Director of innovation jobs

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Director of Development will have responsibility for the leadership for innovation, improvement, and development at the Bikeability Trust. The role ensures the Trust fulfils its development commitments under the Active Travel England (ATE) grant agreement to deliver a high-quality national cycle training programmes, and drive forward the Trust’s 2025–2035 strategic ambitions.

This post oversees the development and delivery training guidance, evidence-based pilot projects, digital learning products, and cross sector partnerships, ensuring the Bikeability programme remains effective, future-focused and aligned with Government priorities.

Part time or flexible working offered 

About the role

As Deputy Director of Campaigns, you will provide senior leadership across campaigns, policy and advocacy and our partnership teams ensuring Global Witness delivers impactful campaigns aligned with our long‑term organisational strategy.

Working in close partnership with the Director of Campaigns, you will help shape priorities across teams to ensure we maximise impact.

You will play a central role in embedding learning, innovation, and collaboration across campaign teams, and in ensuring that Global Witness remains adaptive and effective in a complex and evolving external environment.

About you

This role is suited to an experienced, values driven strategic leader with a strong track record of delivering investigative, advocacy, or campaigning work at scale.

You bring strategic insight, sound judgement and the ability to lead complex projects in fast‑changing environments, balancing ambition with rigour and care.

How to apply

To apply, we welcome a CV and 500 words in total, which answers the following questions;

1. Please provide an example of how you have enabled diverse teams to work effectively together toward shared objectives. How did you foster collaboration, adapt to external challenges, and ensure continuous learning or innovation?
2. How to you balance meeting existing work priorities and ensuring deliverables are on track, whilst also supporting your teams to respond to new opportunities for impact?

Please send this to People ops at Global Witness

The closing date for this role is 9am Tuesday 5 May.

At Global Witness, we are committed to making our recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you require any adjustments or support during the application or interview stages, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We want to ensure the process is an inclusive and supportive experience.

Equality and diversity

We would appreciate your participation in completing our Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form.

Global Witness wants to meet the aims and commitments set out in its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategy. This includes not discriminating under the Equality Act 2010 and building an accurate picture of the make-up of the workforce and candidates in encouraging equality and diversity.

As the Interim Director of Services, you will join our Leadership Team as the driving force behind our service delivery and performance, cultivating an inclusive and supportive culture.

The successful candidate will bring strong operational leadership and a deep understanding of mental health services. They will be committed to building trusted, empowered teams and strengthening authentic partnerships that reflect the diversity and needs of our local communities.

The Interim Director of Services will have overall responsibility for the strategic oversight and operational management of MindTHNR services, ensuring services are user-led, safe, evidence-based, and sustainable. Working as part of the Leadership Team and reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will champion the internal culture at MindTHNR, specifically driving forward our commitment to being a truly anti-discriminatory and inclusive organisation and creating space for honest conversations and feedback.

We are looking for a candidate who has demonstrable experience in a senior operations role and is excited by the challenge of leading high-impact and successful operations teams.

ABOUT GLOBAL CANOPY

Global Canopy is a data-driven not for profit delivering real transparency and accountability for market impacts on nature and people. Our special focus is on ending deforestation – an essential step in achieving urgent global goals on climate, nature and human rights.

ABOUT CORPORATE PERFORMANCE

A growing number of companies and financial institutions are seeking to mitigate their impacts on nature. But many have made commitments that are not being met, and others are failing to take any action at all. We hold the most exposed companies and financial institutions to account through our Forest 500 project, by assessing their policies and performance.

With our suite of Deforestation-free Finance Guidance and a forthcoming new tool, DEFT Pathway, we provide tools and data for financial institutions and investors to support effective engagement with high-risk companies. We support the finance sector, policy makers and other stakeholders by providing market-leading data on deforestation and ESG metrics through Forest IQ.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and deeply knowledgeable Programme Director. It is an opportunity to become part of an accomplished and proactive team at the heart of the fight against market-driven deforestation and nature loss.

You will be a strong technical leader who excels at programmatic management and delivery. With a drive and passion for effective delivery, technical quality and rigour, and ensuring teams are well organised and properly resourced to meet their individual and collective objectives on time and on budget. You will lead the management and mentoring of the team and its development to ensure it is equipped and motivated to deliver on and scale-up its day to day work, while also continuing to innovate. 

You will participate in strategy development and external representation, helping to ensure we stay at the leading edge of global efforts to transition to deforestation-free supply chains and portfolios. You will ensure that our external partnerships are well managed, and that we are continuing to secure the resources and relationships needed to effectively deliver on our strategy in this fast-moving space.

