Director of partnerships jobs

This year marks 10 years since Makan was established as an independent organisation providing transformative education to strengthen the movement for Palestinian liberation. It is a pivotal moment for a new Director to lead the organisation, as Palestinians continue to face the ongoing genocide, dispossession, and unprecedented repression. The need for transformative education on Palestine has never been greater.

At Makan, we have seen this reflected in the extraordinary growth of our programmes. Over the last three years, demand for our educational workshops has risen by 300% and in 2025 alone we worked with over 3,500 people across the globe – with artists, trade unions, students, educators, journalists, community organisers, and human rights networks, people whose voices shape public understanding of Palestine. Through our trainings, educational resources, and long term partnerships, we help people deepen their understanding of how settler colonialism, apartheid and displacement shapes the lives of Palestinians, and how these forces connect to broader global struggles for freedom and justice.

We are looking for an experienced Director/Co-directors to drive the organisation forward at this critical moment for our work. You’ll provide leadership and direction in delivering Makan’s strategic vision and objectives, furthering the charity’s programmes and communications; and overseeing its organisational growth and development, in line with its values and ethos.

You will be responsible for the overall impact, performance and collaborative culture of Makan; confident in representing the charity to a variety of stakeholders, including partners, media, major donors and other supporters; and able to provide effective support to the Board to ensure the organisation has the infrastructure, governance and resources in place to secure long term sustainable funding, develop the resilience of the charity, and deliver high-quality, impactful educational programmes.

For a full job description, please review the Makan Director appointment brief.

Why apply?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected local charity at a pivotal moment in its development. You will have the opportunity to shape the organisation's future, strengthen its long-term sustainability and make a meaningful difference to the lives of refugees and people seeking asylum. 

We offer flexible working arrangements where appropriate, professional development opportunities and a supportive and committed Board of Trustees.

The role would suit someone with senior management experience who wants meaningful, flexible, part-time work;  someone looking for a stepping-stone into a more senior charity management role; and/or someone who wants a hands-on role in a small organisation where they will have autonomy and their contribution will be visible. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve.

Post outline

Location: Hybrid post. Part home-based, part at two locations in Rossendale
Salary: £35,900 pro-rata

Hours: 0.4 FTE  (flexible but must regulary include Tuesday and/or Wednesday mornings). We are seeking funding to increase this to 0.5 FTE

Duration of Contract: Initially 12 months.  Likely to  be extended for at least 12 months, depending on funding.

Closing Date: 2nd September.Interview date: 9th September.

About Us

Rossendale Refugee Support Group is a small, community-based charity committed to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum to rebuild their lives in safety . We provide practical advice, advocacy, support and opportunities for social contact to individuals and families living in Rossendale.  We currently have a single employee who leads service delivery, and over 20 highly committed volunteers.

We provide two weekly Drop-in sessions for clients, one at Haslingden Link on Wednesdaymornings (offering casework and social opportunities) and one at Bacup Maden Centre on Tuesday mornings (offering casework only).

We are a small charity entering a significant stage in our development. Having established a strong reputation locally we have recently secured a Local Authority contract for delivering refugee advice services.  We are now seeking a Director who can lead the charity at a time of transformation, capitalising on our increased financial security to improve our offer, develop strategic direction, and establish the charity on a more sustainable footing.  There is more information on our website.

Key Responsibilities

· Strategic Leadership.  Work with Trustees to develop and implement future direction of the organisation.

· Partnership development. Represent RRSG and build partnerships with funders, community organisations, national bodies, and other stakeholders.

· Fundraising. Lead the development and delivery of the organisation's fundraising strategy, identifying funding sources, preparing high-quality funding applications and reports, diversifying and strengthening income streams.

· Operational management. Provide overall leadership and management of the charity's services, ensuring services are high-quality and responsive to clients’ needs.

· Line management. Responsible for the Service Delivery Lead postholder.

· Financial management. In partnership with the Treasurer and finance group, oversee financial management.

· Information systems. Oversee the management of organisational records and information systems, ensuring data security, accurate collection, analysis and reporting, to support quality improvement and decision-making.

· Website. Ensure website is kept up to date and developed according to needs.

· Governance. Oversee organisational policies, procedures and risk management, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, funders’ requirements and organisational policies.

· Casework. Provide input into casework service, normally a maximum one session/week, plus cover for absence of the Service Delivery Lead.

· Attending monthly board meeting to report back on service performance.

· Support to the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its responsibilities.

About You

We are looking for someone committed to our aims,  able to work autonomously,  excited to help shape our future with proven capacity to do so.

You will have:

· Strong commitment to the wellbeing of refugees and people seeking asylum

· Significant experience in a senior leadership or management role

· Experience in all aspects of management including finance, monitoring and evaluation, data systems, and people management

· Strong strategic planning, organisational development and project management skills.

· Excellent report writing, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.

· Understanding of safeguarding and data protection requirements

· Willingness to work flexibly according to the charity’s needs

· Ablility to work on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings as needed.

Desirable characteristics:

· A successful track record of securing and managing funding

· Knowledge of the refugee and asylum sector.

· Experience of working within the refugee sector.

· Experience of working with trustees and charity governance.

· Experience of leading organisational change.

· Experience of managing externally funded projects.

· Personal experience of forced migration.

· Ability to speak relevant languages other than English

Employment Details: 

• Location: Haringey (N17), London, UK. (This is an In-Person role with optional one day working remotely) 
• Job Title:  Director of Operations 
• Reporting to: CEO, with accountability to the Board of Trustees 
• Line Manages: Operations Co-ordinator and Finance Officer
• Employment Type: Full-Time (40hrs Per Week)
• Start date: October 2026 (Ideally, or later if you have a notice period) 

Benefits:

• Annual Leave: 25 days (Exclusive of Bank Holiday)
• 1 x WFH/flexi working as per policy
• CPD Budget: £1000
• Group Life Insurance
• Discount on Food (Specific Restaurants)
• Free Brunch every Thursday
• Company Well-being Events
• Pension Contribution

Summary of the role:
The Director of Operations is a pivotal senior leadership role at Sister System, responsible for strengthening the people, culture, systems and organisational foundations that enable our mission to thrive. Working closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees, the postholder will play a central role in delivering our current strategic priorities and shaping the next chapter of Sister System as we develop our future strategy beyond September 2027. 

