External trustee volunteer volunteer roles

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader 

Roles available at colleges across Stockton-on-Tees

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom? 

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials. 

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you 

Further education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts. 

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed. 

This is an opportunity to: 

• Apply your corporate skills in a leadership role 

• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV 

• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility 

• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation 

What will you be doing? 

As part of a governing board, you’ll: 

• Set strategic direction: help define the college’s mission and goals 

• Hold leadership to account: monitor finances, performance, and outcomes 

• Ensure governance excellence: make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders 

• Act as a charity trustee: ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance 

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners. 

Who are we looking for? 

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to: 

• Finance, Audit & Risk 

• HR, People & Culture 

• Strategy, Transformation & Operations 

• Technology, AI & Digital 

• Legal, Governance & Compliance 

• Marketing, PR & Communications 

• Education, apprenticeships, or vocational courses 

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed. 

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed. 

Time commitment 

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including: 

• Attending board and committee meetings (in person or remote) 

• Reading papers and preparing questions 

• Participating in training and occasional college visits 

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development. 

Where you’ll be needed 

Some colleges offer remote governance and meetings take place online. This may suit you best, or we may suggest a role where you volunteer on a hybrid basis at a college within a reasonable distance from you. We are recruiting governors for colleges across Stockton-on-Tees, with new opportunities added regularly. 

What’s in it for you? 

This role offers the opportunity to: 

• Enhance your board-level and governance experience 

• Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role 

• Expand your professional network 

• Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact 

About Boards for Education 

Boards for Education is a charity that sources and supports volunteers onto governing boards. We aim to improve educational outcomes for children, young people, and adult learners by strengthening governance across the education sector. 

We offer specialist governor, chair, and trustee recruitment services as part of our mission to build exceptional boards. 

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role? 

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you. 

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor.

Role- Head of Governance and Legal (Voluntary)

Reporting- CEO/CPO

Location- Remote, UK-based

Commitment: We estimate this role requires 4–6 hours per week, with flexibility to manage your own time. All meetings are remote and scheduled in advance.

Compensation: Voluntary role (non-paid)

About YouthAdvantage UK

YouthAdvantage UK is a volunteer-led, research-based organisation championing the rights and wellbeing of young people aged 11 to 25 across the UK. We influence national policy, deliver grassroots projects, and elevate youth voice in key debates; from education to mental health, climate action to justice reform.

We are seeking a passionate, committed Head of Governance & Legal to join our senior leadership team and help shape the strategic foundations that support our work.

About the role

As Head of Governance & Legal, you will lead a small team focused on risk, compliance, and governance excellence. You will ensure our work is rooted in sound legal and ethical frameworks and will support our growth with robust, transparent policies and guidance. You’ll also provide strategic support to our Board of Trustees and act as the senior point of contact for all legal matters.

This is an ideal opportunity for a governance, legal, or compliance professional looking to gain sector leadership experience while supporting a values-driven youth organisation.

 What you’ll gain

• Strategic leadership experience in a national charity
• A portfolio of governance and legal work with social impact
• Board-level exposure and public recognition of your contribution
• A flexible and supportive remote-first culture
• Testimonials, references, and public acknowledgment upon completion
• A chance to help shape youth policy at a systemic level

What you’ll do

• Lead and support the Governance & Legal Support Manager and team
• Design, update, and implement governance frameworks and organisational policies
• Maintain regulatory compliance across charity law, safeguarding, and data protection
• Liaise with the Board of Trustees - prepare agendas, minutes, and reports
• Oversee legal documentation and contracts
• Maintain and review the organisation’s risk register
• Build relationships with regulators and external legal advisors
• Embed a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical practice

Who we’re looking for

We welcome applications from a broad range of professional backgrounds. You might be:

• An experienced lawyer, company secretary, or governance lead
• A compliance or legal professional seeking strategic exposure
• A postgraduate in law or non-profit management looking for leadership experience
• Returning to work and keen to rebuild your senior-level skillset
• Recently semi-retired and passionate about giving back

 Essential:

• Experience in governance, legal, or compliance leadership (minimum 12 months)
• Familiarity with UK charity law and regulatory frameworks
• Ability to lead and support others with tact and clarity
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to equity, youth empowerment, and ethical standards

To Apply

If you’re interested, just send us your CV and a few lines about why the role appeals to you — this can be a short paragraph in your email or a separate note. If you'd prefer an informal chat before applying, we’d love to hear from you. Just drop us a message and we’ll arrange a time.

