Director of strategy and impact jobs

Making The Leap is an innovative social justice 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.

The shared soul of the organisation is to be passionate about helping young people from less-advantaged backgrounds; build up other charities and community groups and want to partner with them or support them; want to work with businesses and organisations to get things done; and care deeply about addressing racial inequity.

The organisation has two pillars: Programmes – which is direct delivery to young people from less-advantaged socioeconomic backgrounds to raise their aspirations and increase their access to opportunities, and Leadership and Advocacy -  which covers the UK Social Mobility Awards; the Social Mobility Podcast, the Social Mobility List, our research function and a number of strands: core Making The Leap, your remit would be directly with the first three strands and  your team will be responsible for generating the income for core Making The Leap.

Role overview:

As a member of MTL’s senior management team, you will take responsibility for the organisation’s growth and outward facing initiatives. You will lead and manage the organisation’s portfolio of social mobility leadership strands, and develop strong working relationships with key stakeholders. You will provide dynamic day-to-day leadership for the MTL’s directorate responsible for income generation, impact, research, communications and policy, and ensure the organisation continues to be an exemplar of innovation, integrity and collaboration. You will also be contributing to, implementing and monitoring delivery of the organisation’s strategic plan.

The Trust is seeking a Fundraising Director to run the day-to-day operations of our small and successful charity, alongside our existing Director of Operations, starting 1 September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The annual salary is £33,000 and hours of work are 35 hours a week. The successful candidate must be able to work from home but be willing to travel to central London for regular meetings and occasional events. We are open to part-time or flexible working options.

22 days annual leave increasing one day per year up to 30 days, plus bank holidays.

Pension contribution: employer 3% and staff 5% at the People’s Pension.

Reports to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Liaises with: Co-Director, project members, bursary holders, project facilitators, trustees, supporters & patrons

About

The National Youth Arts Trust (NYAT) is a small performing arts charity that exists to widen access to the performing arts for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds - through giving bursaries for music, dance, and drama lessons, running youth theatre projects, and taking children to the theatre, often for the first time.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised individual, who is a confident fundraiser to help scale up our work nationwide, support in the day-to-day management of the Trust, and assist in fulfilling the trustee’s strategic plans for 2025 and beyond. It is an essential role for this charity and offers a unique opportunity to be involved and have influence on a growing arts organisation with a strong board, a fantastic patron list and national ambitions.

The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator, who would like to build on their fundraising and management experience in the third sector and arts industry and is passionate about equal opportunity in the performing arts.

We are looking for a creative thinker, who takes initiative, is self-motivated and is looking for a varied role within a small but ambitious charity.

Purpose of the Job

· Supporting the day-to-day management of the Trust, with a particular focus on fundraising and event organisation for current and future projects.

· Working with the Board of Trustees to ensure the National Youth Arts Trust achieves its vision and charitable objectives, creating and implementing the strategy for NYAT and ensuring operating policies and procedures are fit for purpose and regularly reviewed.

Principal Tasks

Principal Tasks:
Lead fundraising strategy, write funding bids, and build donor relationships. Manage communications, stakeholder care, and project delivery. Support recruitment, planning, and marketing. Maintain donor databases and ensure strong supporter engagement. Drive new creative initiatives, track budgets and impact, and report regularly to the Board.

This job description is not exhaustive, please refer to the JD and the post holder may be required to undertake other such duties from time to time.

The role will require the successful candidate to complete an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.

Please contact us if you need the job description in an alternative format or if you need any adjustments if invited to interview.

NYAT is an equal opportunities employer. We guarantee an interview for applicants with a disability providing they meet the minimum requirements for the post. Charity No: 1152367.

· Closing date for applications is 21st August 2025.

· Interviews will be held online and arranged with shortlisted candidates directly, on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays, with possible in person second interviews.

· Start date 1st September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Anna Freud is a world-leading mental health charity for children, young people and their families. Our purpose is to take everything that we have learned over the last 70 years, and to transform the mental health of current and future generations of children and young people, to close the gap between mental illness and mental wellness – and to create a more compassionate society for everyone. We listen to and learn from their diverse voices and integrate this with learnings from our science and practice to develop and deliver mental health care. We are now seeking a Commercial Director to join our team at an exciting point in our journey as a charity.

Over the past decade, Anna Freud has grown significantly in scope, influence, and impact. From our origins as a pioneering centre for child psychotherapy, we are now a national mental health charity with a unique blend of research, clinical practice, schools support, and workforce development – all underpinned by a commitment to evidence, collaboration, and lived experience.

We are proud of what we’ve achieved, but we also recognise that the scale of need among children, young people, and families continues to grow. With this comes increasing demand for practical, accessible, and effective support.

To meet this challenge, we are evolving once again. From 2026, we will launch a new long-term strategy focused on deepening our impact, scaling what works, and working with system partners to close the gaps that exist in science, services, and access to support. This will require us to think differently about how we generate income, build strategic partnerships, and strengthen our infrastructure to sustain and grow our work for the future.

