Financial controller jobs in st albans, hertfordshire

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

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

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

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

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

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

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

The Purpose of the Role

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

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

Scope and Authority

Authority:

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

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

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

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

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

Key Working Relationships

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

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

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

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

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

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic Direction

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

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

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

Team Management & Stakeholder engagement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience

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

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

●Experience navigating and influencing within large matrixed organizations.

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

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

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

●**Experience responding to reputational threats.**

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

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

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

●Experience of acting as a spokesperson for an organisation.

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

Skills and Knowledge

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

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

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

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

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

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

●Good instinct for digital marketing and digital environment

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

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

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

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

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

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

●Willingness to travel occasionally to conflict areas.

●Fluency in English, spoken and written.

At Cruse, we have recently launched our new strategy, setting out our charity’s plans to grow our income and build on our expertise and unique position in the sector. We provide expert bereavement and grief information and support, and our charity has been supporting people for over 65 years. We support adults, children and young people across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, through our national services, 84 local branches and online information about grief and bereavement.

You will lead the Community Fundraising and Individual Giving team to inspire support and donations from groups, organisations and individuals in local communities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. You will oversee a range of activity across the Community fundraising team and manage a portfolio of relationships including Fundraising Champions (volunteers in branches) and key donors and supporters. You will review, inform and deliver activity to secure individual giving income and promote gifts in Wills, building our income from individuals including those who have received support from Cruse.

As part of the Income and Marketing/Communications Management Team, you will help shape plans to grow our income, raise awareness and increase engagement from volunteers and donors. Working with key colleagues in Services, Volunteering and Finance, and key volunteers, you will build our approach to Community and Individual Giving.

Timeline:

Closing date: 6th August 2025

Interviews: w/c 18th August 2025

NB We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.

The selection process will involve two stages. First interview will be by video call. Second interview is planned to be via video call, but we reserve the right for an in-person meeting.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the interview, please don’t hesitate to let us know—we’ll be happy to accommodate.

Join our team - where accountability drives impact and sustainability.

Hours: 37.5 hours, Monday – Friday (with the occasional Saturday)

Contract type: Permanent 

Salary: £41,275.16 - £46,434.55 (dependant on experience and location)

What can we offer you

• Improve your work/home life balance – no more working bank holidays, Sundays, or evenings!
• Explore the surrounding area as you travel from your base to the vibrant Community Treatment Centres (CTCs) or other UK hubs, with your mileage or travel costs promptly reimbursed within a speedy 10 days.

Reporting directly to the Regional General Manager, the Operations Service Manager will lead our Treatment Centre Operations team to achieve outstanding results aligned with our organisational priorities. As the Operations Service Manager, your primary responsibility will be to provide effective leadership and management to the Treatment Centre Operations team. Your role will involve ensuring that operational priorities are aligned with the overall organisational goals fostering a culture of safety, exceptional client experience, and sustainability within the treatment centre. Additionally, you will be responsible for managing and optimising resources such as personnel, consumables, equipment, and property to ensure efficient operations. 

By working closely with other Operations Service Managers and departments, you will contribute to achieving organisational objectives and ensure the consistent delivery of a safe and sustainable service. Travel to the surrounding Community Treatment Centres will be required on an adhoc basis to improve your understanding and requirements of the role.  

To excel in this role, you must possess the following essential skills:

• Exemplifying desired behaviours through role modelling
• Collaborating effectively with others
• Inspiring and driving a motivated and productive team
• Making sound business decisions
• Providing a client-focused service that exceeds expectations
• Communicating key concepts, priorities, and challenges effectively throughout the organisation
• Experience of working in a Healthcare setting or with the Care Quality Commission is desirable

At Ambitious about Autism, we're currently looking for a Programme Manager – Autistic and OK to join our team.

We're seeking an exceptional Programme Manager to lead Autistic and OK through its next exciting chapter until August 2028. This is a leadership role with strategic influence, operational responsibility, and impact at scale. You'll manage delivery of the programme increasing reach across the UK, developing a whole school approach and building upon the success of phase one which has impacted 1000+ schools and over a million beneficiaries so far.

