Director of operations jobs

Operation Smile is an international medical charity specialising in cleft surgery and care for babies, children and adults. Since 1982, the organisation has transformed lives through safe surgery and comprehensive cleft care, while strengthening local health systems through training, education and partnerships

Operating in more than 30 countries, Operation Smile raises around $100m globally each year. Operation Smile UK plays a vital role within this international network as a fundraising office, working closely with Operation Smile Inc. to fund programmes and support medical volunteers delivering care around the world.

The organisation is entering an exciting phase of development through its Operation 100 strategy, which focuses on strengthening surgical systems by supporting district hospitals closer to the communities they serve. This approach creates compelling opportunities for philanthropy, enabling donors to support highly tangible, life-changing interventions while helping build sustainable surgical capacity in low-resource settings.

Operation Smile UK has a strong individual giving programme and well-established relationships with corporate partners, trusts and institutional donors. Major donor fundraising, however, is still developing, presenting significant untapped potential and an exciting opportunity to help build a structured and sustainable philanthropy programme.

Operation Smile UK is now seeking a Philanthropy Manager to help grow major donor fundraising, building new philanthropic relationships and expanding support from HNWIs.

As Philanthropy Manager, you will:

• Develop and implement Operation Smile UK’s major donor strategy alongside the Director of Partnerships
• Identify and cultivate new major donor prospects through research, networking (internally and externally) and peer-to-peer introductions through supporters and board members
• Steward a small but warm portfolio of existing donors while focusing primarily on developing new prospects, delivering full lifecycle stewardship from cultivation through to long-term relationship management
• Develop compelling restricted funding propositions aligned with programmes, including geographically or thematically focused projects
• Lead cultivation activity including donor meetings, proposals, events and programme visits
• Represent Operation Smile UK confidently with major donors, prospects and senior stakeholders
• Contribute to the continued development of philanthropy fundraising within the wider Partnerships team
• Occasionally travel internationally to visit programmes and accompany donors, providing first-hand insight into Operation Smile’s impact

Essential skills and experience:

• Experience in major donor fundraising with a track record of securing five-figure+ gifts from HNWIs
• Experience managing the full lifecycle of major donor fundraising, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation and stewardship
• Strong prospect research and pipeline development skills, including identifying and developing new donor relationships from cold
• Experience and confidence in building rapport and trust with prospective major donors
• Experience engaging trustees, senior volunteers and colleagues in fundraising and leveraging networks for peer-to-peer introductions
• Confidence and credibility when representing an organisation to HNWIs and senior stakeholders
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to champion major donor fundraising in a collaborative and thoughtful way across the organisation
• A proactive, self-starting approach and the ability to identify and develop opportunities within a growing fundraising programme

Desirable:

• Experience in international development or global health fundraising
• Experience helping to develop a major donor programme from a low base or early stage

We are open to receiving applications from early career major donor fundraisers for this role. The role offers an opportunity to work alongside an experienced Director of Partnerships who has previously built major donor programmes and is committed to supporting the successful candidate through coaching and mentoring.

Employee benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave, excluding bank holidays, with 1-day additional holiday each year to a maximum of 30 days annual leave
• 6.1% employer pension contribution
• Enhanced maternity package (min. 24 months service)
• Employee Assistance Programme

Operation Smile UK are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone's needs. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

Operation Smile UK are a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job.

Greenpeace is a movement of people who are passionate about defending the natural world from destruction. Our vision is a world where everyone has equal access to clean air, water, and energy; where the nature we love is protected, precious habitats are restored and communities are united by ambitious climate action. Our mission is to halve emissions and restore biodiversity by the end of this decade in a fair and equitable way. 

The Key Relationships programme sits at the heart of Greenpeace UK’s fundraising, securing the philanthropic investment that powers its campaigning work. The team raises around £15–16 million annually from major donors, trusts and foundations and legacies, contributing significantly to the organisation’s wider fundraising income of approximately £37 million.

We are now seeking an outstanding Deputy Fundraising Director, Key Relationships to provide strategic leadership for this vital programme. Reporting to the Fundraising Director and managing a team of 15 (with five direct reports), the role combines high-level leadership with hands-on engagement with major donors and senior stakeholders.

This is a pivotal moment for Greenpeace UK’s Key Relationships programme. Following a period of organisational change and restructuring, the successful candidate will help strengthen the major donor and philanthropic pipeline while shaping the future direction of the programme. The role will also play a central part in Greenpeace’s ambitious global capital campaign to fund a new ship and the campaigning work it will support, with Greenpeace UK contributing £20 million towards a €100 million international target by 2028.

