External trustees jobs

Our client is a federated charity made up of a national organisation and more than 170 local organisations supporting families in communities across the UK. United by a shared purpose and values, each local organisation is rooted in its community and able to respond to the needs of local families. This unique model combines national reach with deep local knowledge, enabling our client to create lasting change for families while remaining connected to the communities it serves. They are now looking to hire a Director of Fundraising and External Affairs and Prospectus is leading the search.

Director of Fundraising and External Affairs
Permanent
£82,000
Remote with regular travel to meetings with donors, for events and to the central office in Leicester
Closing: Sunday 28 June 2026

The organisation is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to drive fundraising, communications and external affairs across the organisation. Reporting as a member of the Executive Team, the postholder will lead high-performing teams with clear accountability for income growth, supporter engagement and organisational profile. With responsibility for trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, individual giving, communications and external affairs, you will grow and diversify income, build influential partnerships and strengthen the organisation’s position as a leading voice for families and children across the UK..

The selected candidate will have a strong track record of securing six and seven-figure gifts, building long-term partnerships, delivering sustainable income growth and leading high-performing teams. You will be a self-starter, a clear strategic thinker, and a pace-setter within an organisation growing and making enormous impact. An exceptional communicator and relationship-builder, you will be comfortable engaging and influencing funders, policymakers, trustees and senior stakeholders, bringing the credibility, resilience and vision needed to operate at Executive level.

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. If you have any disability and would like assistance with completing an application please contact Ryan Burdock or Jessica Stoddart at Prospectus.

If you are interested in applying to this leadership position, please submit your CV and a covering letter in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you the full job description and will arrange for a call and/or meeting to brief you on the role. You’ll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

 

Help us tackle disadvantage and change lives

Salford Foundation is looking for an experienced, values-driven Head of Finance & Resources to join our Senior Management Team and play a key role in ensuring the organisation is financially sustainable, well governed and equipped to deliver lasting impact for local people.

This is a varied and hands-on leadership role combining strategic responsibility with operational delivery. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will lead our finance function while providing oversight of people, IT, facilities, data protection and organisational compliance.

You will be responsible for financial planning and reporting, budgeting, risk management and governance, while supporting colleagues across the organisation with the systems, processes and resources they need to succeed. You will also act as the Foundation's Data Protection Officer and lead officer to the Audit and Risk Committee.

About you

You will be a qualified accountant with strong financial management experience and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to a wide range of audiences. You will be comfortable operating both strategically and operationally, bringing a collaborative and solutions-focused approach to leadership.

You will have experience of supporting organisational decision-making, managing people and resources, and building effective relationships with colleagues, trustees and external partners.

Most importantly, you will share our commitment to tackling disadvantage, supporting communities and creating opportunities for people to thrive.

We offer

• Salary of £45,000 - £50,000 per annum
• Hybrid working
• Opportunity to influence the future direction of a respected local charity
• Supportive and values-led working environment
• The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people across Salford

Join us and help ensure Salford Foundation has the resources, systems and leadership needed to continue tackling disadvantage and changing lives.

A job and person specification is attached along with our company benefits.

Hitchin Youth Trust is a small charity with a big heart. We support local young people (up to the age of 26) through the award of individual grants and bursaries, and we provide grants to local charities and organisations carrying out vital work with young people across our community.

We are also home to the Hitchin Charity Youth Hub at our base on Walsworth Road in Hitchin — a shared space where several local youth charities work side by side, because we know that collaboration makes everyone stronger.

In addition, we provide a meeting space at the Charity Hub.  It is offered free of charge to local youth groups and charities, to help them to provide support and a wide range of other opportunities for the young people in our community.

As Youth Trust Manager — our sole employee — you’ll work closely with an engaged and forward-thinking Board of Trustees. The role is fabulously varied – one day you might be attending an investment meeting in London; the next, liaising sensitively with an individual or organisation enquiring about grant support; the next, checking toilet roll supplies and making sure the building is running smoothly. 

Your work will span six key areas:

• Financial management — keeping our accounts accurate, reconciling income and expenditure, liaising with our investment broker and auditors, and producing monthly reports using Sage.

• Grant applications — receiving and processing applications, supporting applicants, preparing summaries for Trustees, and managing award payments.