You'll manage the delivery of the Autistic and OK programme in line with Ambitious about Autism's strategy and vision and against the contract requirements, leading national scale-up and expansion across UK schools and FE settings including identifying new partners across devolved nations. You'll adhere to the highest values of co-design and participation, contributing to Ambitious about Autism's (AaA) aims to ensure that the voices of autistic children and young people are heard in the development of the project and resources

We are looking for someone who has:

• Proven experience in planning, delivering, and evaluating complex, multi-stakeholder programmes.
• Demonstrated ability to scale national programmes (ideally within education, mental health, participation or inclusion).
• Understanding of major policies, initiatives and legislation relating to education and related statutory services in the SEN sector.
• Skilled at forming and sustaining strategic relationships with partners across education, health and the voluntary sector.

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Job description

We’re looking for an enthusiastic Communications and Events Coordinator lead the development and delivery of Khulisa’s communications strategy and key campaigns, designed to engage our supporters, stakeholders, and the wider UK public.

About Khulisa: 

Khulisa, meaning 'nurture' in the Zulu language of South Africa, is an award-winning charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support to young people. We focus on reaching those who are most at risk – young people from deprived communities who are often marginalized, vulnerable to exclusion, and at heightened risk of becoming involved in crime.

Our approach centres on safe, exploratory methods that aim to understand behaviour and experiences often rooted in trauma, abuse, and neglect. We deliver intensive therapeutic programs within educational and community settings, empowering young people to confront the underlying causes of their emotional distress and work toward healing. To create lasting, sustainable change, we also work to establish trauma-informed environments around young people by equipping parents, caregivers, educators, and other professionals with the tools they need to offer effective, supportive care. Currently, our services are active in London and Manchester. 

About the role: 

This role will be a key part of helping to raise awareness of Khulisa’s mission and the issues we address, strengthening support for our programmes. The postholders will also take ownership of planning and delivering all Khulisa events, ensuring they are impactful and well-executed.

• Develop and deliver Khulisa’s Communications and Branding Strategy in line with the strategic plan.
• Lead public engagement campaigns to raise awareness, promote youth voice, and drive participation.
• Plan and manage events, including fundraising and challenge events, from concept to delivery.
• Create and manage digital content across social media, website, newsletters, and other channels.
• Recruit and supervise volunteers to support communications and event-related activities.

For a full list of duties and responsibilities, please see the attached job description below. 

The post holder will be required to work from home permanently but be willing and able to easily travel to various locations across the London and the North West as necessary to fulfill the requirements of the role and to engage with stakeholders and colleagues.

What we're looking for:

1. Abilities/Experiences

• Experience in digital campaigning and digital content creation.
• Experience of planning and delivering events, including fundraising events, liaising with partners, suppliers and colleagues.
• Excellent written, copywriting and editing skills and proven ability to communicate campaigning messages in a compelling, succinct and engaging way.
• Experience creating digital content for a variety of audiences, including experience of using a range of digital software and tools, and knowledge of message testing and optimisation.
• Experience in designing popular, results-oriented and successful campaigns.
• Ability to use design software (such as InDesign, Canva, Photoshop and Illustrator).
• Experience working within a close-knit team in a busy and fast paced working environment.
• Demonstrable ability to plan and prioritise own workload with minimum supervision.
• Ability to buy strongly into strategic objectives and reflect passion for Khulisa’s work with and for young people.
• Experience of using Salesforce or similar CRM system as well as all-in-one marketing platform such as
• Mailchimp to deliver effective long-term public engagement.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends when required.

2. Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Project Management, Events Management or Communications, or equivalent years of experience.

3. Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of relevant software and digital tools to deliver effective long-term public engagement and digital fundraising campaigns.
• Strong knowledge of WordPress or similar website builder.
• Knowledge of best practice in digital fundraising.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We are actively looking to recruit a diversity of talent. We embrace, respect and value the difference in our employees and believe that we and our work is better for it. We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment that consists of fairness, dignity, and caring for everyone, and one that enables every employee to flourish and realise their potential.