Head of community development jobs

About Us

GiveOut is an award-winning international LGBTQI community foundation bringing together our community and allies to support LGBTQI activism worldwide.

Across the world, courageous activists are working tirelessly to protect LGBTQI communities and advance equality. But they lack resources and funding is fragile, especially in the Global South. LGBTQI groups receive a tiny fraction of international development aid.

GiveOut exists to bridge this gap. We provide a platform for individuals, businesses and others to give tax efficiently in one place, ensuring sustained funding for LGBTQI human rights activism worldwide. By pooling donations, we provide grants to pioneering organisations, empowering them to defend our communities, tackle inequality and campaign for lasting change.

In just seven years, we have provided over £3 million in new funding, supporting nearly 60 LGBTQI organisations globally. Our grant partners report back on their achievements, and we share their impact with our supporters, demonstrating the tangible difference their generosity makes.

Together, we are strengthening the global LGBTQI movement, ensuring activists have the resources they need to build a more just and equal world.

About the Role
Fundraising and philanthropic advocacy are at the heart of GiveOut’s work. As Philanthropy Coordinator, you will be a key member of the Philanthropy team, supporting our philanthropy programme and working closely with the Head of Philanthropy and Senior Philanthropy Officers.

You will have responsibilities in three main areas: helping with internal programme coordination, supporting colleagues on key donor relationships and fundraising, and events.

You will be highly organised with a strong work ethic, enjoy organising events, and up for the challenge of raising lower level gifts from our community and allies. You will have the opportunity to develop organisational, project management and fundraising skills, learn about LGBTQI rights activism around the world, and see the impact of your work through the incredible LGBTQI organisations supported through GiveOut.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Internal Programme & Team Coordination

  • Manage calendars, schedule internal meetings, help bring together agendas, book meeting rooms, and take minutes where required

  • Help maintain internal documents & systems such as fundraising pipeline, internal reporting and project management tools.

  • Maintain database to ensure accurate donor information in GiveOut’s CRM 

  • Coordinate monthly finance reconciliation tasks for Philanthropy Team

  • Work with colleagues on shared processes, including finance and reporting

  • Contribute to a dynamic, fun and effective organisation

• Supporting Donor Relationships

  • Triage donor requests, responding where appropriate 

  • Schedule external meetings and calls

  • Create and send invoices to donors 

  • Create fundraising campaigns across third party platforms such as Benevity, JustGiving and CAF. 

  • Ensure we have necessary information to claim Gift Aid on eligible donations

  • Support on reporting to donors on the impact of their giving, building donation reports from database, liaising with internal teams, and using templates to build reports

  • Assist in donor research and prospecting

• Events

  • Support on GiveOut online and in-person events, creating event plans, and coordinating both internally and externally

  • Support travel and manage itineraries for international guests 

  • Attend GiveOut and networking events, representing GiveOut and the Philanthropy Team as needed

Essential Skills and Experience

• Connection to GiveOut’s vision, mission and values, with a commitment to the LGBTQI community

• Team player, with strong interpersonal skills 

• Strong communication skills, written and verbal, confident in engaging with colleagues and external stakeholders 

• Strong organisational skills, with ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

• Excellent attention to detail and time management

• Good working knowledge of using office software (documents, spreadsheets, presentations) and online calendar tools

• Highly motivated, with a strong work ethic

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience in organising and coordinating events

• Fundraising or relationship management experience

• Experience of  Google Workspace tools (Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets etc.)

• Experience of Asana project management tool

• CRM experience (Donorfy-specific training will be provided)

• Experience using MailChimp, MailMerge or other email marketing tool

• Working knowledge of the GDPR

Please note, if you do not meet all essential skills and experience, but feel you would be a good fit for this role we encourage you to apply anyway.

At GiveOut, we are deeply committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, and encourage applications from women, non-binary, trans people, people of colour, and people with disabilities.

Development Officer - Major Gifts
Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working - minimum 2-3 days on campus)
Salary: £39,407 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Closing Date: Mon 26 Jan 2026
Interviews in person: 9 February 2026

Help to shape the future of philanthropy and alumni engagement at Kingston University.

Kingston University is an incredible place to work. For over 125 years, we've been shaping student futures through academic excellence and forward-thinking teaching. Our recent TEF Gold rating reflects our commitment to delivering outstanding education and research. Through our ambitious Town House Strategy, we're embedding a progressive new model of education and driving innovation through partnerships with businesses, communities, and organisations.

The Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team plays a vital role in delivering these ambitions. With a global alumni community of over 270,000, we foster meaningful relationships that drive philanthropic support, unlock partnerships, and enhance the University's reputation and reach.

About the role

We are now seeking a Development Officer - Major Gifts, you will be a key member of the DARE team, responsible for generating philanthropic income and supporting the pipeline for transformational gifts. This is a dynamic, relationship-driven role and we're looking for someone who thrives on creativity and can spot potential and transform it into meaningful opportunities.

Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, you will:

* Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors, personally soliciting gifts at the four- and five-figure level.
* Support the cultivation of ultra-high-net-worth prospects for transformative gifts.
* Deliver against KPIs and income targets, contributing to our ambitious fundraising growth strategy.
* Assist with compelling proposals, donor engagement activities, and major gift events.
* Work collaboratively across the University to embed philanthropy and alumni engagement into Kingston's culture.

About You

An ambitious, curious and motivated fundraiser with:

* Demonstrable experience in development or fundraising, ideally in higher education or charity.
* Excellent communication skills.
* A proven track record of securing and stewarding donations.
* Strong influencing and relationship-building skills, with confidence engaging donors.
* Excellent organisational and project management abilities.
* A collaborative approach and enthusiasm for Kingston's mission.
* Passion for the impact they can have through fundraising in the higher education sector

What We Offer

* A dynamic, ambitious team environment
* Hybrid working with a strong sense of campus community
* Opportunities to make a real impact on student success and the University's future

Benefits include:

* Generous holiday entitlement of 35 days (from entry at all levels), in addition to bank holidays
* Three 'meeting free' weeks each year to create space for reflection and time to plan for the period ahead
* Flexible working - we can consider and accommodate various work patterns
* Family-friendly policies that support the needs of our employees
* Exceptional professional development opportunities

Key Details

- Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working, 2-3 days/week on campus)
- Closing Date: Mon 26 Jan 2026
- Interview Date: Monday 9 Feb 2026

How to apply?

The application process is CV and Supporting Statement. In the first instance, please send your up-to-date CV to Philippa at Charity People for further details about next steps.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please inform us if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

About Edward’s Trust

Edward’s Trust is a local West Midlands charity providing support for bereaved children, young people, and parents. We have 36 years of experience and operate at the highest level, providing qualified counselling and holistic support for complex or prolonged grief. We do not set time limits and the service is completely free. We do not get Government funding; therefore, we rely on donations to keep this vital service going.

Our Values

RESPECT

We will act with integrity in all that we do, being mindful and considerate to all. We respect and remember those who have died. Respect is a constant that embraces diversity and uniqueness of experience.

HOPE

A feeling of trust in tomorrow. We embody, instill and empower a feeling of trust in tomorrow. Hope is the hand to hold. We have a vision that one day there will be a universal understanding of life-changing grief.

HOLISTIC

Complete and all encompassing. We acknowledge and respond to the needs of the whole person: mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. We recognise the total experience of grief, promoting a holistic approach to bereavement care.

SUPPORT

Enabling with compassion and care. We provide responsive support that is appropriate, relevant and meaningful to each individual. Together in safety and strength. Encouraging society to respond appropriately to people facing loss and surviving bereavement

EXCELLENCE

Embracing professional integrity and creative innovation. We are passionate about providing exceptional services and maintaining the highest standards in all that we do. Excellence is valuing people. We are committed to driving innovation and change.

Role summary

If you’re ready for your next fundraising role, taking a step up and pushing yourself whilst working in a small but mighty team, this role really is for you.  This role is a critical part of the fundraising puzzle to deliver the Edward’s Trust fundraising growth plan for 2026 and increase income and services in the local West Midlands area.  This role allows you to apply your fundraising skill and knowledge and have a real and measurable impact." This Senior Fundraiser will report to the Interim Head of Fundraising, with a plan to lead the team from June 2026 with a comprehensive handover.

This role will deputise for the interim Head of Fundraising when required and has huge potential for professional growth.  This role will be an exciting opportunity to work with the leadership team to develop and implement the Edward’s Trust income generation strategy, and we are particularly interested in candidates that have grown corporate income. You will be individually responsible for Corporate, Legacy, and Regular Giving fundraising.

Working with interim Head of Fundraising, you will enhance the donor experience, ensure relationships are strong and that excellent personalised communication systems are in place and that we are truly audience led. You will be required to support other members of the Fundraising Team on fundraising activities where extra resources or senior representation may be required.

You will be responsible and accountable for ensuring the database (Donorflex) is maintained by the Fundraising Team alongside the Head of Fundraising.