We are now looking for our first Executive Director, Commercial to bring together income generation, brand and marketing, digital innovation, data, and business development into one strategic and values-led portfolio. We are seeking someone who combines strong commercial acumen with mission-driven leadership: a strategic thinker who can build and lead high-performing teams, collaborate across disciplines, and engage credibly with senior stakeholders.

As a key member of our Executive Leadership Team, you will contribute to the organisation’s overall direction and play a pivotal role in shaping our future strategy. You will lead a talented, motivated team across fundraising, partnerships, business development, digital platforms, and brand.

If you bring substantial experience in commercial leadership or income generation, a passion for our mission, and the strategic and collaborative mindset to help shape our next chapter, we would be delighted to hear from you.

We are partnered with Starfish search and hope you will consider making an application. If you have questions about the appointment and would find it helpful to have an informal conversation, please contact Starfish and we will be happy to arrange a call.

For more information and to make an application, please click on the Apply button. To apply, please upload the following to the Starfish website:

• Your CV (no more than three sides).

• A supporting statement (no more than two sides) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.

We would also be grateful if you would complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form on the online application process. This form is for monitoring purposes only and is not treated as part of your application.

Closing date: Friday 5th September 2025

•Preliminary interviews: w/c 22nd September 2025

•First Stage Panel Interviews: w/c 13th October 2025

•Final Panel interviews: w/c 20th October 2025

Could you be the impactful Programme Director we seek to lead, develop and oversee the delivery of the next stage of the Richmond Group Physical Activity Programme and We Are Undefeatable Campaign (WAU), with a budget of £8m?

This influential post is offered as a fixed-term contract ending March 2028. It will initially involve improving programme oversight and integrating the Physical Activity Programme and the We Are Undefeatable Campaign teams to enhance collaboration and ways of working. The Physical Activity Programme, a partnership with Sport England and the National Lottery, is entering an exciting new phase, which will focus on the evolution of We Are Undefeatable, from Above-The-Line to an 'always on' campaign, expanding our system influencing work, both nationally and at 'place' level, and building a powerful evidence base for how we can support the least active to move more

The role will have overall responsibility for the implementation of the strategic aims of the programme and ensure effective governance, budget oversight, and delivery of the system influencing work and WAU campaign. As Programme Director, you will extensively collaborate at leadership level with existing and new partnerships and stakeholders, parliamentarians and systems leaders to drive impactful interventions.

We operate a hybrid-working model and will require the post holder to be in our central London office a minimum of two days each week. Travel costs to our London office are not covered by the charity.

Please see role description for all responsibilities.

Essential criteria:

• Proven experience in programme management, ideally within the health sector or physical activity, in a fast-paced organisation Strong leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership management to influence change, increase collaboration and sustainability
• Working and leading partnerships, developing and maintaining strategic and professional networks
• Experience of managing externally funded restricted income programmes.
• Effectively leading, developing and managing large multi-million-pound programmes.
• Robust financial planning, monitoring and management expertise.
• Successfully leading change and shaping innovative approaches.
• Clear and concise communicator, with excellent written and oral communication and advocacy skills - able to effectively market and influence on behalf of Age UK and the Richmond Group with senior stakeholders.
• Developing and implementing a performance management strategy

Desirable criteria:

• A background in the health sector, sports science, or a related field.
• Experience working with government health initiatives or large-scale behaviour change campaigns.
• Knowledge of marketing and social media outreach strategies.
• Knowledge and experience of government reforms in relation to health sector and behaviour change.
• Understand the complexities of bringing about behaviour change.

What we offer in return:

• Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
• Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, Health cashback plan and EAP
• Car Benefit Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loan
• Techscheme - buy any tech from Apple or Currys, up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free
• Blue Light Card Scheme
• You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.

Additional Information

Supporting statements and anonymisation

Candidates are expected to provide a supporting statement that explains how they meet the competencies annotated with an ‘A’ in the job description, to assess suitability for the position. Age UK acknowledges and accepts that AI may be used to support the application; we do expect candidates to personalise experience, knowledge and skills and failure to do so, may result in your application being rejected.

Please submit a Word version of your CV as it will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role. Our system is unable to anonymise supporting statements and heavily formatted CVs. Please could you remove any personal information including your name before you upload to support our inclusive recruitment process. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us if invited for interview.

Equal opportunities & Disability Confident Scheme

Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. Age UK is a Disability Confident Scheme employer. Due to high numbers of applications received, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.

Reasonable adjustments

Disabled job seekers can access reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All requests for reasonable adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis, in collaboration with the disabled job seeker to best meet their needs, by contacting the Recruitment Team. Disability disclosures will be kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis to support the implementation of adjustments. Disclosures will not be used to inform hiring decisions.

Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.

Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

For a full list of benefits please visit our website.

We're looking for a new Director who will steer LEVEL Centre to achieve its artistic, financial and strategic objectives, championing the organisation as a leading contemporary arts centre that delivers meaningful creative opportunities for disabled people.