• Representing the Trust — networking with local and national organisations, keeping our website and social media fresh, and organising events.

• Trustee clerking — preparing agendas and minutes, managing Charity Commission and Companies House returns, and supporting the annual audit.

• Buildings & facilities — managing the Charity Hub, overseeing bookings, maintenance and H&S compliance, and being the go-to person for building users and contractors.

• General administration — first point of contact for the Trust, maintaining our annual calendar, and keeping us compliant with legislation and best practice (including GDPR).

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who has a genuine passion for supporting young people in our community.  In addition, you will need to offer:

· A great eye for detail.

· Be organised, proactive and self-motivated.

· Enjoy the variety a day will bring you, manipulating a spreadsheet, preparing Board papers, following up grant enquiries or representing the Trust at a local event.

· Have a warm manner.  Be equally comfortable liaising charity directors, educational professionals and individual parents who may be desperately reaching out to the charity for urgent support.

Join Generate at a pivotal moment in our journey and help shape the future of a growing charity supporting transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse people across North Yorkshire. This is an opportunity to combine strategic leadership, fundraising and organisational development with meaningful impact in a values-driven organisation.

Generate is looking for an inspiring and collaborative Charity Director to lead our next chapter. We work to improve wellbeing, resilience and connection for transgender, non-binary, gender-diverse and gender-questioning adults through peer support, counselling, mentoring, outreach and more.

Since beginning as a volunteer-led initiative in York in 2011, Generate has grown into an established charity delivering a range of services across North Yorkshire. We are now looking for a leader who can build on this strong foundation, strengthen our sustainability and support the organisation's continued development.

As Charity Director, you will provide both strategic and operational leadership across the organisation. Working closely with our Board of Trustees, staff team, freelancers, volunteers and external partners, you will lead the delivery of our strategic vision and ensure Generate continues to be effective, sustainable and responsive.

This is a varied and rewarding role that offers the opportunity to:

• Shape the future direction and development of Generate
• Lead fundraising and develop sustainable income streams
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships and stakeholder relationships
• Drive organisational development and improve systems and processes
• Support and develop a committed and motivated team
• Ensure strong governance, financial oversight and operational effectiveness

We're looking for someone who can think strategically while also being comfortable with the practical realities of leading a small organisation. You will be a confident relationship-builder and effective communicator, with a strong commitment to delivering positive outcomes for the people we support.

Role details

Salary: £36,000–£40,000 FTE (pro rata based on a 35-hour week), depending on experience
Hours: 21–28 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Home-based, with regular travel into York and occasional travel across North Yorkshire

If you are looking for an opportunity to lead an organisation through its next stage of development, we would love to hear from you.

If you’d like to have an informal conversation about the role, please get in touch and we will be happy to arrange a call with our current Charity Director.

About Us

Are you looking for a job where you can make a difference to a local community? Chinnor Village Centre aims to be the welcoming hub of the village and local area, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds by providing a place to meet and services aimed at ending social isolation. 

About The Role

The Centre Manager will oversee the day to day running of centre, making sure we have a safe and welcoming environment. Working with Trustees, you will play a key part in bringing about change at the Centre to ensure its future sustainability and place at the heart of the Chinnor and surrounding villages. This includes seeking out and securing funding opportunities to increase income and providing leadership to our small staff team. Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do and the Centre Manager will need to promote the Centre as a great place to volunteer. 

Key responsibilites:

• Ensuring appropriate policies and protocols are in place.
• Overseeing a programme of works for the refurbishment and updating of the Centre.
• Line manage our 7 staff.
• Produce financial reports and plans, working with our Treasurer and Bookkeeper.
• Identify and lead the application process for grants and funding.
• Provide governance and admin support to the Board of Trustees.

The post is offered at £35,000 to £38,000 fte per year (actual up to £30,400 for 30 hours per week). Other benefits include 25 days holiday per year pro rata and a workplace pension scheme. The postholder will need to be on site for the majority of time. 

The Centre Manager role is a varied one, with no day the same. If you enjoy working with people and are able to ensure the busines aspects of our charity run efficeintly then we would love to hear from you. 