Volunteer Acknowledgement

Although this is a volunteer role, we’re committed to recognising your contribution. Upon successful completion of your commitment, you can request:

• A LinkedIn testimonial or written reference
• A public thank-you post on our social media
• Permission to list your role with YouthAdvantage UK on your CV and LinkedIn

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader 

Roles available at Calderdale College

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom? 

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials. 

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you 

Further education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts. 

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed. 

This is an opportunity to: 

• Apply your corporate skills in a leadership role 

• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV 

• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility 

• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation 

What will you be doing? 

As part of a governing board, you’ll: 

• Set strategic direction: help define the college’s mission and goals 

• Hold leadership to account: monitor finances, performance, and outcomes 

• Ensure governance excellence: make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders 

• Act as a charity trustee: ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance 

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners. 

Who are we looking for? 

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to: 

• Finance, Audit & Risk 

• HR, People & Culture 

• Strategy, Transformation & Operations 

• Technology, AI & Digital 

• Legal, Governance & Compliance 

• Marketing, PR & Communications 

• Education, apprenticeships, or vocational courses 

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed. 

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed. 

Time commitment 

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including: 

• Attending board and committee meetings (in person or remote) 

• Reading papers and preparing questions 

• Participating in training and occasional college visits 

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development. 

Where you’ll be needed 

Some colleges offer remote governance and meetings take place online. This may suit you best, or we may suggest a role where you volunteer on a hybrid basis at a college within a reasonable distance from you. We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. 

What’s in it for you? 

This role offers the opportunity to: 

• Enhance your board-level and governance experience 

• Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role 

• Expand your professional network 

• Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact 

About Boards for Education 

Boards for Education is a charity that sources and supports volunteers for governing boards. We aim to improve educational outcomes for children, young people, and adult learners by strengthening governance across the education sector. 

With more than 25 years’ experience and a national network of partners, we connect schools, academy trusts, colleges, and education charities across England and Wales with skilled, independent volunteers. 

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role? 

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you. 

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor. 

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader 

Role available at Norwich City College 

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom? 

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials. 

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you 

Further education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts. 

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed. 

This is an opportunity to: 

• Apply your corporate skills in a leadership role 

• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV 

• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility 

• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation 

What will you be doing? 

As part of a governing board, you’ll: 

• Set strategic direction: help define the college’s mission and goals 

• Hold leadership to account: monitor finances, performance, and outcomes 

• Ensure governance excellence: make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders 

• Act as a charity trustee: ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance 

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners. 

Who are we looking for? 

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to: 

• Finance, Audit & Risk 

• HR, People & Culture 

• Strategy, Transformation & Operations 

• Technology, AI & Digital 

• Legal, Governance & Compliance 

• Marketing, PR & Communications 

• Education, apprenticeships, or vocational courses 

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed. 

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed. 

Time commitment 

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including: 

• Attending board and committee meetings (in person or remote) 

• Reading papers and preparing questions 

• Participating in training and occasional college visits 

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development. 

Where you’ll be needed 

Some colleges offer remote governance and meetings take place online. This may suit you best, or we may suggest a role where you volunteer on a hybrid basis at a college within a reasonable distance from you. We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. 

What’s in it for you? 

This role offers the opportunity to: 

• Enhance your board-level and governance experience 

• Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role 

• Expand your professional network 

• Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact 

About Boards for Education 

Boards for Education is a charity that sources and supports volunteers for governing boards. We aim to improve educational outcomes for children, young people, and adult learners by strengthening governance across the education sector. 

With more than 25 years’ experience and a national network of partners, we connect schools, academy trusts, colleges, and education charities across England and Wales with skilled, independent volunteers. 