The programme is structured as three workstreams, which work across our projects and products. The workstreams Leads are responsible for delivery, so a key part of your role will be in supporting and enabling them and their teams to effectively deliver on their goals:

• Research, Methodologies and Innovation
• Data and Product
• Uptake (Communications and Engagement)

The workstreams all work across Forest 500, Forest 500 – Finance, Floresta 250 – Cattle, Deforestation-free Finance Sector Guidance, Forest IQ, and DEFT Pathway.

You will also hold overall budget and fundraising responsibilities for the team and be supported by a dedicated Finance Business Partner and our Development Team.

You will ensure that we are making the most of the technical expertise, data and other synergies across Global Canopy as a whole, leveraging the time and skills of regional and cross-cutting programmes, such as the Brazil-based team and Human Rights and Learning & Development functions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme leadership

• Lead the effective implementation of the Corporate Performance strategy and workplan through the oversight and management of delivery of the Corporate Performance portfolio of projects. Ensure effective and impactful delivery, building and maintaining strong relationships with partners and strong programme management and leadership. 
• Oversee all major programme management tasks and deliverables including ensuring delivery against budgets, risks and opportunity management and escalation, donor reporting and deliverables. Day-to-day management of workstreams will be with the respective workstream Leads.
• Guide and direct the Corporate Performance team, ensuring technical excellence and high-quality outputs. Support their growth and development as individuals and in sharing learning opportunities across the team. This includes line management of Corporate Performance Leads and matrix working across Global Canopy teams.

Team and people management

• Develop multi-year plans and design processes to ensure staff ownership and clarity of roles and responsibilities.
• Empower, support and line manage staff including technical coaching, career development and progression planning as well as identification of key team capabilities to be developed.

Strategy, fundraising and external representation

• Stay abreast of external developments affecting our strategy. This includes engaging with NGO peers and our target audiences of companies, financial institutions and policymakers.
• Manage partnerships and identify new strategic partnerships to further drive forward the Corporate Performance work of Global Canopy and partners.
• Work with other senior colleagues in Corporate Performance and Global Canopy to develop the strategy and future opportunities via consultative processes.
• Working collaboratively with the Development team to cultivate and sustain strong relationships with both new and existing donors, while developing tailored fundraising proposals as needed to sustain and grow the programme..
• Engage in public speaking at conferences, on webinars and more to engage stakeholders and inspire action on deforestation by companies, financial institutions and other key players.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role, these are the things that will matter the most:

• Strong programmatic and people management skills, with a proven track record in successfully delivering on complex, cross-sector projects.
• Deep technical knowledge and leadership on deforestation, climate and nature frameworks and policies, and the latest developments in this fast-evolving space.

Essential behavioural competencies:

• Strong leadership presence, modelling and championing leadership behaviours and organisational values.
• Positive outlook. High emotional intelligence and a coaching and mentoring-based approach to line management.

Skills and experience:

• Significant experience of project/programme management, working with and leading a large team.
• Experience of all stages of project development and delivery e.g. project design, fundraising, as well as project implementation and delivering results.
• Ability to oversee partnership projects with a variety of stakeholders and competing interests and priorities.
• Ability to identify potential fundraising opportunities and design concepts in collaboration with Global Canopy’s Development team. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Specific expertise in at least one combination of Global Canopy’s focal areas of forests and land use, and supply chain and financial transparency.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary: £70,000 full time equivalent (This role sits within Band B on Global Canopy’s remuneration framework.)

Nature of contract: Full- or part-time (0.8 FTE), fixed term (24 months). We are a flexible employer and welcome candidates wishing to work flexibly.

Base: Our office is in Oxford, with flexible home-working arrangements in place. Ability to attend the office fortnightly at minimum would be desirable. We will support UK visa sponsorship for this position. 

Holidays: 36 days (including bank/public holidays) for discretionary use across the annual leave year. Option to purchase up to an additional 5 days or equivalent of one week’s leave.

Pension: Employer pension contribution of 8%.

Healthcare cashback plan: Covering dental fees, eye-care, wellbeing, physiotherapy, chiropody and much more – for you and any children. 

Group Life Assurance: Paying a lump sum of 3 times annual salary

Group Income Protection: Paying 75% of annual salary for up to 2 years (for long term sickness).

Employee Assistance Programme: Which provides free, confidential advice on personal and legal matters.

Other: Huge range of discounts and cashback deals at gyms, restaurants, holidays, and much more.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for the position, please use this link and submit an up-to date CV and answers to the following questions (max 300  words each). 