You will be responsible for supporting the Head of Fundraising in reviewing systems and processes and ensuring that the Fundraising Team is working efficiently and in accordance with regulatory and legal requirements and best practice. 

The role will involve managing and tracking the Fundraising Team budget through direct line management when appropriate and you will be required to create monthly reports and updates as well as Trustee Reports, and, when needed, to reforecast income/expenditure, liaising with the senior leadership team.

We are open to flexible/hybrid working requests which can be discussed at interviews. 

About us

Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) is a values‑driven organisation working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities to protect the world’s rainforests and uphold their human rights. Since 1989, RFUK has partnered with forest peoples and grassroots organisations to secure land rights, challenge destructive industries, and influence laws and policies that safeguard forests and the people who depend on them.

Our mission is clear: to combine human rights and environmental protection to tackle deforestation. From the Congo Basin to the Amazon, our work has helped communities protect millions of hectares of rainforest. With a growing team of passionate advocates for social and environmental justice, we are committed to scaling up our impact to confront the accelerating climate and biodiversity crises.

About the role

Do you want to lead transformative fundraising and communications strategies that make a global impact?

As Head of Fundraising and Communications, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping RFUK’s external profile and driving income growth to support our ambitious 2033 vision: scaling up community-led protection of tropical forests. Reporting to the Executive Director, you’ll oversee strategic communications and fundraising, manage a small team, and work closely with colleagues across programmes and operations.

This is a senior leadership position where no two days are the same—whether you’re crafting compelling narratives, engaging major donors, or amplifying the voices of Indigenous communities on the global stage.

The role is full-time, permanent, and based in London with hybrid working options. We offer flexibility, a supportive culture, and the chance to make a lasting difference.

About you

You’re an experienced leader with a proven track record in both strategic communications and fundraising. You’re a creative communicator who can turn complex issues into persuasive, accessible messages that drive change and support for our mission. You know how to secure significant income from foundations, corporates, individuals and major donors, and you’re confident in building long-term relationships with diverse stakeholders. You thrive on collaboration, motivate teams to achieve ambitious goals, and bring resilience and cultural sensitivity to everything you do.

If you’re passionate about social and environmental justice and ready to help shape RFUK’s future, we’d love to hear from you.

Job description and benefits

Please download the full job description. We offer 30 days annual leave, 4% pension contributions, Employee Assistance Programme, learning and development allowance and four weeks of work-from-anywhere flexibility.

Location

Hybrid role based in our Bethnal Green office. The postholder would usually be required to work in the office a minimum of two days per week during their probation period. This can be reviewed with their Line Manager thereafter. RFUK can sponsor a Skilled Worker Visa for the successful candidate if required.

Application process

To submit your application, kindly complete the online application form by Friday 16th January 2026, by 9AM. Please be aware that the form will be anonymised for review by the panel.

Please note that CVs will not be considered.

Regrettably, due to the large number of applications we usually receive, it is not possible to write to you should you not be shortlisted for an interview. If you have not heard from us within 10 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held on 29th January 2026. Please let us know in your application if you are available to attend an online interview.

We are seeking a values-driven professional for a 12-month role (open to employees or freelancers) to lead our marketing work that grows our social businesses and deepens our impact on women’s health and wellbeing.  
By driving growth across our women’s-only gym and studio, café, and meeting spaces, you’ll help create more opportunities for women to thrive and support our goal of achieving long-term financial sustainability by 2029.

Job title Head of Marketing

Salary £60,000 FTE 

Reports to: CEO 

Time commitment 3 days a week (21 hours) 

Start date: End of Jan 2026  

Contract type - 12 months

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

We would consider a freelance contract

Location  - London Bridge  

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About the organisation  

Our vision is a society where equity is the norm, where all women’s voices are heard, and where their health and wellbeing rights are respected and met.

Our mission is to create kind spaces where, as women, we focus on our health and wellbeing, support each other and challenge injustice

Strategic objective goals:

Together as women:

• We create kind, nurturing spaces where we connect and improve our health and wellbeing
• We create bespoke opportunities where we improve our understanding of ourselves and support each other through life’s big changes
• We support each other to build confidence in our voice, use it to transform our lives and challenge the injustices we experience

The Bridge is a women’s health and wellbeing charity based in Southwark, one of London’s most diverse yet disadvantaged boroughs. Founded over 90 years ago, our purpose is to create spaces where women of all ages and backgrounds can connect, improve their health, and build resilience.