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in growing a major donor programme that directly supports life-changing eye care services in the Holy Land. You will work closely with the Executive Director, UK (EDUK) and senior leadership, including the CEO and Trustees, to contribute to the long-term sustainability of a respected and impactful international charity.

As part of a small, ambitious and collaborative UK team, you will play a major role in shaping and developing the major donor programme, building meaningful relationships with supporters and seeing the tangible impact of your work on patients and communities.

The St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group (SJEHG) is a UK-registered charity delivering expert eye care to the people of the Holy Land, regardless of ethnicity, religion or ability to pay. It operates through two locally-registered charities to provide services in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.

Spark is looking for an inspiring leader to help lead our next chapter.

This is a part-time (20–24 hours), hands-on leadership role where you’ll work closely with staff, volunteers and trustees to shape strategy, grow projects, and strengthen community impact.

If you are:

• A confident, values-driven leader
• Passionate about supporting communities and families
• Skilled at building partnerships and driving change

we’d love to hear from you.

Spark is a friendly, community-focused charity making a real difference through the provision of services to families and residents across Burntwood. We’re looking for an inspiring and organised Chief Executive Officer to lead our work, support our team, and help shape the future of the charity.

          About the Role

This is a hands-on, people-focused leadership role where you’ll work closely with a supportive team of staff, volunteers, and trustees.

You’ll oversee key projects including:

• National Lottery Bright Beginnings Grow & Thrive (family support)

• Lichfield District Council Community Connections (support for residents)

  What You’ll Be Doing

• Demonstrating vision, energy and enthusiasm

• Leading and supporting a committed team of staff and volunteers

• Working alongside trustees to shape strategy and direction

• Developing and growing community projects

• Building strong partnerships locally

• Overseeing funding, budgets and sustainability

• Ensuring services genuinely meet local needs

  About You

• A confident and supportive leader

• A passion for provision of quality services to children and families

• Capacity for reflective practice and managing change

• Passionate about community work and making a difference

• Great communicator who enjoys working with people

• Organised and able to manage a varied workload

• Calm, flexible and solution-focused

           What You’ll Get

• A supportive and welcoming team of staff, volunteers and trustees
• Flexibility and a good work-life balance (20-24 hours negotiable dependent on candidate and skills - typically between Mon–Fri, 9–3)
• Some onsite and home working
• The chance to shape and grow a well-loved and respected award-winning local charity
• Lots of opportunity to bring ideas, develop projects, and enjoy a rewarding role whilst doing meaningful work that makes a difference
• Annual leave entitlement includes four weeks of flexible leave, to be taken at times agreed to suit your needs and service requirements, plus three additional periods of organisational closure (Christmas, Easter and a summer closure week), providing a total leave entitlement of at least six weeks per year.
• Wellbeing activities and focus
• Family friendly employer

            Key Details

• Location: Burntwood (with some home working and local travel)
• Hours: Part-time, all year round (not term-time only)
• Reporting to: Board of Trustees
• Hours: 20-24 hours per week. Dependent on candidate and experience.
• Job share/additional hours may be available.
• Salary: 37.5hr week FTE £40,775 equivalent to £20.91 an hr
• Contract: Permanent. The role is currently supported by National Lottery funding for an initial period of 3.5 years, with the CEO role being key in leading the organisation’s long-term sustainability and growth.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/vulnerable adults. This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background, protected characteristics, or personal circumstances. We will use your personal data for recruitment purposes only, in line with UK GDPR. For further details, please see our Privacy Notice.

The deadline is 5pm 3rd July 2026

Email Spark for an application pack or more information

his is an exciting time to join Discover 

In spring 2026 we delivered a major programme of business transformation including rebuilding site infrastructure, new visitor spaces, an improved ticketing model and revised accounting system and procedures. 

We’re now looking for a permanent, part-time Finance Director to join our Senior Management team, shape and manage the finance department and bring financial insight to all areas of decision making. 

Overview of the role 

• Overseeing and continuously improving our financial systems, controls and processes 

• Leading, mentoring and developing the finance team 

• Producing management accounts and reports to funders 

• Analysis of financial performance and drivers 

• Leading budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes. 

• Cash and treasury management 

• Prepare statutory accounts and run the external audit processes. 

• VAT checks and returns 

• Ensuring compliance with charity, company and tax regulations and funder requirements 

More information and a Job Description can be found on our website.