1. Why are you interested in this role? Which of your previous roles are most relevant to the Corporate Performance Director position, and what skills, strengths and experiences would you bring to Global Canopy?
2. Please give an example of when you have led a team that worked across multiple projects and/or workstreams. What were the biggest challenges you faced and how did you deal with these?
3. Please give an example of a time when you were accountable for evolving a programme strategy and fundraised for a new or existing area of work. What were the key lessons you will bring to this role?

Applicants are required to disclose if and how they have used AI in their application. 

The closing date for applications is Monday, 18 May at 9am BST.

The recruitment process for this position is intended to be as follows: 

1. First-round interview of 30 mins (tentatively 26 & 28 May) 

2. Final interview of 1 hour (tentatively w/c 8 June) with a written assessment to complete in your own time

This recruitment process will take place online via video. The entire process is likely to take 4 weeks to complete from the closing date of this advert. Due to the volume of interest, we are unable to provide all applicants with individual feedback.

BGCI Vacancy Announcement

Position Summary

BGCI is seeking an experienced, committed and strategic Director of Conservation to provide leadership across the organisation’s policy, conservation prioritisation and conservation action portfolio. The postholder will translate BGCI’s 2026–2030 Strategic Framework into coherent programmes, partnerships, monitoring systems and resource mobilisation, ensuring that BGCI’s work delivers measurable outcomes for plant conservation, ecological restoration and community resilience.

The Director will help position BGCI as the most effective and renowned plant conservation network in the world, working across an expanded global network of botanic gardens and other conservation organisations to bring more plant species under conservation action. The role requires a strong combination of conservation leadership, programme oversight, partnership development, fundraising and people management.

Title of post: Director of Conservation

Job Purpose: To provide strategic direction to the organisation’s plant conservation activities worldwide.

Reports to: Secretary General

Contract Type: Full-time (35hrs/week)

Duration: Permanent

Location: BGCI Offices, Kew, London; Hybrid *

Remuneration: £55,000 - £60,000pa dependent on level of experience within a broad range (experience, required qualifications, training) and performance related to budget management, project management and other measures.

*Please note that our temporary office address in 2026 is in Putney, London

About BGCI

Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) is the largest global plant conservation network with over 950 member institutions in more than 120 countries. BGCI plays a key coordinating role, facilitating collaboration between botanic gardens and other conservation organisations, and supports the development and long-term functioning of botanic garden networks. BGCI ensures that local expertise contributes to global impact, and mobilises funding and technical assistance for practical conservation efforts worldwide.

Person Specification

BGCI is seeking to appoint an individual with strong track record in strategic leadership in plant conservation, with the ability to translate global frameworks into impactful programmes and partnerships. Candidates will have a proven track record working within a conservation or scientific organisation, ideally in plant conservation, with demonstrable experience delivering complex, multi-partner initiatives at international scale. The post holder will be an experienced team leader with demonstrable success in inspiring and motivating diverse teams. They will bring a sophisticated understanding of the institutional landscape in which BGCI operates, including botanic gardens, governments, NGOs, and multilateral processes, and will demonstrate cultural awareness and political acuity in navigating complex, multicultural and multinational contexts.

Application Process

If you are interested in this role, please send us your CV and a cover letter (two pages maximum), explaining your motivation for the role and providing examples and evidence of how you are suitable for the position. Please also confirm in your letter that you are eligible to work in the UK. 

Please note that the role is UK based so you must be eligible to work in the UK. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role. Please confirm in your cover letter that you are eligible to work in the UK.

Closing date for applications is 10.00am 5th May 2026 

The interviews will be conducted online week commencing 25th May 2026 

BGCI is committed to putting equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our organisation. We are committed to ensuring a working environment in which all individuals are free from discrimination and in which opportunities are equal to all. We encourage applications from all sections of the community, particularly those underrepresented within our sector. 

Fixed term 12-month contract

About the role:

We are recruiting an Associate Director, Strategic Planning, People & Culture to join the Estates & Facilities (E&F) Strategic Management Office (SMO) on a 12‑month maternity cover.

This is a great opportunity to make a visible impact at a pivotal time, supporting the recalibration of E&F’s flagship Fit for King’s programme and embedding the Estates & Facilities Philosophy. Working with senior leaders, you will help shape the strategic direction of the directorate so that we can deliver a Fit for King’s Estate for the King’s community.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategy & Performance, you will lead the Strategic Planning, People & Culture team and be accountable for effective strategic planning, robust programme oversight, and directorate-level budget planning and risk management. You will take ownership of key strategic initiatives, ensuring appropriate governance, reporting, benefits realisation and change management arrangements are in place. You will work closely with the Senior Director of Strategy & Performance to establish and embed the structures, governance and reporting needed to provide assurance against delivery of the directorate’s strategic plan (the Estates & Facilities Philosophy), with a particular focus on finance, people and internal processes.

