Director of programmes and learning jobs in Greater london
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We need a Programme Director to lead a tri-borough initiative tackling serious youth violence across Kilburn, Queen's Park and surrounding communities.
This is a challenging and a rewarding role where you will be exercising your considerable judgement, diplomacy and practical project management skills.
Shared Ground is an innovative, co-funded project, seeking to work for the benefit of young people at risk of serious youth violence, with buy-in from stakeholders including Local Authority senior leads and Central government.
If you have a passion for the value and importance of community-based work in supporting positive futures for young people, why not help ensure that this ambitious programme thrives?
See the job description for more details.
YCF is a membership organisation, supporting 170+ Camden-based charities and CICs that offer services and support to children and young people.

Special Olympics GB is proud to support some of the most inspiring athletes in the world — individuals with intellectual disabilities who compete from local to international levels, breaking down barriers and showing the transformative power of sport both on and off the field of play.
As we enter an exciting new chapter, we are seeking an outstanding Director of Operations to join our Executive Leadership Team. This is a pivotal role for a strategic and values-driven leader who can strengthen our organisation, drive operational excellence and help deliver even greater impact for athletes, families and communities.
Working closely with the Chief Executive, Board and wider movement, you will lead organisational performance across governance, safegaurding, finance, people, systems, planning and delivery, ensuring Special Olympics GB is resilient, ambitious and fit for the future. As Executive Lead for Safeguarding and Welfare, you will champion a culture where the wellbeing, safety and dignity of every athlete remains at the heart of everything we do.
We are looking for someone who:
- Is inspired by the power of sport to transform lives and create more inclusive communities.
- Brings significant senior leadership experience and a track record of organisational development and operational excellence.
- Can translate strategic ambition into effective delivery and sustainable growth.
- Has experience of governance, compliance, finance, risk management and safeguarding.
- Builds strong relationships and partnerships, influencing with credibility and integrity.
- Leads with empathy, accountability and a commitment to inclusion.
The Director of Operations at SOGB is a wide-ranging, key role, reporting to the Chief Executive as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Working across the organisation, the Director of Operations manages the operational and support services activities including governance, compliance, HR, business processes, IT, safeguarding, finance and health & safety to ensure that the organisation runs smoothly, efficiently and effectively.
Application Instructions
For Job Role specifics and how to apply please see the below SOGB Director of Operations Recruitment Pack.
The closing date for applications is Friday 4th September 2026 at 9am. There will be a two- stage interview process that will cover both culture/motivators and thematic competencies. Stage 1 interviews will take place week beginning 28th September 2026 and stage 2 will take place week beginning 5th October 2026.
To apply, please send a covering letter (maximum 2 pages) explaining why you wish to apply for the Director of Operations role. It is important that all prospective candidates understand our mission and are driven by our cause. Referring to the role description, please be specific about how your skills and experience will help you undertake this role. Generic applications will not be considered.
We are Special Olympics GB. We are Inclusion in Action.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Seeking a purposeful career change? Start on your transformative journey with the On Purpose Associate Programme, offering a unique opportunity for mid-career professionals to transition into impactful work. This paid, year-long leadership programme is designed for those ready to develop the skills, knowledge, mindset, and connections to create a regenerative, equitable and just future.
Key info:
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Based in London, UK
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Full-time (4.5 days at placement & 1 half day training weekly)
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£27,010 per annum salary
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Programme dates: April 2027 - March 2028 (50 weeks)
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Apply by Monday 12th October, 9:00 am BST
About On Purpose:
On Purpose is tackling the greatest challenge of our time: transforming our economy from profit to purpose. Our leadership programmes develop people who will play their part in this transformation.
Together, we learn to see a different future and take action towards realising it in the organisations we work in. Our programmes seed a vibrant community who care, inspire, challenge and support one another as we make this transformation a reality.
Programme structure:
Two 6 month placements
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Through work placements with organisations driving impactful change, you'll gain hands-on experience tackling pressing social and environmental issues 4.5 days of the week. Some of our current partners include Better Society Capital, Bow Foodbank, BELU and VISA.
Weekly expert-led learning
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Our intensive Learning & Development programme involves half a day, weekly in-person sessions led by experts from across sectors. The blend of professional training and academic rigour equips you with the skills, knowledge and mindset to lead organisational and systemic change.
