Executive director jobs in Chelsea, greater london

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Director of Finance and IT with a health-related research and advocacy charity, on a full-time (35 hours per week), permanent basis. As Director of Finance and IT you will ensure the charity is financially strong, providing sound financial stewardship, thoughtful investment, and values-led decision-making through a sustainable financial model that enables delivery of strategic objectives.

There is hybrid working in place with this organisation with a minimum of 1 day per week in their London office.

As Director of Finance and IT, you will:

- Lead the finance function through a period of change, looking at new financial systems and ways of working, supporting new funding models and ensuring the function is fit for purpose in line with the charity’s 10-year strategy

- Oversee delivery of the IT strategy, strengthening digital maturity, improving operational efficiency, enhancing cyber resilience, and enabling innovation across the charity
- Review and oversee the charity’s long-term financial strategy to ensure financial sustainability

- Be responsible for the quality and appropriateness of all financial procedures for the charity

- Be responsible for monitoring the organisation’s performance against key performance indicators both locally and within the international network in all of their charitable activities

The successful applicant will:
- Have significant demonstrable experience in finance within the charity sector, in a similar role
- Be ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent fully qualified

- Have thorough knowledge of charity sector law and SORP accounting
- Have significant experience in a finance environment at senior level, including developing financial strategy

- Have experience of overseeing IT or digital functions at a strategic level
- Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

If this sounds like you and you're keen to hear more, please do get in touch ASAP!

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Founded in 1865, and established by Royal Charter, the Royal Alfred is a much respected and widely known Maritime Charity based in Surrey providing a Nursing Care Home and affordable Housing for former seafarers and their dependents. Due to the impending retirement of the current Chief Executive Officer, they are seeking a dynamic individual to take on this exciting opportunity to build upon recent achievements and to meet the challenge of maintaining a first-class service to the Society's beneficiaries.

To £85 000 + bens

Surrey - Hybrid

The post requires a committed, well-motivated individual with excellent communication skills, able to absorb responsibility yet delegate to an established and talented team of senior managers. Training, where applicable, will be provided, particularly for registration as the Nominated Individual. The post also takes responsibility for Finance, and thus an understanding of financial procedures and budgetary control will be essential.

Reporting to the Chair, other duties will include;

● As the Nominated Individual, supervise the management of the Care Home (Belvedere House), together with Housing, ensuring the highest standards of delivery possible are being achieved.

● Representing the interests of the Society within the wider Maritime Charity and Care sectors as necessary.

● Ensuring that the Strategic Plan and all Policies laid down by the Society are implemented and adhered to.

● Ensuring that all legal, statutory, governance, and best practice guidelines are adhered to.

● Overseeing grant application planning, submission and implementation, including identifying resource requirements and submitting proposals.

Who are we looking for?

The nature of the Charity defines that a candidate with some maritime experience in a leadership role would be an advantage but is not essential. Previous experience in the care sector or some experience in regulated environments is also desirable

The successful candidate will have proven experience as a senior manager, and will be an effective leader, with a willingness to learn then apply knowledge of Care Services as the legally Nominated Individual. The chosen candidate will require DBS certification for work with vulnerable adults.

The closing date for applications will be Monday 18th May. Any direct applications will be forwarded to our retained consultant, Simon Bell at Adjacency Executive Search.

A gallery shaped by ideas, people and possibility
Whitechapel Gallery is a leading contemporary arts organisation in East London, committed to making art accessible to diverse audiences.

As we approach our 125th anniversary, we are entering a period of renewed ambition, including a significant capital project and plans for the future of our building and operations. This is a pivotal moment, bringing both opportunity and complexity, requiring clear thinking and strong financial leadership.

The opportunity
We are seeking a Director of Finance to join us at this important stage. This is a senior leadership role, working closely with the Director, Director of Commerce and Business Transformation, Senior Management Team and Board of Trustees.

You will shape financial strategy, support high-level decision-making and ensure the Gallery remains financially sustainable, well-governed and able to deliver its ambitions. The role combines strategic oversight with operational leadership, requiring sound judgement and the ability to work across a complex organisation.

The role
You will lead the Gallery’s financial strategy and planning, ensuring robust budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management. You will provide clear financial insight to support senior decision-making and oversee high-quality reporting.

You will ensure strong financial governance and compliance with Charity SORP, manage risk, and lead the annual audit. You will also oversee tax and regulatory matters, including VAT, PAYE and Gift Aid, and manage relationships with auditors, banks and funders.