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role? 

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you. 

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor. 

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader 

Roles available at colleges in Redcar

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom? 

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials. 

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you 

Further education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts. 

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed. 

This is an opportunity to: 

• Apply your corporate skills in a leadership role 

• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV 

• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility 

• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation 

What will you be doing? 

As part of a governing board, you’ll: 

• Set strategic direction: help define the college’s mission and goals 

• Hold leadership to account: monitor finances, performance, and outcomes 

• Ensure governance excellence: make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders 

• Act as a charity trustee: ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance 

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners. 

Who are we looking for? 

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to: 

• Finance, Audit & Risk 

• HR, People & Culture 

• Strategy, Transformation & Operations 

• Technology, AI & Digital 

• Legal, Governance & Compliance 

• Marketing, PR & Communications 

• Education, apprenticeships, or vocational courses 

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed. 

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed. 

Time commitment 

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including: 

• Attending board and committee meetings (in person or remote) 

• Reading papers and preparing questions 

• Participating in training and occasional college visits 

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development. 

Where you’ll be needed 

Some colleges offer remote governance and meetings take place online. This may suit you best, or we may suggest a role where you volunteer on a hybrid basis at a college within a reasonable distance from you. We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. 

What’s in it for you? 

This role offers the opportunity to: 

• Enhance your board-level and governance experience 

• Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role 

• Expand your professional network 

• Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact 

About Boards for Education 

Boards for Education is a charity that sources and supports volunteers for governing boards. We aim to improve educational outcomes for children, young people, and adult learners by strengthening governance across the education sector. 

With more than 25 years’ experience and a national network of partners, we connect schools, academy trusts, colleges, and education charities across England and Wales with skilled, independent volunteers. 

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role? 

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you. 

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor. 

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader 

Roles available at colleges across E10, London.

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom? 

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials. 

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you 

Further education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts. 

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed. 

This is an opportunity to: 

• Apply your corporate skills in a leadership role 

• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV 

• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility 

• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation 

What will you be doing? 

As part of a governing board, you’ll: 

• Set strategic direction: help define the college’s mission and goals 

• Hold leadership to account: monitor finances, performance, and outcomes 

• Ensure governance excellence: make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders 

• Act as a charity trustee: ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance 

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners. 

Who are we looking for? 

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to: 

• Finance, Audit & Risk 

• HR, People & Culture 

• Strategy, Transformation & Operations 

• Technology, AI & Digital 

• Legal, Governance & Compliance 

• Marketing, PR & Communications 

• Education, apprenticeships, or vocational courses 

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed. 

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed. 

Time commitment 

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including: 

• Attending board and committee meetings (in person or remote) 

• Reading papers and preparing questions 

• Participating in training and occasional college visits 

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development. 

Where you’ll be needed 

Some colleges offer remote governance and meetings take place online. This may suit you best, or we may suggest a role where you volunteer on a hybrid basis at a college within a reasonable distance from you. We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. 

What’s in it for you? 

This role offers the opportunity to: 

• Enhance your board-level and governance experience 

• Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role 

• Expand your professional network 

• Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact 

About Boards for Education 

Boards for Education is a charity that sources and supports volunteers for governing boards. We aim to improve educational outcomes for children, young people, and adult learners by strengthening governance across the education sector. 

With more than 25 years’ experience and a national network of partners, we connect schools, academy trusts, colleges, and education charities across England and Wales with skilled, independent volunteers. 

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role? 

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you. 

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor. 

About Peace Direct

Peace Direct is an international organisation dedicated to supporting local people to stop violence and build sustainable peace. We believe that people living in conflict-affected communities are the most effective agents of peace, and our work is grounded in a commitment to shifting power to local peacebuilders, anti-racism, and decolonising the wider sector.

The People and Culture Committee is a newly established sub-committee of the Board. It supports the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board in meeting the organisation's strategic goals as they relate to our people, the development and retention of staff and volunteers, organisational culture, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Decolonising, HR policy, safeguarding and whistleblowing, remuneration, and the management of non-financial (people-related) risk. Three Board members sit on the committee, joined by the CEO and Head of Finance and Operations.