Our building brings everything under one roof: a women-only gym, a welcoming café, a range of wellbeing programmes covering all aspects of women’s lives, and specialist support groups for all sections of the community. Together these services offer accessible, affordable opportunities to look after both body and mind, while tackling social isolation and inequality.

We work together with communities who often feel left behind, offering a friendly, accessible place to turn to whatever their individual needs or circumstances. Over the decades, The Bridge has been a constant in people’s lives, even as the area around us has faced both growth and hardship.

About the role 

The Head of Marketing will play a pivotal role in strengthening the financial sustainability and social impact of our organisation. This 12-month position—open to both employees and consultants—will lead on the continued design and the implementation our marketing strategy across our three social businesses: our women’s-only gym and studio, our community café, and our meeting room hire service.

Working closely with the leadership team, the postholder will enhance the visibility and market reach of our social enterprises, and ensure that all business activity aligns with our mission to improve women’s health and wellbeing. They will also support marketing and outreach for our wider women’s health and wellbeing programmes, helping to grow participation and community engagement.

This role is both strategic and hands-on—ideal for a results-driven marketing professional. By driving growth in our social businesses and expanding our audience reach, the Head of Marketing will directly contribute to closing our organisational deficit by 2029 and amplifying our social impact

Our social businesses:  

The Gym – Movement, Confidence, and Connection

Our women-only gym provides a safe and empowering environment for over 600 women to move, learn, and thrive. Led by trauma-informed trainers with expertise in women’s health, it offers 29 weekly classes that prioritise confidence, joy, and holistic wellbeing rather than weight loss. The gym embodies our commitment to preventative health and creates an inclusive community where women of all ages and backgrounds can focus on their strength, resilience, and self-care. As a cornerstone of our trading model, it sustains our mission while directly advancing it.

The gym has seen significant growth in both membership and the breadth of its offer, establishing itself as a trusted and empowering space for women’s health and wellbeing. With excellent member retention rates and a strong reputation for inclusivity, safety, and quality, the gym is now well positioned for its next stage of development. We see substantial potential to expand its reach, increase profitability, and deepen its social impact by engaging more women from our local and wider communities. A key focus will be on leveraging our existing member community to support peer recruitment and referral, strengthening the sense of belonging while driving sustainable growth. This next phase will build on the gym’s solid foundations to enhance both its commercial success and its contribution to The Bridge’s mission

The Café – Nourishing Food, Nurturing Community

Our café is the social heart of The Bridge — a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive space where everyone can connect, share, and feel at home. Serving seasonal, plant-based meals prepared in-house, the café champions women-led enterprises and affordable, healthy food. It hosts many of our wellbeing and creative programmes, and through initiatives like the Pay-What-You-Can Supper Club, supports emerging women chefs and builds everyday acts of care and solidarity. The café has the opportunity to not only advances our mission of improving women’s health and wellbeing but also generates vital trading income and partnership opportunities.

While it currently operates at a deficit, it plays a vital role in advancing our wellbeing and community objectives. We are now focused on realising its full commercial potential. A feasibility study is underway to explore a range of operational and business models that will transition the café into a sustainable, profit-making enterprise. Plans include expanding income-generating opportunities through hosting more events, developing an external catering offer, and maximising use of the space for private hire and functions during weekends. This work will ensure the café continues to embody our values while contributing significantly to the financial sustainability of The Bridge

Room Hire – Spaces that Enable Collaboration and Impact

Our professional meeting and event spaces are used by charities, community groups, and corporate partners for workshops, training, and strategic planning. With over 500 bookings a year and a 89% return rate, these rooms are known for their quality, warmth, and service. The income they generate supports our wider mission, while also acting as a catalyst for new partnerships and collaborations.

We now aim to build on this success by increasing utilisation on our most popular days (Tuesday to Thursday) and attracting new clients to fill capacity on Mondays, Fridays, evenings, and weekends. Plans include developing loyalty packages for regular clients and introducing new offers such as team wellbeing days that align with our health and wellbeing ethos. This approach will not only maximise income potential but also strengthen The Bridge’s role as a space where organisations connect, collaborate, and thrive.

Key responsibilities:

Marketing and Communications

• Lead marketing initiatives to increase awareness, engagement, and participation in our social businesses and programmes.

• Develop campaigns and promotional materials that reflect the organisation’s mission, values, and social impact.

• Lead brand and audience segmentation strategy for each business and tailor marketing/communications accordingly

• Oversee digital marketing, social media, and community engagement strategies.

Outreach and Programme Support

• Support outreach and engagement for women’s health and wellbeing programmes to increase participation and impact.

