Director of operations jobs

Be part of something truly inspiring.

The Orpheus Centre is an award-winning charity that supports disabled young adults aged 18–25 to live independent, fulfilling lives through the performing and visual arts. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, we are driven by our values — joyful, bold, inclusive, resilient and determined — and a vision of an inclusive world where every young person can achieve their aspirations.

We are now seeking a strategic, values-led Director of Finance to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation.

Salary: £72,000 – £77,000 (depending on experience)

Hours: 35 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

Location: Godstone, Surrey (onsite with some flexibility)

Contract: Permanent

About the Role

You’ll lead the financial strategy, planning and operations for the Orpheus Centre, ensuring sustainability, transparency and compliance while enabling innovation and growth. Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with Trustees and senior leaders, you will:

• Provide strategic financial leadership and insight to drive organisational success.
• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting and audit.
• Ensure compliance with The Charity Commission, HMRC and Companies House regulations.
• Lead on procurement, risk management and digital transformation in finance systems.
• Manage investments and oversee capital and operational budgets.
• Lead and develop a small, high-performing finance team.

This is a hands-on and highly influential role for someone who thrives on both strategic planning and operational excellence.

About You

You’ll be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with significant experience in senior financial leadership — ideally within the charity and/or education sector.

You will bring:

• Strong understanding of charity SORP, financial governance and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience working with Boards and governance structures.
• Proven ability to deliver strategic financial planning and risk management.
• Excellent communication, leadership and influencing skills.
• A proactive, future-focused approach and commitment to Orpheus’ values and mission. 

Why join Orpheus?

• At Orpheus, you’ll join a joyful and inclusive community that values creativity and collaboration. We offer:
• The opportunity to play a key role in an Outstanding organisation.
• A collaborative leadership environment with real impact.
• A supportive and passionate team culture.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Free parking on our beautiful Surrey campus.

Join us in making a lasting difference in the lives of young disabled people through the power of the arts.

Safeguarding & Equality

Orpheus is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory references. This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

As part of our safer recruitment process and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, online searches may be undertaken as part of due diligence.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

In order to be considered you must be eligible to work in the UK.

The Orpheus Centre is proud to be a disability confident employer.

We have made a positive commitment to employing disabled people. Reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment procedure as required in consultation with the applicant to ensure no-one is disadvantaged because of their disability. If a disabled person is selected for a position, reasonable adjustments will be made to the workplace, including premises and equipment, work duties and practices or policies, as appropriate. All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role as set out in the role profile and person specification will be guaranteed an interview.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are:

• Challenging attitudes towards disability
• Increasing understanding of disability
• Removing barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions
• Ensuring that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspiration

Applications will be reviewed as we receive them and if a suitable candidate is identified, we reserve the right to close our advert sooner.

At Headway, our mission is simple: Improve life after brain injury.

Every 90 seconds, someone in the UK is admitted to hospital with a brain injury. Our job is to support survivors and their families from the moment brain injury strikes – and to do that, we need your help and expertise!

We’re seeking a determined, values-driven Director of Fundraising to drive income generation across several different disciplines, helping to ensure we can continue delivering vital support to people affected by brain injury.

This role isn’t just about setting strategy; it’s about being actively involved in in a hands-on capacity as you build relationships and lead fundraising efforts across community, individual giving, corporate partnerships, events, legacies and trusts fundraising.

You will also oversee and support the Head of Retail, ensuring that income from our charity shops contributes effectively to the organisation’s overall financial sustainability and growth.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will also have the opportunity to shape Headway’s future and contribute to key decisions across the charity, including working with trustees and contributing to board meetings.

Key areas of accountability

• Develop, maintain, and evolve a multi‑year fundraising strategy (3‑5 years) aligned with Headway’s strategy, priorities, and risk appetite.
• Lead the development and delivery of income generation plans across all fundraising channels (retail, individual giving, corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, events, legacies, and community fundraising), translating organisational objectives into clear annual targets, growth strategies, and actionable fundraising plans.
• Personally lead on key fundraising initiatives, cultivating and stewarding donor relationships while overseeing a diverse portfolio of fundraising activities.
• Use data-driven insights to evaluate performance, inform strategy, and identify opportunities for growth.
• Manage and inspire a fundraising team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and professional development.
• Oversee the Head of Retail and ensure the effective operation and strategic development of Headway’s charity shops.
• Monitor fundraising performance and report on progress to the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees.
• Play an active role within the Senior Leadership Team, contributing insight and expertise on income generation, fundraising performance, risk, scenario planning, and resource allocation, while working closely with colleagues to support decision-making and drive organisational priorities.
• Act as a key ambassador for the organisation, representing its mission and values to external stakeholders, partners, and donors.

About you

We’re looking for an experienced fundraiser who has performed at a director level or equivalent, ideally at a charity with a UK-wide reach.

You will be able to nurture and develop the fundraising team, building a strong culture in line with the organisation’s values, and motivating others to achieve shared goals by using your working knowledge of various fundraising disciplines.

You will be a skilled communicator, able to build relationships with and instil confidence in internal and external stakeholders including donors, supporters, and colleagues.

You will be confident and proficient in using CRM systems and fundraising platforms to manage supporter data, analyse performance and support donor engagement with data-informed decision making.

And you will be able to combine a strategic and analytic mindset with proactive, hands-on fundraising.

