term opportunities connected to our Cambridge Science Park site and outreach hubs such as Inspire Wisbech. Your work will balance immediate income generation with the cultivation of long-term strategic
relationships that advance CSC’s mission and regional impact.

This is a very special role with huge potential for the right candidate to deliver transformational impact in our communities in Somerset.

The Opportunity

There is significant potential for growth, particularly through gifts in Wills, working in partnership with professional advisers and growing high-value fundraising. We’re also broadening our appeal to a wider range of donors and partners having launched our Collective Giving Funds, which offer a compelling way for anyone to give strategically to the causes and places they care about in Somerset

As our Philanthropy and Marketing Director you will be at the forefront of this ambition. We’re looking for a strategic leader who can balance vision with execution to deliver great results. You’ll need to be a credible, emotionally intelligent and authentic relationship builder, adept at building trust, genuinely passionate about our mission and have strong alignment with our values.

This senior leadership role also holds strategic responsibility for marketing and brand positioning, enabling us to unlock the full potential of philanthropy in Somerset to drive change in our communities. We’ve recently invested in the growth of our Philanthropy and Marketing Team, and have welcomed a specialist marketing Trustee on to our Board.

We’re looking for an experienced and inclusive manager, confident at providing a balance of coaching and mentoring to help our talented team to develop and shine. And as an active and engaged member of our Senior Leadership Team, you’ll share our passion for continuous improvement, help to drive organisational growth and development, and provide expert advice and guidance to our Board of Trustees.

The impact we make as a charity is achieved largely through our funding programmes. You must have an appreciation of the role that community-led charities and groups play in creating positive change locally. And the role we, as a place-based funder, can play to support that work. You do not, however, need experience of working for a funder previously.

Download the recruitment pack to see the roles full responsibilities and required skills, knowledge and experience.

About Somerset Community Foundation

Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) (charity no.1094446) is a grant-making charity that helps build strong communities where everyone can thrive. We do this by funding local charities and facilitating local giving.

We provide simple, rewarding and impactful ways for donors to give locally, guided by research and our unrivalled local knowledge.

For small, local charities, community groups and social enterprises, we provide vital funding and support to help their organisations flourish. We raise and distribute between £4 million and £5 million of funding to local groups every year. We’re also building an endowment for long-term investment into our communities, which is currently valued at around £11 million.

By inspiring local giving and funding social action, we support local communities to drive change and realise their dreams.

SCF is part of a network of 47 Community Foundations operating throughout the UK. Together we are one of the largest funders of communities across the nation.

If you’re a passionate and visionary leader who is committed to making a difference to London’s natural environment, we’d love to hear from you!

The City of London Corporation is the Trustee of 11,000 acres of iconic greenspaces in London and the Home Counties.  We deliver multidisciplinary work on nature conservation, climate resilience, heritage, access and recreation, and community engagement.  Our Natural Environment Division has an annual budget of over £30m, 350 staff and welcomes more than 20 million visitors to its sites every year.

We’re looking for an innovative, results-driven Deputy Director to play a leading role in supporting the transformation of the Division and its 8 environmental charities, delivering key projects and continuous improvement. You’ll lead the Division's work on heritage and outdoor learning and will support the development and delivery of major projects including the Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy.

You’ll use your business acumen and financial skills to develop and support the long-term sustainability of the Division’s charities.  You’ll also lead on developing strong external partnerships and income generation plans and will use your leadership, organisational and change management skills to develop and embed new ways of working.  Working closely with the Natural Environment Director, you’ll lead on key initiatives across the Corporation’s greenspaces, including the development and resourcing of multi-million-pound projects.

You’ll be an accomplished leader with experience of leading and managing complex operations, projects and programmes. You’ll have expertise in planning and managing major projects, building high-performing teams, and forging strategic partnerships with government bodies, NGOs, local authorities, and businesses.  Excellent leadership and communication skills are critical as you’ll engage with and influence a wide range of stakeholders to shape and implement strategies, policies and key delivery mechanisms such as business plans.

The City of London Corporation offers a unique opportunity to work alongside world-class teams in an environment which respects and celebrates historic traditions and cultures, whilst providing access to leading innovators and disruptors across our global economic hub.  We operate a flexible working policy with the opportunity to work from home up to two days per week. 

Closing date: 12 Noon on Monday 12th January 2026

1st Interview - 2nd February

2nd Interview: 12th February

To apply online please click the apply button.

The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. 

We reserve the right to close the advert earlier should we receive a high number of applications. 

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and as part of the selection process the successful applicant will be required to obtain a standard / an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check. 

Because our roles are so varied, we don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ policy for workplace attendance. How many days a week you’ll be required to attend your workplace will depend on the requirements of your role. It’s important that you understand the requirements before applying to ensure you are able to meet them. We are committed to considering requests to work flexibly and job share. Requests will be considered by the recruiting manager in line with our policies and business needs.