1:1 mentoring & coaching
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Receive support through fortnightly mentoring sessions and quarterly executive coaching, fostering both your personal and professional growth.
Join a supportive, impactful community
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You’ll be part of a tight-knit cohort of ~20 Associates, participating in training sessions every Friday afternoon together. You’ll also join the wider On Purpose community with 1000+ alumni, connecting with a global, influential network of impact-driven professionals offering life-long inspiration, collaboration and opportunities.
Benefits:
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Earn a £27.01 k salary - On Purpose stands out by offering a paid learning and training opportunity, saving you significant costs compared to paying for other leadership programmes or MBAs.
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Develop your ability to make an impact - Equip yourself with the skills and insights needed to drive meaningful change. Our alumni are leading transformative change worldwide in all parts of the system, with 92% currently working in the impact sector.
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Unlock purpose-driven career opportunities - Our Associates have moved into a range of impact roles, ranging from CEOs of social enterprises to leadership positions within traditional companies driving change from within. We have a former Consultant now Director of Impact at B Lab UK, a former accountant now CEO at Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and a journalist and editor now co-CEO of Heard.
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Standard UK holiday allowance
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A 3-day residential (expenses paid)
Who we’re looking for:
This programme is ideal for you if you’re either:
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at a stage in your career where you’ve built solid professional experience and want to use your professional skills to create change in organisations, systems and beyond;
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not currently in a career that aligns with your beliefs, but looking to transition into one;
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or you’re already in the impact sector and want to deepen your understanding of how systems and organisations work, develop the skills to lead transformational change, clarify your purpose and vision, and join a cohort and wider network of peers committed to putting purpose before profit.
Specific sector or industry experience is not important. We’re looking for talented people from diverse industries who have a determination to bring their skills and experience to purpose-driven projects and to driving systemic change. We seek ambitious individuals with:
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A minimum of three years full-time professional experience
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The right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme
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Fluency in English
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Office environment experience
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Skills including project management, stakeholder engagement, adaptability, interpersonal communication, problem-solving, quantitative analysis and strategic thinking.
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Excitement and commitment towards building a career that helps transform our economy from profit to purpose.
Diversity and Inclusion:
We welcome and encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences and those who are often under-represented in the impact sector, including but not limited to individuals with disabilities and those from diverse ethnic, gender identities, sexualities, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.
How to apply:
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Read our Associate Programme brochure for more information.
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Register your interest via our website to receive a link to your online application form.
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Closing date for applications: Monday 12th October, 9:00 am BST
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Interviews will be held in mid-late November.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Head of Operational Delivery | Lead National STEM Education Programmes | Maternity Cover
EDT is seeking an exceptional Head of Operational Delivery to lead national student and school engagement activities across the UK during an exciting period of transformation. This is a rare opportunity for a strategic and people-focused leader to take ownership of operational delivery, student recruitment, programme performance and team leadership within a respected education charity. As our Head of Operational Delivery, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring thousands of young people access inspiring STEM experiences that improve social mobility and create pathways into future careers.
Why Join EDT?
At EDT, our values drive everything we do:
- Passionate about creating equitable access to STEM careers.
- Dynamic in our response to a changing world.
- Collaborative with industry, educators and communities.
- Respectful of young people's potential and lived experiences.
As Head of Operational Delivery, you'll help shape the experiences of young people across the UK while leading teams that directly contribute to EDT's mission of inspiring the next generation of talent.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead and develop EDT's Operational Delivery Team, ensuring exceptional programme delivery, student engagement and school recruitment nationwide.
- Oversee performance, capacity planning, budgets, KPIs, reporting and operational effectiveness across multiple programmes.
- Develop and implement student recruitment and engagement strategies that drive growth and impact.
- Work closely with senior leaders to improve efficiency, support programme growth and maximise delivery outcomes.
- Champion safeguarding, quality standards, continuous improvement and outstanding learner experiences.
- Build strong relationships with schools, colleges, universities, funders, volunteers, alumni and partners.
Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full responsibilities and person specification.
Who We're Looking For
- Experienced operational leader with a track record of managing teams, programmes and organisational performance.