You will lead and develop the Finance Team, while supporting financial understanding across the organisation. As part of the senior leadership group, you will help shape priorities and ensure resources are aligned to deliver impact.

About you
You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with senior-level experience. Experience in the charity or cultural sector is helpful but not essential.

You will bring strong expertise in financial strategy, planning and governance, and be confident advising Boards or Trustees. You will be able to translate complex financial information into clear insight and build effective relationships across the organisation.

Why join Whitechapel Gallery?
This is an opportunity to take on a key leadership role at an important point in the Gallery’s development. You will work closely with senior colleagues and Trustees, influencing strategy and supporting delivery across the organisation.

Equity, diversity and inclusion
Whitechapel Gallery is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We value different perspectives and are committed to an accessible recruitment process. If you require adjustments, please let us know.

To apply

Send your CV and cover letter to via the link by Sunday 17th May, midnight.

For an informal conversation about the role, please reach out to our exclusive recruitment partner, Bryony Thomas, via the Allen Lane agency website.

We are seeking an exceptional leader to be our next chief executive, leading a respected and influential membership organisation at the heart of a thriving grassroots movement.

You’ll be working to build on the success we’ve seen and strong position and voice we have established for ourselves and our members, as a leading force for inclusive and sustainable transport and communities.

You’ll bring an impressive track record in values-based leadership, a proven ability to engage and inspire grassroots change-makers, strategic partners and policy-makers, and a deep belief in the importance of community-led change towards a sustainable, equitable future.

About us

Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation, which is in the process of applying for charitable status, supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.

Community rail is made up of 77 community-based organisations, and around 1,300 station volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.

Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in dispersed locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.

About this role, and your main responsibilities

Our current CEO is moving on after nine years in role, leaving the organisation, team and wider movement in a strong and empowered position to deliver on the next phase of our development.

Your opportunity is to lead the organisation, and to deliver on our new five-year strategy setting an ambitious course for the future during a period of major transformation for our railways and the wider transport system. You will ensure that we are:

• clear in our identity and our independence, and seen as thought leaders in our field;
• are supporting our members and stakeholders to meet their changing and diverse needs; and
• ensuring the financial and operational resilience of the organisation in an environment that is undergoing a period of rapid change.

As CEO, you will lead a passionate and experienced senior leadership team with three direct reports, while working closely with and reporting into our Board, key partners and funders, and ensuing an engaging, empowering, tenacious approach across all we do.

Advocacy of community rail and its benefits will be high on your agenda, and you will be working closely across multiple stakeholders including UK and devolved national governments, regional and local authorities as well as forging collaborative partnerships with like-minded organisations.

Maintaining our community-centric ethos, you will need to ensure we're effective in enabling members to unlock greater value from the railways at a grassroots level, while drawing on their insights to affect wider change. With hundreds of member groups and organisations across Britain delivering life-changing, place-enhancing work, you will have a solid foundation to build on, to take community rail forward and expand our impact in the years ahead.

Last, but not least, you will be responsible for ensuring the strong and effective governance of the organisation, modelling our governing principles, values and behaviours, and ensuring that we have robust financial and resource management in place.

Skills, competencies and qualities

1. Exceptional leadership skills, including a proven ability to lead, develop and grow third sector organisations or multi-faceted teams delivering complex activities, projects and campaigns;
2. Excellent communication and external leadership skills: articulate, assertive, with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels;
3. Experienced in acting as the public face of an organisation, such as through the media, public speaking and high-level meetings, and using evidence and storytelling to articulate and champion a cause;
4. Politically astute, with knowledge of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a sound grasp of the importance of public transport, sustainable travel, and community-led action;
5. A proven ability to influence policy and decision-makers, and to identify influencing opportunities, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, including sharing community insights;
6. A strong track record in income generation and development, building strong funder relationships and delivery partnerships, managing programme or organisational budgets and controlling expenditure;
7. Experience of working with and/or reporting to a board, ideally in a not-for-profit and/or membership context;
8. An empowering, engaging approach to leadership, management and change-making;
9. Resilient, pragmatic and determined, with the ability to work under pressure, seize emergent opportunities, manage risk, and support others dealing with competing priorities.

Other information

The role will involve extensive travel within Britain as part of building your profile and that of the organisation with central and devolved government in Scotland and Wales, and increasingly with the devolved regions of England.

There is flexibility on location given the requirement to travel and that your office will be home-based. You will need to travel to in-person quarterly team meetings (usually in London or West Yorkshire) and to Board meetings which alternate between online and London. It is expected that travel will be by public transport and easy access to the rail network is therefore required to ensure journeys can be made sustainably. 