This is a significant opportunity to help shape a growing, values-led organisation founded on co-curation, sisterhood, race & gender equity and the belief that girls and young women should be active architects of the services, systems and opportunities designed for them. With oversight of financial management, people and culture, compliance, risk and organisational infrastructure, the Director of Operations will lead on empowering & ensuring that our internal culture and ways of working reflect the same care, accountability, ambition and empowerment that sit at the heart of our model. 

The role will be instrumental in translating our founding vision into strong, sustainable practice, ensuring Sister System is equipped to grow its impact while remaining deeply connected to the voices, experiences and leadership of the girls and young women we exist to serve. 

Our Charity:
Sister System exists to ensure that care-affected girls and young women are not defined by the systems they have experienced, but are supported to recognise their strengths, shape their futures and access the same opportunities as their peers. 

Our culturally competent, co-curated model works alongside girls and young women aged 13–24 through a long-term journey of support, progression and leadership. Across three interconnected stages, we provide trusted relationships, mentoring, therapeutic support, education, leadership development and pathways into employment. Our approach recognises that meaningful change takes time, consistency and a community that continues to believe in her. 

Founded with girls and young women, not simply for them, Sister System places their voices, experiences and ambitions at the heart of everything we do. Through our growing hub-and-spoke model, we are expanding our reach while also influencing the wider systems, services and institutions that shape their lives. 

Our ambition is not only to improve individual outcomes, but to demonstrate a better way of working with care-affected girls and young women—one that is relational, culturally responsive, asset-based and built around what they tell us they need to thrive. 

As Sister System enters its next phase of growth and prepares to shape its future strategy, we are seeking an experienced and values-led Director of Operations to join our Senior Leadership Team. This is an exciting opportunity to strengthen the people, culture, systems and infrastructure that will enable our organisation—and the girls and young women alongside us—to achieve even more. 

Our Vision: 
A world where empowered girls reach their potential through equitable opportunities.

Our Mission: 
To bridge the gap between care-affected girls and young women within mainstream society by working alongside them to ensure they have the same opportunities that everyone else has – at home, school, work and within our communities. 

Our Values: 

• COLLABORATIVE 
  We co-curate programmes with our Sis-Stars. We seek powerful partnerships. 
• EVIDENCE-BASED 
  We build trust and respect within our sector. 
• MASTERFUL 
  We aim for excellence as standard and share our learning. 
• SOLUTION-FOCUSED 
  We innovate to overcome challenges with a long-term goal in mind. 
• TENACIOUS 
  We are not afraid to take a stand and push for change. 

 
Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership and Implementation 

• Work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees to translate Sister System’s strategy, theory of change, operational model and financial plans into clear organisational priorities and coordinated action. 
• Play a central role in shaping Sister System’s next strategy ahead of the September 2027 refresh, ensuring it reflects our founding commitment to co-curation, the voices of girls and young women, our evolving three-stage model and our future growth ambitions. 
• Lead the development of proportionate planning, monitoring and review processes that enable the Senior Leadership Team to track progress, reflect on performance, identify barriers and remain accountable for delivery. 
• Monitor progress against agreed strategic goals and KPIs, ensuring that risks, dependencies and areas requiring leadership attention are clearly identified and addressed. 
• Support senior leaders to turn strategic priorities into realistic plans, with clear ownership, timescales and measurable outcomes. 
• Ensure that learning from delivery, impact data, staff experience and the voices of girls and young women inform strategic decision-making and organisational improvement. 
• Cultivate a strong shared sense of purpose across Sister System, helping colleagues understand how their roles contribute to our mission, values and long-term ambitions. 

Financial Strategy and Audit 

• Work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees to shape, implement and regularly evaluate Sister System’s financial strategy, ensuring it supports our mission, strategic ambitions and long-term sustainability. 
• Provide clear, financial recommendations to the CEO, helping the organisation navigate the balance between delivering high-quality, meaningful impact for girls and young women, achieving value for money and maintaining financial resilience. 
• Translate Sister System’s strategic priorities, delivery model and growth ambitions into realistic financial plans, forecasts and scenarios that support timely and well-informed decision-making. 
• Lead financial scenario planning and ensure that the CEO and Board have a clear understanding of the financial implications, risks and trade-offs associated with key organisational decisions. 
• Lead and oversee the annual audit process, working effectively with external auditors, the finance team, senior leaders and the Board to ensure a robust, timely and transparent process. 
• Ensure that learning and recommendations arising from audits, financial reviews and assurance activity are translated into clear improvements and strengthened organisational practice. 

Financial Management 

• Lead the development, monitoring and management of annual budgets, reforecasts and longer-term financial plans, ensuring resources are aligned with Sister System’s strategic priorities. 
• Hold and actively manage the tension between quality, impact, affordability and value for money, ensuring financial decisions protect the integrity of Sister System’s model and the experience of the girls and young women we serve. 
• Provide the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board with clear, accessible and timely financial information, insight and recommendations to support effective leadership and governance. 
• Produce high-level financial reports and analysis covering budgets, cash flow, reserves, forecasts, strategic KPIs and other relevant performance indicators. 
• Maintain and continuously strengthen proportionate financial systems, controls and processes that reflect Sister System’s size, stage of growth and evolving operating model. 
• Ensure that robust financial and performance-reporting infrastructure is in place, with clear accountability, reliable data and appropriate oversight across the organisation. 
• Support Directors and budget holders to understand their financial responsibilities, manage resources effectively and make informed decisions within agreed parameters. 
• Identify emerging financial risks, pressures and opportunities for greater efficiency, advising the CEO on appropriate actions and ensuring these are monitored and addressed. 
• Oversee high quality bookkeeping practice to ensure reporting is accurate and up to date. 
• Work with the fundraising team to develop budgets for proposals and create timely financial reports for funders and donors 

Culture and Operational Effectiveness 

• Work closely with our People and Culture consultant, CEO and Senior Leadership Team to shape and embed a progressive, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture aligned with Sister System’s values: Collaborative, Evidence-based, Masterful, Solution-focused and Tenacious. 
• Champion a culture of regular, honest and constructive feedback, helping managers and colleagues to hold crucial conversations with clarity, care and accountability. 
• Ensure that Sister System’s internal culture reflects the relational, empowering and values-led approach that sits at the heart of our work with girls and young women. 
• Review existing organisational processes and workflows, identifying practical opportunities to improve clarity, consistency, collaboration and efficiency. 
• Develop and embed proportionate ways of working that support Sister System’s current size, evolving operating model and future growth. 