As Deputy Fundraising Director, Key Relationships, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership for Greenpeace UK’s Key Relationships programme, overseeing fundraising from major donors, trusts and foundations and legacies
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of 15, ensuring the programme delivers and grows significant philanthropic income
• Maintain and develop senior relationships with major donors, funders and strategic external stakeholders
• Play a key leadership role in Greenpeace’s global capital campaign to fund a new ship and global campaigning programme
• Work closely with colleagues across fundraising, campaigns and programmes to develop compelling funding opportunities aligned with Greenpeace’s priorities
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation as a member of the Fundraising Leadership Team
• Lead and shape Greenpeace UK’s key influencer strategy, owning a 3-year programme that connects our campaigns and fundraising ambitions to the people who can amplify their impact
• Represent Greenpeace UK externally and internationally, helping strengthen relationships across the wider Greenpeace network and sector partners

This role will suit an experienced fundraising leader who combines strategic thinking with the ability to build strong relationships and inspire high-performing teams.

Ideal skills and experience: 

• A strong track record of leading successful high-value fundraising and/or philanthropy programmes
• Extensive experience of establishing and sustaining relationships with senior level external stakeholders and/or funders
• Proven experience of successfully managing and supporting a team responsible for high value partnerships and/or philanthropy fundraising, including managing managers
• Experience of financial planning, forecasting and developing investment cases
• Demonstrable experience of convincingly and persuasively engaging with a wide range of people including high profile major donors
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire a wide range of audiences
• Strong strategic judgement and the ability to operate confidently in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
• Ability to inspire others, particularly in creative risk-taking and innovation
• A deep commitment to Greenpeace’s values and mission to defend nature, social justice and peace

Diversity and Inclusion

Greenpeace UK recognise the value in having a diverse workforce, as well as the importance of creating equal opportunities for all. Applications are welcomed and encouraged from people of all backgrounds. Applications are particularly encouraged from people of colour, disabled people, and people who identify as working class now or in the past. Candidates will be selected based on how well they meet the criteria for the role and all applicants will be treated fairly throughout the recruitment process. See applicant pack for further details. 

Anti-racism and inclusion commitments

Greenpeace UK wants its team to reflect the diversity of the communities it works alongside. It is committed to fairness, inclusion, and challenging discrimination and oppression in all its forms. As part of this commitment, a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) is being piloted. Greenpeace UK aims to offer an interview to everyone who opts into the scheme and meets the essential criteria. See applicant pack for further details. 

Employee benefits include: 

• 25 days annual leave for full-time staff, with additional leave accrued according to length of service up to a maximum of 32 days
• Once a month, all Greenpeace staff take an organisational ‘breather’ day where the office closes with no expectations of output on these days
• Office closure normally occurs between Christmas and new year
• Employer pension contribution of 8.5% of basic salary
• Life assurance scheme (4 x annual salary)

One of London’s historic “Magnificent Seven” cemeteries, the Cemetery Park is now a Local Nature Reserve and a vital green space in the heart of the East End — where biodiversity, heritage and community come together.

Founded in 1990, the Friends are an award-winning charity dedicated to protecting and caring for this unique site. Now, we are looking for a values-driven, collaborative leader to help strengthen our organisation for the future.

About the role

This is a senior leadership position within a collaborative charity structure. You will:

– Work closely with the Board of Trustees on strategy and governance

– Lead on finance, fundraising and organisational sustainability

– Support and develop staff and volunteers

– Represent the charity externally

– Work in close partnership with our longstanding Cemetery Park Manager

Importantly, this is not a corporate CEO role. It is an opportunity to lead within a community-rooted, place-based charity where humility, partnership and emotional intelligence matter as much as strategy.

We’re looking for someone who:

•  Has senior experience in a charity or values-led organisation
•  Understands governance and financial sustainability
•  Can build trust with staff, volunteers and stakeholders
•  Is excited by heritage, conservation and community

As a small charity, this role balances strategic thinking with hands-on involvement.

Thank you for your interest in the role of Operations Officer at the Fair Education Alliance 

The Fair Education Alliance (FEA) is a cross-sector coalition of 300 member organisations tackling educational inequity. We unite behind a shared vision: no child’s success is limited by their socioeconomic background. 

In September 2025 we launched an ambitious five-year strategy ‘From Neighborhood to National’ to confront the deep-rooted inequities facing children and young people. This is an exciting moment of organisational growth at The Fair Education Alliance. As we scale our work and our team, we are investing in our operational foundations to ensure we remain well-governed, financially resilient and able to deliver our strategy with confidence. 