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months. 

Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising up to 30 days, plus Bank Holidays, in line with long service); pension with employer contribution of 7%; and access to Employee Assistance Programme.

Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.

Help end avoidable blindness worldwide

Right now, 1.1 billion people are living with vision loss - yet the vast majority of this is preventable or treatable. Behind every statistic is a child missing out on education, a parent unable to work, a community held back.

At Orbis UK, we are part of a global organisation that trains eye care professionals, delivers life-changing treatments, and invests in innovative solutions - from our Flying Eye Hospital to global telehealth platform -so that no one is needlessly blind.

In 2025, the UK team raised £7.1m. These funds supported 18 projects across 8 countries. With these funds we delivered 9,908 training sessions for health workers, enabled 469,287 eye screenings, 37,378 treatments and delivered 2.5m doses of antibiotics to tackle trachoma. The organisation’s ambition is to grow our income to £10 million per year within the next five years.

To achieve our next phase of growth and impact, we are looking for a Director of Finance & Operations who shares their ambition to expand access to eye care in the countries where it is needed most.

Why this role matters

As part of the senior leadership team, you will ensure Orbis UK is financially strong, operationally effective, and ready to expand our reach. Your leadership will directly support programmes that restore sight, train clinicians, and strengthen health systems in the communities where we work.

Your impact

You will:

• Ensure every pound is used effectively to maximise Orbis UK’s life-changing impact
• Provide the financial insight that shapes strategic decisions
• Lead the teams that ensure the smooth running of the organisation - finance, HR, IT, and operations
• Strengthen governance, accountability, and sustainability as the organisation grows
• Partner with colleagues in the UK and internationally to deliver lasting change

Who we’re looking for

You are more than technically excellent - you are purpose-driven.

You’ll bring:

• A professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA)
• Experience leading finance in a complex organisation, ideally with charity or public sector exposure
• The ability to translate financial insight into clear, strategic direction
• A collaborative leadership style and confidence working with senior stakeholders
• A genuine commitment to global equity and social impact

Join us

Orbis is not a large organisation; it depends more than most on the value added by the individual. If you believe you can bring not only strong professional skills, but also the personal qualities, commitment to our charitable aims, and collaborative spirit that make a meaningful difference in a small team like ours, we would love to hear from you and strongly encourage you to apply.

Recruitment timetable

• Application deadline  Sunday 17th May, midnight
• Shortlisting  Wednesday 27th May 
• First stage interviews  w/c 1st June
• Final interviews  w/c 8th June

To apply, send your CV and cover letter via the link by Sunday 17th May, midnight.

For an informal conversation about the role, please reach out to our exclusive recruitment partner, Bryony Thomas, via the Allen Lane agency website.

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation, and particularly welcome applications from people currently underrepresented at senior levels, including those from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic backgrounds, and disabled or neurodivergent candidates.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the role itself, we’ll work with you to make that happen.

Interim Director of Finance and Operations 

Initial up to 6 month fixed-term contract 

Part Time 2-4 days per week, flexible 

Hybrid, 1-2 days on site in Angel, London 

£90, 000 Pro Rata

Our client champions young women aged 18 to 30 on low or no pay. They’re here to create a more equal world of work and raise young women’s incomes. They offer young women free coaching, feedback on job applications and information to help them get where they want to be. They bring together a network of thousands of young women to support each other, build their self-belief, and have their voices heard. They work with young women to campaign for equality in the workplace, and their research provides insight into what young women’s lives are really like, fuelling their campaigns for change. 

This is a critical executive role, providing strategic financial and operational leadership as part of the Senior Leadership Team while they recruit for the permanent position. During this interim period, the postholder will bring stability and expertise to the Finance and Operations function, effectively manage the team, ensure robust financial leadership and systems, while driving forward key organisational projects, including the CRM/data programme. 

Main responsibilities and key deliverables: 

• Effectively lead and manage the Finance and Operations Team 

• Provide strategic financial leadership including of the audit process, board reporting and, assisted by our outsourced investment advisors, oversight of the charity’s endowment and investments 

• Establish good working relationships with key stakeholders across the organisation and externally 

• Drive forward the timely delivery of the cross organisational data/CRM project, with external expert advice 

About you: 

• Fully qualified accountant (ICAEW/ ACA / ACCA / CIMA / CIPFA or equivalent) – essential 

• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills with the ability to lead others to achieve required results. 