LEVEL Centre is a charity that celebrates the art that ‘difference’ makes, helping unlock the unique talents of disabled creatives and showing the world how powerful ‘difference’ can be. We’re an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and receive funding from a range of trusts and foundations. Our award-winning accessible building is located rurally on the edge of the beautiful Peak District National Park in Derbyshire.

We work with:

• Learning disabled and disabled people
• Autistic and/or neurodivergent people
• Artists, performers and interesting people
• Our rural Derbyshire Community, the county and surrounding areas
• Cultural and creative organisations
• National and International partners

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a dynamic and inclusive charity making a positive impact in the community through the arts and environmental initiatives
• Champion, collaborating with and making space for disabled creatives
• Contribute to the growth and success of a rurally based arts centre
• LEVEL Centre is a supportive and creative charity

About the role:

Working collaboratively with our fantastic team, board, key stakeholders and LEVEL Centre’s vibrant community, you will provide confident and inspiring leadership to develop and oversee a programme that reflects our vision, mission and values. You'll have a successful track record in fundraising, and work to promote and maintain the interests of LEVEL Centre in its relationships with Arts Council England and other funding bodies. 

The role requires experience at a senior level within the cultural industries, developing diverse and impactful arts engagement projects and programmes that transform lives. You will work to identify and remove barriers to inclusion, be passionate about creating meaningful creative opportunities for disabled and neurodivergent people, and support artists to develop their talent through our commissioning and residency programmes.

A team player working with empathy and compassion, you'll have a commitment to wellbeing, and be able to inspire, motivate and empower our team. LEVEL Centre is a special, a brave and safe space to be yourself - welcoming, creative, inclusive and supportive - and you'll be part of that.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work in close collaboration with the board, staff and key stakeholders in line with the business plan aims and objectives
• Develop the artistic vision of LEVEL Centre – building a programme that delivers our mission, in collaboration with staff, facilitators, external organisations and other collaborators. This includes the LEVEL participation programme, gallery and digital exhibition programme and artist residency programme
• Oversee the effective and responsible financial management of LEVEL Centre
• Oversee HR across the organisation following best practice principles
• Stakeholder management
• Able to achieve strategic objectives within a changing cultural landscape
• Represent and champion LEVEL Centre at local and national events
• Build a network of local and regional contacts across the arts sector
• Promote and maintain the strategic interests of the company
• Fundraising from trusts, foundations and other sources to increase income generation and maximise its assets
• Partnership building
• Develop robust strategies and seek advice and guidance for up to date knowledge on policies and procedures
• Prepare reports for board meetings
• Oversee marketing, branding and vision
• Oversee projects and programmes
• Be an advocate for accessible governance
• Champion disabled creatives
• Co-chair East Midlands Disability Arts Network alongside Attenborough Arts Centre

Salary: £45,000 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week. Occasional evening, weekend and bank holiday working may be required. Flexible working arrangements to be discussed. Core business hours are Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm

Holiday: 25 days plus bank holidays

Pension: LEVEL Centre operates an auto enrolment pension scheme deferred for 3 months from joining the organisation with Nest.

Applications for this role close at  9 a.m. Friday 29 August.

Download our recruitment pack here: https://bit.ly/LEVELDirectorJobPack

Location: Hybrid / London
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: circa £75,000 FTE
 
Job Advert
 
The London Community Foundation (LCF) exist to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged people in London by working with donors to invest in small, local charities and community groups. LCF empower local community organisations and leaders to identify their needs and solutions and connect these groups with funders, distribute resources, and help increase their impact. Additionally, LCF promote the value of local organisations, encourage philanthropy, and build relationships between communities and funders, and have given £127 million in grants to grassroot organisations in London since 2010.
 
The Director of Development will be responsible for developing and achieving LCF’s income strategy, with particular focus on developing, prospecting, and building relationships with high value donors, corporates, financial advisors, and wealth management. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, this role will be a strategic Director, whilst also leading on key donor facing relationships. This role will be critical to leading and executing successful engagement strategies for both internal and external stakeholders, with the support of a small team of two.
 
The successful candidate will be able to evidence setting strategy and delivering successful high value income generation growth. This person will be able to demonstrate identifying and securing gifts of a six-figure plus level. They will have a proven track record of developing and maintaining strategic senior networks. This person will have managed other team members before and be a strong communicator with other senior internal stakeholders and external donors.
 
To apply for the role please submit your CV together with a supporting statement (of no more than 2 pages).
 
REF-223124

In the UK, in areas of disadvantage, up to 40% of children do not reach a good level of development by the age of 5. Our client’s vision is of a society that cherishes children’s development in the early years, where every child can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Using a collective impact approach, the organisation is driving and supporting collaboration between funders, the public, private and the voluntary sector to improve outcomes in the early years. Listening to the voice, and harnessing the power of parents, carers and families in local communities is central to the change that Thrive and Five seeks to make.

In just four years, our client’s work is making a difference, with positive progress of children who’ve had the benefit of the charity’s pilot programme.  The impact of our work was recognised in Parliament as the Secretary for State delivered the Best Start in Life Strategy and the charity was  invited to share our public/voluntary sector partnership model at the Government’ Summit to launch the Civil Society Covenant. The Department for Education is interested to see how our approach aligns with their mission to help 75% of children reach a Good Level of Development by 2028. 