This role is central to that investment. You will be joining a small, highly capable operations team and playing a pivotal role in how FEA runs day-to-day as it grows. You will work closely with relevant members of the senior leadership team and colleagues across the organisation, and your contribution will be felt across everything we do. 

The Operations Officer plays a central role in ensuring that the Fair Education Alliance runs smoothly, efficiently and to a high standard across all aspects of its work. Working as part of the operations team, the postholder helps maintain the systems, processes and practical foundations that enable the organisation to function effectively.

This includes supporting people operations and HR administration, coordinating governance processes, managing organisational systems and IT access, and delivering high-quality logistics for events and organisational activities.

Acting as a trusted point of support for colleagues, the Operations Officer helps create a responsive and well-organised working environment where staff, trustees and members feel enabled to do their best work. The role requires exceptional organisation, sound judgement and a genuine pride in quality.

By ensuring that the practical aspects of the organisation run reliably and well, the Operations Officer helps create the conditions that allow the Fair Education Alliance to deliver its mission and drive progress towards a fairer education system. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis from Tuesday 10 March

• Applications close: 30 March (9am)

• First round interviews: Rolling during application window 

• Second round interviews: Rolling during application window 

• Start date: As soon as possible (to be agreed with the successful candidate) 

Bedford Foodbank is an independent charity operating as a member of the Trussell Trust network of foodbanks. We employ 2 paid full time and 5 part time staff and are supported by 120 volunteers each week. The mission of Bedford Foodbank is to provide emergency food and support to individuals and families in crisis, ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry. The vision is to be a beacon of hope and support for those facing financial difficulties providing a minimum of 3 days of emergency food and support.

Role Purpose

The Operations Director role is responsible for the effective day-to-day management of the foodbank, ensuring sustainable service delivery while driving income generation and fundraising growth. You will oversee operations, fundraising strategy, partnerships, and compliance, ensuring the charity can meet increasing community need in a financially sustainable way with a passion for tackling poverty.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all operational aspects of the foodbank, ensuring efficient, safe, and compassionate service delivery.
• Oversee logistics including food sourcing, storage, distribution, and volunteer deployment.
• Deliver a fundraising and grant writing strategy to ensure long-term financial sustainability
• Monitor operational performance and report regularly to the Trustees.
• Managing employees and volunteers to ensure they are supported, motivated, and aligned with the charity’s mission
• Build strong relationships with local authorities, faith groups, businesses, schools, and other charities.
• Represent the foodbank at events, networks, and public forums to raise profile and funds.
• Maintain compliance with all policies and procedures including Health and Safety and Safeguarding

Person Specification

• Demonstrable success in fundraising, income generation and grant writing.
• Passionate about tackling poverty with empathy for people from disadvantaged, marginalised or socially excluded backgrounds
• Understanding and sympathetic approach to clients, volunteers and referral agencies
• Running a small to medium size charity operation.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
• Commitment to the mission and values of a foodbank.

· Willingness to support and promote the Christian values of Bedford Foodbank

Requirements:

· Right to work in the UK

· Clean UK driving license

· Some evening and weekend work required

 

 

Use of AI in applications

We recognise that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support aspects of their application – such as grammar, formatting, or drafting. We understand that using AI tools in this way can help you express your strengths more clearly. However, your final submission must be a genuine, accurate reflection of your own skills, experience, and understanding of the role. 

To support integrity and transparency in our recruitment process, we ask that you include a brief note explaining where and how AI tools were used. Applications that appear overly generic, inconsistent with interview performance, or rely heavily on generative AI without clear attribution may raise concerns during the selection process.

Equal employment opportunity

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness, working side by side with thousands of people each year as they find ways out of homelessness. All of us need a decent home – to be healthy and to thrive. Currently though, this basic human need isn’t being met for so many people across the UK.

At Crisis, we have an incredible and committed workforce of more than 600 employees across England, Scotland and Wales, as well as c5,000 inspiring volunteers who are central to the success of our Christmas services and the running of our shops. Without them Crisis quite simply wouldn’t exist.

This is an exciting time to be joining Crisis. Emerging from a period of change, we are in the first year of our new 10-year strategy and an even greater focus on purpose and priorities. Central to the success of this will be ensuring that Crisis is a positive, high performing and inclusive work environment that allows us to have the greatest impact for those that we support.