• Excellent organisational and project management skills. 

• Digitally confident, with advanced skills in MS Excel and finance and accounting software (experience with Xero desirable) 

• Significant experience of leadership, management and development of staff. 

How to Apply 
Please submit an up-to-date CV via the Prospectus website using the link below, and indicate your preferred number of part-time working days within your application. 

Candidates of all genders and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

If you wish to apply using an alternative format, please contact Prospectus.
 
Timeline 
Application deadline: Sunday, 10 May Midnight 
Interviews with the organisation: 15th  May, in person 
CVs will be assessed on a rolling basis and early application is encouraged. 
 
Please note that candidates must be available for a start date in May/June 2026 

Lead a national organisation providing a lifeline at moments of crisis

Every 90 seconds, someone is reported missing in the UK. Behind each disappearance is a moment of crisis, uncertainty and risk, for the individual and for those who love them.

This UK charity is dedicated to supporting missing children and adults, and their families. For over 30 years, the organisation has provided free, confidential support through its helpline, services and advocacy, while working to improve the national response to missing through research, policy and campaigning.

With a strong foundation, a committed Board and a clear strategic direction, the organisation is building its reach and influence. It is now seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead it into its next phase.

Chief Executive Officer
£90,000 – £100,000
Hybrid, with regular presence in London and national travel

The Chief Executive will provide strategic and visible leadership to ensure the organisation continues to deliver high-impact support while strengthening its influence and sustainability.

We are looking for a leader who brings:

• A strong track record of strategic leadership, with the ability to shape and deliver organisational direction centred on impact and sustainability
• Proven experience of financial stewardship and income generation, with the ability to build long-term resilience and growth
• Credibility as an external ambassador, with the ability to build and sustain senior partnerships across government, policing, funders and the wider sector, and to influence policy and system-level change
• A collaborative, low-ego and people-centred leadership style, with the emotional intelligence to build trust, develop high-performing teams and foster an inclusive culture
• A deep commitment to centring lived and living experience, ensuring this informs services, decision-making and organisational direction

This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation that combines frontline support with national influence, at a time when its voice, visibility and impact are more important than ever.

How to Apply
For further information, please view the appointment brief on the Prospectus website.

To apply, please submit your CV along with a supporting statement (maximum 1,000 words), outlining your suitability for the role.

Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: Wednesday 27 May 2026
Interviews with Prospectus: w/c 1 June 2026
Interviews with the charity:
First round: w/c 15 June
Second round: w/c 22 June

Finance Director

London Community Foundation
Salary: c. £80,000 pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time or 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Location: London (hybrid, typically 1 day per week in the office)

London Community Foundation 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.

We are now seeking a Finance Director to play a pivotal role in shaping our future, strengthening our financial sustainability, supporting our governance, and enabling us to deliver greater impact for London’s communities.

The role

As Finance Director, you will sit at the heart of decision-making within a purpose-driven organisation, influencing strategy, supporting the Board, guiding investment decisions and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most.

As a key member of the Senior Management Team, working closely with the CEO, Board, and committees to ensure strong financial leadership, governance, and long-term sustainability.

You will:

· Lead financial strategy, planning, and performance across the organisation

· Provide clear, accessible financial insight to support decision-making at Board and executive level

· Oversee financial control, reporting, audit, and compliance (including SORP)

· Support stewardship of investments and endowment funds

· Lead risk, assurance, and governance processes, including engagement with the Finance, Risk & Resources Committee

· Act as Company Secretary, ensuring robust governance and regulatory compliance

· Oversee contracts, supply chain, and value-for-money across the organisation

· Provide strategic oversight of systems, data, and technology, including line management of the Technology Manager

· Lead and develop a high-performing finance team

This is a broad and influential role, combining strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, well-suited to someone who enjoys working across organisational boundaries and shaping how an organisation operates.

About you

You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with experience operating at a senior level and advising Boards and executive teams.

You will bring:

· A track record of leading financial strategy, planning, and organisational performance

· Strong experience in governance, risk, and compliance within complex environments

· Confidence working with Boards, committees, and senior stakeholders

· The ability to translate financial information into clear, actionable insight

· Experience leading teams and developing people

· An understanding of systems, data, and organisational infrastructure

· A commitment to inclusive leadership and equity

Experience in grant-making, philanthropy, or endowment management is welcome, but not essential.

Our commitment to inclusion

At London Community Foundation, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve.

We actively encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including those with lived experience of the issues our work seeks to address.