Benefits

• You will be automatically enrolled into the People’s Pension. This is based on your contribution of 5% and with Headway UK contributing 3%. For every 1% you increase above this, Headway UK will increase its contributions by 1% up to a total maximum of 6%.
• We offer 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising incrementally after two years to a maximum of 30 days. We also offer a range of special leave entitlements.
• Access for you and your immediate family members to an employment assistance programme offering life support, legal and medical information, and counselling services.
• Death in service benefit of two times your salary.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 5 November 2025

First interview: Wednesday 12 November via Teams/Zoom

Second interview: Monday 17 November in Nottingham (NG6 8SF)

Whether assisting students and residents on a daily basis, supporting weekend residentials, conferences and events, or working with the team which delivers our annual Foundation Celebration, this role is at the heart of providing a welcoming campus environment.

The Campus Accommodation and Hospitality Manager will lead a team of reception and housekeeping staff to deliver and administer a full range of campus services. As well as providing an efficient and welcoming reception service, this includes the management of meeting rooms, accommodation booking, achieving and maintaining high standards of housekeeping, and overseeing contracted catering and refreshment services. The postholder will be part of a committed staff team, giving and receiving support to deliver the operational needs of the Foundation in a way which reflects our ethos of hospitality, care and community. 

This is a full-time role, with some evening and weekend work during weekend residentials and other events. The postholder will also participate in an out-of-hours on-call rota.

Key responsibilities

1. To manage the delivery of accommodation and hospitality operations.

• Foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for students, staff, and visitors from diverse backgrounds and denominations.
• Oversee the day-to-day running of hospitality services including accommodation, catering and menus, and support for conferences and events.
• Represent the staff team on hospitality matters at the Foundation’s residents’ and community forum meetings
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation, and service across all facilities
• Liaise with Facilities Manager regarding maintenance needs arising in meeting rooms and accommodation 

2. To manage a team of hospitality staff.

• Draw up duty rotas for the Hospitality team based on varying operational need.
• Provide ongoing support, training, and development for team members.
• Carry out line management responsibilities in line with the Foundation’s HR policies and procedures

3. To manage the delivery of events and conferences.

• Generate quotes for events and conferences in consultation with internal and external organisers
• Support marketing for events, conferences, and other campus activities
• Oversee the Hospitality team to ensure effective administration for the smooth delivery of hospitality for teaching, residentials, events and conferences.
• Oversee room bookings, check-ins/outs, ensuring smooth turnaround of all accommodations between occupancy.

4. Procurement

• Manage procurement for hospitality goods and services in consultation with the Management Accountant and the Director of Operations.
• Monitor costs and implement efficiencies while maintaining quality.

Our People Operations Manager is responsible for the development and delivery of our people processes, systems, and administration, ensuring that they are fully fit for purpose. Reporting to the People Director, you will be joining a highly supportive and friendly People Team, committed to working together to provide a high-quality and responsive service to the organisation.

While your main focus will be our UK people operations, you will also engage with our country offices around the world, developing an understanding of their people operations and working with them to maximise efficiency across the organisation.

The role is varied including optimising people processes and systems, managing and developing our global HRIS, configuring and rolling-out new systems/modules (e.g. global ATS, UK payroll), overseeing UK and international payroll administration and UK pension and benefits, managing our UK business sponsorship licence and sponsor duties, ensuring a high-quality information and reporting service to internal stakeholders, and working on global people projects and initiatives.

You will have substantial experience managing people operations at a similar level, developing, implementing and managing systems, processes and administration relating to all stages of the employee life-cycle. You will be comfortable configuring, managing and maintaining a HRIS. You will have a thorough understanding of UK payroll processes and UK pension regulations, as well as a thorough understanding of UK employment and immigration law. Experience as a SMS Level 1 User is desirable and experience managing a global HRIS would be an advantage.

You will have excellent people management skills and will enjoy collaborating and consulting with colleagues around the globe to understand their needs as we strive for continuous improvement. Your interpersonal and communication skills will enable you to build effective and productive working relationships with colleagues at all levels across Fauna & Flora.

You will have a methodical and rigorous approach to work and a meticulous attention to detail. Excellent numeracy and data analysis skills are also essential, as is knowledge of data protection legislation and fluency in spoken and written English.

If you meet these requirements, align with our values and are looking for a new challenge, we’d love to hear from you. You will be joining an international, impactful and ground-breaking organisation, at the forefront of global conservation. In addition, Fauna & Flora offers a generous pension contribution, attractive annual leave allowance and life insurance.

Our offices are located in central Cambridge, just a few minutes’ walk from glorious historic buildings and museums, the picturesque River Cam, the central market and shopping centre, and a host of cafés and restaurants.

Please visit our website and download the job application pack for further details on how to apply

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 2 November 2025. Interviews are likely to be held during the week commencing 10 November 2025.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa

Career Connect is a large national Charity, listed in the top 100 Best Companies to work for. They are committed to supporting young people and adults to realise their potential and their mission is to drive social mobility by enabling more people to access and succeed in education, training and employment. 
 
Director of Operations – Justice Services  
Salary: Circa £60,000 
Hybrid working with 2 days a week minimum in the Liverpool office and Flexi time 
25 days Holiday increasing with Service 
 
It’s an exciting time to join Career Connect, as the organisation seeks to appoint a strategic and visionary Director of Operations – Justice Services. Sitting as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role carries responsibility for a diverse and high-impact portfolio of business operations. 