As a key member of the SMO leadership team, you will build and maintain trusted relationships across Estates & Facilities and the wider university, bringing clarity to priorities, enabling effective collaboration, and supporting confident, evidence-based decision making.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term 12-month contract or until the return of the substantive post holder (maternity cover).

About you:

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. Strong experience in strategic business planning, with the ability to develop and deliver strategy.
2. Expertise in programme and project management, including establishing governance, managing risks and dependencies, and leading change activity across complex, multi-year programmes.
3. Demonstrable leadership abilities, with experience managing teams and developing high-performing teams.
4. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups all levels of the organisation.
5. Proven experience of building and maintaining effective senior-level relationships with sophisticated influencing/negotiating skills
6. Experience of budget planning and financial oversight of large and complex, including building business cases and balancing risks.
7. Strong analytical skills, with experience in risk management and the use of data to inform strategic decision-making.
8. A collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset, with a commitment to high standards of service, innovation and continuous improvement.

Desirable criteria

1. Experience and/or knowledge of the challenges of UK higher education.
2. Change management qualifications and/or experience of implementing cultural change
3. Experience of working in EDI or knowledge of EDI including EDI legislation and issues that may impact workplaces and/or education

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Closing date: 10 May 2026.

Country Director – Scotland

We are seeking a talented individual to join our Leadership team and help sustain and expand our programmes across Scotland.

Position: Country Director – Scotland
Salary: £53,836 - £59,012
Location: Hybrid with travel to Glasgow office at least once a week
Hours: 35 hours per week, full time
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Wednesday 6th May 2026
Interview Dates: 13th May (online) and 18th May (Glasgow)

About the Role

This is an exceptional opportunity to join The Fostering Network as one of four Country Directors, working closely with the CEO to deliver organisational strategic objectives.

You will lead and manage our work in Scotland, making a vital contribution to improving the lives of foster families, children and young people in foster care, while supporting fostering services across the country.

Key responsibilities include:

· Overall management and leadership of our work in Scotland

· Driving forward the monitoring, impact and evaluation of our work

· Developing and maintaining key stakeholder relationships including government, fostering services and sector partners

· Overseeing the development and delivery of sustainable, impactful programmes

· Securing grants, fundraising and promoting our work across the sector

· Budget management and financial oversight

· Identifying opportunities for innovation and collaboration

· Growing membership and maintaining our position as the leading fostering charity in the UK

· Acting as safeguarding lead for Scotland

About You

We are looking for a strategic, collaborative leader with extensive experience of the fostering sector.

You will bring:

· In-depth knowledge of foster care practice and children’s social care

· Experience working within statutory local authority social services

· A track record of leadership, line management and delivering change

· Experience of strategic planning, programme delivery and budget management

· Strong experience working with government officials and key stakeholders

· Excellent communication and relationship management skills

· The ability to inspire trust and credibility across a wide range of audiences

· Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively

You will also demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, and the organisation’s mission and values.

About the Organisation: The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading fostering charity and membership organisation, dedicated to empowering, enriching and supporting the relationships at the heart of the fostering community.

They work across all four nations of the UK to improve outcomes for children and young people in foster care and to support foster carers and services.

What’s on Offer

· 38 days leave including bank holidays

· Flexible and hybrid working

· Enhanced maternity, adoption and sick pay

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Pension and life assurance

· Family friendly policies and fostering friendly leave

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Director of Services, Head of Fostering, Assistant Director Social Care, Service Director, Head of Operations, Programme Director, Children’s Services Manager

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client Not For Profit People.

Who we are:

Muslim Aid is a UK faith-based international development organisation that provides support to communities around the world affected by disasters, conflict, or endemic poverty without regard to their social, religious, or ethnic background. 

Established in 1985, Muslim Aid has facilitated the engagement of the British Muslim and non-Muslim community in support of its work in a variety of ways. Over the years, its humanitarian work has included responses to major crises around the world including, famine in East Africa, earthquakes and flooding in Pakistan and Bangladesh as well as conflicts in Syria and Yemen. 

We place strong emphasis on long-term development projects that build the capacity of local people to help themselves. In addition to the 5 country offices worldwide we also work with multiple partner offices focusing on sustainable Development Programmes and providing humanitarian relief during times of crisis.

Summary of the role:

The Country Director will provide dynamic leadership and management to develop and deliver Muslim Aid ‘s strategy in Sudan, with a focus on leading and building a high-performing, diverse team and developing strong relationships with external stakeholders that are critical to the organisation’s growth and reputation in the country.