We are looking for a manager to lead on the relationship with the project funder, to lead a team of two co-ordinators and take ownership of project monitoring, analysis and reporting. You need to bring experience of liaising with senior stakeholders, people management and project management skills, including analysing data, and writing concise and comprehensive reports.

We are expanding our team to allow us to significantly grow and develop one of our key projects, Jericho Works. The project enables us to maximise our impact and take Jericho’s expertise out into the community, engaging with community organisations to reach those who face challenges in finding work and helping them progress in their journey towards employment. Jericho Works offers one-to-one employability support, short-term work tasters and placements, support into progression opportunities including volunteering, training and employment, and employability-focussed hardship and practical support.

We would consider 0.8 FTE for the right candiate. The successful applicant must have the Right to Work in the UK as we are unable to offer sponsorship.

What you will be doing: 

· Maintaining and developing our relationship with the key funder and their team

· Leading on regular funder meetings 

· Budget forecasting and monitoring

· Line management of project co-ordinators, including regular one-to-ones, appraisals, overseeing their development and supporting them to achieve their targets 

· Identifying creative opportunities to maximise the impact and reach of the project, including for example creating and delivering workshops or other training.

· Contributing to direct participant support as needed and offering support to the team with more complex cases 

· Meeting project targets including numbers of participants supported and positive outcomes 

· Working with colleagues across Jericho and external partners to identify opportunities for participant progression 

· Strengthening our network of community organisations and referral partners 

· Ensuring timely submission of appropriate reports to trustees, senior management team and key funders, including data, finance and narrative reporting. 

What skills are we looking for? 

Essential

· Experience of people management and team leadership

· Experience developing partnerships

· Excellent verbal and written communication, networking and presentation skills

· Strong planning, organisational and project management skills

· Ability to record, manage and analyse data for monitoring and reporting purposes

· Good understanding of safeguarding

· Experience of providing support, mentoring and/or coaching to individuals who face barriers to employment

· Ability to work independently and manage own workload in addition to working as part of team

· An appreciation of and sympathy with The Jericho Foundation's Christian roots and values, and a commitment to its mission of supporting people facing barriers to employment into sustainable work.

· Ability to travel to various sites including ones not accessible by public transport 

Desirable

· Experience within the charity or employability sectors.

· Knowledge of Birmingham's community organisations and support providers

· Experience of liaising with funders

· Understanding of supported employment and employability programmes. 

About JERICHO 

JERICHO is an award-winning Birmingham-based charity and family of six social enterprises. We provide supported work opportunities for people facing extreme challenges in getting a job and have been helping people across Birmingham into employment for over 30 years. We primarily support marginalised young people and survivors of modern slavery. What makes our model so effective is the way we combine work placements with individualised wrap-around support, training and a range of targeted activities. Our approach is focused on helping people address the issues that are affecting their life chances, build skills and confidence and ultimately become more employable. 

INTERVIEWS ARE PLANNED IN PERSON ON TUESDAY 28th JULY

Job description

Kingston Bereavement Support is a friendly local charity that provides face to face counselling for children, young people and adults grieving the death of a person close to them. We are well placed to deliver this support, having provided specialist bereavement counselling in the Kingston community since 1988. We are partially funded by the local council and have strong referral pathways with GPs, schools and social services. Our model uses specially trained local volunteer counsellors, offering good value for money while supporting the development of skilled practitioners. As our services are available for free we ensure there is no financial barrier to accessing this support.

We are now looking for a part-time freelance Fundraiser to help secure and grow the income that makes this work possible.

Hybrid - remote working with occasional visits to the office in Kingston as needed (office is a 5 minute walk from Kingston train station, Greater London).

The Role

As a key player in our close-knit team, you’ll enjoy genuine autonomy and high visibility. You will take ownership of fundraising and income generation, ensuring we have the resources to sustain and grow our impact.
Initially, your main focus will be grant fundraising whilst also working with the Trustees to develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy including mid and long term initiatives.