The Director will lead, and shape Career Connects Justice Services, driving sustainable growth and ensuring the effective delivery of contracts across the portfolio. You will cultivate strategic partnerships that support the organisation’s performance and financial objectives, embed a culture of quality and continuous improvement, and oversee contract performance through robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks. In addition, you will provide strong commercial and operational leadership, ensuring the efficient management of budgets, resources, and teams. 

We are seeking an individual with a proven record of strategic and operational leadership, encompassing both service delivery and financial management, ideally within the criminal justice or a related sector. Above all, you will bring exceptional stakeholder management and collaboration skills, coupled with a genuine commitment to empowering people to achieve their potential. 

Although based in the Liverpool office, this role involves travel in the North-West and nationally.  
 
To learn more about this unique and exciting opportunity, please visit the Prospectus website.
 
Deadline for applications: 9th November, Midnight 
Interviews with Prospectus: 17th -19th November 
Interviews with Career Connect:
1st Stage via Teams – 1st-3rd December
2nd Stage in person – 10th & 12th December
 
To arrange a confidential discussion about the role, please email our retained partners Jane Ray or Tammy Stewart at Prospectus.

Career Connect are committed to achieve greater diversity among its workforce, and welcome applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, sexuality, belief or disability. They are a disability confident employer and proud to be recognised as an Investor in Diversity.

If you'd like this document in an alternative format, please contact Prospectus.

How to apply: Please upload a CV and covering letter, outlining how you meet the requirements of the role and person specification, using the application link on NASP's Career's Page by no later than Monday 27th October.

If you have any questions on this process, please find our Recruitment email on the NASP's Careers Page.

Role Details & Staff Benefits

Salary: £32,800 FTE per annum

Duration: Until 31st March 2027 (with possibility of extension)

Hours: 0.6 - 1 FTE (3 – 5 days per week) – The role can be configured for part-time or full time working

Location: Hybrid – NASP have an office space at London's Southbank Centre which can be used by staff at any time. The role will be expected to work up to 2 days per week in the office with the remainder at home, depending on agreed hours. There may also be additional occasional travel required for staff days and other events.

NASP offer a range of core benefits for staff on payroll, including:

• 30 days paid annual leave per annum (pro rata), plus Bank Holidays

• An additional day of paid leave per year on your birthday

• Opportunities for Volunteering & CPD days each year

• Opportunity to request flexible working arrangements, including compressed hours

• Contribution to annual eye test, eyeglass purchase, and flu vaccination

Purpose of This Role:

This is a key role within the NASP Operations team, providing exceptional support to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) currently consisting of CEO, Executive Director of Strategy & Partnerships, and Director of Operations; as well as the Board of Trustees. In addition, the role will play a central role in driving best practice and efficiency across the organisation as part of the wider Operations team.

The role will support communication between NASP and our key stakeholders and partners (including government officials, ministerial departments, and international sector leaders), providing detailed administrative support, requiring a keen eye for detail, excellent communication skills, and an ability to work flexibly and proactively. In addition, the role will act as the main point of contact for our relationship with London's Southbank Centre, where the NASP office is based, including managing room bookings and logistics for key meetings.

The role would suit an energetic, proactive, and highly organised individual who is driven by the mission of NASP, and wants to contribute across the organisation to make an impact. As a member of the Operations team, there may also be opportunities to apply the core skills of this role, such as scheduling, logistics, and document creation/management, to support wider organisational projects; and to develop within the role, depending on agreed FTE and capacity.

Person Specification:

Experience & Knowledge:

• Experience providing high-level EA/PA support; managing complex diaries and mailboxes

• Experience supporting formal meetings, including arranging logistics, agendas, and preparation/dissemination of key documentation

• Minute-taking and summarising of key headlines/actions

• Event management skills such as preparing itineraries and schedules, risk assessments, arranging catering and production, and liaising with venues

• Experience of office management, such as ordering supplies and liaising with service providers

• Experience of project support/coordination, such as overseeing schedules and stakeholder management

• Knowledge of charity governance and best practice (desirable)

• Knowledge of the VCFSE sector and/or Social Prescribing (desirable)

Skills & Attributes:

• Affinity with NASP’s Values as defined in the NASP Strategic Plan

• Proactive and driven, able to pre-empt issues and provide solutions

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to manage complex schedules & prioritise, with understanding of ELT priorities

• Attention to detail, with ability to quickly understand and summarise information

• Use of Microsoft Office suite, including Teams, Excel, Word, & Sharepoint

Responsibilities:

Executive Assistant:

• Providing detailed diary administration for the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), consisting of CEO, Executive Director of Strategy & Partnerships, and Director of Operations; prioritising and taking a pro-active approach to both short and long-term planning

• Providing wider diary and scheduling support for the organisation where appropriate (e.g. senior management meetings)

• Supporting key meetings as appropriate, including drafting agendas, minuting, and preparing documentation, as well as logistical support (e.g. room/venue bookings, catering, etc.)