As a member of the wider leadership team, the Director of People & Culture will be responsible for developing a strategy that meets our aspirations for our staff and volunteers, attracting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce and creating an environment that allows everyone who works with us to feel safe and be the best that they can be. As our most senior People leader in the charity, this is a role that is highly visible at all levels and you will be required to build strong, trusted relationships across the leadership team, our Board and with our staff and volunteers.

We are looking for an authentic and inspiring leader who brings significant experience of developing and implementing people strategies, with strong knowledge of culture and organisational development. You will have a confident and informed approach to all things relating to people and culture and a proven commitment to promoting equity and inclusion in the workplace, so that everyone feels able to be their authentic and best selves. With high levels of emotional intelligence, you will also be a leader who gives space and encouragement for the team to learn on their own, while being able to spot when they need support, and also have the humility to acknowledge the things that you don’t know yourself.

We want to hear from experienced people leaders who share our vision and values, we also welcome applications from emerging leaders for whom this will be their first director role but who bring the enthusiasm and drive to succeed in it.

We are excited for someone to join us who is passionate about ending homelessness and ensuring that their team is focused on delivering excellence to ensure that we are achieving the Crisis mission. If this sounds like you then we would love to hear from you.

The Finance and Business Operations Director will lead VAST’s financial and operational strategy, ensuring robust financial management, effective HR and IT systems, compliance with Health and Safety, and the efficient running of The Dudson Centre.

The postholder will act as Company Secretary, overseeing governance and compliance, and also serve as the organisation’s Money Laundering Reporting Officer.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the role contributes to strategic planning and organisational development, as well as supporting VAST’s day-to-day delivery.

What we're looking for

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, etc.)
• Significant experience in financial management and business operations in the VCSE sector.
• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills
• Knowledge of charity finance, governance, and compliance.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to travel locally and work occasional evenings/weekends.

Andover, Hampshire | Hybrid working
£62,000–£72,000 bonus car
 
Shape the future of a respected national body at the heart of a technically complex, safety-critical industry.
 
The British Swimming Pool Federation sits at the centre of the UK wet leisure industry. It safeguards standards, supports businesses and provides a unified voice for a sector that underpins public safety, professional integrity and economic activity across the UK.
 
Although associated with leisure and wellbeing, pools and spas require rigorous standards and responsible regulation. When those standards are strong, trust is protected and harm is prevented. The Federation plays a critical role in maintaining professionalism and credibility across the sector.
 
Representing over 300 member businesses (through BISHTA and SPATA) and overseeing the delivery of SPATEX, the industry’s flagship exhibition, BSPF works with government, standards bodies and international partners to influence policy and shape the sector’s long-term direction.
 
Following a long and successful tenure, the current Managing Director will be handing over to a successor, creating a rare opportunity to step into a sector-shaping leadership role.
 
The Opportunity
 
BSPF has strong foundations, trusted relationships and financial stability. The opportunity now is to strengthen and extend that position by growing membership, reinforcing commercial resilience and ensuring continued relevance in a changing commercial and regulatory landscape.
 
This is a leadership role with genuine ownership. You will shape long-term direction, safeguard financial sustainability and represent the industry with authority, working closely with Boards and Committees while leading a capable team within a lean structure. You will be closely involved in both strategic direction and operational delivery, ensuring plans translate into measurable progress.
 
The breadth of the role requires energy, sound judgement and disciplined prioritisation. You will move confidently between strategy and execution, diplomacy and decision-making, commercial focus and sector representation. The role is visible and carries real responsibility.
 
For the right leader, it offers meaningful responsibility and lasting impact.
 
Key Areas of Focus
 
• Setting clear strategic direction and maintaining organisational alignment
• Strengthening financial sustainability and supporting the continued success of SPATEX
• Driving membership growth and retention while enhancing the value proposition for SMEs
• Enabling effective governance through strong relationships with Boards and Committees
• Acting as principal representative of the UK wet leisure industry
• Leading and developing a small, talented, multi-skilled team
 
About You
 
You are an experienced senior leader who combines commercial awareness with sound judgement and professional credibility, whether from within the sector or from a related membership, regulated or public sector environment.
 
You bring:
 
• Experience working with Boards or membership-led organisations
• Accountability for financial performance and income sustainability
• A track record of strengthening membership engagement or commercial development
• Confidence operating under scrutiny and navigating diverse stakeholder views
• A pragmatic, hands-on approach alongside strategic thinking
 
This role suits a leader who values responsibility and the opportunity to shape direction. You are motivated by long-term impact and institutional credibility, and you are comfortable operating in complex environments.
 