People Planning and Management 

• Lead the development of a clear and forward-looking people plan that ensures Sister System has the right structure, capacity, capabilities and leadership in place to deliver its strategic ambitions. 
• Support managers to build high-performing teams through effective objective-setting, regular feedback, performance management and professional development. 
• Foster an environment in which people are supported to grow, appropriately challenged and held accountable for delivering against agreed expectations. 
• Facilitate professional learning, career development and progression across the organisation, ensuring that opportunities are transparent, equitable and aligned with organisational need. 
• Oversee workforce and succession planning, ensuring that the organisational structure remains appropriate, affordable and responsive to Sister System’s development. 
• Work with the CEO and relevant advisers to ensure fair and appropriate pay, benefits and working conditions. 
• Oversee recruitment and the end-to-end employee experience, from attraction and onboarding through to development, retention and exit. 
• Ensure that people policies, practices and management approaches are legally compliant, consistently applied and reflective of Sister System’s values. 

Compliance and Risk Management 

• Ensure that Sister System meets its legal, regulatory and governance responsibilities as a charity and employer. 
• Lead the development and maintenance of a proportionate organisational risk-management framework that protects Sister System’s people, assets, reputation and ability to deliver its mission. 
• Ensure that key organisational risks are clearly identified, owned, monitored and reported to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees. 
• Promote a culture in which risk is understood and actively managed without limiting thoughtful innovation, learning or ambition.

Governance, Communications and Facilities 

• Facilitate clear, timely and effective communication and cooperation between the Board of Trustees, CEO and Senior Leadership Team. 
• Support the development of strong governance systems, ensuring that trustees receive the information, insight and assurance required to fulfil their responsibilities effectively. 
• Work closely with trustees through the Finance and Audit committee 
• Oversee the organisation’s IT infrastructure and digital systems through external providers, ensuring that they remain secure, reliable and appropriate for Sister System’s needs. 
• Oversee the effective operation of Sister System’s physical workspace within a fully managed office environment, working with building management and relevant external providers where required. 
• Ensure that Sister System provides a safe, welcoming and accessible environment for girls and young women, staff, volunteers, visitors and partners across its hub, spoke locations and external activities. 
• Ensure that appropriate health and safety systems, procedures and responsibilities are understood, implemented and regularly reviewed. 

Person Specification 
We are seeking an experienced, dynamic and values-led operational leader to join Sister System’s Senior Leadership Team. You will combine sound judgement and strong organisational skills with a warm, collaborative leadership style and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for care-affected girls and young women. 

You do not need to be a specialist in every area of the role. You will, however, need the confidence and experience to lead across a broad operational portfolio, work effectively with professional advisers and external providers, and provide clear, practical advice to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees. 

Essential Experience and Knowledge 

• Significant experience in a senior operations, finance, people, governance or organisational leadership role within a charity, social enterprise or similarly values-led organisation. 
• Experience of translating organisational strategy into clear priorities, plans, systems and measurable outcomes. 
• Experience of developing and managing organisational budgets, forecasts and financial reporting, with the ability to balance quality, impact, affordability and value for money. 
• Experience of supervising or coordinating an external audit process, working effectively with auditors, finance colleagues and the Board. 
• Experience of people planning, performance management and supporting managers to build capable, accountable and high-performing teams. 
• Experience of developing or improving organisational systems, processes and ways of working during a period of growth or change. 
• A sound understanding of charity governance, organisational risk, compliance and the responsibilities of senior leaders and trustees. 
• Experience of working collaboratively with a CEO, senior leadership colleagues, trustees, consultants and external professional advisers. 
• A strong understanding of equity, inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice, and the ability to embed these principles within organisational culture and decision-making. 

Skills and Leadership Approach 

• An approachable, emotionally intelligent and credible leader who can build trust, motivate others and develop effective working relationships across an organisation. 
• The ability to lead with both care and accountability, supporting open feedback and helping colleagues to hold constructive and sometimes crucial conversations. 
• Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to understand the wider organisational picture while maintaining oversight of important operational detail. 
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial, people or operational information clearly and accessibly. 
• Strong organisational and project-management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, meet deadlines and maintain momentum. 
• Sound judgement and the confidence to provide constructive challenge, identify risks and offer clear recommendations to the CEO and Board. 
• A practical and solution-focused approach, with the ability to move from discussion and planning into coordinated action. 
• The ability to handle sensitive, confidential and personal information professionally and in accordance with Sister System’s policies, data-protection responsibilities and GDPR. 
• Energy, curiosity and enthusiasm for strengthening an ambitious organisation as it prepares to shape and deliver its next strategy. 

Values and Commitment 

• A demonstrable commitment to Sister System’s mission and to improving the opportunities, experiences and outcomes of care-affected girls and young women. 
• The ability to model and champion Sister System’s values: Collaborative, Evidence-based, Masterful, Solution-focused and Tenacious. 
• A commitment to co-curation and to ensuring that the voices, experiences and leadership of girls and young women inform organisational planning and decision-making. 
• A commitment to continuous learning, reflective practice and personal and professional development. 

Desirable 

• Lived experience of the care system, or a strong professional understanding of the experiences of care-affected girls and young women. 
• Experience of working within a founder-led organisation or alongside a founder CEO. 
• Experience of supporting an organisation through growth, restructuring or the development of a new strategy. 
• Knowledge of culturally competent, trauma-informed or relational approaches to working with young people. 
• A relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience in operations, finance, human resources, governance or organisational leadership. 
• Experience working with social care and educational service providers (statutory and third sector). 
• Knowledge of the Charity SORP, Charity Commission reporting requirements, and other third-sector financial regulation. 

Sister System is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is subject to two satisfactory reference checks and DBS enhanced disclosure.

How to apply

Please apply via our recruitment platform Breathe by 31st August 2026. You will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following questions:

Values alignment 
Sister System's model is built on co-curation (working with girls and young women, not simply for them) and on being Collaborative, Evidence-based, Masterful, Solution-focused and Tenacious. Which of these values do you feel most aligned with, and which do you find hardest to live up to in practice?
 
People & Culture
Sister System is a founder-led organisation, underpinned by race and gender equity and a culturally competent, trauma-informed approach to working with girls and young women. Tell us about a time you strengthened internal culture of this nature within a team. What resistance did you meet, and what was different a year later?

Finance 
A key element of the role is monitoring income against budget for current and future years. Charity income can provide additional complexities, particularly with different types of grants. Please explain your understanding of these complexities, and how they impact on recording and reporting, including examples from your own experience if relevant. 