The ideal candidate will:

- Have a good understanding of the current fundraising landscape and the different types of fundraising activities

- Be skilled and experienced in identifying and securing funding from trusts and foundations

- Have the ability to write high-quality compelling funding applications

- Have experience building and maintaining a pipeline of funding opportunities

- Have excellent communication skills, able to work closely and collaboratively with colleagues, Trustees, and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Fundraising

· Identify and secure funding from trusts, foundations and statutory bodies

· Write high-quality, compelling funding applications

· Build and manage a strong prioritised pipeline of funding opportunities

· Maintain relationships with funders, including reporting and stewardship

Other income sources

· Assess, prioritise and implement alternative fundraising activities including, for example, local fundraising events and community & individual fundraising initiatives.

Strategy, Compliance & Reporting

· Develop and deliver a clear fundraising strategy aligned to organisational goals

· Track performance against targets and provide insight

· Ensure all fundraising is compliant with regulations and best practice

· Represent the charity externally with confidence and credibility

Working with internal and external stakeholders

· Work closely with colleagues across the organisation to gather impact data and develop compelling cases for support

· Work closely with Trustees to develop budgets for funding proposals

· Act as a key ambassador for Kingston Bereavement Support with funders and external stakeholders

Person Specification

Essential skills and experience:

1. Proven track record of securing five- figure grants from trusts and foundations

2. Excellent relationship- building and communication skills, able to work closely and collaboratively with colleagues,         Trustees, and external stakeholders.

3. Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to develop persuasive and compelling funding applications

4. Strong prospect research and pipeline development skills

5. An understanding of the fundraising landscape nationwide and in the London Boroughs as relevant

6. Familiarity with fundraising activities alternative to grants  

7. A proactive approach, with the ability to spot opportunities and drive activity forward

8. Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Desirable, but not essential:

1. Experience securing six-figure and/or multi-year grants

2. Knowledge of the mental health sector

3. Experience contributing to fundraising strategy

Endometriosis UK is looking for a Head of Finance to help shape the next stage of our development as a charity with growing ambition, increasing complexity and a powerful mission. This is an exciting new role for the charity, and is core to ensuring our ongoing success.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will work closely with the Chief Executive, senior colleagues and Trustees to shape organisational direction, strengthen financial planning and ensure resources are aligned with impact. You will provide strategic financial insight, constructive challenge and practical support across the organisation.

You will lead budgeting, forecasting, management accounts, statutory reporting, audit, financial governance, risk, reserves and controls. You will also support business cases, financial models, capital project oversight, trading activity and commercial decision-making.

We are looking for a qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience, ideally gained in a charity or similarly complex organisation. You will bring strong technical finance skills, sound judgement, commercial awareness and the ability to communicate clearly with non-finance colleagues. Just as importantly, you will be collaborative, values-led and motivated by the opportunity to use finance as an enabler of delivering impact.

This role will suit someone who combines strategic leadership with a practical, hands-on approach, and who enjoys helping colleagues build financial confidence, accountability and discipline.

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with Age UK Oxfordshire, supporting their search for an interim Head of Income Growth.

This 6 month contract will cover a permanent recruitment period, working hybrid based with 3 days per month in Abingdon. 

Working closely with the CEO to ensure the charity’s ambitions, as described in the Strategy to 2030 and the 2026–27 Plan on a Page are delivered, the role holder will proactively lead integrated fundraising, marketing, and communications work. The role is pivotal in aligning planning and tactical decisions to build a sustainable income engine, strengthening the charity’s profile, performance, and impact at scale.

Role Description
1. Income strategy and delivery
Lead the development and delivery of a clear, evidence-based income growth strategy, diversifying and growing income streams to deliver the charity’s agreed income ambitions and reduce reliance on any single source.
2. Integrated fundraising, marketing, and communications
Hold full accountability for all fundraising, marketing and communications activity, ensuring strategy, brand, propositions, campaigns, and channels are integrated, coherent and focused on measurable impact.
3. Supporter growth and engagement
Grow and deepen relationships with supporters, including donors, volunteers, ambassadors and advocates, increasing participation, loyalty, and lifetime value in line with our strategic ambitions.
4. Insight, data, and performance discipline
Use insight, data, and performance management to inform decision-making, strengthen propositions, improve return on investment, and give the CEO and Board a clear grip on income and engagement performance.
5. Leadership, culture, and capability
Lead and line-manage all fundraising, marketing and communications staff, setting clear priorities, expectations and accountability, and building a confident, high-performing culture aligned with the organisation’s values and Principles.
6. Organisational leadership and profile-raising
Act as the organisation’s most senior income and external-engagement leader, working closely with the CEO and trustees to raise the charity’s profile, influence,
and credibility, contributing actively to collective leadership and strategic delivery. 