Purpose of the role

We are seeking to appoint a co-opted member to the Committee. Under our Terms of Reference, the Committee includes at least one member who need not sit on the Board but is selected for their relevant functional expertise (subject to Board approval). This is that role.

As a co-opted member you will bring specialist knowledge and an independent perspective to the Committee's discussions, offering constructive challenge and advice to the executive and the Board on people and culture matters, helping ensure Peace Direct's practices are fair, inclusive, safe, and consistent with our mission.

The Committee does not play any role in the organisation's internal disciplinary procedures.

Time commitment and term

• The Committee meets at least twice a year, plus reasonable preparation time. Meetings may be held online or in person, and some business may be conducted by email.
• Committee terms are three years. Members may serve a maximum of two consecutive three-year terms, after which a break of at least two years is required before standing again.
• Papers are typically circulated at least five working days before each meeting.
• The role is voluntary.

Still interested? Take a look at the job description to see full details about the role and whether it matches your skills and experience.  

How to Apply
Please send your CV and a cover letter detailing relevant experience and why you are interested in the role via Charity Jobs. Please indicate in your cover letter, should you choose to, whether you are applying through the Disability Confident Scheme. 

Note: We prefer non-AI applications

We also offer candidates the choice of submitting a video clip, i.e. a video cover letter if this is preferable to a written cover letter. To ensure fairness we suggest you turn the camera off so that we only hear your voice. The video should be no more than 2 minutes in length. You should email it as a video link via WeTransfer or any other file sharing tool, to our recruitment inbox, the address of which you will find on the jobs page of our website as unfortunately the Charity Jobs website does not permit a url to be inserted here.

For the video cover letter, the following should guide your speaking points. Switch the camera off and state the following:

• Your name;
• The job you are applying for;
• Describe your overall skills and abilities (as they relate to the post being advertised);
• A brief description of your work experience (in relation to the post being advertised);
• What makes you qualified for the new position;
• Any additional details that help introduce yourself

You should choose either a written cover letter or a video cover letter, but we request that you please do NOT submit both.

Closing deadline for CV and cover letter is 11:30pm on 30th July 2026.

 Peace Direct strives to be a diverse and inclusive employer, with equality of opportunities regardless of personal identity, and we are committed to improving our systems and ways of working to support this, including creating a Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) working group, DEI strategy and recruitment guidelines. We strongly encourage individuals from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds to apply, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME), LGBTQ+. As part of being a Disability Confident Committed employer, we welcome people with disabilities or health challenges to apply and those who meet most of the Essential requirements as laid out in the job specification will be guaranteed an interview for the job which you are applying, through our Disability Confident scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme).

We welcome people from all backgrounds and strongly advocate our DEI policy and commitment to maintain an inclusive workplace culture; we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent, so we welcome a conversation about any DEI concerns you may have. Please contact our HR Manager, Lesley Agbarakwe. What’s important isn’t your level of education or the opportunities which you have had; it’s about your passion and how you seize the opportunities ahead of you to use your skills and knowledge in this field of work.

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

All offers of employment/voluntary roles will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which includes criminal records (DBS) checks. Peace Direct also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (Misconduct Disclosure Scheme). In line with this Scheme, we will ask your consent to request information from previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation after having left previous employment.  

By submitting an application, the applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Peace Direct is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom Peace Direct engages. Peace Direct expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

Peace Direct is committed to preventing and protecting all people from harm in their interactions with us. We expect all those that act in our name to uphold our approach to doing no harm and to sign up to our Safeguarding policy and Code of Conduct.

Thank you for your interest in supporting the work of Portsmouth Cathedral through membership of its well-established Finance (incorporating Audit and Risk) Committee. 

We are looking for up to three candidates who have:governance and committee experience at senior level; relevant and recent financial or fundraising experience; and/or a track record in accountancy, investments, endowments, trading subsidiaries, audit and risk. In addition to sound interpersonal skills, they should be competent and able to exercise governance in a charity organisation 

We are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion within our Committees. We welcome applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, social economic background, faith or other difference.
 