Further Information

For an informal discussion about the opportunity or if you require any additional support with your application, please contact Alex Williams at Giving Back Recruitment

Recruitment timetable 

• Closing date: Wednesday, 20th May 2026
• Interviews with London Community Foundation W/C 15th June

The Finance Director is responsible for all aspects of the group's finances (National Federation of Music Societies, trading as Making Music and its trading subsidiary), to ensure accurate and complete recording of all financial transactions, adherence to internal controls and procedures, and timely and effective analysis and reporting to the Chief Executive, Senior Management Team and other budget holders, the Finance & Compliance Committee and the Board of Trustees.

The Finance Director post is an integral part of the charity's senior management team, working closely with the Chief Executive, the Deputy CEO Advocacy and Lobbying and the Marketing Director, setting the strategic direction of the organisation and ensuring it has the financial systems and resources to implement its strategy.

The role line-manages and oversees the work of the Finance Manager who runs the day-to-day financial accounting processes, with the help of two Finance Administrators.

The role also leads on supporting members with finances, e.g. leading Treasurers' events, relevant website resources and responding to finance-related consultations.

The 2.5 days (18.75 hours) per week can be worked flexibly, and at least some of them from home, by agreement with your line manager. We would expect you to spend at least 1 days each week in our London office in Moorgate.

This is a friendly team, and our bright and lively office is located in one of the buzziest areas of London, with excellent transport links and nice places to spend your lunchtimes or meet friends after work.

Transport for All has a strong reputation for leading the debate and advocating for change to improve the journeys made by disabled people. This role presents an opportunity for a strong leader with the commitment, enthusiasm and expertise to build on our success.

Our Chief Executive will be responsible for continuing to delivering the remainder of our 5-year strategy, whilst horizon-scanning to work with the team and wider DPO community to engage in the opportunities and changes ahead. We’re a small team and this is a wide-ranging role which includes:

• Representing the voice of the 16 million+ people in the disabled community by influencing policy and infrastructure decision-makers through our campaigns.

• Overseeing a highly regarded policy and public affairs function with associated communications and stakeholder engagement, maintaining our high profile and reputation with national and local governments.

• Ensuring the charity’s funding is robust and sustainable, looking at how we can diversify our income and direct it towards what matters through continuing to deliver our strategy and planning for our future.

• Overall responsibility for our successful training, research and consultancy business, building partnerships and further growth. This includes the National Accessible Transport Survey.

• Championing our award-winning support services for disabled people.

• Leading our expert teams through a period of growth and consolidation, embedding a strong organisational culture and matching our structure and systems to our upcoming challenges and increasing size.

You will report to and be supported by a well-functioning and committed Board of Trustees who are professionals with experience of working in the charity and transport sectors, as well as finance, legal and government backgrounds.

At Target Ovarian Cancer, we exist to identify and tackle the biggest challenges in ovarian cancer so that it doesn’t limit life.

Too many women are diagnosed late. Too many face barriers to treatment, unequal access to care, or don’t get the support they need. We’re here to change that and we’re at a point where we can go even further.

To do that, we need strong foundations that allow us to grow our impact with confidence. That’s where this role comes in.

Why this role matters

This is not just a finance leadership position. It’s an opportunity to shape how a national charity delivers life-changing impact.

As a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, you will help ensure we have the financial strength, organisational resilience, and operational excellence needed to transform outcomes for women affected by ovarian cancer.

You’ll work closely with our CEO and Board to guide critical decisions, ensuring we’re building something ambitious and sustainable.

What you’ll lead

You will provide strategic leadership across the organisation’s core foundations:

• Financial sustainability – ensuring we can invest boldly and responsibly in our mission
• People and culture – building an inclusive, supportive environment where colleagues thrive
• Governance and risk – maintaining trust, accountability and strong decision-making
• Data and technology – enabling smarter, faster, more impactful work

You’ll bring clarity to complexity, strengthen our foundations, and help us grow with confidence and purpose.

Who we’re looking for

You’re a values-driven leader who combines commercial acumen with a deep commitment to impact.

You might come from the charity, public or private sector — but what matters most is that you:

• Understand how strong financial leadership enables real-world change
• Build trusted relationships and influence at the most senior levels
• Lead teams with empathy, clarity and high expectations
• Care deeply about equity, inclusion and improving outcomes for others
• Are motivated by the opportunity to use your expertise for a meaningful cause

A recognised accountancy qualification (or equivalent experience) is expected.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation, and particularly welcome applications from people currently underrepresented at senior levels, including those from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic backgrounds, and disabled or neurodivergent candidates.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the role itself, we’ll work with you to make that happen.