You might be an experienced deputy ready for a first Managing Director role, or an established leader seeking meaningful influence and scope. Either way, you are looking for a role where you can invest your energy and make a lasting contribution.
 
Working Pattern and Reward
 
The role is full time with a hybrid working arrangement, combining time in the Andover office, home working and UK and occasional European travel.
 
A competitive salary and benefits package is offered, reflecting the responsibility, visibility and influence of the role.
 
If you are ready to take ownership of a respected national body and strengthen its long-term impact, we welcome your application.
 
You may have experience of the following: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Executive Director, General Manager, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Head of Operations, Director of Strategy, Commercial Director, Membership Director, Sector Lead, Industry Association Director, Governance Director.
 
REF-227 245

Annual leave: 33 days (plus eight bank holidays)

Benefits:

• enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, and shared parental pay
• family-friendly policies
• 8% employer pension contribution (Aviva)
• life assurance cover at 3 x annual salary
• health cashback plan (Medicash): employee cover plus up to four dependent children
• 24/7 virtual GP access (UK registered), plus access to Best Doctors
• confidential employee assistance programme (Medicash)
• access to a wellbeing app
• flexible working options including hybrid working, flexible working patterns such as part-time, compressed hours, and more*
• learning and development opportunities including bespoke training and access to LinkedIn Learning)
• commitment to employee health and wellbeing. We have a Menopause Friendly accreditation and are a Disability Confident employer

At Dementia UK, we make sure families affected by dementia don’t face it alone. Through our specialist Admiral Nurses, we provide expert, compassionate support when it’s needed most. As we continue to grow our services and national influence, our technology capability must evolve with us.

We are looking for a Deputy Director of Technology and Digital Transformation to lead the next phase of that evolution.

This is not a traditional IT operations role. While operational stability and security are fundamental, this position is about shaping how technology enables the whole organisation to work smarter, move faster and deliver greater impact.

You will lead the development and delivery of our Technology and Digital Strategy, ensuring core systems remain secure, resilient and well governed, while progressively modernising our digital operating model. You will identify where automation, AI and smarter system design can drive measurable productivity gains, reduce manual dependency and strengthen data-driven decision-making.

Technology under your leadership will operate as a proactive partner to directorates, improving processes, strengthening insight and enabling innovation, rather than functioning solely as a reactive support service.

You will lead and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary team, embedding a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. You will balance operational rigour with forward-looking digital capability, ensuring we remain proportionate, responsible and competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

 We are seeking a senior technology leader who has successfully balanced operational stability with digital transformation in a complex organisation. You will bring experience in developing and delivering technology strategy, modernising legacy environments and driving productivity through smarter use of systems, automation and responsible AI.

You will have strong expertise in infrastructure, cyber security and data protection, alongside commercial awareness and experience managing budgets and suppliers. Just as importantly, you will be able to influence senior stakeholders, develop technical talent and translate complex ideas into practical action.

Most importantly, you will see technology as a force multiplier for mission impact. If you want to shape how a growing national charity uses digital capability to strengthen its reach and effectiveness, we would love to hear from you.

We would love to hear from you! If you would like to find out more about the role, or have any queries, please get in touch via the email on our website.

Our culture

In addition to offering a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, we truly value our people. It’s important for us to create a workplace culture that looks after our people to support them in achieving their full potential. You will become part of a diverse and dedicated team who are supported to use and develop their skills. We recognise and value the key role you will play in delivering our strategic plans for the benefit of those living with dementia.  

Our staff have a voice. Representatives from different roles and levels across the organisation lead and positively contribute to our working groups around health and wellbeing, menopause, and equity, diversity and inclusion.  

Our supportive and nurturing workplace culture has recently earnt us recognition as the Sunday Times Best Place to Work in the non-profit and charities sector 2025 (big organisation).  

Dementia UK is proud to welcome everyone. We aim for a truly inclusive culture with talented, diverse teams that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. We celebrate differences and individuality and encourage everyone to join us and be their whole selves always.

Dementia UK is a Disability Confident employer.

This role will be subject to a Basic DBS check.

By applying to join Dementia UK, you acknowledge that in the event you are successful for the role, any offer and your ongoing employment will be conditional on you having or obtaining the right to work in the UK. 

*Please note that any decision on flexible working is based on business needs 

The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), one of the world’s foremost independent international policy and research organisations, is seeking an outstanding fundraising and communications leader to work alongside our Executive Director and senior team.