Director 

North East, working in person in Teesside three days a week 

Up to £85,000, dependent on experience

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader, with a passion for giving children the best possible start and with a strong belief in the power of communities. The role will work both locally and nationally, as part of the wider team. 

The Director will manage our client’s existing programme in Redcar and Cleveland with a talented and committed team (10 staff). They will also develop and manage the new programme in Middlesbrough, currently in Discovery phase, and recruit a staff team of 8- 10 people, with support from the charity’s central team.  Once set up, the Director will lead the following across both areas: 

• Building relationships and networks in the areas, across the public, voluntary and private sector 

• Leading the team to support delivery of the charity's local early years strategy in the areas

• Leading the delivery of a portfolio of complementary workstreams, continuously refining and strengthening the work so that we make the greatest possible positive difference to local children and families 

• Working closely with local partners and the national team to ensure that data and learning is captured and fed into strategic thinking and our national model 

Supported by our central team, the Director will enable local stakeholders to collectively support parents and children under 5, to improve outcomes in the early years and particularly improve levels of school readiness. Crucial to this work will be engaging with and empowering local parents who are the key to successful delivery of the initiative.

This is an exciting opportunity for an impact focussed leader, who brings: 

• Experience of working at a senior level with public sector and/or voluntary organisations involved in the delivery of services and support to families with children under 5 

• A track record of implementing concurrent and complex workstreams effectively, with proven project management and evaluation skills 

• Experience at leading and developing staff teams

• Experience of building networks of solid relationships with a wide range of stakeholders

You will relish the opportunity to deliver a model that ensures strength in communities, achieves long term sustainability and aims to achieve long-term systemic improvements in early childhood development. 

We are committed to inclusion in all aspects of our work and our new Director will have the ability to collaborate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures and nurture differing views. They will work sensitively with the changing needs of our communities and be comfortable talking about the importance of inclusion to a range of audiences. 

Recruitment Timetable

Closing date:  Sunday 31st August 2025 

Initial interviews with Prospectus: 5-12th August 2025 

Panel interviews with our client: w/c 15th September 2025 

Queries 

If you have any queries or wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors Anna Gardet or Erica Ritchie with a copy of your CV.

Executive Director, DIVA Charitable Trust

About DIVA 

DIVA Charitable Trust is committed to elevating, celebrating, and supporting LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people everywhere. Our goal is to be a stage for talent, a mirror that reflects our community in all its diversity, and a megaphone, amplifying our movement in its work to create a fairer, more just world for all LGBTQIA+ people. Through this work, we believe we can contribute to shaping a world that is better for everyone.

Following an exciting year in which we registered as a charity after more than 30 years serving our community, we are looking to appoint an Executive Director who can work with our talented team of staff and trustees to grow and nurture DIVA at a critical time for LGBTQIA+ women and non binary people.​​

Job description

The Executive Director is an externally facing role, responsible for growing DIVA’s income, partnerships, and impact. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and dynamic leader to build on our iconic brand and deliver for LGBTQIA+ women and non binary people in the UK and globally.

A key aspect of the role will be to continue growing DIVA’s network of partners, corporate sponsors, and donors. The ED will work with the Board of Trustees to drive the future strategy and lead a small editorial and design team.

Core Responsibilities

·Act as the public face of DIVA, and support the wider team (including Board, Patrons, and colleagues) to represent DIVA to key audiences.

·Work with the Board to set and deliver the strategy for DIVA Charitable Trust and be accountable for ensuring its implementation and the appropriate governance of the charity.

·Lead on fundraising for DIVA Charitable Trust, growing our sponsorship and partnership income and establishing new charitable donation and grant-based funding streams.

·Oversee the planning and delivery of Lesbian Visibility Week, continuing to grow its global reach, and work with the team to develop new flagship projects.

·Oversee the delivery of an engaging, high quality and creative magazine in both print and digital formats, and develop a marketing strategy to increase magazine sales

·Manage the DIVA team and oversee operations at DIVA Charitable Trust, including leading on the financial strategy and business plan.

Person Specification / Attributes

The successful candidate will be a talented leader with a strong track record in fundraising and partnership development and experience of building high performing teams.

Essential skills and experience

·Demonstrable track record of raising significant income from a variety of sources

·Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

·Demonstrable track record of providing motivational and influential leadership and in representing a high-profile organisation and issues

·Good understanding of financial accounting and budgeting in the charity sector

·Strategic and innovative thinking

Desirable but not essential

·Experience of working in or with the LGBTQIA+ movement

·Experience of working in media or communications 

Are you a powerhouse in partnership-led fundraising or business development? We’re recruiting an enthusiastic leader to drive six‑figure, multi‑year deals across major donors, trusts, foundations, and corporates, with an ambitious goal to grow income from £1.6M to £4.5M by FY30, in line with our strategic roadmap.