• Collaborate with programme teams to ensure marketing and communication efforts align with organisational goals.

• Contribute to measurement and communication of our social impact

Line Management

• Line manage the Social Media Lead, and Marketing Manager, providing leadership, guidance, and performance management.

Values-Driven Leadership

• Embed the organisation’s mission and values into all business and marketing activities.

• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organisational strategy, decision-making, and long-term planning.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or professional qualification in business, marketing, social enterprise, or a related field.

Experience

• Experience of developing and implementing a marketing strategy and implementation plan for an organisation/social enterprise or social business

• Strong experience in digital marketing channels (paid social, search engine marketing, email automation, CRM segmentation, Google Analytics) and comfortable analysing digital campaign performance.

• Experience of embedding equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in marketing and service planning

• Demonstrable ability to build, develop and lead a multi-disciplinary team and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills with the ability to translate strategy into actionable plans.

• Excellent leadership, team management, and people development skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills – able to engage with senior stakeholders (local businesses, funders, community organisations), and act as an ambassador for the organisation.

• Ability to balance financial objectives with social mission, embedding values in all activities.

• Proficiency in digital marketing, CRM systems, and business reporting tools.

Personal Attributes

• Values-driven, with a genuine commitment to women’s health, wellbeing, and social impact.

• Creative, proactive, and results-oriented, with the ability to identify and pursue new opportunities.

• Collaborative and adaptable, able to work across teams and contribute to senior leadership decision-making.

• Resilient and solutions-focused, able to navigate challenges and achieve targets in a fast-moving environment 

The Head of Policy and Advocacy will lead the strategic development and delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research agenda.Join the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations.

Job role: Head of Policy and Advocacy

Employer: Muslim Charities Forum

Salary:£42,000 – 45,000 per annum

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (4 days office-based, 1 day hybrid/remote)

Position: Fixed Term Contract, 3 years.

Location: London SE1.Nearest stations Waterloo, Lambeth North

Closing date for applications:16th December 2025, 5.00pm or until a suitable candidate is identified.

About Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) 

Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) is the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations. Guided by our pillars of Support, Connect and Represent, we champion excellence, transparency and social justice through resources, capacity-building, research and advocacy. 

We work to tackle structural and funding barriers, influence government, policymakers and the wider sector, and build a more sustainable, equitable Muslim-led charitable landscape. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, we drive systemic change and amplify the contributions of Muslim-led organisations across society. 

Role Purpose 

The Head of Policy and Advocacy will lead the strategic development and delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research agenda. The role involves shaping long-term strategy, building a robust evidence base, influencing government and policymakers, and representing MCF at senior levels across the charity, public and political sectors. 

The postholder will engage proactively with central and local government, devolved authorities, and regional mayors, ensuring that the voices and experiences of Muslim-led organisations are represented in policy development and decision-making. 

They will work collaboratively with MCF’s Communications, Partnerships, and Systemic Change and Sector Capacity teams to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach that delivers sustainable, long-term impact. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Strategy and Leadership 

• Develop and deliver the next three-year Policy and Advocacy Strategy aligned with MCF’s organisational objectives. 

• Provide strategic advice to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board on policy opportunities and risks. 

• Lead and develop the Policy and Advocacy team, fostering a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative culture. 

2. Policy, Research and Insight 

• Monitor and analyse UK policy and regulatory developments affecting Muslim-led civil society. 

• Oversee research, consultations and data-driven insight to inform MCF’s policy positions. 

• Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, consultation responses and position statements. 

3. Influencing and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Lead MCF’s engagement with central government, local authorities, devolved administrations and regional mayors, as well as regulators and sector networks. 

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, think tanks and sector leaders. 

• Coordinate MCF’s public affairs activity, including roundtables, Select Committee and APPG engagement, and representation at high-level external forums. 

• Strengthen MCF’s profile as a credible and influential voice for Muslim-led civil society across all tiers of government and the voluntary sector. 

4. Sector Capacity and Member Support 

• Engage MCF’s members and Muslim-led organisations in collective policy development and advocacy. 

• Design and deliver tools, training and resources to build members’ influencing capacity. 

• Identify and advocate for structural solutions to sector-wide challenges, including funding inequality, regulatory barriers and intersectional disadvantage. 

5. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting 

• Develop and implement frameworks to assess the effectiveness and impact of MCF’s policy and advocacy work. 

• Provide regular progress reports to the CEO. 

• Ensure compliance with charity law, lobbying and regulatory requirements. 

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria 

• Significant experience (5+ years) in senior policy, advocacy or influencing roles within the UK charity or voluntary sector. 