Job description

• Volunteer Role - Commission-Based Model
• Remote/Home based
• 10hrs a week

About Project Yananai

Project Yananai is a global non-profit headquartered in the United Kingdom, with Affiliate Entities and National Management Teams in India, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Our mission is to inspire and empower individuals and communities by fostering enduring relationships, enhancing sustainable skills, and delivering compassionate humanitarian aid. Rooted in Christian values, we are dedicated to nurturing resilient societies that are self-sufficient, spiritually fulfilled, and equipped to break cycles of poverty.

The role:

As Chief Advancement Officer, you will lead Project Yananai's global Advancement function, overseeing the three pillars that fuel our mission:

• Fundraising
• Partnerships
• Communications

You will be responsible for developing and delivering an integrated advancement strategy across institutional grants, foundations, corporate partnerships, major gifts, and innovative funding models, ensuring that fundraising, partnerships, and communications work together to support sustainable organisational growth.

Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will secure the resources, relationships, and visibility needed to expand our impact across multiple nations.

You will lead a global team comprising:

• Director of Fundraising
• Director of Partnerships
• Director of Communications
• Deputy Chief Advancement Officer – Resource Mobilisation

You will also provide strategic oversight to Advancement teams across India, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, ensuring alignment between global priorities and local delivery.

This is a leadership role that combines strategic vision with hands-on execution. You will personally cultivate and secure major funding opportunities while building a culture of excellence, collaboration, innovation, and accountability across the Advancement function.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and deliver a global advancement strategy integrating fundraising, partnerships, and communications.
• Set ambitious income and engagement targets and monitor performance against agreed objectives.
• Ensure a cohesive and compelling external presence that strengthens Project Yananai's profile and impact.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Personally manage and grow a portfolio of high-value donor relationships.
• Lead the development of complex funding proposals and major funding opportunities.
• Represent Project Yananai with donors, funders, partners, and sector stakeholders.

Partnerships & Communications

• Oversee the development of strategic corporate, philanthropic, and multi-sector partnerships.
• Ensure communications effectively support fundraising, partnership development, donor stewardship, and brand positioning.
• Champion compelling impact storytelling that articulates Project Yananai's Theory of Change.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop senior advancement leaders and their teams.
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across countries and functions.
• Build organisational capability through coaching, professional development, and succession planning.

Growth, Innovation & Governance

• Develop new income streams and innovative partnership models.
• Ensure compliance with donor, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
• Provide regular reporting and strategic advice to the CEO and Board of Trustees.

About You

You are an accomplished advancement leader with a proven track record of securing significant funding and building strategic partnerships within the international development, humanitarian, or nonprofit sector.

You will bring:

• Extensive senior leadership experience in advancement, fundraising, or resource mobilisation.
• Demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure funding from institutional donors, foundations, corporates, and major donors.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams across fundraising, partnerships, and communications.
• Strong understanding of global funding markets across the UK, Europe, USA, Africa, and the Gulf.
• Experience operating across multiple countries and complex stakeholder environments.
• Exceptional relationship-building, influencing, and communication skills.
• Strong commercial, financial, and strategic acumen.
• A collaborative, resilient, and entrepreneurial leadership style.
• Commitment to Project Yananai's mission, values, and integrated approach to community transformation.

What We Offer

• A leadership role at the heart of a high-performing, mission-driven global nonprofit.
• The opportunity to work alongside an exceptional Executive Leadership Team and Board.
• The chance to shape and scale a global Advancement function from a position of significant influence.
• A genuinely impactful role supporting sustainable community transformation across multiple nations.
• A collaborative culture that values innovation, professional development, and continuous learning.
• International engagement with donors, partners, and national teams across our focus countries.

If you are ready to build partnerships, unlock transformational funding, and help scale an ambitious global movement, we would welcome your application.

Project Yananai is an equal opportunity organisation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures. Project Yananai is a UK registered charity number 1209060.