Timeline
Deadline for applications: End of day Monday 31st August 2026 
First round interviews: w/c 7th September 
Second round interviews: w/c 14th September
Decisions made: by 22nd September 

Thank you for your interest in joining Sister System in our mission to inspire and empower young women. 

About This Vacancy

Barnabas Aid is recruiting an exceptional leader to serve as Regional Director for Asia. This is a senior leadership role within the International Programmes Team, sitting on both the Programmes Leadership Team and the Strategic Leadership Team, and offering an outstanding opportunity to shape how BAI serves persecuted and suffering Christians across one of the world’s most complex and spiritually significant regions.

The Asia region spans South Asia, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia — some of the most sensitive and complex contexts in which Barnabas Aid works. Many of the communities we serve face active persecution, operate in restricted environments, and depend on the careful, sensitive stewardship of their relationships with BAI and our partners.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a strategically minded, relationally gifted Christian leader to shape how BAI serves the persecuted Church across one of the world's most complex and spiritually significant regions.

The Role

The Regional Programme Director — Asia will provide strategic leadership for the development and delivery of Barnabas Aid's grant making and project management across the Asia Region. You will lead and develop a team of Programme Managers, build and sustain a strong partner network, and oversee a portfolio of high-quality, biblically grounded projects that deliver measurable impact for persecuted and suffering Christians.

As a member of both the Programmes Leadership Team and the Strategic Leadership Team, you will contribute to BAI's global Programmes strategy and to organisational strategy, culture, and effective cross-departmental working.

Key Responsibilities

Regional strategy and portfolio leadership

• In collaboration with the International Chief Programmes Officer, lead the development, review, and implementation of the global Programmes strategy within the assigned Region, translating strategic priorities into a clear regional plan and pipeline.
• Maintain a balanced regional portfolio aligned with organisational priorities, donor intent, and restricted fund requirements.
• Identify emerging needs, risks, and opportunities in the Region and recommend strategic responses, including new initiatives and partnerships.
• Ensure that the Region is balancing its portfolio of Programmes according to the Country Classification framework.

Grant making and programme cycle management

• Oversee the end-to-end grant making process for Programmes in the region, ensuring proposals are assessed, costed, and approved in line with delegated authority, Gate processes, and Programmes Subcommittee requirements.
• Take lead responsibility for one sub-region and/or a portfolio of countries, leading on partner engagement and the whole project management cycle.
• Ensure robust needs assessments, project design, logical frameworks (where applicable), budgets, partner due diligence, risk assessments, and monitoring plans are in place before grants are committed.
• Oversee project implementation across the regional portfolio, including milestone tracking, reporting, learning, and close-out, ensuring records are maintained accurately and on time.
• Proactively identify project delivery issues and work with team members and partners to resolve them promptly.
• Maintain proficiency in the use of all systems and processes used to manage the workflow of the team.
• Work closely with the Programme Quality Team to ensure best practice standards, continuous improvement, and consistent application of policies, processes, and templates.

Leadership and people management

• Support the staff in the regional team by providing clear leadership, coaching, and line management, including goal setting, supervision, performance management, and development.
• Ensure capacity planning across the Region so that project management workloads are realistic and risks are appropriately managed.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning for the regional team, contributing to wider Programmes Team workforce planning as required.
• Deputise for the international Chief Programmes Officer when requested to do so during their absence
• Ensure Regional team members plan overseas trips appropriately and adequately, always factoring in security and safeguarding risks.

Partner engagement and external representation

• Ensure the regional team builds and sustains a strong partner network, with relationships that are effective, mutually accountable, and aligned with Barnabas Aid's mission and values.
• Develop and implement a plan for regular partner engagement and capacity building (including visits where appropriate and safe) to strengthen project delivery, monitoring, and safeguarding.
• Represent Barnabas Aid professionally with partners and other stakeholders, managing sensitive information and security considerations appropriately.
• Engage proactively with peer organisations and networks to bring insight on sector best practice into BAI's work.

Cross-organisational collaboration and governance

• Work closely with Outreach and Support departments to provide timely, high-quality project information and updates that enable supporter communications, fundraising, and reporting.
• Contribute to organisational planning and decision-making through active membership of the Programmes Leadership Team and the Strategic Leadership Team (as applicable).
• Prepare quality papers, dashboards, and narrative updates for internal decision-making meetings and governance forums as required.

Compliance, risk, and safeguarding

• Ensure compliance with Barnabas Aid policies and external requirements relevant to grant making and project delivery, including data protection and information security.
• Maintain effective regional risk management, including project, partner, fraud, security, and reputational risks, escalating issues promptly and recommending mitigations.
• Champion safeguarding and ensure safeguarding considerations are integrated into partner due diligence, project design, implementation, and reporting.

Other duties

• Carry out any other reasonable duties as the organisation requires.

ThinkForward is recruiting an Director of Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships to help lead our team delivering our unique programme supporting young people into further education and employment. 

About the Role

Our Director of Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships is a pivotal executive leadership role, that will transform income generation into a partnership-led growth engine for ThinkForward.

Purpose: To lead and embed a strategic partnership ecosystem that delivers sustainable, diversified income growth; access to commissioned and place-based funding; scalable delivery routes; and increased influence in policy
and practice. The post holder will personally originate, shape and close major funding and partnership opportunities with senior stakeholders.

Strategic Focus: Act as executive relationship lead for government, local authorities, commissioners and major stakeholders; increase access to public-sector funding, commissioning and multiyear partnership agreements; diversify income across statutory, corporate and trusts and foundations funding streams; turn system-level partnerships into delivery settings, national reach and more young people supported.

Why it Matters: The role enables ThinkForward to move from transactional partnerships to system-level influence and secure a share of £1bn+ public funding flows linked to youth outcomes.

What We're Looking For

Experience: Senior leadership in fundraising, partnerships or public-sector engagement; securing six- and seven-figure multi-year partnerships; Board-level influence across public, private and voluntary sectors.

Executive Capability: Exceptional relationship-building, commercial thinking and the ability to shape complex funding propositions in political, policy and commissioning environments.

Leadership: Able to lead high-performing teams, build pipeline and CRM discipline, and balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

Knowledge and Attributes: Understands public-sector commissioning, place-based funding and the charity funding landscape; outward-facing, entrepreneurial, values-driven, collaborative and systems-oriented.