• Demonstrable success influencing government at national, local or devolved levels, achieving measurable policy or funding change. 

• Strong understanding of the UK charity policy, funding and regulatory environment. 

• Knowledge of the UK Muslim-led and/or faith-based civil society landscape. 

• Experience amplifying marginalised voices and embedding lived experience into policy and advocacy work. 

• Proven ability to lead teams and deliver organisational strategy. 

• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills, with strong political acumen. 

• Commitment to social justice, equity and strengthening Muslim-led civil society. 

Desirable Criteria 

• Experience working with Muslim-led, faith-based or minority-led organisations. 

• Understanding of intersectionality and its impact on underrepresented communities. 

• Experience of research collaboration with academic institutions or think tanks. 

• Proven track record in building partnerships for policy or advocacy initiatives. 

Values and Behaviours 

• Strategic and forward-thinking leadership. 

• Collaborative and inclusive approach to diverse stakeholders. 

• Resilience and adaptability in complex, fast-changing environments. 

• Integrity and credibility in representing MCF and the wider sector. 

• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. 

• Excellent communication skills, particularly in amplifying underrepresented voices. 

Additional Information 

This is a senior leadership position. Occasional evening or parliamentary activities may be required, along with UK-wide travel. 

What We Offer 

• The opportunity to lead impactful change within one of the UK’s most dynamic faith-based networks. 

• A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive working environment. 

• Opportunities for professional growth, leadership, and innovation. 

Application Information 

To apply, please send a CV (no more than 2 pages) and a covering letter (max 1,000 words) explaining how you meet the essential criteria and your motivation and suitability for the post.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from candidates with lived experience of marginalisation and an understanding of Islamic ethos.  

We reserve the right to withdraw this role once a suitable candidate is identified. 

If you have not heard from us concerning your application within 6 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. 

Interviews: Initial online short interview (stage 1), face-to-face in-office interview (stage 2). 

No agencies.

UK residents only.Sponsorship is not possible for this post. References will be taken up prior to appointment including relevant ID checks. 

This is your chance to lead a growing and high-profile team at the heart of ARU’s future – building lifelong relationships and a culture of giving that makes a lasting difference.

Applications close at9 a.m. Tuesday 6th January 2026 

Who we are

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a modern, inclusive and globally engaged university that transforms lives through innovative, entrepreneurial and socially impactful education and research. Named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023 and rated Gold in the UK’s Teaching Excellence Framework, we are recognised for excellence in teaching, research and enterprise. With students from more than 185 countries, our community is driven by curiosity, collaboration and the desire to make a difference. Our research spans health, sustainability, creativity and technology, and we are the largest provider of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in the East of England. We are also one of the UK’s leading universities for degree apprenticeships, working with hundreds of employers to equip students for meaningful careers.

The opportunity

This is an exciting and pivotal moment for ARU’s Development and Alumni function. Now three and a half years old, the team has already established early strengths in major donor, trust and foundation fundraising, and plays an important role in advancing ARU’s mission around participation and social mobility. We are looking for an inspiring and strategic leader to shape the next phase of our Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Strategy. You will build on strong foundations to develop an integrated and creative approach across fundraising and alumni relations, creating a clearer narrative and a consistent, values-led experience for supporters.

Working closely with the Director of Marketing, Communications and Recruitment, the Vice Chancellor and the Chief Operating Officer, you will have the opportunity to influence at a senior level and help shape a visible culture of philanthropy across the university. You will lead a growing team, foster innovation, and harness digital and AI tools to enhance donor and alumni engagement. This role will also connect with our expanding international development remit, opening new opportunities to engage ARU’s global alumni community and build relationships that have both regional and worldwide impact.

About you

You will bring a strong track record in major gift fundraising and strategic relationship management, with experience across multiple income streams including individuals, trusts and corporates. A confident and inclusive leader, you will inspire your team and colleagues to achieve shared success, building collaboration and creativity across the function.

You will be skilled at developing compelling cases for support and using insight, data and storytelling to connect people to purpose. Experience in higher education or a large, complex, mission-driven organisation would be an advantage, as would familiarity with CRM systems such as Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge and the use of digital and AI-driven approaches to engagement.

Above all, you will share our belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of philanthropy in unlocking opportunity, driving inclusion and changing lives.

At ARU, you will join a values-led institution where ambition, integrity and community shape everything we do. You will be part of a supportive environment that encourages innovation, nurtures potential and celebrates success.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply. 