Following the launch of our strategy - Manifesto for a Thriving World – and a recent organisational restructure, we decided to bring the functions of fundraising and communications together under a single Director. This is a tactical move, appreciating our funding sources, audiences, and how to reach them are quickly shifting, with the need to think differently about our brand, positioning, use of technology and relationships.

You will lead and shape our strategy in these areas, while also managing strong existing teams and being a key voice in IIED’s governing bodies. You will be the focal point for our institutional funding partnerships and take accountability for achieving a fundraising target and set of objectives. You will be at the heart of guiding IIED’s impact-focused communications, brand, marketing and influencing approach, as well as creating a reinforcing positive trajectory by connecting fundraising and communications. 

In joining IIED, you will have the opportunity to work with creative, innovative and committed colleagues striving to achieve IIED’s six propositions. You will be part of an organisation hosting the Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, supporting the Least Developed Countries in international negotiations and delivering highly influential research, events and equitable partnerships tackling climate change, nature loss and inequality. 

About Us
IIED is an international policy and research organisation working to build a fairer, more sustainable world, in partnership with others across the globe.

• We stand up: challenging the systems and structures that perpetuate economic, social and environmental injustice – acknowledging our own role in this.
• We speak out: calling out the big blockers that prevent progress for communities and working to amplify voices, redistribute power and strengthen rights.
• We innovate: developing, co-producing and supporting evidence-based ideas to drive progress towards a thriving world for all.
• We collaborate: building connections at local, national and international levels, to support diverse partners to tackle the climate, nature and inequality crises so that people and the planet can thrive. Come and be part of this exciting journey with us

The Benefits
- Salary of £78,715 - £91,102 per annum dependent on experience
- 25 days' annual leave per year, plus bank holidays and additional leave over Christmas
- 7.5% employer pension contributions
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Employee protection scheme (life, critical illness, income protection)

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a senior fundraising and communications leader with significant experience in an international NGO or charity settings to join our globally influential organisation at a moment of strategic transformation.

About You
To be considered as the Director of Fundraising and Communications, you will need:

• Significant experience leading fundraising functions, delivering multi-stream income generation strategies
• Significant experience overseeing a broad communications portfolio, including research communications, brand positioning, digital engagement and media, and internal communications.
• An impressive track record in securing large-scale funding and have exceptional communications and influencing skills across diverse stakeholders.
• Strong leadership experience in multi-cultural environments, building high-performing, values-led teams.
• The willingness and ability to travel internationally.

If you are ready for a career-defining role at a pivotal point for our organisation and the global community, we are waiting to hear from you.

The closing date for this role 24 March 2026.

IIED is a Global organisation that serves the Global Majority. We are committed to equity of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in IIED’s workforce, including members of minority groups and those with lived experience of the work we do. Even if you don't satisfy all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply, as we will offer training and development to upskill the right candidate for the role.

So, if you want to become our Director of Fundraising and Communications, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.

This role sits at the heart of Operation Smile UK’s five-year strategy to deliver transformational growth across all income streams. As Senior Lead - Acquisition and Digital Fundraising, you will be instrumental in delivering on three of our four core strategic priorities:

1. Build Regular Giving – laying the foundation for higher long-term value and stronger ROI across acquisition channels.
2. Drive All Donors to Legacy – recruiting quality donors who have the potential value to feed into legacy and long-term giving goals.
3. Maximise Growth Through Digital Fundraising Integration – leading the expansion and optimisation of digital acquisition within a cohesive fundraising strategy

The Senior Lead - Acquisition & Digital Fundraising role is responsible for delivering Operation Smile UK’s strategic individual giving acquisition programme. This role is key to driving income growth and expanding our supporter base across multiple channels, including digital, DRTV, dialogue fundraising and print.

You will lead the strategy, planning, delivery and evaluation of acquisition campaigns, including the onboarding process, with full accountability for managing significant budgets, agency partnerships and performance metrics. This is a senior, hands-on role suited to an experienced acquisition fundraiser with strong commercial acumen and a data-driven mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Campaign Leadership

• Develop and implement the multi-channel acquisition strategy, aligned with income targets and supporter growth objectives.
• Lead on the planning and delivery of campaigns across direct dialogue, digital, DRTV, and print channels.
• Lead on the planning and delivery of the onboarding process for all new recruits.
• Monitor and report on campaign performance, providing insight-driven recommendations to optimise results.
• Drive testing and innovation to expand existing channels and introduce new ones within acceptable risk and return parameters.