• Supporting ELT in the preparation of materials for presentations such as for Board Meetings, Staff sessions, such as designing/formatting slides & briefing documents

• Acting as an approachable first-point-of-contact for all internal and external stakeholders for ELT and the wider organisation

• Supporting stakeholder management, including tracking contacts, updating statuses, arranging key meetings, and managing key external relationships

• Overseeing administration of wider organisational meetings (e.g. Monday morning team meetings), including transcriptions and agenda planning

• Providing any other administrative or logistical support to ELT as required

• Support ELT with strategic projects as required (depending on agreed FTE)

Board & Trustee Support:

• Acting as key liaison between the NASP board of trustees and the wider organisation

• Ensuring Board papers are drafted, collated and issued in a timely manner including minuting and managing actions, including for all Board Subcommittees (currently Finance/Risk and Remuneration/Culture)

• Overseeing board administration processes, e.g. Conflicts of Interest forms/register, Charity Commission Updates, etc. 4 Registered charity in England (1191145)

• Arranging logistics for Board meetings as required (room bookings, travel, catering, etc.)

• Supporting on trustee recruitment as required, including making arrangements for interviews

Operations Support & Office Management:

• Act as key member of the Operations team, proactively identifying improvements to processes and wider NASP culture

• Oversee shared mailboxes where needed, and providing cover for Operations colleagues when appropriate 

 • Oversee the management of the NASP Office at Southbank Centre, act as key liaison with venue, and ensuring space is efficiently run 

Reporting To: Director of Operations

Help Us Build Something Beautiful

A new Buddhist practice centre in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside is looking for an experienced and compassionate leader.

Are you drawn to creating mindful spaces where people can truly connect with themselves and others?

The Being Peace Centre, founded in Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village tradition, is seeking a full-time Centre Director, who can balance practical management skills with a deep commitment to mindful living. You'll shape this emerging community from the ground up, managing our operations, leading our team, and helping create something meaningful.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Proven experience running a residential or retreat centre (or similar complex project)
• ​A collaborative, people-centred leadership style
• ​The flexibility and creativity to thrive in a start-up environment

In return, we offer a competitive salary, potential on-site accommodation, good benefits, and the rare opportunity to help birth a center that will support countless people's wellbeing for years to come.

Our vision is to create a vibrant, inclusive community where people from all backgrounds can experience the transformative power of mindfulness practice in the Plum Village tradition.

About Being Peace Centre

Being Peace Centre is a new mindfulness practice centre founded by Plum Village UK in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Located on a beautiful historic farm in Abenhall, Gloucestershire, the centre will provide a peaceful environment for retreats and mindfulness practice throughout the year.

The centre will accommodate:

• 30+ residential guests year round
• Visiting teachers throughout the year
• The potential to grow this number to 60+ guests over the coming years
• A resident lay community of 6-8 people
• Working volunteers and regular local volunteers
• A sustainable "Happy Farm" mindful organic growing space, developing over the coming years.
• Walking meditation paths and dedicated practice spaces

Role Purpose

As Centre Director, you will provide leadership and operational management for this exciting new project during its critical establishment phase. Working collaboratively with the Plum Village UK Trustees, resident community, dharma teachers and visiting monastics, you will help bring this vision to life and ensure the centre's long-term sustainability.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the foundation and culture of a significant new Buddhist centre in the UK, combining practical management skills with deep alignment to mindfulness principles.

Applications close on 21st October 2025.

Plum Village UK is committed to being a diverse and inclusive community. We welcome inquiries and applications from all suitably experienced individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, relationship status and neurodiversity. An enhanced DBS check will be applied.

Director of Finance and Operations
The Akshaya Patra Foundation UK
Salary: £60,000-£70,000 per annum
Remote (UK-based) with expensed travel to London
Full-time, permanent

Akshaya Patra is one of the world’s largest school meals charities – nourishing 2.35 million children in India every day and now expanding our impact across the UK.

Our UK after-school programme, Empower Hour, provides hot, nutritious meals and targeted tuition to children growing up in poverty – extending the school day by 60 minutes to give them the fuel, support and enrichment they need to thrive.

What began in one school in 2024 is already serving ten, and – alongside driving continued expansion in India – we are now ready to scale our delivery to reach thousands more children across the UK’s most disadvantaged communities.

To help lead this exciting phase of growth, we are seeking a Director of Finance and Operations – a senior leader who combines strong financial stewardship with operational leadership and is motivated by purpose as much as performance.

You will sit on the Senior Leadership Team, reporting to the CEO, and oversee two core portfolios:

• Programmes – overseeing Watford kitchen operations, Empower Hour delivery and holiday hunger initiatives.
• Finance and Resources – leading financial planning and reporting, systems, compliance, HR development and organisational infrastructure.

This role will suit someone who enjoys both strategic thinking and practical implementation – someone who finds energy in building strong foundations and helping a values-led organisation grow well.

You may have built your career in charity, education, food provision, public services, the private sector or elsewhere – but you will bring:

• Senior-level experience across finance, operations or programme delivery.
• Strong financial acumen and understanding of charity governance and compliance.
• A collaborative leadership style – supporting, challenging and uplifting those you lead.
• Deep alignment with our mission to fight child hunger and educational inequality.

What we offer:

• Flexible and remote working.
• 34 days’ leave (25 days annual leave + Diwali + English bank holidays).
• Employer pension contribution.
• Investment in professional and vocational development.
• A meaningful leadership role in a growing global movement – empowering children in both the UK and India.

How to apply:

• Download the full job description and application details here or on our website.
• Please send your CV and a cover letter to the email address in the applicant pack outlining both your suitability for the role and what attracts you to Akshaya Patra and our mission.
• Closing date: Monday 3 November 2025.

If you believe no child should be held back by hunger – and you have the leadership skills and desire to help grow an organisation that makes that possible – we would love to hear from you.