Job Purpose

As Director of Partnerships, you will:

•  Lead on partnerships fundraising, including major donors, trusts & foundations, and corporates with a focus on securing six-figure multi-year agreements to significantly grow funds raised in this area from £1.6 million to £4.5 million by FY30, in line with Operation Smile UK’s multi-year strategy.
• Foster and facilitate collaboration across different departments within OSUK.
• Ensure business as usual is achieved in line with operational plans, while also exploring and implementing innovative initiatives and campaigns to ensure the future success of partnerships' fundraising.
• Represent OSUK at a leadership level, building relationships with industry peers and peers within the Operation Smile global team to ensure best practice across all areas.

Key Responsibilities

Philanthropy Leadership

• Leads strategy, planning and operation of the major gift, trusts & foundations and corporate giving channels.
• Develops annual business plans and budgets in collaboration with the Executive Director (ED) and Executive Team.  
• Strategically identifies and qualifies potential new donors to grow the prospect pipeline.
• Prepares development communications: solicitation and acknowledgement letters; case statements and proposals; stewardship reports; briefing notes; gift agreements.
• Identifies, cultivates, and solicits major gift commitments from high-net-worth individuals
• Monitors activity of the team, ensuring that benchmarks are achieved, including submission of solicitations, donor contacts and meetings, confirmations of donations, and other performance indicators as related to the team checking their portfolio.
• Provides the organisation with the interpretation of market trends and emerging issues that could impact the organisation’s partnerships fundraising stream.
• Ensures the effective collection of donor information and tracking of points of contact in accordance with best practices; provides and presents statistical analysis to senior leaders.
• Leads on data mining, prospect research, and ensuring the quality of data as it relates to the donors they work with.
• Develops and manages relationships within their own portfolio, personally conducting cultivation visits, solicitation calls and stewardship activities as required.
• Effectively manages fundraising resources and practices ethical fundraising.

HR Management

• Leads, mentors, and manages a team; regular meetings to provide direction, coaching and delegation to the partnerships team.

Financial Management

• Manages and implements approved business plans, ensuring that the annual revenue objectives and budget are met or exceeded, and oversight of the partnership’s departmental budgets.
• Provides leadership in the delivery of statistical analysis, projections, and detailed reports on partnerships fundraising goals and performance that may be used to contribute to the development of internal budgets.

 

Partnership Sustainability

• Develops donor relationships by researching, sourcing, cultivating, and stewarding existing and potential partners.
• Works to broaden sources of revenue, including working with corporate partners in various industries.
• Develops and implements a stewardship program aimed at cultivating deeper ties with donors and corporate partners.
• Contributes innovative ideas to the development of new strategic partnerships and alternative revenue streams.

Other

• Other duties as assigned by the ED.
• Meetings with OSI and partner countries.
• Board reports/board meetings as required.

Recruitment

We are actively interviewing for this role on a rolling basis as suitable applicants apply. If you're interested in this role, it is advisable to apply as soon as possible.

Disability Confident Committed Employer

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

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

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

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

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

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

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

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

BACKGROUND
Over the past 90 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster.

The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.

IRC UK
IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England.

In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm.

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

The External Relations (ER) unit comprises four complementary functions: Private Fundraising, Marketing & Mobilization, Policy & Advocacy and Operations & Analytics. To enable IRC to deliver our Strategy100 commitments, the ER unit established a bold new approach that enhances our ability to raise diverse and flexible funding aligned with IRC’s top priorities, while raising our profile and influence. The ER unit is international, with colleagues in more than 10 offices globally.

 

The Purpose of the Role

As Director of Communications, UK, you lead IRC UK’s core communications strategy with the objectives of growing our profile, influencing policy, driving income, and building our reputation. This is done by taking a strategic approach to generating effective messaging for cross-team use, creatively collaborating to produce cut-through external products across media and digital channels, and generating top tier media coverage in collaboration with communications, advocacy and fundraising colleagues globally. In this role you will be expected to use expert judgment to manage IRC UK’s reputation, as well as ensure media and digital outputs protect clients, staff and programming from harm. 

The Director will report to the UK Executive Director and the Acting Senior Director of Global Public Affairs. The Director will collaborate closely with the Director for Digital Engagement, UK Advocacy Director, and the Director of UK Mass Markets to meet the organization’s strategic objectives surrounding profile, income and influence.

 

Scope and Authority

 

Authority:

●The role holder sets strategic direction for UK communications, with a focus on earned media, public advocacy and organic digital.

●The role oversees the UK comms operational budget, with access to the Global External Relations budget.

●The role has the authority to brief journalists with agreed messaging and act as spokesperson for the organisation.

●The Director will line manage the communications team and other positions when required.

●The role is a key member of the UK Senior Management Team, with collective responsibility for the leadership, culture and efficacy of IRC UK.

 

Key Working Relationships

●Reports to the UK Executive Director and Acting Senior Director Global Public Affairs & Communications.

●Close collaboration with External Relations staff in the UK, US and globally, including Policy and Advocacy, Mass Markets, Fundraising, Awards Management, Digital Engagement, Entertainment Relations, Creative Studio, and Experiential Marketing.

●Works closely with key country directors, country programme staff and technical unit colleagues.