- Strong background in education, youth engagement, programme delivery, student support or charity operations.
- Experience managing budgets, KPIs, reporting frameworks and operational planning.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to identify opportunities, solve challenges and drive continuous improvement.
- Passion for supporting young people and creating meaningful educational opportunities.
- Outstanding stakeholder management, leadership and communication skills.
What's In It For You?
- Full-time maternity cover contract from 28 September 2026 to 3 August 2027.
- From £36,000 to £49,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Up to 10% employer pension contribution.
- Hybrid and flexible working.
- Opportunity to lead national programmes with significant social impact.
Location
- Hybrid working.
- Office base in any of our regional offices - Manchester, Birmingham, Welwyn Garden City, Plymouth or Southampton.
- National remit with occasional travel and overnight stays.
Why This Role Stands Out
- This is more than an operational leadership role.
- As Head of Operational Delivery, you'll influence how young people engage with STEM education across the UK.
- As Head of Operational Delivery, you'll lead national recruitment, engagement and delivery strategies that support thousands of students each year.
- As Head of Operational Delivery, you'll work closely with senior leaders to shape the future direction of an ambitious and growing charity.
- As Head of Operational Delivery, you'll have the opportunity to create lasting impact for young people, schools and communities nationwide.
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Closing Date is currently 28th August 2026. Applicants will be contacted after this date regarding next steps
Our mission is to connect young people with STEM and inspire STEM futures.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join London Legal Support Trust and use your communications skills to champion access to justice. Create engaging content, manage our website and social channels, and promote our programmes and fundraising events. We are looking for an organised, creative communicator with strong writing, digital and content management skills. This permanent, full-time hybrid role is based in Holborn and offers flexible working, generous leave and development opportunities.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Making The Leap is an innovative societal change charity that aims to make a big difference. From direct delivery, to advocacy and leadership, we refuse to stay in our lane and believe passionately that those we exist to serve have the right to be anything they want to be. To say that this is an exciting time for the organisation would be an understatement, as our incredible funders, donors, partners and supporters have given us the chance to move to the next level, and have further influence and delivery nationally.
We provide skills training, school and mentoring programmes, and partner with businesses who want to drive forward social mobility via learning programmes, internships, job opportunities and more.
Our aim is to ensure everyone has access to a good standard of living and equality of opportunity, no matter what their or their parents’ occupation or background is.
We are looking for a Senior Evaluation and Impact Officer to evaluate the impact of our delivery activities with young adults and students, and to support the Head of Research and Advocacy to produce our annual Impact Reports.
We are based in London and support young people via our direct delivery programmes. We take what we learn from our work and use it to inspire businesses across the UK to do more to improve social mobility (making sure people from all backgrounds get fair opportunities).
Our vision is that every young person has a chance to succeed, and every employer will have a part to play.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join a small global team where you'll organise and oversee our UK-based coaching and leadership programmes for education and non-profit leaders. From responding to new enquiries, launching programmes and setting up online learning journeys, to building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, you'll need to be hands-on and able to prioritise across multiple workstreams. In return, you'll get genuine variety and ownership of your work, a friendly and supportive team, and opportunities to work with new digital tools and platforms and help us pioneer AI-powered ways of working from the ground up.
About BTS Spark
BTS Spark is the social impact and education practice of BTS, a global professional services firm which specialises in supporting organisations to develop their leaders and build the people capabilities to deliver effectively on their strategies. Our mission at BTS Spark is bring that expertise to help education and non-profit leaders do their best work, building stronger organisations and a better world.
We provide expert 1:1 leadership coaching, powerful group experiences and bespoke team and organisational development programmes, all designed to enable profound and highly impactful learning. To date we have worked primarily with schools, colleges and multi-academy trusts, but we are now actively seeking to grow our work within higher education and the non-profit sector. Whilst most of the work delivered by our UK hub is with UK-based organisations, we also deliver programmes elsewhere in Europe and manage several international programmes.
Our UK core team is small — just our Director and our Programme Manager — supported by wider BTS colleagues, our global BTS Spark team and a network of 30+ UK-based coaches and facilitators.