Director of Finance, People and Operations

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Finance, People and Operations to lead central functions and help shape future success.

Salary: £67,000–£76,000 pro rata (depending on experience)
Location: Hybrid / London
Hours: Part time 0.8/ 32 hours per week or Part-time, 0.6 FTE / 24 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing date:  31st October 2025

About the Role

As a member of the Executive Team, you will provide financial, operational and people-focused leadership while ensuring robust governance and sustainable growth.

You will oversee finance, HR, operations and IT through a small but committed team, ensuring systems, processes and culture enable delivery of the organisation’s mission.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic advice on finance, operations and people matters
• Leading financial planning, budgeting and risk management
• Managing and supporting the Finance Manager and Head of HR, Operations and IT
• Ensuring efficient financial systems and compliance with legal and regulatory obligations
• Supporting recruitment, development and retention to sustain a collaborative and values-driven culture
• Overseeing operational systems and governance, including Board and committee reporting

This is a hands-on leadership role in a small, agile organisation where you will combine strategic insight with practical delivery.

About You

We are looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant experience in both strategic and operational finance, ideally in non-profit or mission-driven organisations.

You will bring:

• Strong financial expertise, including hands-on management and planning
• Experience of operations, governance and risk management
• A collaborative leadership style, with the ability to manage small teams effectively
• A practical mindset, able to improve systems and processes in resource-conscious settings
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice

You will thrive if you are motivated by making systems work better, enjoy working across multiple functions, and want to contribute to lasting positive change.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Finance Director, Director of Resources, Chief Operating Officer, Head of Finance and Operations, Director of Corporate Services, Director of Finance and Resources, Finance and Operations Director,  Director of Finance and Administration, Director of Operations and Finance,  Director of Business Services,  Chief Finance and Operations Officer (CFOO),  Executive Director of Finance and Resources,  Director of Finance and Governance, Head of Finance and Resources

Salary: £95,000 – £105,000
Location: Hybrid, with two days per week in Central London
Contract: Permanent, full-time, flexible working

About the role

A pioneering, fast-growing charity with a strong record of delivering tangible impact is seeking a Director of Finance and Operations to join the Executive Team at a pivotal stage in its journey. This is a rare opportunity to join a values-driven organisation with financial strength, impressive year-on-year growth, and an ambitious agenda for the future.

Established for over 10 years, with strong reserves, income exceeding forecast, and ambition and vison for the future, you will join an Executive Team in reviewing and leading plans for continuous growth across an already impressive track record. As Director of Finance and Operations you will play a central role in shaping the organisation’s long-term financial strategy, strengthening governance and risk management, and ensuring the charity is equipped for sustainable growth.

Working closely with the CEO and Trustees, you will be responsible for the Finance, Governance, and Legal functions, combining strategic oversight with a hands-on approach where needed. This is a role that offers real scope to make a difference—both within the organisation and through the impact our work delivers externally.

Key duties are as follows:

• Lead the development of the organisation’s financial strategy, aligning with overall organisational goals.
• Provide strategic financial planning and forecasting to support decision-making, including a 5-year strategy and finance plan, annual budgets, and operations plans.
• Oversee and support delivery of day-to-day financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.
• Oversee and continue development of appropriate financial systems, processes and policies, including contract management system.
• Develop with CEO and the Trustee Board strategies to diversify funding sources and enhance financial resilience.
• Oversee and support the preparation and presentation of financial reports to the Trustee Board, Audit and Risk Committee and other stakeholders, highlighting financial performance and risks.
• Lead the development and oversight of the organisation’s risk management framework, ensuring risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated.
• Act as a key adviser to the Board of Trustees, Finance & Audit Committee, and senior leadership on financial governance and risk matters.
• Manage the Finance, Governance and Legal teams and associated strategic responsibilities for the charity

About you

• You will be a qualified accountant with significant senior-level finance experience
• Proven expertise in strategic financial planning and forecasting
• Experience of working with Boards and / or Committees
• A collaborative leadership style with proven staff management experience.
• Ability to be hands-on where required in the day-to-day running of the finance and operations teams
• A strong commitment to the mission and values of the charity sector.

What’s in it for you?

• Salary – £95,000 – £105,000 dependent on experience
• Hybrid working – 2 days per week in the office in central London (ad hoc additional time-in-office may be required commensurate with the needs of the role).
• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Flexible working options available to support work-life balance
• Pension salary sacrifice scheme available
• The opportunity to be part of a committed, collaborative team working towards meaningful impact.

Timescales

Interviews will be held w/c 17th for first stage interviews and w/c 24th for second stage interviews.
Final meetings will be held in early December.

Join Evolve Music as our next Executive Director — and lead a creative, purpose-driven charity using music to change lives across the South West.

We’re looking for an inspiring, strategic and compassionate leader to guide Evolve into its next exciting chapter.

Since 2017, Evolve Music has grown into one of the South West’s leading community music organisations, working in partnership with health, education and cultural organisations to deliver inclusive, creative and high-impact programmes. From Sound Lab for neurodivergent young people to Dads Rock for fathers and male caregivers, our work reaches thousands each year, using music as a catalyst for wellbeing, confidence and connection.

As Executive Director, you’ll shape our strategic vision, lead fundraising and partnership development, and nurture a talented and passionate team. If you believe in the power of music to transform lives, we’d love to hear from you.