About the Role:

1. Ensure the country office’s programme strategy is responding to the country’s critical development and humanitarian needs, and is also aligned to organisation’s global strategy, mission and values.
2. Enhance Muslim Aid’s reputation and brand through maintaining positive relationships  other stakeholders, including government, donors, UN bodies, other INGOs, and local NGOs.
3. Identify areas for capacity building with partners such as, organisational management, gender mainstreaming, human resource management, financial management, governance, etc.
4. Line manage the country team and the work in the country which will include staff, budgets, funding (both institutional and local) and ensure programme delivery in accordance with Muslim Aid policies and procedures.
5. Proactively seek new opportunities for funding of projects through in-country and external relationship building with stakeholders including the bilateral and multilateral development partners and the submission of self-sustainable programme initiatives.
6. Ensure that there is an adequate analysis of the risks which could impact on Muslim Aid’s operations in Sudan and to evaluate the risk appetite of the Sudan Country Office.

About You:

To be successful in this role, you will need:

1. Proven experience working internationally in development and/or humanitarian sector.
2. Experience in a project or programme management capacity
3. Knowledge, experience and appreciation of the dynamics of local NGO’s and community based development practices.
4. Proven experience in monitoring and evaluation of programmes; use of quantitative and qualitative research data collection in support of programme development
5. Experience of managing security, risk and legal compliance in the INGO sector.
6. Excellent communication and team working skills, with the ability to build good relations both internally and externally.

Why you should apply:

Join Muslim Aid as our Country Director Sudan and take on a pivotal leadership role in shaping and delivering our strategic vision in a complex and high-impact context. You will lead and inspire a diverse, high-performing team while strengthening key relationships with partners and stakeholders essential to our growth and reputation in the country. If you are driven by strategic leadership, team development and building meaningful partnerships to support impactful humanitarian work, apply now to make a lasting difference in Sudan.

Benefits you will enjoy working for us:

• 22 days annual leave
• Medical benefits in line with MA-UK local medical benefit policy
• One-off relocation allowance*
• One-off baggage allowance*
• Hardship allowance*
• Unaccompanied allowance*
• Accommodation allowance* (or in line with MA-UK accommodation policy for local staff)
• Rest and Recuperation (R&R)*
• Two home visits per year*

Please note: Benefits marked (*) are applicable only where the successful candidate is required to relocate to Sudan.

How to apply:

To apply please submit your cover letter (no more than 1 page) and CV.

Our Operations Director will lead the development of the operational infrastructure required to scale Fruitful Work nationally and internationally. Working in close partnership with the Founder & CEO, this role takes ownership of the systems, processes, team and organisational rhythms that enable the charity to grow rapidly and sustainably. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys building from the ground up, turning vision into reliable execution, and creating the foundations that allow a small team to deliver outsized impact.

You will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the organisation and lead the recruitment and management of a growing operations team as Fruitful Work expands.

Please see our attached candidate pack for the full role description

Salary: £87,500 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week 

Location: Hybrid – remote/Exeter with regular attendance at HQ, plus regular travel to other DAA sites and events as required

Duration: Permanent 

The Role

The Income Generation Director plays a pivotal leadership role in enabling Devon Air Ambulance to deliver its mission through strong, trusted relationships with the public, supporters, partners and stakeholders. You will be responsible for the strategic leadership of income generation, communications and public engagement, as the Income Generation Director brings together fundraising, marketing, communications and commercial activity to grow support for Devon Air Ambulance and generate long-term sustainable income.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to the development and delivery of the corporate strategy, providing insight, challenge and leadership across the organisation. You will hold responsibility for public engagement and income generation activity across both the Charity and the Trading Company. The postholder will need to be willing to hold/apply for a Gambling Commission Personal Management Licence for the lottery.

The Candidate

We're seeking an inspirational leader who is collaborative and open, and can provide cross-departmental support to all teams, with the ability to achieve strategic goals. The ideal candidate will be able to role model a culture of integrity, honesty and openness with demonstrable experience of senior leadership within public engagement, income generation communications, marketing or a related field. They will have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to build effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, being able to influence and have a tangible impact on income generation. The candidate will be able to operate in a dynamic and high-profile environment with the confidence to innovate and take informed risks. 

As the role will require engagement with communities, staff and supporters across the county, it is essential that the candidate has a full driving licence. 

The Package

Salary: £87,500 per annum.

As a valued member of the team you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata)
• Maternity/Paternity & Adoption leave
• Pension scheme
• Occupational sick pay scheme
• Free counselling and financial wellbeing services
• Up to £8,000 relocation package available if eligible. 