Job Description
Working closely with our UK Director, but with a significant degree of independence, you'll support almost every part of our UK operations:
- Plan and enable smooth programme delivery — allocating coaches and facilitators, scheduling group sessions, and managing logistics for face-to-face events
- Set up and launch coaching and leadership programmes on our digital platforms, and use Claude and other AI tools to speed up routine tasks like data entry, reporting and client updates
- Act as a trusted first point of contact for clients, managing relationships, delivering briefings and platform demos, and preparing data-led impact reports
- Handle new enquiries, follow through with quotations and information, and support business development and proposal writing with the Director
- Help grow our profile — co-ordinating social media content (particularly LinkedIn), updating our website, building landing pages, and supporting our alumni and marketing campaigns
- Forecast income, keep our financial systems up to date, and manage letters of engagement, purchase orders and invoicing requests.
- Provide occasional live support for virtual workshops, and executive assistant support to the Director
The balance of your week will shift through the year, with programme launches taking priority at times and more space for development work during school holidays. A key priority is to make full use of our AI capability (especially Claude) to speed up our processes and free up more time for the relationship-building and engagement work that matters most. This is something we’ll support you to build into your working practice from day one.
We're looking for candidates with the following attributes:
Essential:
- A strong, sustained track record in programme planning and project/operations management
- Confidence managing relationships with senior education and non-profit leaders, with excellent, professional customer service skills
- Excellent written communication and proof-reading skills, with sharp attention to detail
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise across multiple workstreams
- A proactive, can-do attitude and comfort working independently
- Strong financial literacy and experience with CRM/database systems (e.g. Salesforce, Hubspot)
- Enthusiasm for digital tools and AI assistants, and intermediate Microsoft Office skills
- Flexibility for occasional calls outside business hours with North America and Australia-based colleagues
Desirable:
- Experience working in or closely with the education sector
- University graduate-level education
Benefits
- 25 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays and a Christmas–New Year office closure
- 5% matched pension and life insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Free access to a wellness coach and healthcare app (video GP appointments, mental health and nutritional consultations)
- Cycle to work scheme
See attached job description for further details.
Application Process
Please apply with an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement (max. 2 sides) showing how you meet the knowledge, skills and experience above. Applications without a supporting statement will not be considered.
We review applications on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as you can. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday 1st September.
Initial interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held on a rolling basis until 4th September.
Final interviews will be held in London at the BTS Offices on 10th and 11th September.
Note that applications without a covering letter will not be considered.
Our mission is to help education, public sector and non-profit leaders do their best work, building stronger organisations and a better world.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Learning Programmes Manager fulfils a key role in the busy Education and Training team at SPAB. They have responsibility to coordinate and deliver our two annual learning programmes: the SPAB Scholarship and the SPAB Fellowship. Using their high-level administrative or project management experience and excellent interpersonal skills, the Learning Programmes Manager leads in development, delivery and review of these flagship programmes.
The Learning Programmes Manager works in consultation with the Senior Education and Training Manager and Director of Engagement, and closely with SPAB colleagues, to promote the learning programmes, maximise their outcomes, collaborate on funding opportunities and reporting, and deliver core strategic objectives.
The Learning Programmes Manager is self-motivated to work independently to establish and maintain vital professional relationships within the sector to ensure SPAB Scholars and Fellows experience a fulfilling learning experience. The Learning Programmes Manager has responsibility for onboarding Scholars and Fellows, including recruitment and induction, designing and planning the programmes, managing programme budgets and strategic planning for future programmes.
The Learning Programmes Manager contributes regular updates for our charity Guardians and has responsibility for coordinating the Scholarship and Fellowship Liaison Group, programme mentors and their associated meetings. They are a team-player and work with colleagues to promote the programmes and their alumni, and seek opportunities for outreach within tertiary education, and the heritage and building conservation sectors.
As a highly organised problem-solver, the Learning Programmes Manager will take a practical approach to delivering SPAB’s flagship programmes:
What we’re looking for
A highly organised individual with proven administration or project management skills and an eye for detail. A confident and approachable communicator, motivated to work both independently and collaboratively to deliver unique learning programmes.
• Experience of establishing and maintaining administrative or project management systems and procedures and using the appropriate software to support this.
• A practical hands-on approach to programme management, including proactive problem-solving and an understanding of logistics and processes.
• Confidence in communicating and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders such as funders, programme hosts, volunteers, professionals and young people.