Application Details

Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £75,000PA
Location: London/Hybrid

For more information about ThinkForward and the role you could play as our Director of Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships, please download the attached job specification. 

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter (maximum two pages) either via Charityjob. Your covering letter should tell us why you're interested in the role and how your skills and experience match the person specification outlined in the job description.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Hours: Full-time

Pay: £83,840 - £88,490 GBP gross per annum (dependent on experience)

Duration: Permanent

Location: Manchester, UK (hybrid working available), with an expectation of up to 25% international travel to support UK-Med's international programmes, governance and humanitarian operations. The postholder must be deployable and able to travel internationally at short notice where operationally required)

Are you an exceptional finance leader ready to shape the future of a global humanitarian organisation?

UK-Med is a frontline medical aid charity, born of the NHS and committed for over 30 years to ensuring that everyone can access the healthcare they need when crises and disasters strike. We deploy emergency medical teams and health specialists worldwide, supporting communities affected by conflict, disease outbreaks and natural disasters, whilst strengthening local health systems and preparedness.

Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director of Finance will provide strategic leadership across UK-Med's financial stewardship, sustainability, governance and organisational performance. As the organisation's principal financial adviser to the CEO, Board of Trustees and Board Committees, you will help shape UK-Med's long-term strategy and ensure the organisation remains financially resilient and well positioned to deliver its humanitarian mission.

Working closely with the Associate Director of Finance and colleagues across the organisation, you will lead the finance function and support delivery of UK-Med's Five-Year Strategy by strengthening financial governance, resilience and organisational sustainability across a complex, multi-country organisation.

You will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) with substantial experience providing strategic financial leadership at executive level within a complex organisation. You will have a proven track record of advising CEOs, Boards and Audit & Risk Committees, leading organisational change and financial transformation, and overseeing complex budgets, diverse funding streams and robust financial governance. Experience within the humanitarian, international development, healthcare or wider charity sectors is essential, with knowledge of institutional donor funding and grant compliance highly desirable.

This is a unique opportunity to influence the strategic direction of one of the UK's leading humanitarian organisations, helping ensure UK-Med remains financially resilient and ready to respond wherever communities need us most.

Can you help build a world prepared to help?

How to apply

We strongly recommend that you read theCandidate Information Pack - Director of Finance - August 2026before applying for this role.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting letter (2 pages) through our online jobs portal.

Please apply below, as soon as possible and no later than Monday 31st of August 2026.

UK-Med is committed to safeguarding of our personnel and beneficiaries and has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse. We conduct thorough vetting before any appointment is confirmed.

UK-Med is committed to the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel respected and supported to be able to fulfill their potential.

Tandridge Learning Trust is seeking to appoint an exceptional Director of People & Culture to join our Executive Board.

The successful candidate will build on the positive foundations already established across the Trust and bring the vision, expertise and creativity needed to further develop our people strategy and organisational culture. You will inspire and bring out the best in our staff, demonstrating resourcefulness, resilience and drive, together with a proven track record of delivering effective workforce and organisational improvement.

Working collaboratively as part of a cohesive and high-performing Executive Board, you will provide strategic leadership across all aspects of people, culture and organisational development. You will help ensure that the Trust attracts, develops, supports and retains a skilled, motivated and inclusive workforce capable of delivering the highest standards of education for every pupil.

We are looking for an outstanding individual who will shape and deliver the Trust’s People Strategy, strengthening leadership capacity, staff engagement, wellbeing, performance and professional development across our schools. You will promote a positive and inclusive working environment in which colleagues feel valued, supported and accountable for delivering the Trust’s strategic priorities.

You will possess extensive and well-informed knowledge of effective human resources practice, employment legislation, organisational development and evidence-based approaches to workforce improvement. You will be confident in leading the quality assurance of HR policies, procedures and practices across the Trust, ensuring they are legally compliant, consistently applied and aligned with our values.

You will also lead the analysis of workforce information, including recruitment, retention, turnover, sickness absence, employee relations, performance and staff engagement. You will identify trends, risks and areas for improvement, benchmark the Trust’s performance against comparable high-performing multi-academy trusts and use this intelligence to inform strategic decision-making and targeted interventions.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be a visionary leader, one that can empower others to achieve at the highest levels.
• Demonstrate significant, effective and evidenced improvement expertise.
• Be capable of challenging, as necessary, and backing that up with knowledge and data.
• Be a confident, strategic thinker who can work with the schools, trust leaders and the board.
• Lead by example in demonstrating our vision and values in everyday work and practice.

 The successful candidate will benefit from:

• A committed and collaborative Executive Board that will welcome you to the team.
• The opportunity to shape and lead the Trust’s People Strategy and operating model.
• A flexible working arrangement and bright, modern office space with off street parking.
• Workplace pension, through the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• A Trust-wide focus on wellbeing and support, including an EAP.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development.
• Staff benefits package, including lifestyle & retail discounts, staff sports and social events.

If you are excited by the prospect of this position and believe you can make a difference then we would like to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries and you are welcome arrange an informal discussion with our HR team about this position prior to applying.

This is a part time role working in the region of 4 days per week over 52 weeks per annum.

The Head of Partnerships will play a key role in managing Inter Mediate's relationships with institutional donors, foundations, governments and philanthropic partners. The postholder will coordinate donor engagement across the organisation, oversee grant management and reporting, identify new funding opportunities and support the development of high-quality funding proposals. S/he also leads on our internal quality assurance, research and reporting processes, line managing the Research and Reporting Officer.

Working closely with the senior leadership, programme teams and finance colleagues, you will help ensure that Inter Mediate maintains strong partnerships with its existing funders while expanding its network of supporters. This is a collaborative, externally-facing role suited to someone with strong relationship management skills, excellent organisational ability and experience of securing and managing funding within the international development, peacebuilding or humanitarian sectors.

With at least 7 years' experience in partnerships, fundraising, business development or grant management in the international development, humanitarian or peacebuilding sectors, you will have demonstrable experience managing relationships with institutional donors, foundations and/or HNWIs, and a track record of successful funding proposals and overseeing donor reporting.

You have excellent written communication skills, strong project management skills, and superb interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with proven ability to work collaboratively across teams.

You will ideally have experience working in conflict-affected or politically sensitive contexts, be well-versed in monitoring, evaluation and learning approaches and have working knowledge of grant management systems or CRM platforms.