About Topos Research UK and Topos Institute

Topos Research UK is an entrepreneurial, dynamic charity start-up in the UK (inc. 2024) with a parent charity start-up, Topos Institute in the US (inc. 2019). We are a non-profit research institute dedicated to realising a world where the systems that surround us benefit us all, so that society can better cooperate on critical issues — the climate crisis, pandemic responses, agricultural modelling, global access to education, and more — through interconnected systems that consider holistic impacts. We develop new tools for collective inquiry and modelling, enabled by a combination of novel foundational mathematics, open-source software engineering, and meaningful collaboration with domain specialists.

The Opportunity

We seek a strategic Operations Director to lead the successful scaling of our rapidly growing UK operation. This is a pivotal, creative leadership role reporting directly to our Board of Trustees, with day-to-day collaboration with board representative Brendan Fong (Topos UK Trustee and Topos USA CEO).

Current State:

• 1-year-old entity with £500k annual revenue
• 6 talented staff (research scientists, software engineers, postdocs)
• 3 planned new staff members within the next 6 months
• Two major grants: £600k (1-year) and £1.2M (2.25-year)
• Projected FY26 revenue: £1M

The Challenge: You’ll be our first senior operations hire, responsible for establishing the systems and culture that will enable Topos UK (and Topos as a whole) to thrive as we scale from startup to established institution, collaborating between the UK and US offices, and pioneering a new style of technology-oriented research organisation keenly focussed on improving lives.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Finance Leadership

• Lead operations and finance for a projected £1M+ annual budget from research grants
• Support grant solicitation, budgeting, procurement, monitoring, and reporting
• Collaborate with financial consultants on organizational strategies, budgets, treasury, and tax affairs
• Coordinate with US-based Topos Institute on governance, consolidated reporting, and shared contracts

Strategic Planning & Culture Building

• Partner with the Board of Trustees and Topos Institute USA to develop and implement strategic plans aligned with our institutional mission
• Champion the critical role of operations and administration in achieving our research mission
• Establish and nurture an organizational culture that:
  • Integrates diverse perspectives and lived experiences
  • Views uncertainty as opportunity for innovation
  • Balances operational efficiency with academic freedom
  • Embodies public purpose, intellectual rigor, and collaboration

Team Leadership & Development

• Nurture and mentor our growing team of 6+ researchers and engineers
• Support individual career aspirations while building collective capacity
• Work with HR consultants to develop talent management systems and support organizational human resources needs
• Foster an environment where exceptional people can do their best work

Systems & Infrastructure

• Design and implement policies, internal controls, and procedures for sustainable growth
• Oversee operational functions including inventory management and facilities
• Oversee compliance, risk management, and organizational governance
• Manage physical space requirements, including future lease negotiations
• Coordinate legal affairs with Board of Trustees, sourcing expertise as needed

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as operational interface with funders, partners, and collaborators
• Represent Topos UK’s capabilities and needs to external stakeholders
• Support business development for future grant and contract opportunities
• Assume additional responsibilities as organizational needs evolve

What We’re Looking For

Essential Experience

• 5+ years in senior operations/finance roles at mission-driven organizations
• Proven ability to build systems and culture from the ground up
• Experience with research institutions, nonprofits, or technology startups
• Track record managing complex budgets and grant funding
• Track record of successfully impacting both strategic and tactical finance and administration initiatives

Leadership Qualities

• Collaborative, supportive management style with focus on team development
• Skilled at building consensus in a complex organisation and able to achieve results through influence and partnership
• Ability to foster inclusive environments where diverse perspectives thrive
• Experience mediating differences and supporting individual team member success
• Ability to communicate clearly and collaboratively, both internally and externally
• Creative problem-solving approach with strong analytical skills

Cultural Fit

• Intellectually curious with appreciation for technical research
• Mission-first orientation with commitment to public benefit
• Comfortable with complexity, ambiguity, and rapid change; sees challenges as opportunities for growth
• Committed to building inclusive, supportive team environments
• Values-driven leader who can balance efficiency with academic freedom
• Motivated by meaningful work that contributes to helping solve global-scale challenges
• Values continuous learning, diverse perspectives, and collaborative problem-solving
• Ability to periodically travel to the head office in Berkeley, California, or other locations as needed
• Flexibility with working hours, to accommodate for collaboration across global time zones
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance and administration initiatives

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in relevant field (business, nonprofit management, etc.)
• Experience with international organizations or multi-entity coordination
• Familiarity with academic research environments
• Technical literacy sufficient to engage with mathematical/computational work

Why Topos UK

Exceptional Team: Collaborate with world-leading researchers and high calibre funding agencies.

Inclusive Environment: Be part of building a diverse team where different perspectives are valued and everyone can contribute their best work.

Meaningful Impact: Your operational excellence directly enables breakthrough research on humanity’s most pressing challenges—from climate change to public health to collaborative open science.

Technical Innovation: Support the development of genuinely novel technologies that could transform how humanity approaches complex, collaborative decision-making.

Supportive Culture: Join a caring, inquiry-driven community that values both intellectual rigor and personal well-being, with a strong focus on in-person office culture but flexibility to support work-life balance.

Growth Opportunity: Shape the foundational systems of an organization poised for significant expansion and impact.

Apply

Topos Research UK is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. There is evidence to suggest that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in the job description. No matter who you are, if this role speaks to you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you tick all the boxes. We’d especially like to encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

If you require any adjustments to the application process, such as accessibility accommodations, additional preparation time, or other, please let us know in your application. We’re happy to support your needs and adjust the application process.