Experience
Substantial senior-level experience across most areas of income generation, including at least two from:
• voluntary income (e.g. trusts & foundations, legacies, individuals, community)
• marketing and communications
• supporter or audience growth and engagement
• digital fundraising or campaigns
• brand, proposition, or programme development

Proven experience of successfully leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing people, including line management and leadership through influence/matrix working to deliver shared outcomes.

Experience demonstrating a strong understanding of integrated income and
engagement models, with proficiency in leading fundraising, marketing, and communications as a joined-up system rather than discrete functions.
A proven record of developing and implementing income or growth strategy aligned to organisational purpose, values and long-term direction, including delivering measurable results or step-change improvement.

The client is actively recruiting, so will interview on an ongoing basis, so please apply as soon as you can, to avoid any disappointments. A full JD can be supplied upon application.

Manchester Central Foodbank is a busy Trussell Trust-affiliated food bank, with centres in Central, North, and East Manchester. We were established in Ardwick in 2013 by students at the Manchester Universities’ Catholic Chaplaincy, making us the first student-led food bank in the country. Since then we have grown significantly, expanding our weekly sessions into Harpurhey and Openshaw.

Our core aims are to deliver the best quality support that we can to the largest number of our neighbours in need, while working with partners and influencing and organising at a neighbourhood and citywide level to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

We currently support 16,000 people per year with nutritionally balanced 3-day food parcels. This is double the number of people we supported in the first year following the Covid-19 pandemic, and four times the number supported in 2019. We also provide financial inclusion support with advice workers in public sessions, access to energy vouchers, SIM cards, and other voucher or material support. We coordinate across a network of 200 active front-line referral agencies with the aim of ensuring everyone who accesses our service has appropriate, specialised, and ongoing support alongside the material provision that we provide.

We are active leaders in anti-poverty organising and community development, as convenors of the citywide Building an Anti-Poverty Community collective and aim to be key shapers and influencers of new strategies and policies, working closely to support and influence local government, NHS, education and research agendas in Manchester and more widely building upon our track record of successful anti-poverty partnership work, social value impact and Parliamentary influencing. Our core values are: care, partnership, dignity, partnership, anti-stigma and rights-based.

Key responsibilities
As Chief Executive Officer you will be the key senior staff leader for the charity. You will lead the team to ensure they have the resources, frameworks, and support to effect smooth day-to-day running of our frontline support service. You will provide a strong business management focus, through supporting the financial process, overall metrics and reporting, day to day HR and input for the external Payroll Team, Health and Safety, appropriate working conditions, and strategic planning and communications. 

As the senior lead you will also facilitate and support the Board of Trustees to develop and lead strategic development objectives and plans for transformation, and ensure the delivery and implementation of the charity’s overall strategy and specific focused strategies. You will develop and manage strategic relationships with stakeholders including Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value funders and partners, and high-value and donors. You will also plan and lead fundraising strategies. 

You will be a key external interface for our community and partners.  You will do this by:

Staff/Board Leadership and Governance:

• Line managing a current team of operations staff, including those supporting the recruitment, training, and management of a large team of volunteers. 

• Building team spirit and employee engagement and offer.

• Leading and delivering regular staff performance and development reviews.

• Developing and delivering robust metrics and reporting to the board and staff team, through consistent monthly and quarterly reporting packs to the board of trustees.

• Ensuring all staff and volunteers are familiar and engaged with the charity’s long-term goals and objectives, and know how their work helps to implement these on the ground. Leading the development of induction packages and ongoing offers for staff and volunteers. You will be responsible for writing, implementation, and update of institutional policies as needed to staff and volunteers.

• Leading targeted volunteer recruitment strategies to maximise core delivery capacity through volunteer roles and prioritise staffing capacity to core charity operations.

• Ensure policies are kept current.

• Ensure recording and management of absence/leave.

• Ensure Health and Safety aspects of all organisational operations are compliant, in collaboration with the Board sponsor.