Budget Ownership & Performance Monitoring

• Take full responsibility for acquisition budget management, income forecasting and cost control.
• Set, monitor, and evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs), reporting against ROI, CPA, and long-term value across all acquisition channels.
• Collaborate with the Senior Database Manager and the Director of Data and Technology to develop and maintain performance dashboards (e.g., Power BI) and support strategic data analysis, including both short-term and long-term channel performance evaluation.

Agency & Partner Management

• Manage day-to-day relationships with external fundraising and creative partners.
• Lead briefings, content sourcing, agent training, stakeholder approvals, and quality assurance processes.
• Negotiate contracts and hold suppliers accountable for delivery and performance.

Cross-Team and Market Integration

• Represent the acquisition programme in cross-functional planning meetings and contribute to a unified team culture focused on strategic delivery.
• Deliver and optimise the onboarding and conversion programme for new donors.
• Develop CRO strategies and implement with support from the Communications team, whilst supporting the enhancement of web development
• Ensure consistent campaign integration across touchpoints and maximise thematic/creative cohesion, working in collaboration with the Senior Communications Manager to lead and develop the creative and content strategy for acquisition.
• Act as a key liaison with colleagues across Operation Smile global markets, sharing insights and exploring opportunities to align strategy, co-develop creative, or pilot cross-market initiatives.

Compliance, Risk & Best Practice

• Ensure all campaigns meet legal, ethical and data protection requirements (e.g., GDPR, Fundraising Regulator).
• Act as a key contributor to organisational risk assessments relating to income performance and supplier performance.
• Keep up to date with sector trends, innovations and benchmarks to maintain best practice.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Extensive experience (ideally 5+ years) in Individual Giving or fundraising acquisition roles.
• Proven success delivering multi-channel acquisition campaigns with strong ROI.
• Experience managing external agencies and suppliers to high-performance standards.
• Strong background in digital fundraising and paid media.
• Demonstrated experience managing and reporting on substantial acquisition budgets.

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinker with excellent campaign planning and execution skills.
• Highly numerate and confident using data for decision-making and optimisation.
• Strong project and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proactive, self-starting approach with high levels of ownership and accountability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to represent the organisation externally.

Desirable

• Understanding of retention and supporter journey optimisation.
• Familiarity with CRM and data system Donorfy.
• Experience with Power BI or other reporting tools.

First-round interviews are set for the week of 23rd March 2026. We strongly encourage early applications.

Disability Confident Committed Employer

We're a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job.

At Operation Smile UK, we value individuals based on their performance and potential. We're dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone's needs. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

If you need this document in a different format, require any adjustments, or need help with your application, please contact us (further details contained within the job description).

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Operation Smile UK knows fundraising could better reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people the charity sector supports. If you don’t meet every requirement but believe your transferable skills align with the role, we encourage you to contact us for a conversation. 

We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We celebrate diversity and encourage you to bring your authentic self to Operation Smile UK. We are committed to supporting all applicants and ensuring a fair hiring process. All appointments will be made solely on merit, and we are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. 

Severn Arts is an ambitious, evolving arts charity and one of the national Music Hubs for Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We are looking for people who want to ensure the creative sector flourishes, and that the value of the arts is recognised as a contributor to society, and to creating confident, empowered communities. 

In our new Chief Executive, we seek a leader with the experience and ambition to build on the momentum we have, to strengthen organisational resilience, grow audiences and foster relationships with partners and stakeholders. The successful candidate will work with the Senior Leadership Team as we embark on a new 3-year Business Plan cycle to design and implement innovative and creative strategies that align with our strategic aims.

The new Chief Executive will be instrumental in advocating for the work we do, growing the business, and promoting the opportunities Severn Arts brings to children and young people and the wider community of Worcestershire.

Severn Arts has been through significant transformational change since its inception and has accomplished a great deal through diversifying into large-scale project delivery, community engagement and music projects aimed at providing access for all to high-quality experiences that are sustainable and life-affirming. We are in year two of a new three-year business plan period and the potential to grow our offer and increase our impact is great. Joining at this time in our history would enable the right candidate to have significant influence in taking the charity forward.

Main purpose of the role: To provide leadership to the organisation working with the Senior Leadership Team to develop, deliver and evaluate our agreed strategic business plan; promote growth and sustainability, and foster a positive, inspiring work environment that empowers our teams to deliver our vision and goals.