●Supports policy staff in the IRC President’s Office on key UK messages and policy initiatives involving the IRC President.

●Works closely with counterparts in NGOs and donors particularly FCDO and the DEC.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

 

Strategic Direction

●Raise IRC UK's profile, income, influence and brand in the UK market by developing and delivering a 360 comprehensive communications & marketing strategy that reaches target audiences, attracts new supporters, and connects supporters with IRC clients.

●Partner with global external relations leadership to set Key Performance Indicators for achieving the strategy, and drive and monitor progress towards them with the support of your team.

●Contribute to the development and delivery of the UK Strategic Plan.

 

 

 

Team Management & Stakeholder engagement

●Manage a team of communications professionals, setting objectives, portfolio scope, and partnering on professional development opportunities

●Drive creative insights and strategic thinking within the UK comms team and influence / maximize policy, advocacy and fundraising outputs and results

●Lead strategic communications planning to maximize opportunities of partnering with income and influence objectives and outputs

●Ensure the UK Communications Team are clear on systems, processes and organization to drive efficiency and team productivity

●Review team performance quarterly and present on results to global stakeholders

●As a member of the UK Senior Management Team (UK SMT) support the UK Executive Director in the creation and delivery of IRC UK strategies and priorities, foster cohesion and collaboration among UK based departments, representing the needs and objectives of the team in the UK SMT and UK office.

 

Execution: Driving IRC profile, influence and income; and protecting the reputation of the IRC

●Work alongside global communications colleagues, Policy & Advocacy colleagues, Digital Engagement and UK Fundraisers to develop appropriate messaging on key proactive and reactive issue areas across the scope of IRC’s work.

●Plan and identify key moments of opportunity for IRC UK Communications according to internal and external landscape and timetables.

●Ensure pro/reactive message accuracy and cut through calls to action that engage audiences for proactive campaigns and news cycle opportunities.

●Develop, commission and drive creative cut-through tactics and products, from revealing IRC research and analysis to emergency media briefings.

●Secure top tier media coverage of IRC’s work, solutions and innovation, balancing mentions with long-form/features and profiles.

●Influence and shape key media and digital narratives around IRC UK priority issues.

●Oversee strategic media opportunities by commissioning, writing, editing and disseminating messaging for multi-channel use includingpress-releases, op-eds, statements, web and social content to secure coverage of the IRC in the UK across print, broadcast and online media.

●Work with global communications colleagues and country office staff to create strong, persuasive and impactful outputs, and to arrange interviews and media visits to frontline work.

●Act as a spokesperson for the organization in the media as needed.

●Liaise closely with Fundraising teams to collaborate on timely messaging, client-centered storytelling, digital outputs, and media coverage to bring in donations to the IRC during emergencies and other fundraising appeals.

●Manage the communications component of IRC UK’s relationship with the DEC and lead communications on DEC appeals.

●Use expert judgment to ensure the IRC’s brand is protected and to develop and enact strategies to enhance IRC’s reputation, as well as ensure media outputs protect clients, staff and programming from harm.

●Ensure coordinated and topical messaging across media outreach and digital channels.

●Establish close relationships with press counterparts within statutory donor organizations that lead to opportunities to promote IRC in the media.

●Leverage IRC’s President and CEO, and UK Executive Director to grow our profile in the UK, through proposing and implementing op-eds, interviews and other media activities.

●Support, prepare and coach staff, spokespeople and board members for media interviews and visits; and provide guidance across the organisation to dealing with media.

●Build expertise on current and potential issues in the humanitarian NGO arena via research and monitoring of national media and competitors and in liaison with global colleagues.

●Work with the global media colleagues to ensure that IRC has a system for managing media enquiries at all times, as needed.

●Responsible for reporting to the IRCUK board, subcommittees and Executive Director on press activity, trends and upcoming opportunities.

●Responsibility for the budget oversight, tracking & administration as well as ensuring adherence to financial processes

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience

●**Track record in creating, driving and evaluating a 360-degree communications and marketing strategy that focuses on media, digital and enabling income.**

●**Experience leading and managing media and digital teams.** 

●Experience navigating and influencing within large matrixed organizations.

●Extensive experience of developing key messages and implementing media strategies with an international, and ideally humanitarian or development focus.

●**Experience of conducting media relations and communications opportunities in developing countries and sensitive contexts.

●Experience of organising international media visits to projects in order to facilitate reporting on key issues.**

●**Experience responding to reputational threats.**

●**Experience leading a digital communications team that delivers breakthrough digital content

●Experience/knowledge of tools for monitoring media coverage and digital results.**

●Experience of dealing with media enquiries into crisis and sensitive issues.

●Experience of acting as a spokesperson for an organisation.

●Experience managing a budget, ensuring timely payment and adherence to finance protocol

Skills and Knowledge

●Creative thinker who can identify opportunities and collaborate internally to produce external products that cut through media and digital and meet strategic IRC UK objectives.

●Strong communication and interpersonal skills: ability to communicate effectively with colleagues both in the UK and overseas and manage working relationships diplomatically.