• Manage day to day financial input, through the Xero app, and ensure accurate and up-to-date financial reporting for the Board/Treasurer. This includes administering monthly payroll requests.

• Oversee training and personal development plans for staff and volunteers, as appropriate.

• Working with the Chair of Trustees to implement the charity’s strategic plan and structural development objectives.

• Develop and implement ongoing plans and actions to ensure operationally-appropriate and safe office, warehouse, and working spaces.

• Lead on development, modelling, and maintenance of service delivery standards, quality control, and ensuring frontline teams have the appropriate resources, support, and frameworks to deliver high quality and consistent support offers.

Foodbank Management:

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to deliver the smooth running of food bank sessions across multiple centres, ensuring an excellent standard of service across all centres, and seeking to continually develop our service in line with our goals to support the largest number of people with the best support we can while working to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

• Develop and build a new Delivery Strategy with the Chair of Trustees and Operations and Project Lead.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead and Warehouse and Logistics Coordinator to safely store and maintain optimal stock levels, maximise food donation levels and reduce food spend, develop and maintain relationships with community donors, and record incoming and outgoing stock, with the aim of ensuring that all centres are well stocked to provide as many varied, balanced, and nutritious and culturally-appropriate food parcels as necessary.

• Ensure compliance with the procedures set out in Manchester Central Foodbank’s policies, the Trussell Trust’s Operating Manual, and relevant statutory requirements at all times.

• Ensure our food bank centres provide a safe and dignified environment for clients, free from discrimination, judgement, and stigma.

Strategy and External Relationships:

• Working with the Chair of Trustees on development, monitoring, and implementation of the core charity strategy and sub-strategies. Ensuring the involvement and participation of the food bank’s staff, volunteers, external partners, and service users in all strategic planning and decision making, where appropriate.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to work build strong relationships with referral partners and wider community and statutory networks of collaborators and support to ensure that our service users are able to access the maximum amount of support before, during, and after accessing our service to minimise the length and severity of financial crisis, maximise their incomes, and provide pathways to ongoing and longer-term support.

• Play an active role in strategic and convening spaces around our city and neighbourhoods to present the foodbank’s approach, bring more partners into our network, and influence policy and funding frameworks.

• Develop and manage a Corporate Relationships and Social Value strategy, including communications, networking, and relationship management.

• Lead on directing the charity’s external communications, including social media, in person, newsletters, company visits, and other content.

• Manage internal communications, including developing and delivering two-way team briefings with the board and staff/volunteers, biannual town halls or away days with board members and staff/volunteers, newsletters, and an open and collaborative, person-focused, and developmental culture within the organisation.

About you

Essential Experience and Knowledge:

• 5 years’ experience of leading a similar profiled charity or organisation and successful Board interaction.

• Experience of leading successful transformation and change for a charity and a strong developmental mindset and focus.

• Have led a team of 5 or more staff members to successful performance, demonstrating experience of coaching and individual development skills.

• Experience in developing and leading successful and engaged volunteering programmes and support.

• Full valid driving licence. 

• Proven experience of leading the development and delivery of strategy and sub-strategies to successful conclusion and fashioning evidenced business cases for current and new development projects.

• Leading multiple complex projects or services, balancing the needs and interests of a range of stakeholders.

• Experience of implementing rigorous reporting and evaluation practices on operations.

• Experience of managing day-to-day financial administration and reporting.

• Evidence of delivering clear metric dashboards and reports.

• Experience of high-quality implementation of Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies and a leadership practice that centres care for staff, volunteers, and service users. Safeguarding lead qualification is desirable but will provide training if not.

• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in HR processes and management.

• Experience in building and delivering strategic plans.

• Proven experience of effective problem solving and responding to crisis situations.

• A good working knowledge of the social welfare and political landscape in Manchester – or demonstrable experience in similar expertise and networking and an openness to learn and develop sector-specific knowledge.

• A nuanced and sensitive understanding of the complex reasons people attend food banks.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge:

• Partnering with and building relationships with Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value partners and funders, high net worth donors, and fundraising through grant applications and individual/community donors.

• Experience of working collaboratively with stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and views. 

• Experience of handling safeguarding incidents, follow-ups, and debriefs with staff, volunteers, and service users.