You are commited to the values of dialogue, conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Director of Development

National Literacy Trust
Hybrid working with regular attendance in London
£90,000 per annum | Permanent | Full Time (35 hours per week)

Closing Date: Tuesday 1 September 2026

Charity People is delighted to be partnering with the National Literacy Trust to recruit an exceptional Director of Development.
This is an incredible opportunity to join the organisation at such a pivotal moment in its growth. Reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on the Senior Management Team, the Director of Development will lead an established and high-performing fundraising function responsible for generating approximately £17m in annual income, while driving the next phase of growth and strengthening unrestricted income.

We're looking for an ambitious, entrepreneurial fundraising leader who combines strategic vision and practical delivery. The successful candidate will be proactive and highly engaged, leading from the front to secure transformational partnerships, inspire teams and help shape the organisation's future.

About National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust empowers children, young people and adults from disadvantaged communities with the literacy skills they need to thrive.
Working across schools, communities, prisons and workplaces, the organisation is the UK's leading authority on literacy. Its work is underpinned by robust research, powerful partnerships and an unwavering commitment to tackling the link between poverty and low literacy.
Following a period of significant growth, the charity is now seeking a new Director of Development to build on strong foundations, identify new opportunities, and lead an ambitious fundraising strategy that will expand impact and sustainability for years to come.

About the Role
As Director of Development, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the charity's fundraising and development activity.
You will inherit an impressive portfolio of corporate, trust and statutory supporters, whilst also being tasked with identifying new opportunities for growth, diversification and innovation.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and delivering the National Literacy Trust's fundraising strategy and income growth plans
• Driving the acquisition and stewardship of major corporate partnerships, trusts, foundations and major donors
• Working closely with the CEO and senior colleagues to position the organisation for new funding opportunities
• Strengthening unrestricted income and expanding the charity's supporter base
• Leading, motivating and developing a talented fundraising team
• Building relationships with influential supporters, partners, senior business leaders and trustees
• Ensuring robust pipeline management, forecasting and income planning
• Acting as an inspiring ambassador for the organisation externally and internally

This is a high-profile leadership role offering significant scope to shape strategy, culture and long-term organisational success. 

About You
We're keen to hear from ambitious fundraising leaders who bring a strong track record of delivering sustainable income growth and building high-value relationships.
You will likely bring:

• Significant senior fundraising leadership experience
• A demonstrable track record of securing and growing high-value income
• Experience leading corporate partnerships and strategic fundraising programmes
• Strong commercial awareness and an entrepreneurial approach to identifying opportunities
• The ability to inspire, motivate and develop high-performing teams
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Experience working with senior leaders, trustees and external partners
• A hands-on leadership style, balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery

Most importantly, you'll be someone who relishes building momentum, thrives in ambitious environments and is excited by the opportunity to help transform lives through literacy.

How to Apply
To express your interest, please send your CV to Philippa.
Should your experience align with the requirements of the role, a member of the Charity People team will be in touch to arrange an initial conversation, discuss the opportunity in more detail and explain the full application process.

Key Dates

• Closing Date: Tuesday 1 September 2026
• First Round Interviews (online): Week commencing 7 September 2026
• Second Round Interviews (in person): Week commencing 14 September 2026

Charity People is a forward-thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We are committed to presenting opportunities to candidates irrespective of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation because we believe diverse teams create stronger organisations and greater impact.

About Us

We are an environmental charity with science at our heart. We help people to take action to protect the nature around them; by connecting them with it and giving them the tools they need to do so. We passionately believe in citizen science and are leaders in it. Our current focus areas include helping to create nature-friendly urban spaces, growing the impact of internationally known citizen science programmes such as Freshwater Watch, developing early career scientists and sharing learning internationally, and working with partners to advance the science, tools and thinking behind citizen science.

Role purpose:

To drive the growth of income from businesses, local authorities and public sector funders by identifying, developing and securing strategic partnerships. The role will build high-value relationships, generate new funding opportunities, and lead the development of compelling proposals, working closely with colleagues across Earthwatch to convert opportunities into longterm partnerships and sustainable income. This role will focus on building connections and opening doors, working closely with the Director to convert opportunities into funding to meet organisational targets.

Key deliverables:

Partnership Management and Development

• Lead on building and maintaining positive relationships with existing contacts in businesses, local authorities, and other partners in line with organisational priorities.
• Carry out excellent stewardship and management of partnerships, overseeing delivery plans, strategic activities and routine partnership activities.
• Lead all aspects of the partnership development process, including prospect research, proposal development and pitching, ensuring a seamless pathway from opportunity identification to funding secured.
• Cultivate relationships with other charitable organisations to expand Earthwatch’s network of partners and collaborate on joint environmental initiatives.

Proposal Writing and Project Development

• Lead the preparation of compelling funding proposals, tailored to meet the specific interests and priorities of potential partners.
• Ensure proposals are timely, impactful, and demonstrate clear outcomes.
• Work closely with the Finance team to develop accurate project budgets, ensuring all proposals are cost-effective and financially viable.
• Manage a portfolio of prospects and funding opportunities, contributing to agreed annual income targets. 

Sector Awareness and Marketing

• Monitor plans and strategies from businesses, local authorities and government bodies with a view to spotting opportunities for partnership working.
• Collaborate with the Communications teams to create high-quality marketing materials that support partner engagement and public relations.
• Represent Earthwatch at partner and networking events. 

Monitoring and Reporting

• Oversee the end-to-end grant management process, including timely submission of progress reports and financial narratives to ensure full compliance with donor requirements.
• Maintain a comprehensive reporting process via the CRM, providing accurate income generation updates, dashboards, and pipeline forecasts.
• Monitor environmental and sustainability issues in the media including emerging policies, trends and the performance of organisations with whom we have relationships. 

Collaboration and Team Support:

• Work closely with colleagues across the organisation, particularly the Income Generation, Programmes, Communications, and Finance teams, to ensure that funding proposals and reports are aligned with Earthwatch’s programs and objectives. 

In undertaking these roles, the postholder should also have regard to:

• Acting as an ambassador for the work, vision and values of Earthwatch Europe.
• Ensuring continuous development of skills and knowledge required for the post, undergoing training and performance review as required.
• Working within all the policies and procedures of Earthwatch Europe, ensuring compliance with health & safety policies and all legal and contractual obligations associated with the post.
• Collaborating with other Earthwatch teams to ensure effective delivery of partnership programmes.
• Carrying out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the level of responsibility of the post, as requested by the postholder’s line manager.