●Excellent eye to detail and commitment to high speed and high quality writing and editing

●Strong understanding of marketing and how communications intersect with income generation, and influencing

●Strong organisational and time management skills: ability to prioritise team’s work, and multi-task in a fast-paced work setting.

●Good knowledge of UK and international media landscape and news cycle

●Good instinct for digital marketing and digital environment

●Good contacts with key UK journalists and media outlets, and knowledge and ability to develop relationships quickly.

●Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills; adept at writing clean, engaging, jargon-free copy for a range of channels.

●Ability to represent IRC-UK and the wider IRC professionally and appropriately at all times.

●Knowledge/interest in international affairs, particularly of conflict and humanitarian crises and issues.

●Knowledge of key political debates in the UK around international development and aid.

●Flexibility as regards working hours, as the need arises.

●Willingness to travel occasionally to conflict areas.

●Fluency in English, spoken and written.

Be bold. Be compassionate. Be part of something life-changing.

At The Brain Tumour Charity, we’re here to accelerate a cure and improve life for everyone affected by brain tumours. We’re leading the way in research, support and advocacy – and we’re just getting started.

As we continue to work toward our ambitious strategic priorities, we’re looking for an exceptional leader to join us as our new Director of Services. We are looking for someone who shares our ambition, who connects with our values which are bold, collaborative, innovative and community-first. And someone who shares our deep commitment to creating real change for the brain tumour community.

This is more than a leadership role. It’s a chance to shape how care, support and information are provided to the brain tumour community, and to inform and shape faster diagnosis and care outcomes. We want to ensure that no one faces a brain tumour diagnosis alone.

About the role

Reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on our Senior Leadership Team, you’ll lead a talented team of around 20 colleagues to design, deliver, and evaluate services in collaboration with other teams within The Charity and with external partners.

We’re looking to you to lead our strategic priority for improving quality of life and quality of care for all those affected by a brain tumour. This includes:

· Tackling healthcare inequalities.

· Expanding and improving our counselling, peer support and information services.

· Equipping healthcare professionals to spot the signs and to deliver better care.

· Partnering with others to amplify the voice of our community and to drive systemic change.

You’ll be responsible for strategy and leadership oversight, budget oversight, safeguarding leadership, and service evaluation, ensuring our work is grounded in evidence, shaped by lived experience, and built for impact.

Who we’re looking for

We’re seeking a strategic, values-led leader who is ready to step into one of the most meaningful roles in the sector. Your professional background may stem from health, charity, or wider social impact; what matters most is your belief in the power of people and communities to shape and deliver change, your commitment to equity, and your readiness to lead with compassion, clarity, and courage.

You’ll bring:

· Proven experience designing, delivering and evaluating impactful services – ideally in a health, care, or social impact context.

· A deep understanding of the communities you serve, and a track record of collaborating with others to reduce inequity and increase access.

· Strategic confidence – from service transformation to budget ownership and cross-functional planning.

· A creative and inclusive leadership style, grounded in empathy, clarity and purpose.

· A commitment to equity, co-creation and continuous improvement, and a personal motivation to make a difference.

Whether you’re already a Director or a high-performing Head of/Assistant Director looking for the next step, we’d love to hear from you.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to lead change at scale, joining a bold, inclusive and emotionally intelligent charity at a pivotal moment in its journey.

We offer hybrid and flexible working options; a strong commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and learning; and the chance to be part of an organisation that listens deeply to the people it serves and acts with courage.

You’ll be joining a team connected by a shared purpose – to do more, for more people, faster – and supported to lead with authenticity and heart.

Prospectus is supporting a London focused grant givng organisation in the search for a Director of Development. This organisation exist to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged people in London by working with donors to invest in small, local charities and community groups. They empower local community organisations and leaders to identify their needs and solutions and connect these groups with funders, distribute resources, and help increase their impact. Additionally, they promote the value of local organisations, encourage philanthropy, and build relationships between communities and funders, and have given £127 million in grants to grassroot organisations in London since 2010.

Director of Development

Permanent

circa £75,000 FTE

London with hybrid working 1 day per week

   

The Director of Development will be responsible for developing and achieving the organisation's income strategy, with particular focus on developing, prospecting, and building relationships with high value donors, corporates, financial advisors, and wealth management. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, this role will be a strategic Director, whilst also leading on key donor facing relationships. This role will be critical to leading and executing successful engagement strategies for both internal and external stakeholders, with the support of a small team of two.

The successful candidate will be able to evidence setting strategy and delivering successful high value income generation growth. This person will be able to demonstrate identifying and securing gifts of a six-figure plus level. They will have a proven track record of developing and maintaining strategic senior networks. This person will have managed other team members before and be a strong communicator with other senior internal stakeholders and external donors.

   

Application information

Closing date for completed applications is midday on 24th August.

   

To apply

To apply for the role please upload your CV together with a supporting statement (of no more than 2 pages) onto the Prospectus website via the link below.