• Demonstrated success in delivering communications strategies for internal and external stakeholders, including social media and press content and campaigns.

Personal Skills and Attributes:

• An individual who embodies the values of Manchester Central Foodbank in their core professional practice and personal approach to their work.

• An empathetic and care-centred approach and the ability to centre the experience and outcomes of people from marginalised or socially-excluded backgrounds in core decision-making and prioritisation.

• A leader who takes ownership, accountability, and responsibility to drive an organisation and team forward with a developmental mindset.

• A highly self-motivated and proactive person who centres collaboration and consensus with the staff team, volunteers and Board of Trustees in their approach.

• Able to develop strategy and plans and translate strategy to actionable delivery and developmental projects.

• A high level of literacy and communication.

• A high level of numeracy and ability to analyse data.

• Strong leadership attributes to build engagement and performance with the team.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate, persuade, and coach staff and volunteers.

• Excellent personal organisation skills and the ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities and deadlines.

Rainforest Trust UK

Rainforest Trust UK (RTUK) (Charity No. 1169111) is a high-impact conservation charity dedicated to protecting the world’s most threatened tropical forests.

This is a pivotal moment for global conservation and for our organisation. As one of the most effective rainforest conservation charities globally, Rainforest Trust has helped protect over 60 million acres of tropical rainforest across more than 67 countries, delivering permanent protection for some of the world’s most threatened ecosystems.

Rainforest Trust UK is one of the charity’s fastest-growing affiliates, now generating £2m+ annually and supporting a global organisation with $55m+ in revenue with significant ambition for further growth and impact.

The role
We are seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the next phase of our strategic plan driving growth in income, strengthening the organisational capability, and positioning the UK as a leading philanthropic engine within the global organisation.
The CEO will provide overall leadership of Rainforest Trust UK, with a primary focus on fundraising, external engagement, and partnering.
This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring both strategic clarity and operational execution. The CEO will lead a small team, work closely with the Board of Trustees, while partnering with the global CEO and senior leadership based in the USA.

Key responsibilities

Strategy and organisational leadership

• Lead the delivery of the 2026–2030 strategy, aligning UK priorities with global objectives
• Translate strategy into clear plans, targets, and performance metrics
• Drive organisational focus on outcomes, impact, and growth

Fundraising and external leadership

• Act as a senior ambassador for the organisation in the UK and internationally
• Build Rainforest Trust UK’s visibility and influence within philanthropic networks
• Personally cultivate and manage a portfolio of high-value donor relationships

Financial Stewardship

• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and performance including annual audit
• Ensure strong financial controls and effective use of resources
• Support the growth of sustainable income to maximise conservation impact

Governance and Board engagement

• Ensure compliance with UK charity regulation and best practice
• Provide clear, rigorous reporting on performance, risk, and finances
• Work in close partnership with the Board to support effective governance and decision-making

Global partnerships and collaboration

• Build strong, effective relationships with global Rainforest Trust leadership
• Align UK fundraising with global conservation priorities
• Act as a key interface between UK donors and global programmes

Leadership and culture

• Lead and develop a small, high-performing team
• Create a culture of accountability, clarity, and delivery
• Ensure effective organisational structure and use of resources

Purpose & Alignment

• Deep commitment to environmental conservation and climate impact
• Motivated by the opportunity to deliver measurable, lasting global outcomes
• Alignment with Rainforest Trust’s values of effectiveness, integrity, and partnership

Why Join Rainforest Trust UK
This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation where:

• Impact is clear, measurable, and permanent
• There is significant opportunity to scale income and influence
• You can play a direct role in protecting some of the world’s most critical ecosystems

At a time when the protection of tropical forests is more urgent than ever, this role offers the chance to combine purpose with performance delivering meaningful impact at global scale.

Candidate profile
We are seeking a credible, externally focused leader with:

• A strong track record in fundraising, particularly major donors and high-value relationships
• The ability to operate with credibility, influence, and judgement at senior levels
• Experience leading organisations or teams through growth and change
• Experience working with Boards and an understanding of UK charity governance

Above all, candidates will bring a clear alignment to the mission and is motivated by the opportunity to deliver measurable, lasting conservation impact at global scale.