Please see the full job description attached.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; Earthwatch is unable to support visa applications. 

Earthwatch is committed to making any adjustments we can for short-listed candidates, to facilitate participation in our interview process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. 

Help shape the future of access to justice in North Wales.

Permanent | 3 days per week (0.6 FTE)

£45,000 pro rata (£27,000 actual salary)

Based in Llandudno Junction (minimum two days per week in the office)

North Wales Community Law is a young and ambitious charity with a simple vision: that everyone in North Wales should have access to the legal advice they need to uphold their rights, challenge injustice and improve their lives.

Since opening in 2023, we’ve established a housing legal aid service, developed strong partnerships across Wales and the UK, and built a growing reputation for high-quality, community-based legal advice.

We’re now looking for an experienced charity leader to work alongside our Board of Trustees to lead the next phase of our development.

This is a varied role combining strategic leadership, governance, fundraising, partnership development and organisational management. You’ll work with a committed team, an engaged Board and a wide range of partners to build a financially sustainable organisation that delivers lasting impact for communities across North Wales.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has significant senior leadership experience within the charity sector
• Enjoys working closely with trustees and supporting good governance
• Has a track record of fundraising and organisational development
• Can combine strategic thinking with practical delivery
• Is passionate about social justice and access to justice.

If you’re excited by the opportunity to help shape a growing organisation and build something with lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date: Thursday 17 September 2026, 12noon

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to contribute to our vision to make sure that everyone in North Wales has access to the services and expertise they need to uphold their rights, fight inequality and challenge injustice.

We are looking for an experienced charity leader to provide strategic and operational leadership to North Wales Community Law. Working closely with an ambitious Board of Trustees, you will lead the organisation through its next phase of development, ensuring financial sustainability, strong governance and high-quality legal services while building partnerships and growing our impact across North Wales.

Duties

Organisational Leadership and Governance

• Lead the organisation in line with its vision, mission and values
• Act as principal adviser to the Board of Trustees, supporting effective governance and helping trustees discharge their legal and strategic responsibilities
• Build a productive relationship with the Chair and ensure trustees receive timely, highquality information to support decision-making
• Work with the Board to develop, implement and review the organisation’s strategy
• Ensure high standards of governance, compliance & organisational assurance, including risk management & adherence to charity, company, employment & legal requirements
• Ensure effective governance systems, including delegated authority, policies and decision-making processes
• Work with external advisers, including auditors, legal advisers and compliance specialists, where appropriate
• Lead organisational planning, ensuring resources are aligned with strategic priorities

Finance and Sustainability

• Lead financial management, budgeting and long-term sustainability
• Lead income generation, fundraising, contract management and funder relationships
• Monitor organisational performance, finances and risk, reporting regularly to the Board
• Work with the Team Leader to ensure legal services meet contractual, funding and quality requirements

HR and Organisational Systems

• Lead people management, ensuring effective recruitment, performance management and staff wellbeing
• Develop and maintain effective HR policies, systems and good employment practice
• Foster a positive, inclusive and values-led organisational culture

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Ensure effective systems are in place to monitor organisational & service performance
• Provide clear, accurate reporting to the Board on performance, risk and impact

Community Engagement

• Lead the organisation’s community engagement and outreach strategy, ensuring services reach communities most affected by poverty, discrimination and disadvantage
• Develop strategic partnerships with community organisations, local authorities and other stakeholders to improve access to services
• Ensure community engagement supports organisational sustainability, contractual requirements and organisational objectives

External Relations and Partnerships

• Represent the organisation externally at local, regional and national level
• Develop strategic partnerships and collaborations
• Promote the organisation’s profile and influence

Person Specification

Leadership

• Significant experience in a senior leadership role within a charity or not-for-profit organisation.
• Ability to balance operational delivery with long-term strategic development.

Finance and Fundraising

• Demonstrated experience of managing budgets and financial planning
• Experience of assessing financial risk and making informed decisions
• Experience of income generation and fundraising
• Experience of managing funded contracts and funder relationships

Governance

• Significant experience of working closely with a Board of Trustees or equivalent governing body
• Experience of preparing Board papers and presenting complex information clearly
• Good understanding of charity governance, trustee responsibilities and good governance practice
• Experience of developing organisational risk management and assurance processes

People Management

• Experience of line management, performance management including ability to work effectively with specialist leads (e.g. legal, finance)
• Strong commitment to staff wellbeing and positive organisational culture
• Ability to lead inclusively and promote equality, diversity and inclusion
• Experience of developing HR policies, systems and good employment practice

External relationships

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to represent the organisation credibly with external stakeholders
• Experience of partnership working and stakeholder management

Personal Commitment

• Strong commitment to social justice and the organisation’s mission
• High levels of integrity, resilience and professionalism
• Ability to work collaboratively while holding others to account

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working in or with the not for profit legal advice sector
• Knowledge of the Legal Aid regime and publicly funded legal services
• Ability to work in Welsh (spoken and/or written)

To Apply

If you would like an informal discussion about the role this would be welcomed.

The deadline for applications is 12noon on Thursday 17th September 2026.

Please apply with your CV and a cover letter of up to two pages. You should email this. First interviews will be held online in late September. Candidates who are successful at first stage will be invited to a final in person interview.

We recognise the value of diverse perspectives in our work and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, communities, identities and experiences, including those with
personal experience of the inequalities and injustices we seek to address.

If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Location: Belfast - (Flexible working - 3 days a week in the office with some travel included to meet potential partners) - Access to a car helpful

Interviews: 1st interviews - Friday 28th August -  Via "Teams".2nd interviews - Friday 4th September - Face to Face in our Belfast office.

Help create opportunities that change young lives.

At The King's Trust, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to build a brighter future. We're looking for a Delivery Partnership Development Manager to help make that happen by developing strong partnerships with employers and training providers that open doors to jobs, training and work experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of our delivery teams, connecting young people with employers who are committed to investing in future talent. If you're passionate about building partnerships, creating opportunities and making a lasting social impact, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll do

Working closely with colleagues across the Trust, you'll develop and manage employer and training partnerships that support young people into employment and learning opportunities.