Why join Target Ovarian Cancer?

Because this is a moment that matters.

We have a clear strategy, a powerful mission, and the opportunity to make a lasting difference — from improving early diagnosis to strengthening support and amplifying the voices of those affected.

You’ll be joining a passionate, collaborative organisation that is committed to being:

• Supportive
• Expert
• Pioneering
• Empowering
• Impactful

Alongside this, we offer flexible working, strong wellbeing support, and a culture that values your growth and contribution.

Apply

If you want your leadership to make a tangible difference — not just to an organisation, but to lives — we’d love to hear from you.

Send your CV and cover letter via the link by Sunday 17th May, midnight.

For an informal conversation about the role, please reach out to our exclusive recruitment partner, Bryony Thomas, via the Allen Lane agency website.

We reserve the right to close the application process early. As such, we highly recommend an early application.

Prospectus is proud to be partnering with our client, a small, specialist health charity dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Dravet Syndrome.

Dravet Syndrome is a rare, life-long and life-limiting form of epilepsy that affects approximately one in every 15,000 people in the UK (around 2-4,000 people in total). It is a complex epilepsy syndrome so as well as severe, difficult-to-control seizures, people with Dravet Syndrome live with intellectual disability and a spectrum of associated difficulties including with speech and language, mobility, behaviours, eating and sleep. It is also common to have a co-diagnosis of autism and/or ADHD.

Founded in 2008 by a group of parents seeking support and information, DSUK has grown significantly over the past 17 years. Today, DSUK supports nearly 600 registered families across the UK and reaches over 2000 people in total, including parents and carers, siblings and bereaved families. As an organisation they deliver a range of impactful services aimed at improving the lives of beneficiaries through family support, professional education and medical research.

At a time of continued growth for the charity, and as medical advancements in the field continue (including clinical trials for the first gene therapies in rare epilepsy), DSUK are now looking to recruit a strategic, collaborative new CEO to help shape the next stage of their journey.

As the organisation’s new CEO, you will provide inspiring, values-driven leadership across the organisation, holding overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations and long-term growth. You will work closely with the Board of Trustees to develop and deliver the organisation’s next five-year strategy, steering organisational priorities, strengthening culture and ensuring the charity continues to grow, both in terms of scale and in impact. You will lead a small, dedicated, cross-functional team across family support, fundraising, communications and research, driving collaboration across all teams. You will also lead on impact and quality, embedding a culture of learning and continuous improvement. A key part of your role will involve developing and building strong relationships with a range of stakeholders, including families, professionals, researchers, pharmaceutical companies as well as other charities and funders. You will also represent DSUK at relevant conferences and sector events, both in the UK and occasionally internationally.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a small, specialist, growing organisation providing life-changing services. To apply for this role, you will be a confident, collaborative leader with significant senior leadership experience in the charity or not for profit sector (experience of working in a rare disease, health, disability or patient advocacy charity is desirable). You will have demonstrable experience of scaling an organisation, and navigating the complexity that growth brings. You will be a skilled communicator, confident at building relationships across health, care or community sectors. You will be resilient, adaptable and comfortable with the breadth and pace of working as a senior leader within a small charity.

If you are interested in applying for this exciting position, please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you the full job description and will arrange for a call to fully brief you on the role.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Victoria Savva at Prospectus.

Please note, this will be home-based with regular travel across the UK (and occasional international travel). Working hours are Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:30 (however some flexibility for evenings and weekends is required).

Our client was founded on a clear idea: that proven social solutions should be able to reach far more people, more effectively and more sustainably. Following a period of sustained growth and increased impact, the organisation is now seeking to appoint its next Chief Executive.

Chief Executive

Circa £150,000

London, with national and international travel

Over the past decade, the organisation has established a strong track record supporting non-profits, funders and social enterprises to scale their impact. Through advisory work, multi-client programmes and practical tools, it has helped hundreds of organisations expand their reach while strengthening the quality and durability of what they deliver. Today, the organisation occupies a distinctive position, combining the discipline and rigour of a consultancy with a deep commitment to social impact.

This is a unique opportunity to lead and evolve a high-performing organisation while contributing to the wider field of social impact and systems change. Building on strong foundations, the Chief Executive will sharpen strategy, strengthen financial resilience and ensure high-quality delivery across a global portfolio. As the organisation’s external ambassador, the Chief Executive will deepen funder and partner relationships, shape thinking on scaling what works, and lead a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team.