• Experience in working to deadlines and managing multiple schedules.
• A passion for and understanding of building conservation skills and training needs.
• An outward looking and collaborative colleague, with a positive approach to their work and challenges.
• A commitment to building a career in this rewarding role.
To Apply
To read the full Job Pack, and for instructions on how to apply, please visit our website via the link below.
Deadline for applications: 9AM, Wednesday 19 August 2026.
Interviews: Round 1 interviews will be held at SPAB HQ, 37 Spital Square, London, E1 6DY on Tuesday 8 September 2026.
Arrangements for Round 2 interviews will be confirmed following the first round of interviews.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This role is responsible for strengthening the Church of England's approach to racial justice learning. Working across the Church, you will review existing learning resources, identify gaps and opportunities, and develop a clear strategy and workplan to support future provision.
You will ensure that learning is aligned, high-quality and accessible across different contexts, including national, diocesan and parish settings. Working closely with the Director, Deputy Director and wider stakeholders, you will coordinate delivery of the Unit's learning and development work, ensuring programmes are well designed, appropriately targeted and delivered effectively.
The Church of England’s vocation is and always has been to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ afresh in each generation to the people of England.



Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
The Head of Grants will take a leading role in shaping The Childhood Trust’s grant-making approach. This is both a strategic and practical role - the postholder will manage the full cycle for our existing grant-making (Big Give) campaign and oversee a small team. Working closely with the Director of Programmes and Impact, Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team and Board, they will use evidence, learning and sector insight to help design and deliver the next phase of The Childhood Trust’s grant-making programme. This is a role for someone who can work independently, take ownership and make things happen.
The postholder will also use their experience and sector knowledge to recommend and implement new ways of supporting the sector through our new capacity building programme (Thrive Together), ensuring that The Childhood Trust’s grant-making is both innovative and impactful. They will contribute to the development of our youth voice work and ensure that the voices of children and young people are embedded across all aspects of grant-making.
Benefits to working at The Childhood Trust include:
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Competitive holiday package including a day off for your birthday and the days between Christmas and New Year off
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Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
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Flexible working environment
To read more about the responsibilities in the role, please read the attached job description.
Interviews will be held on Wednesday 16th September at our office in Victoria.
We reserve the right to extend the closing date depending on the candidate pool.
Submit a CV and maximum two page supporting statement that demonstrates your suitability for the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
OneSky is seeking a highly motivated and organized individual to manage our corporate and foundation partnerships outside of Asia. The Director of Partnerships is a seasoned international NGO fundraiser and an excellent communicator and collaborator. They will have a track record in building, maintaining, and stewarding new and long-term corporate and foundation donor relationships, and soliciting and securing gifts of USD$50,000 and up. They will oversee a portfolio of existing funders while also developing a pipeline of new potential institutional funders.
Reports to: Senior Director of Partnerships
Location: UK or US
Role requirements:
- Solicit and secure grants and sponsorships that allow OneSky programs to flourish.
- Collaborate with other global team members to grow and diversify foundation and corporate partnership opportunities. Continually research and identify prospective corporate and foundation donors across multiple sectors that align with our mission priorities to maintain a robust and diverse prospect pipeline.
- Develop and maintain strategic, high-level relationships with funding partners and prospects in collaboration with senior leadership.
- Collaborate with the Director of Grants to develop and submit competitive and compelling proposals, reports, budgets, and supporting materials by their due dates.
- Work with Finance, Communications, Program and MEAL staff across the organization to ensure accurate and consistent messaging in all OneSky funding proposals and reports.
- Ensure funder engagement benefits and deliverables are met or exceeded within the required timeframe.
- Establish consistent use of the CRM function of Salesforce to track pertinent donor and prospect information, cultivation, and stewardship.
- Represent OneSky at regional industry conferences, meetings (virtual and in-person), program site visits, and fundraising events.as required.
- Monitor and provide regular updates to leadership regarding fundraising strategies, activities, prospects, progress, and revenue.
- Undertake any additional fundraising activities that may be necessary and compatible with the nature of this role.