Find out more about our staff benefits on our website.

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience and career.

The Chief Executive & Creative Director holds the most senior post at Dance City, unites the creative and strategic functions of the organisation, and is accountable to the board of trustees for the good management and impact of the charity. The Chief Executive & Creative Director leads and works collaboratively with the board, senior management team (SMT) and stakeholders and partners to ensure that Dance City creates opportunities for people to create, produce and experience dance at its very best. The Chief Executive & Creative Director drives the business, identifying commercial opportunities, securing financial resilience, and ensuring that Dance City’s programme is at the vanguard of sustainable dance development in the region. The Chief Executive & Creative Director is based in the northeast and plays an active role in the social life and cultural communities of the region. 
 

Role Profile and Person Specification 

Key deliverables 

• Lead on Dance City’s vision, values and organisational objectives and ensure the relevance and sustainability of its creative programme.

• Ensure there is alignment between Dance City’s creative ambitions and its business needs and that all activity is delivered to the highest possible standards to plan and within budget.

• Grow the organisation’s earned income and shape and set targets for initiatives embracing commercial ventures, corporate partnerships, public funding, trusts and foundations and individual philanthropy.

• Be accountable to the board and to funding bodies, and for the responsible stewardship of Dance City.

• Ensure a strong profile and reputation for the organisation and for dance practice locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. 

• Initiate, develop and sustain partnerships with existing and potential funders and key stakeholders. 

• Lead and enable the senior team; motivate, inspire, and support the development of the wider staff team.

Role profile 

Leadership and governance  

• Develop and monitor the strategic plan with the SMT and Board. 

• Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to ensure the good governance of the charity and that organisational performance is structured and monitored using well articulated, achievable KPIs. 

• Support Trustees in being an effective Board, ensuring it comprises the appropriate range of skills and has access to training and development opportunities.

• Deploy Trustees’ skills and networks to identify and activate opportunities for commercial development and business growth.

• Be an inclusive leader, collaborate with and empower the SMT, and motivate, support and develop the wider staff team. 

Advocacy, profile and civic engagement 

• Promote the profile and reputation of Dance City locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

• Initiate and enable constructive debate about dance and its development by artists, policy-makers and the public, and to promote Dance City’s role in dance leadership.

• Articulate the transformative potential of dance in enabling social cohesion, the centrality of its place in the wider creative industries sector, and its potential, through civic partnerships and collaboration, to make a major contribution to the economy and well being of the city and region. 

• Ensure Dance City is part of local, regional, national  and international arts discussions and networks, is represented at key events and viewed as crucial to decision-making processes in the dance and wider cultural and social sectors.

• Be the face of Dance City in professional and community networks and at events in the northeast; communicate and advocate for its plans and ambitions to the widest range of people including politicians, the media, funders, artists, audiences and the public.

Creative 

• Shape, co-create and communicate the creative vision for Dance City. 

• Oversee the development and delivery of a creative programme which appeals to a wide range of audiences, demonstrates excellence, and sets out to grow appetite and demand for diverse dance experiences. 

• Build and manage sustainable commercial and funding partnerships which will enhance the profile of the programme and enable the commissioning, programming and presentation of dance within and beyond Dance City.

• Oversee the evaluation of the programme, to ensure quality, to engage in reflection and implement learning with colleagues.

• Maintain an overview of the local and national dance ecology in order to inform advocacy and planning.

Brand, commercial performance and income 

• Oversee the design and delivery of effective marketing and communications strategies that are developed and effectively delivered, to retain existing and grow new audiences for dance in the northeast and to promote the Dance City brand.

• Be proactive in the development and delivery of effective fundraising and income generation strategies for Dance City, to ensure that contributed income grows and is diversified, and to develop commercial opportunities enabled by the building and programme. 

• Play an active role in identifying and approaching prospective donors, sponsors and funding partners.

• Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with existing and potential supporters and to lead on key public funding and donor relationships.

Finance and operations  

• Be accountable for the financial operation of the organisation, ensuring budgets are set and monitored, appropriate financial policies and procedures are in place, compliance with appropriate legal and fiscal frameworks is followed, and that there is timely reporting to the relevant funders and authorities.

• Oversee and ensure the smooth and efficient management of Dance City’s facilities and infrastructure.

• Ensure Dance City remains a visible champion of environmental responsibility.

• Ensure the organisation is fully compliant with all legal requirements, including health and safety, and that all staff are trained appropriately. 

People and culture 

• Set the tone for and model the organisational culture, be an inclusive and consultative leader, championing employee wellbeing and engagement. 

• Ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for recruitment, induction, appraisals and the professional development of staff.

• Ensure the organisation upholds its principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, valuing the wellbeing of all colleagues.

Person specification  

Essential  

• Has held a senior role in a cultural venue or within an organisation with a substantial arts programme or partnerships; is well networked in and beyond the cultural and creative industries. 

• Understanding of the current landscape and eco-system in the cultural sector and awareness of local/national political initiatives that will impact on - and create opportunities for - Dance City and its partner organisations.

• Understanding of the legal, fiscal, social and political context within which the arts operate, and the contribution they make to health, education, social cohesion and civic pride.

• Understanding of the needs of dance as an art form and a commitment to best practice and to promoting inclusion and equality of opportunity.

• An inclusive leader with experience of overseeing organisational transformation and managing change. 

• A track record in relationship building, working in partnership with a range of funders, agencies and organisations, and of successful fundraising and income generation from a range of sources. 

• A strong advocate and compelling storyteller, able to network, represent the organisation, communicate its vision and inspire confidence among existing and potential peers and stakeholders.

• Strong financial literacy and skills, knowledge of charity governance and relevant financial policies and procedures; experience of senior financial accountability.

• Experience of working effectively with a Board of Directors, understanding of best practice in governance and organisational development.

• A commitment to living in the region, able to travel nationally and internationally, and to work some evenings and weekends where there is reasonable expectation to attend events.

Desirable 

• Experience of running a building with a diverse and impactful arts programme. 

• An extensive network in the cultural sector. 

• Experience of significant national/international cultural partnership projects. 

• Experience of managing significant public investment programmes such as ACE NPO, Creative Scotland RFO or equivalent.

Equity, diversity and inclusion 

At Dance City we believe that voices and perspectives from a range of backgrounds and lived experiences make our understanding of the world and the arts more relevant.

We believe that difference is our strength.

Therefore we actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and those that are under-represented in our city and region and in dance leadership. 

Programme Support & Knowledge Director

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

Location: The role can be based in the London, United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya and Rwanda, subject to right to work eligibility in the respective countries.

UK hybrid working – a minimum of 40 % of working time is spent face-to-face (London office, external meetings or travel). 60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person.

Salary: Salaries and benefits will vary in line with the location of the successful candidate and depending on experience.

UK: £81,510 per year with excellent benefits.

Other Countries: Competitive with excellent benefits.

*We offer competitive, market-aligned starting salaries. While most roles are offered at the advertised starting salary, we may adjust this in exceptional cases depending on a candidate’s experience, skills, and potential.

Change starts with water. Change starts with you.

Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.

About WaterAid

We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.

About the team

The Programme Support & Knowledge (PSK) team is a critical and dynamic unit within WaterAid UK’s International Programmes Department (IPD), working across 17 countries in Africa and Asia. PSK is a diverse and motivated group of over 20 technical specialists and advisors committed to bringing sustainable WASH to the world’s poorest and most marginalised people.

About the role

As our Programme Support and Knowledge Director, you will play a key role in delivering our mission by providing strategic leadership to the PSK team and the wider IPD, as part of the department’s SMT. You will also input into organisation-wide initiatives, external collaborations and global networks to drive sustainable change.

In this role, you will:

• Provide strategic and technical leadership to WaterAid UK’s programmes
• Lead the Programme Support & Knowledge Team
• Lead programme learning and knowledge management
• Oversee programme support and capacity development
• Support fundraising, external engagement, partnerships and communications
• Champion WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding.

Requirements

To be successful, you will need:

• Extensive and deep experience in WASH development across multiple contexts
• Strong technical WASH skills – e.g. sustainable rural and /or urban water supply service delivery and management, climate resilient WASH, 
• Systems-thinking capability to support transformational WASH programming
• Proven ability to lead strategic, impactful initiatives in large organisations
• Strong understanding of planning, monitoring and evaluation in development
• Experience in knowledge management, learning and capacity development
• Proven experience of developing propositions and donor engagement and
• A track record of leading high-performing teams and supporting change

Although not essential, we’d prefer you to have:

• Working knowledge of French, Portuguese or Spanish
• Experience leading or managing applied research
• Experience establishing and promoting technical standards.

Closing date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on 11 May 2026. Shortlisting and Interviews may be scheduled on a rolling basis, and the role may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found. Therefore, we encourage you to apply at an early stage.

How to apply: Click Apply to complete the pre-screening questions and upload your CV and cover letter.

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?

At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.