You'll:

• Build and develop partnerships with employers, training providers and sector networks to create high-quality employment, training and work experience opportunities for young people.
• Work closely with local delivery teams to understand regional priorities and ensure partnership activity supports our place-based strategy and organisational goals.
• Identify new opportunities, onboard employer partners and monitor partnership performance, ensuring compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, and Trust policies.
• Collaborate with Delivery Partnership Development Managers across the UK to share best practice, maximise national partnerships and improve opportunities for young people.
• Capture partnership activity and performance data, using insights to demonstrate impact, support reporting and continuously improve our services.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who combines commercial awareness with a genuine passion for helping young people succeed.

You'll bring:

• Experience building partnerships with employers, training providers or other external stakeholders that deliver positive outcomes.
• A strong understanding of employment pathways, recruitment and the opportunities available to young people across different sectors.
• The ability to translate strategy into practical partnership plans that deliver measurable impact.
• Excellent relationship-building, networking and influencing skills, with the confidence to work collaboratively across a wide range of stakeholders.
• A commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, and creating opportunities that are accessible to all young people.

Why join The King's Trust?

For almost 50 years, we've helped millions of young people gain the confidence and skills they need to live, learn and earn. In this role, you'll play a vital part in building the partnerships that make those opportunities possible, helping young people overcome barriers and take positive steps towards employment.

If you're motivated by building meaningful partnerships and want your work to have a lasting impact on young people's lives, we'd love to hear from you.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Delivery Partnership Development Managers? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training.The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Delivery Partnership Development Managers! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

About the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

For over 50 years, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation in Kenya. Founded on the extraordinary work of Dame Daphne Sheldrick, we are best known for our orphaned elephant rescue and rehabilitation programme – the most successful of its kind in the world. Our work has grown to encompass anti-poaching, habitat protection, community conservation and long-term field programmes across East Africa.

We have a global community of passionate supporters, a powerful brand, and a cause that genuinely moves people. Our UK charity facilitates the global elephant adoption programme, leads on UK fundraising, and connects supporters everywhere with the animals and landscapes they love.

The Opportunity

This is a new and significant appointment for SWT UK. We are looking for a Director of Development to develop and lead our UK fundraising strategy – taking ownership of income generation across all streams, donor communications and supporter stewardship, and managing a team of three talented fundraising professionals.

Our individual supporter base is large globally – growing in UK – loyal and deeply engaged: many give through our elephant adoption programme, which connects them directly with named animals in our care. We are now ready to build on this engaged supporter base and develop it into a structured individual giving programme – with mid-level giving pathways, major donor cultivation, systematic stewardship and deeper philanthropic relationships. That is the central challenge and opportunity of this role.

We also have active corporate and trust relationships, a legacy programme in development, and real potential to grow income from European and international funders. The Director of Development will take ownership of all of this – hands on and strategic in equal measure.

What You Will Do

• Develop and implement a new UK fundraising strategy, establishing clear priorities, income targets and programmes that will drive growth through to 2030 and beyond
• Develop and implement a UK individual giving programme – building on our adoption base to create structured giving journeys, mid-level and major donor cultivation, and meaningful stewardship
• Manage the UK fundraising budget, set and monitor income targets across all streams, and report regularly to the Executive Director on performance and ROI
• Take day-to-day ownership of corporate and trust relationships, writing reports, proposals and partner communications
• Build a major donor programme from the ground up, identifying and cultivating high-value individual prospects
• Develop legacy marketing activity, working alongside our existing legacy administrator and Freewill partnership
• Manage and inspire a team of three: Communications and Fundraising Manager, Retail Manager and Supporter Care Officer, and Fundraising Support Officer
• Oversee the donor database (Donorfy), ensuring data quality and insight-driven decision making
• Explore opportunities to grow income from European and international donors
• Contribute to the global income picture, including through improved donor stewardship and deeper supporter engagement
• Support the growth of SWT's profile and visibility in the UK through press opportunities, social media, and other channels.

About You

We are looking for a fundraiser who loves the craft – someone who is energised by building relationships, writing a compelling proposal, developing a giving programme from scratch, and ensuring every supporter feels genuinely valued. This is a hands-on role as much as a leadership one, and the right person will be comfortable doing both.

• Proven track record in fundraising, with demonstrable success securing income from individuals, trusts or corporates – including five-figure gifts and above
• Experience developing individual giving programmes, including mid-level or major donor cultivation
• A hands-on practitioner – comfortable writing proposals, reports and donor communications yourself
• Experience managing a small fundraising team with warmth, clarity and accountability
• Strong relationship management and stewardship skills
• Experience working with a donor CRM and using data to inform fundraising decisions
• Comfortable in a building role – excited by developing programmes that don't yet exist
• Experience managing fundraising budgets and producing income forecasts and performance reports.
• Genuine passion for wildlife conservation – this role is for someone who cares about the cause
• Committed to in-person working – we believe day-to-day presence and collaboration produces better outcomes for our donors and our team, and ask for a minimum of three days per week at our Billingshurst office

Why Join Us

• A mission that genuinely matters – 50 years of life-changing conservation work and a cause that moves people around the world
• A large, loyal and warm supporter base with significant untapped potential
• Real scope to build something – this is a new role with genuine influence from day one
• A small, close-knit team with shared purpose and a genuine commitment to each other's wellbeing
• Direct line to the Executive Director and member of senior leadership team
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (33 days total)
• Salary exchange pension with 5% employer contribution
• Salary of £55,000 – £60,000 depending on experience

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages – telling us why you are interested in this role and how your experience meets the person specification – by 16th August 2026.

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may appoint before the closing date, so early application is encouraged.

All applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom. We are unable to sponsor visa applications for this role.

At Special Olympics GB, we're changing the way people think about intellectual disability.

Every day, our athletes challenge expectations, inspire communities and demonstrate what's possible when people are given the opportunity to thrive.

Corporate and commercial partnerships are fundamental to making that happen. They enable us not only to generate sustainable income, but to create opportunities for our athletes through volunteering, employment, leadership, education, inclusion and powerful brand collaborations.

As we build towards the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Chile and continue to grow our national movement, we're looking for an exceptional partnership professional to lead and evolve this work.

This isn't a traditional charity partnerships role. We're looking for someone who combines exceptional stewardship with commercial curiosity, entrepreneurial thinking and creativity. Someone who enjoys spotting opportunities, challenging conventional approaches and designing partnerships that create genuine shared value.

You'll inherit an exciting portfolio of national partners (Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Toyota GB, Fuller’s pubs, Ocean Outdoor, Mitsubishi Electric UK and others), lead a small but ambitious team, and work alongside the Director of Development to shape the future of one of the UK's most exciting purpose-led partnership programmes.