Next Steps: This role offers the rare opportunity to be the operational backbone behind important research that contributes to how humanity tackles global challenges. If you’re energized by building meaningful institutions and enabling exceptional people to do transformative work, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We expect the process to include initial screening, work assessments, team interviews, and references.

Who we’re looking for and why join us

At Refugee Legal Support (RLS), we’re seeking a dynamic leader to become our new Fundraising Director. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to shape the future of a values-driven legal organisation that stands in solidarity with people on the move. 

Following significant growth in recent years, you’ll build on strong foundations to support the organisation’s sustainability. You’ll bring strategic vision, excellent stakeholder management skills and a collaborative approach to support the delivery of RLS’s new strategic plan. 

However this role goes beyond fundraising. You’ll also be a key member of our Management Team and work closely with our Executive Director, Legal Director and board of trustees to shape the future of the organisation. This is therefore a perfect opportunity for anyone looking to develop their senior management skills. 

This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on work, bridging urgent funding needs, long-term fundraising strategy and organisational leadership. For a leader passionate about migrant justice and equity, this is a career-defining opportunity to sustain and grow RLS’s impact while shaping its future.

About Refugee Legal Support (RLS)

Our structure

Refugee Legal Support (RLS) operates as a registered organisation in both the UK and Greece, reflecting our international scope and impact. Our governance structure includes a dedicated Board of Trustees and specialised subcommittees that provide oversight and strategic direction. We’re supported by a dynamic management team and dedicated, expert project teams who deliver our mission across Greece, the UK, and Northern France.

What we do

Refugee Legal Support is an international legal support organisation, with operations in Greece, the UK and Northern France. We’re committed to ensuring access to justice through expert legal information and advice to people seeking safety and family reunification. Our casework is a tool to tackle individual and systemic injustice in immigration systems. 

We strive to develop inclusive, sustainable and regenerative ways of working which are directly informed by those with lived migration experience. We support the global movement that fights entrenched inequalities, racism and other forms of discrimination that force people to migrate. In doing so we recognise that immigration systems are weighted against those forced to migrate and stand in opposition to hostile policies, along with all forms of violence against people compelled to migrate. 

We’re specialised and use our expertise for strategic impact. We strive to be thorough and aim for precision and accuracy in all of our work. In a fast changing environment we use our experience and expertise to move quickly to meet needs, but to also think beyond the immediate context and push for positive systemic change. 

We continuously think and challenge ourselves in how we develop our anti-racist practice and empower refugee leadership. We recognise that climate justice and migrant struggles are interconnected and view our work through this lens. 

To get a fuller picture of our financial health and impact, have a look at our most recent accounts on the charity commission website. (Refugee Legal Support, Charity number: 1191680)

Our ethos

We have a strong commitment to consultative decision making and strive to be non hierarchical. We’re rooted in our foundational values of solidarity, anti-racism, independence, openness and transparency.Our colleagues play a central role in shaping our work and how we respond to need. They are dedicated to our mission and have the best interests of our clients at heart. We enable each other to fulfil our individual and collective potential in a work environment of mutual trust and respect.

Working at RLS:

The wellbeing of our colleagues is of paramount importance. We foster a friendly, supportive and collegiate working environment, and we practise consultative ways of working. We work flexibly and prioritise effective recuperation. 

Some of our benefits include:

• Generous annual leave: 28 days (pro rata for part time employees) plus bank holidays and additional days at Christmas;
• Flexible working schemes, compressed hours and remote working are available;
• 8% pension scheme with ethical pension provider. RLS contributes 5% with minimum 3% staff contribution;
• Wellbeing offering: access to specialist individual counselling, group clinical supervision or alternative means of wellbeing support (body and mind classes of choice);
• Enhanced maternity and partner leave;
• Enhanced sick leave and pay;
• Wellbeing leave;
• Learning & Development: each member of staff has access to training resources and courses and shadowing opportunities;
• We work in a purpose built office environment near Old Street Station, shared with two like-minded organisations. 

Role Overview: Fundraising and Operations Director

The successful candidate will lead RLS’s income generation through our next phase of development. You’ll oversee our relationships with key funders, individual giving, our approach to major donors and our communications. You’ll work closely with the Management Team and trustees to set and implement fundraising strategy and highlight and manage risk.

As a member of the Management Team, you’ll be involved in the day-to-day leadership and oversight of the organisation, with involvement in decisions from strategy to HR, project design and many other aspects of our work.

Core Responsibilities:

Fundraising strategy and development 

• Lead the development and delivery of RLS’s fundraising strategy to meet our funding targets and deliver our strategy.
• Meaningfully involve and guide the Management Team, trustees and Fundraising Officer in strategy development and delivery. 
• Develop new funding sources as appropriate.
• Ensure that funding sources fit with RLS’s values and our moral and ethical fundraising policy.

Organisational leadership 

• Work with the Management Team and trustees to lead on the delivery of RLS’s strategic objectives.
• Work with the Management Team to lead RLS, including finding creative solutions to issues as they arise and ensuring the smooth running of the organisation.
• Foster a supportive work environment that’s true to RLS’s values.

Lead on funder relationships 

• Develop and cultivate relationships with potential funders.
• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of funding opportunities to meet our targets and fulfil our strategy.
• Lead relationships with existing funders, ensuring that they’re regularly engaged and that all reporting deadlines are met.
• Support the Fundraising Officer to lead on certain funder relationships. 