Pre‑employment screening

To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Benefits

As a global organisation, WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. Alongside our inspiring mission and meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits tailored to each country’s context and policies. These will be shared during the process

Our Global Commitment:

Our people promise

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.

Safeguarding

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).

Together, we’ll change the world through water.

Join us and be part of the change !

Director of Fundraising - Back Up : London office / hybrid (2 days per week)

Salary: £72,000 - £80,000 per annum : Full time, permanent

Closing Date: Wednesday 13th May

Charity People is delighted to be partnering with Back Up, a national charity supporting people affected by spinal cord injury, to recruit their new Director of Fundraising.

This is a pivotal, senior leadership role at an exciting point in Back Up's journey. With income at £3.6m and plans to reach £5m by 2030, the Director of Fundraising will play a critical role in shaping strategy, driving sustainable growth and further developing Back Up's high-performing, values-led fundraising function.

About Back Up

Founded in 1986, Back Up exists to ensure that no one faces spinal cord injury alone. Every two hours, someone in the UK sustains a spinal cord injury. Back Up provides life-changing services including mentoring, wheelchair skills training, family support, residential courses and return to work. Their Limitless Ambition strategy (2025-2030) sets out bold plans to expand reach, deepen impact and strengthen the organisation for the future.

The role

• Salary: £72,000 - £80,000 per annum
• Full-time, permanent role
• Generous annual leave and pension
• Strong commitment to flexible working and inclusion
• Disability Confident Leader (Level 3) employer
• Hybrid working, 2 office days per week (Wandsworth, South London)

As Director of Fundraising, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, reporting to the CEO and leading income growth across a broad and diversified fundraising portfolio. You will:

• Lead delivery of Back Up's 2025-2030 fundraising strategy, growing income from £3.6m to £5m+
• Provide inspiring leadership to senior fundraising leaders and teams
• Strengthen fundraising systems, performance frameworks and governance
• Build strong relationships with trustees, the Fundraising Development Board, major donors, corporates, trusts and foundations
• Champion ethical, values-led and inclusive fundraising practice
• Use insight, data and innovation (including responsible use of new technologies) to improve performance and decision-making

This is a role for a strategic, credible leader who enjoys translating ambition into income and impact.

About you

You will bring a strong track record of leading and delivering significant fundraising growth, alongside:

• Senior leadership experience within fundraising
• Expertise across high-value income streams (corporate partnerships, major gifts, trusts/foundations,)
• Experience working with boards, senior volunteers and high-level stakeholders
• Strong strategic thinking, commercial acumen, financial awareness and communication skills
• A leadership style that is collaborative, values-driven and inclusive
• Alignment with Back Up's values and mission

Experience in health, disability or adjacent sectors is welcome, but not essential.

Location

Hybrid working, with offices based in Wandsworth, South London.

How to apply

To request a full application pack, please submit an application with your updated CV.

Key dates

• Closing date: Wednesday 13th May
• Invitations to interview: 18th May
• First stage interviews (online): 26th May
• Second stage interviews (in person): 2nd June

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy levels amongst people in the criminal justice system?

We’ve made substantial progress in recent years, with improvements and expansions to our delivery model and significant growth in our staff team. In Spring 2026, we will launch our refreshed organisational strategy, which will shape our work over the next three years and beyond. To support this growth, we are recruiting for a full time National Director of Operations to lead our delivery across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and emerging community settings, with an ambition to reach Scotland. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in scaling our impact and strengthening our presence across the criminal justice system and beyond.

As National Director of Operations, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for our learning programmes in prisons and community settings. You will ensure high‑quality, consistent and accessible delivery, overseeing a team of six Regional Managers and a wider workforce of around 65 staff, volunteers and over 2,000 peer mentors trained each year.

Working closely with senior colleagues, partner organisations and national bodies such as HMPPS, you will drive programme excellence, innovation and partnership working. You will also play a key role in new business development, operational strategy, contractual delivery and ensuring we can reliably demonstrate the impact of our work.

The role requires an experienced operational leader with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for people facing disadvantage. You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience in a complex, multi‑site environment.
• A track record of delivering large-scale programmes and leading distributed teams.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem‑solving and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience working with statutory bodies or large public-sector partners (e.g. HMPPS).
• Excellent judgement, communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels.
• Understanding of the criminal justice system, safeguarding, or alternative education environments (desirable).
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style aligned with Shannon Trust’s values.

We want to hear from applicants who are as committed to the cause as we are.

This is a home-based role but will require travel around the UK including overnight stays. This role is 5 days per week (35 hours) with working days/hours to be mutually agreed in line with business needs.

Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. This role does require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Interviews, which will be held online, are planned for the w/c 18th May.