• Lead the charity’s vision, values and strategic direction working closely with Trustees to ensure a resilient, ambitious organisation that connects communities through creative endeavour and engagement.
• Support the Chair of Trustees to ensure that the Board and sub committees are equipped and informed, enabling effective and appropriate governance.
• Drive the successful development of income generation through successful fundraising and partnership development to ensure Severn Arts' sustainability.
• Work with and support the Director of Operations and Resources to develop and implement an informed financial plan and be accountable for the annual budget.
• Build and maintain key relationships with stakeholders locally, regionally, and nationally and be an ambassador and spokesperson for the organisation.
• Work and negotiate with strategic funding partners to ensure that outcomes and KPIs are aligned and delivered for the benefit of our audiences and users and for the long-term sustainability of Severn Arts.
• Provide leadership across the organisation and ensure Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access is embedded into all aspects of our work, team, and offer.
• Ensure a joined up, supportive working environment that sets out clear values, encourages creativity and contributions from everyone and enables the staff team, volunteers and our Board to flourish and thrive.
• Overall responsibility for adherence to all company policies and working practices.

This post is subject to a criminal record check under the arrangements established by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Help build the operational backbone of a nationally growing, trauma-informed youth arts organisation.
We’re looking for a thoughtful, values-led Operations Manager to strengthen our people, systems and sustainability as we scale.

Comics Youth is entering a pivotal stage of growth. As we approach our tenth year, expand our Scotland SCIO in Dundee, develop work in London, and work towards Arts Council England NPO status, we are investing in the infrastructure that will sustain our long-term impact.

We are not a corporate machine. We are a creative, relational organisation powered by a fierce belief that young people deserve space to tell their stories. Growth for us isn’t about becoming slick — it’s about becoming sustainable.

This role exists to help us strengthen our structure without losing our magic.

The Role

This is not simply an administrative post. It is a senior operational leadership role rooted in care, clarity and accountability.

Importantly, this is not a COO position. The Managing Director retains overall strategic leadership, governance accountability and final responsibility for income generation. The Operations Manager focuses on strengthening workforce systems, delivery oversight and organisational readiness within a shared leadership structure.

You will:

• Lead HR systems and workforce processes

• Line-manage the Project Manager

• Act as Safeguarding Co-Lead

• Oversee programme delivery, reporting and KPIs

• Maintain compliance, risk management and operational systems

• Contribute to funding bids and commissioned tenders

We are currently largely grant-reliant (not yet contract-heavy), so this role is about building readiness and strengthening infrastructure rather than managing complex commissioned contracts from day one.

Our Culture

Our core week runs Tuesday–Saturday, reflecting when young people need us most.

We offer flexible working wherever possible.
Every staff member receives a wellbeing grant and eight paid counselling sessions.
We prioritise reflective supervision and psychologically safe practice.
We do not believe burnout is a badge of honour.

We are a small team doing nationally recognised work. Collaboration, honesty and mutual care matter deeply here.

Who We’re Looking For

You may thrive in this role if you:

• Have experience in operations, HR, service management or organisational development

• Have contributed to funding bids or tenders

• Understand safeguarding and safer working practices

• Can balance accountability with empathy

• Care deeply about equity, anti-oppressive practice and access

You do not need to meet every single criterion perfectly. We are a learning organisation. We are more interested in alignment, integrity and reflective practice than a perfectly linear CV.

If you enjoy building strong systems around creative, purpose-driven work — and want to help shape the next phase of a nationally growing organisation — we would love to hear from you.

 

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 Director of People to help provide strategic people leadership to our growing team of staff and volunteers.

In this pivotal leadership role, you will shape and deliver our People and Culture strategy, ensuring an inclusive, values‑driven and high‑performing environment for our people. You will lead organisation‑wide strategic workforce planning, oversee the full employee lifecycle, and champion initiatives that strengthen engagement, wellbeing and belonging. As a core member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will advise on all workforce matters, drive leadership development, and support our managers to build capability and confidence. You will ensure our HR, volunteering and people operations run smoothly and efficiently, modernising processes and maintaining compliance with employment law, safeguarding requirements and best practice. You will also provide strategic oversight of EDIB work, reward and recognition frameworks, and organisational risk, while leading a dedicated team covering HR, learning and development, and volunteering.

The role requires excellent communication and organisational skills, strong knowledge of employment law, the ability to coach and influence senior leaders, and the capacity to work autonomously while managing multiple priorities effectively. You must be IT literate, with a good working knowledge of the commonly used Microsoft business tools, and be able to work independently. The role calls for a hands-on, collaborative, people‑centred leader with strong emotional intelligence, an inclusive and values‑driven mindset, and the ability to think strategically while remaining performance‑focused and learner‑centred.

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

This is a home-based role but may require occasional 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.

Interviews, which will be held online, will take place on 31st March and 1st April 2026