Proposal and application development

• Lead the development of compelling applications and proposals for funders. 
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure that all funding applications meet the needs of RLS and align with our strategy.
• Support the Fundraising Officer to deliver high quality proposals and applications.

Individual giving and major donors 

• Work closely with the Fundraising Officer to develop and deliver a high quality individual giving programme to meet our fundraising targets. 
• Manage relationships with major donors and further develop this income stream. 

Communications and events 

• Work closely with the Fundraising Officer to develop and deliver RLS’s communications strategy. 
• Work with the Fundraising Officer and CEO to oversee and continue to develop RLS’s website. 
• Organise and deliver events from time-to-time to support the delivery of RLS’s fundraising strategy. 

Risk management, reporting and record keeping 

• Ensure that the Management Team and board have an accurate picture of RLS’s financial position, including a clear picture of risk. 
• Oversee accurate records of funder and donor relationships and income through our CRM. 

Representing RLS and occasional travel

• Represent RLS at events from time to time.
• Occasional travel, potentially including international travel. 

Line management 

• Provide high quality line management to the Fundraising Officer.
• In future, there may be other line management responsibilities as RLS’s staff changes to meet our new strategy. 

Person Specification

• Senior leadership experience in income generation 
• Proven success in securing significant, multi-source funding, including trusts and foundations. 
• Expertise in developing long-term financial strategy and sustainability
• Experience in shaping and overseeing individual giving campaigns 
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills
• Ability to find creative, innovative solutions and problem-solve. 
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to foster a team-wide understanding of and involvement in fundraising. 
• Have a strong commitment to advancing migrant justice.
• Be an active listener and a progressive leader. 
• The successful candidate will be required to obtain an enhanced DBS certificate (we cover the cost). A criminal record is not necessarily a barrier to recruitment but should be disclosed on application
• Have the right to work in the UK.
• Fluent in English.
• Have lived experience related to migration and/or experience of and relationships in the migrant justice sector (desirable). 

CDMT is looking for a talented, ambitious and driven education and arts professional to energetically build on the company’s success over the past decade and imaginatively take forward and elevate our mission and vision for the years ahead. The role is accountable to the Chair of Trustees.

CDMT’s position in the sector and the requirements of the role are described in the job pack and on our website.

ABOUT THE ROLE OF DIRECTOR

CDMT is the industry body for world-class professional schools, conservatoires and awarding organisations in the performing arts, and we are a strong advocate on behalf of the sector.

The Director of the CDMT plays a strategic role in performing arts training, education and assessment nationally and manages the staff and resources of an organisation of UK-wide standing. The CDMT is financed primarily by membership subscriptions. As this source of income is restricted, the successful applicant will need to demonstrate a strategic business sense and a successful income-driven record that will enable the CDMT to create, diversify and take full advantage of developing opportunities.

The Director must be able to liaise effectively with all sectors of the dance, drama, music and musical theatre education communities.  They will have wide knowledge and experience of arts education at all stages of development from entry level, through Further/Higher Education to post-graduate level, and will also require an understanding of qualification frameworks in the UK. Knowledge and experience of inspection and self-assessment mechanisms similar to those operated by the Office for Students, Ofsted and Ofqual, is desirable.

The role includes advocacy on behalf of the sector and requires an ability to offer support and advice to professional schools, conservatoires and awarding organisations as well as informing the thinking of regulators, civil servants and parliamentarians. This demands a high level of tact, diplomacy, professional understanding and tenacity as well as intellectual rigour and integrity.

This is a time of change and challenge for the performing arts education community.  The post of Director of the CDMT requires a talented, ambitious and self-driven professional able to offer and energetically deliver an exciting vision for the company’s future, and manage the journey required to successfully achieve it.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST DEMONSTRATE

• Experience of management at a senior level in the education and/or arts sectors, with an awareness of national assessment and inspection frameworks
• Staff management skills and a motivating and inclusive style
• Ability to identify opportunities, take initiative, and command the respect of peers and associates, demonstrating honesty and integrity in all dealings
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal abilities, and strategic thinking and planning
• Knowledge and experience of financial procedures and regulatory compliance and responsibilities
• Proficiency in influencing, negotiating, and finding common ground and agreement
• Resilience, self-motivation, clear vision and the ability to defend and promote CDMT’s mission
• Commitment to equal opportunities and the charity’s values
• Education to a minimum of Degree level
• The guile to engage with the pertinent issues of the time and to endeavour to shape the future for the benefit of CDMT

SUMMARY OF DIRECTOR’S ACTIVITIES

• Set CDMT strategy, vision and direction with Board support
• Establish corporate values, rewards quality and success in a culture of equal opportunity
• Create business plans, allocates capital in support of aims, produces budgets and monitors finances
• Cultivate key relationships, influences decision-makers, develops suitable partnerships and networks
• Strengthen CDMT’s reputation through representations to government, industry bodies and media
• Lead, inspire and build teams of highly qualified staff, consultants with effective use of resources
• Chair meetings and ensures success of operational policies, membership committees and inspections
• Utilise sector intelligence to reinforce the company’s standing through targeted initiatives
• Oversee reports to the Charity Commission, Companies House, HMRC, Pensions Regulator etc (acting as Company Secretary)
• Manage risk assessments and mitigating actions, seek legal and professional advice where necessary.