This advert will come down before the role closes, so please be aware that the closing date is 9 a.m. Tuesday 6th January 2026 and to visit Peridot Partners for the full details and the job pack. 

Head of People and CultureRoyal Museums Greenwich
£70,000
Full-time, Permanent
London/Hybrid

TPP is delighted to be partnering with Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) to recruit their next Head of People and Culture, a pivotal leadership role at one of the UK’s most celebrated cultural organisations.

About Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG)
RMG unites the National Maritime Museum, Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory, and Queen’s House, each with its own story, all committed to inspiring, educating, and connecting communities. Their strategy, ‘Charting Our Course’, puts people at the heart of everything they do.

The Role
As Head of People and Culture, you’ll lead a talented team to deliver innovative, inclusive, and impactful HR services across the organisation. You’ll drive their ambitions in diversity and inclusion, wellbeing, organisational development, and continuous performance management, while modernising their systems and processes.
You’ll be a trusted partner to the senior leadership team, using a coaching approach to support change and growth. From pay and reward to learning and development, employee relations to volunteer programmes, you’ll ensure RMG is staffed by motivated, skilled, and values-driven people, who are ready to deliver their vision.

What We’re Looking For

• Extensive experience in a Senior HR Business Partner or Head of HR role, ideally CIPD Chartered.
• Strategic and operational HR expertise, with a practical, solutions-focused approach.
• Strong working knowledge of payroll, pensions, and employment law.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire teams.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and anti-racism, with a track record of driving positive change.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
• Experience managing budgets and resources efficiently.
• A passion for wellbeing, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Experience in heritage, museums, or cultural sectors is a plus, but not essential. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who share their values and ambition.

Why Join them?
If you’re an HR professional who’s passionate about leading a talented team, driving positive change, and keen to shape the culture of an organisation that inspires millions, this is the role for you!

You’ll also receive:

• Generous pension scheme and life cover
• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 1 year) plus bank holidays
• 40% discount in our cafés, 30% in our shops
• Interest-free loans (travel, bike, gym, learning)
• Free entry to exhibitions at partner museums and galleries
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• A culture that celebrates individuality, collaboration, and innovation

Inclusion & Accessibility
RMG is a Disability Confident employer. We’re committed to making our recruitment process accessible, please let us know if you need any adjustments, from advance interview questions to step-free access or extra time.

Deadline date: Tuesday 6th January, 2026. 

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

Head of Communications
Salary: Banding Level 5 £45,000 - £50,000
Contract type: Permanent / Working hours: Full time
Location: Taunton, Somerset. Opportunity for hybrid working

The Head of Communications is a fundamental role within the Somerset Wildlife Trust.

The role is responsible for leading the development and coordinated delivery of the Trust’s communications in line with the Wilder Somerset 2030 strategy. This includes identifying key audiences, crafting core messages, and selecting effective communication channels to raise awareness and understanding of the Trust’s work. The postholder will support staff across the organisation in achieving the strategy’s aims while managing a team of specialists and responding to emerging issues professionally and astutely.

Working across teams, the Head of Communications will develop and deliver an annual communications plan that meets the organisation's priorities.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

Responsibility 1: Leadership & Cross Team Working

• Strategic Planning: Lead the development of the communications delivery plan and annual calendar, involving all areas of the Trust, defining key audiences, messages and channels with the aim of increasing awareness and understanding of the Trust. Provide effective leadership and build strong working relationships with departments across the charity to ensure integrated communications plans and campaigns are developed and implemented to achieve the maximum impact with external audiences.
• Communications Delivery Plan: Effective coordination of both messages and activity – both reactive and proactive throughout the year. Including improvements with revised website navigation and architecture, SEO improvements and content targeted at priority groups, including use of video, and influencers.
• Senior Leadership Team: Be an active member of the Senior Leadership Team taking collective responsibility for decision making, risk and budget management across the Trust. Work with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure all communications effectively contribute to and support all strategic goals of the Trust.
• Brand Marketing: Work with teams to improve our products and services and how these meet the needs of our audiences, including working with focus groups (with co-creation when relevant).
• Building Capability: Coordinate providing support and training for all staff to achieve effective communications, which supports the Trust’s overall brand and positioning, including mentoring the communications team.
• Systems & Processes: Maintain and develop systems for gathering information and communications planning within the Trust and from project partners, RSWT and SWT. Embedding into all teams’ ways of working.