The role will suit someone who brings:

• Proven senior leadership experience (CEO, Executive Director, Managing Director or equivalent), ideally within social impact, philanthropy, consulting or global development contexts.
• Demonstrable success in building and sustaining high-value external relationships, particularly with major funders, foundations, or institutional partners.
• Experience leading and developing diverse, high-performing teams, with a clear commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Experience working across international contexts, including in Sub-Saharan Africa and with multi-country teams, programmes or partnerships.
• A deep commitment to the organisation’s mission to ensure good ideas do not stay small

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a values-driven, financially sound organisation with global reach, a strong reputation and significant potential to extend its influence and impact further.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement (no more than 1000 words) via the Prospectus website.

For an informal, confidential conversation about the role, please contact the retained advisors at Prospectus.

Recruitment Timetable

Deadline for applications: 13th May

Interviews with Prospectus: 18th - 20th May

Interviews with the organisation: w/c 25th May

The Kids Network is looking for an Executive Director to support the Fundraising, Finance and Operations of the charity for an interim period. 

• Contract: Fixed 12-14-month contract depending on availability for start date – Full time 35 hours per week 

• Salary: £60,000 per annum 

• Location: London Victoria/ Hybrid 

• Some evening and weekend work may be required, which can be claimed as TOIL 

• Reporting to the CEO 

• Line Management of 3x staff

About the Charity 

A rare opportunity to lead a values-driven children's charity through an exciting chapter of its story. 

The Kids Network is a growing charity with an ambitious five-year strategy and a decade of impact behind us. We connect children facing adversity with caring mentors from their own communities, creating relationships that change trajectories. In 2027 we celebrate our 10th anniversary and this role sits right at the heart of that milestone. 

We're a small, high-performing team of 16 who care deeply about the children and families we serve. We work hard, we learn constantly, and we look after each other. Now, while our Managing Director is on maternity leave, we're looking for an exceptional interim leader to hold the organisation steady and help it thrive. 

About the role: 

As Interim Executive Director, you'll be deputy to the CEO and a core member of our Senior Leadership Team. You'll hold the big picture: strategy, governance, finance, and fundraising, whilst also being across our operations and being present and part of the day-to-day. From Board engagement and risk management to leading our impact report and driving our plans for our 10th anniversary event, no two weeks will look the same. 

You'll lead and line-manage talented team members across fundraising, school partnerships, and operations. You'll be the steady hand that keeps our income pipeline strong and our systems running smoothly. 

This role would suit you if, you're a leader who balances strategic thinking with being genuinely hands-on. You stay calm under pressure, make clear decisions when they're needed, and take people with you rather than leaving them behind. 

Mission matters to you. Working to improve the lives of underserved children is something you care about, not just a role you're filling. You'll champion our values, model our culture and behaviours, and bring the team with you in doing the same. 

You're well-suited to the interim context. You’re able to build trust quickly, make an impact from day one, and build on what's already working well. You're comfortable with a varied workload and have the experience to make good decisions for the benefit of the children we work with. 

Benefits: 

• Flexible working arrangements (mostly working from home, with approximately one-two days a week working from the office)   

• Option for 2 Me days   

• 25 days annual leave entitlement

• Option to swap bank holidays for other religious holidays  

• Team Socials  

• Birthdays off  

• Working in a value led organisation, where we see and share the impact we have on children every day 

Responsibilities 

Strategy & Leadership 

• Provide executive leadership to the organisation, fostering a high-performance, inclusive and values-led culture aligned with the charity’s mission. 

• Lead, support, and develop the Senior Leadership Team and Fundraising and Schools Partnership leaders, ensuring consistent performance and accountability. 

• Inspire and motivate staff, promoting engagement, foster a learning culture, create ownership, and commitment to organisational goals. 

• Work with the CEO, Board, and Senior Leadership Team to shape and deliver the charity’s third year of its five-year strategy, ensuring alignment with the funding landscape and the evolving needs of children and communities. 

• Deputise for the CEO when required, including Board engagement, strategic decision-making, and external representation. 

• Act as an ambassador for TKN, promoting its work and campaigns to engage, influence, and collaborate with key stakeholders. 

Governance & Operations:

• Lead the Operations function. Manage the Systems and Operations Officer to ensure our robust systems and operations continue to run effectively at a high quality and enable the charity to achieve its stated goals. 

• Provide executive oversight of HR, demonstrating knowledge of HR compliance and law, supporting with serious HR matters and providing leadership support on people matters, performance management and staff development.