Qualifications & Skills:
Required
- Bachelor's Degree in a related field
- At least 5 years’ experience in generating significant income from foundations and corporate partners for nonprofit purposes
- Demonstrated success in developing and stewarding long-term philanthropic partnerships
- Experience working across cultures and managing stakeholder relationships in multiple countries
- Superior project management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Commitment to making the world a better place for young children
- Based in the UK or US
Preferred
- Experience in an educational or child welfare INGO
- Salesforce NPSP proficiency, or similar CRM
Salary & benefits
OneSky offers a comprehensive benefits package appropriate to the employee’s country of employment, along with a flexible and collaborative international work environment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
We work alongside girls and young women aged 13-24 affected by care, offering her an early intervention mentoring and educational programme.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you believe communities should have a stronger voice in shaping services and opportunities? 💜🩵🩷
Compass Wellbeing CIC is looking for a new Non-Executive Director to join our Board and help ensure community voice, lived experience and partnership working continue to shape our strategy and decisions.
We are a small social enterprise (and subsidiary of East London NHS Foundation Trust) that helps communities thrive by bringing people, organisations and opportunities together, from earlier access to support, to employment and skills, to partnerships that make a real difference locally.
This NED role has a particular focus on strengthening our relationships with voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations.
📍 London (hybrid) | 🕐 c. 1 day/month | 💷 £250/day + expenses | Closing 3 September 2026, 10:00
You don't need previous Board experience. Community leadership, VCFSE sector experience or lived experience relevant to the communities we serve all count. What matters is a genuine commitment to social justice and inclusion, and the confidence to be a constructive, challenging voice in the room.
Compass Wellbeing invests in training, resilience, and empowering local voices; we bridge the gap between VCSEs and healthcare orgs.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We can’t fix issues like poverty, inequality, health and climate change alone. We are fully conscious of the scale of the challenge that faces the country and the urgent need to respond. That’s why the School for Social Entrepreneurs exists, to empower and equip people with entrepreneurial ideas and solutions to grow the social economy. The social economy is a movement of organisations and enterprises that prioritise people and planet. Together, we are committed to tackling the greatest social and environmental challenges of our time.This is a new and exciting role at a significant time of growth for the School for Social Entrepreneurs. In the coming year. we are developing new programmes, working with leaders who are developing small community led social and environmental projects as well as leading larger charities and social businesses developing social investment and housing solutions.
We’re not a traditional funder. Our grants tend to be small, but they punch above their weight, helping social and environmental entrepreneurs take the next step to grow their organisations. Our grants run alongside learning programmes, challenging and supporting leaders. We’re innovative in how we do this, through both traditional and enterprise grants. We lead on Match Trading™, a grant that challenges leaders to grow their trading income, and we are working on further grants innovations.
You will work with our Grants Team, Project Co-ordinators and Assessment Lead to develop and support grant management across a range of programmes. Your role will be to lead on specific programmes, including supporting assessment, onboarding and grant management. You will ensure that grantees are fully supported to manage their grants and ensure that grant management is compliant, auditable, efficient, and timely. You will support the development of grant policies and processes, writing grant paperwork and documentation, overseeing payments, and reporting to the wider Programmes Team and others about our work.
You don’t need to have managed grants before, but you do need to have a good understanding of a wide range enterprises and charities, gained through experience of training, business consultancy or development support. You will have a good understanding of business models, legal structures and financial systems that social and environmental organisations and community run and owned businesses may use. You will need to understand social enterprise finances, be able to read accounts, budgets, cashflows and have a good knowledge of social enterprise income streams.
We need someone who understands how hard it is to start up and grow social and environmental enterprises and can support people from diverse backgrounds in managing their grant, finances and growing their business.
Are you up for the challenge?
Interviews: Friday 18th and Friday 25th September (online)
To equip people with skills, funding, and networks to realise their potential, improve lives and protect the planet.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Astra Foundation is seeking a Foundation Director; a dynamic, seasoned and strategic leader with a background in philanthropy who is motivated by their mission to combat loneliness in young adults, empower youth to reach their full potential, and reduce plastic pollution, primarily in the UK and France. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a young foundation and support the next phase of its evolution, building on strong foundations to further steward support for their priority areas and civil society partners. The ideal candidate will be collaborative, with a willingness to handle all aspects of the Foundation’s work, from high-level strategy and external relations to day-to-day administration.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.