Prospectus is committed to providing equality of opportunity and welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds. For all job opportunities and progression, job applicants and employees will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. If you have any disability and would like assistance with completing an application, then please contact Rhiannon Mehta at Prospectus on      

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.

We're looking for a confident and compassionate Co-Director to lead our mental health charity using gardens, creativity & community for recovery.

**We offer mentoring support for applicants who might benefit from additional guidance - please see the full Job Description for further details**

About Sydenham Garden

Based in Lewisham in South-East London, Sydenham Garden is a unique wellbeing centre utilising its gardens, nature reserve and activity rooms to help people living with and recovering from mental and physical ill-health. We provide nature and arts based creative, social and therapeutic activities for co-workers (the name we give to our primary beneficiaries).

About the role 

Our Director has been in post since November 2021 and on returning from maternity leave in January 2026 she will be working 3 days a week.  We are seeking a Co-Director to jointly lead the organisation going forwards as we have made a positive decision to move towards a co-director model.  This is an exciting opportunity which can have benefits of increasing capacity, efficiency, and transparency and allow for a broader range of identities both to better reflect the diverse populations they serve and as a way to include more diverse leaders. It is a model that can also reduce burnout, build equity, and support flexible working.

As Co-Director you will be jointly responsible for leading and manage the day-to-day running of Sydenham Garden for the benefit of our co-workers.  This will involve overseeing implementation and regular review of Sydenham Garden’s strategic plan and to ensure all governance arrangements are in place to monitor the work of the organisation and to report to the Board of Trustees and to funders.

You will ensure fundraising and financial plans and processes are in place to deliver the agreed services, including fundraising from Trusts & Foundations, community fundraising and developing contracted services as necessary.

The Co-Directors will be jointly accountable to the Trustee Board for all aspects of the job description. You may take lead responsibility on particular areas which will be discussed and agreed with the existing Co-Director and Trustee Board.

About You

You are a confident and compassionate leader with a commitment to the mental health and wellbeing sector.  You bring a thoughtful, strategic and inclusive approach to leadership.

Your communication skills are excellent, and you’re able to build strong, trusting relationships with colleagues at all levels, as well as with external partners, funders, and stakeholders.  You are deeply committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, with a clear track record of putting these values into practice.

You have a proven experience in securing income for charitable work and are confident in financial management and planning. 

You also understand the value of co-production and have experience working collaboratively with volunteers and co-workers (service users), ensuring their voices are central to service design and delivery.

We’re looking for someone who is dedicated to the mission of Sydenham Garden and has relevant experience at management level in a mental health charity of similar organisation. 

How to apply

Candidates will be shortlisted based on:

· Experience of working at a management level in a mental health charity or comparable organisation. 

· An excellent strategic thinker with experience of input into strategic development and implementation.

· Good communication skills and the ability to build relationships with colleagues at all levels in an organisation and with external contacts and partners. 

· A proven commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

· Experience of line managing and developing staff, including through appraisal systems. 

· Proven ability to secure income, manage fundraising processes and to manage and produce fundraising applications. 

· Experience of financial management and planning, including managing budgets. 

· Experience of working with volunteers and co-workers (service users). 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Sydenham Garden is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). We want to build a diverse and inclusive staff, volunteer and trustee team where everyone feels that they belong and that reflects the profile of the communities we serve. Therefore, we will welcome and consider applications from candidates of all backgrounds and protected characteristics, and we particularly encourage applications from people of African or Caribbean heritage to ensure our staff team represents the communities we serve.

To apply, please send us a CV together with a supporting statement (maximum 2 pages, minimum font size of 11) that addresses how you meet the Person Specification listed above.

Prospectus is delighted to be partnering with a West London-based older people’s charity who provide a range of impactful, person-centred services; from social prescribing, to befriending, to dementia support, to information and advice, to digital inclusion. They are now recruiting for an interim Director of Services to lead the organisation through a time of change and development.

As interim Director of Services, you will work across various departments to oversee the strategic delivery of beneficiary-focussed services, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, to target and to budget. You will join the CEO in leading the delivery of the organisation’s strategy, evidencing impact, ensuring that staff and the management team are motivated and engaged and that older people remain at the heart of delivery. You will develop and maintain strong strategic relationships with key stakeholders, particularly within the NHS, promoting and developing the charity's integrated teams and social prescribing work, and facilitating opportunities to secure funding.

To apply for this role, you must be a senior manager with significant experience of overseeing and developing health, social and voluntary sector services in integrated settings. You must have extensive experience of working with and supporting vulnerable people, and an understanding of the health and wider social issues affecting them. You must have demonstrable experience of managing, supporting and developing staff teams, and of working in partnership with a range of stakeholders at a senior level.

Please initially apply by submitting your CV in Word format (cover letters are not required at this stage). Successful candidates will then be contacted and provided with further information.      
 
At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds. Please let us know if we can help you with the application process in any way. We are more than happy to make any reasonable adjustments to enable all interested candidates to apply.    

Please note, this role is initially offered as a 6-month fixed term contract (up to the end of March 2026) with possibility of extension.

Please also note this role will be hybrid-working (1 day, potentially 2 working from home).