• Oversee the use of key technology platforms, ensuring that the charity is operating in the most efficient way, in accordance with UK GDPR and promoting data hygiene and security and supporting the Operations officer to develop guides and standard operating procedures 

• Hold executive accountability for organisational compliance, risk management, and operational integrity. Act as the lead for the charity in the event of a serious data or H&S incident. 

• Lead the organisational risk register and risk management, ensuring risks are proactively identified, mitigated, managed and communicated to our board of Trustees and the CEO 

• Maintain awareness of relevant policy, legislative, regulatory, and sector developments, ensuring organisational readiness and compliance. 

• Work closely with the CEO and chair of the Resource Committee to set the agenda and plan for papers for this committee (3 times a year). 

• Act as the key contact with the landlord and the charity’s IT contractors, as and when required 

Income Generation, Partnerships and Communication:

• Oversee the coordination and delivery of key fundraising activities, supporting the organisation’s income generation through strategic oversight and targeted input where required. Lead and line manage the Fundraising and Development Lead.

• Play a key role in planning and delivering the 10-year anniversary event in May 2027. 

• Develop, manage, and strengthen high-level strategic funder relationships and networks, building a strong pipeline of partnerships to support income targets.

• Lead and line manage the Schools and Partnerships Lead to achieve ambitious school targets and secure positive partnerships with schools

• Utilise the organisation’s data systems to identify relevant insights and stories, leading the development of the 2026 Impact Report. 

• Work with the external Marketing Provider and Schools and Partnerships Lead to deliver the organisation’s communications strategy to maintain a strong digital and online presence 

Finance & Sustainability 

• Hold accountability for the operational delivery and financial sustainability of the charity. 

• Work closely with the CEO and external Financial Service Provider to develop organisational budgets, support with the annual independent examiner and ensure effective financial planning, management, and oversight. 

• Ensure financial performance, risks, and forecasts are clearly and appropriately communicated to the CEO, Board. 

• Support income sustainability by aligning delivery with funding strategy and identifying opportunities for growth and partnership. 

• Act as main liaison between the charity and the Financial Service Provider, ensuring that both the charity and contractor adhere to the organisation's financial procedures 

Personal Specification 

Strategic Leadership & Drive 

• Proven senior leadership experience at director level or equivalent in the charity, public, or social sector, including leading teams and engaging boards. 

Organisational governance 

• Financial acumen; comfortable owning budgets, managing forecasts, approving payments and communicating financial health clearly to the board. 

• Sound knowledge of charity governance, HR, GDPR, risk management, and regulatory compliance. 

• Excellent organisational & project management skills 

Vision, stakeholder engagement and influence 

• Experience cultivating strategic partnerships with schools, funders, and external stakeholders. 

• A track record of building funder relationships and driving income generation, with confidence overseeing fundraising strategy and pipelines. 

• Advanced communication skills, someone who can represent the organisation externally with credibility and warmth. 

Change Management & Adaptability 

• Experience in an interim/ short term role 

• Strong people management skills, with a warm and accountable approach to developing and supporting others. 

Desirable:  

• Experience working directly with school and corporate partnerships 

• Experience using Salesforce.  

• Experience working with trustees

How to apply & Dates 

To apply please submit a CV and a covering letter through Charity Jobs, ensuring the cover letter is no more than 2 pages.

The ideal start date is August 2026 

The interview process and dates will be: 

• Rolling initial conversations as and when suitable candidates apply 

• First formal interviews (online) 27th May 

• Final interviews & presentation (in person) 2nd June

Due to the size of the Charity, we are unable to respond to all applications, therefore if you do not hear from us to arrange an interview you have not been successful with your application.  

The Kids Network is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to apply for an enhanced DBS check.  

Safeguarding commitment   

The Kids Network is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to go through our safer recruitment processes, including an enhanced DBS check.   

Equity commitment      

The Kids Network values diversity and inclusion and we have worked to create an application process that is as accessible as possible, however we still recognise that there is maybe more we can do especially for applicants who are minoritised in society, have specific accessibility needs and/or experience discrimination.    

 If this is the case we are both happy and open to discussing better ways to support your candidacy and make this application process as equitable as possible for you.    

 We are a diverse organisation and welcome everyone but it is important to note that the intersections of your identity will not increase or affect the amount of labour you are asked to do. If you wish to draw on your own lived experiences that will be both encouraged and supported but it is not nor ever will be a prerequisite of this role.   

You can find out more about our commitment to anti-oppression on our website.