Responsibility 2: Communications Delivery

• Line Management: Manage, support and develop a team of staff and volunteers to deliver the communications work programme, providing effective line management. Including the provision of specialist support and advice for the development of specific communication campaigns or tools across the organisation.
• Budgets: Ensure communication activity elsewhere in the Trust is produced within allocated budgets and timeframes.
• Performance: Set and manage KPIs and budget for communications programmes, monitoring and reporting performance and reforecasting in line with Trust requirements. Continuous improvement.
• Brand: Develop the Trust’s brand, ensuring a clear and distinctive brand proposition and engaging brand identity, which also supports the Trust as part of the Wildlife Trusts movement. Ensure the brand’s consistent use and monitor the link with the Trust strategy and values.
• Public Affairs: Oversee the PR and media relations (press office function), and act as a key charity spokesperson when required. Horizon scanning and being aware of emerging issues to develop opportunistic messages to optimise nature recovery actions.
• Crisis Management: Protect the Trust's reputation by ensuring the effectiveness of robust crisis management plans and the definition of clear policies and position statements.
• Design, Content & Print: Coordinate the Annual Report with teams and Trustees. Editor for the members’ magazine and print products to support membership retention and enable action for nature.

Responsibility 3: Campaigns for Change

• Strategic Campaign Planning: Work with our policy, advocacy and engagement specialists to design campaigns that move people through the engagement funnel, change behaviour, influence policy, and improve supporter retention. Work with the Exec Team to set campaign objectives tied to clear outcomes: acquisition, activation, retention, behaviour change, policy influence, or income generation.
• Supporter Journeys & Segmentation: Map and optimise journeys across channels (email, web, social media, print, events) with named next steps that move people toward deeper engagement and action.
• Marketing Campaign Leadership: Own the strategic design of multi-channel marketing campaigns and provide clear briefs and creative direction to the delivery team. Ensure channel integration so website journeys, email, print content and social media activity are coordinated and measurable. Keep storytelling compelling while optimising for acquisition and action.
• Advocacy & Policy Campaigns: Work across teams to design campaigns to influence systems change by leveraging our data and evidence, combining public voice, stakeholder engagement and targeted advocacy tactics.
• Behaviour Change Campaigns: Work with our engagement specialists to apply social marketing techniques and behavioural frameworks to shift norms and the adoption of actions for nature. Translate data and evidence into interventions that use communication tactics such as prompts, social proof, incentives and nudges to create measurable behaviour change.

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• 7% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance
• Flexible and agile working
• Wellbeing support – EAP, wellbeing champions
• Diversity networks through RSWT/TWT
• Paid volunteer days
• Continuous Professional Development opportunities
• 33 days of holiday (25 + bank holidays) + Christmas shutdown
• Staff social calendar and events
• The opportunity to make a real and positive difference to nature, communities and the climate

Closing date: Monday 5th January 2026

Please note: We reserve the right to close the position early if application volumes are particularly high. We encourage you to get your application in sooner rather than later.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Somerset Wildlife Trust have an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan and are committed to continuing to improve the equality, diversity and inclusion of every aspect of our work; we know we need to engage with everyone to live our values and achieve our goals. We welcome applications from everyone and are happy to discuss any accommodations or arrangements that would make the recruitment process better for you, and the working environment should you be employed.

No agencies please.

Summary

EduSpots is an innovative, dynamic, and community-orientated UK and Ghanaian registered charity which connects, trains, and equips grassroots voluntary educators (named ‘Catalysts’) to drive community-led change through education spaces named ‘Spots’. Our vision is of a world in which communities unite to create the futures they want to see, through education.

Since 2016, through collaborating with over 400 local voluntary community educators and actors – named ‘Catalysts’ – who take a central leadership role in the development of the network, we have supported 50 communities in creating and running community-led and owned education spaces named ‘Spots’’. Together, we are developing a model for a community-led education space with accompanying network engagement that could have global relevance. 

Our Ghana-based team creates collaborative learning opportunities through three leadership programmes for Catalysts which are increasingly facilitated by the EduSpots app: the Ignite, Catalyse and Inspire Mentoring Programmes. These enable the Catalysts to lead EduKidz (early years education), DigLit (digital literacy), EcoSTEM (STEM and environmental education) and Ignite Equity (gender equity) clubs for learners typically aged 3-16, alongside locally designed education projects, reaching over 10,000 learners of all ages annually. 

We are in an exciting period of our development, having more than doubled our income, programme breadth and reach in the last two years, with a recent independent evaluation by Expectation State offering further evidence in support of our model’s outcomes. We have been recently selected for two accelerator programmes, who are supporting us as we consider the scaling potential of our model. In the period, we are aiming to double our network reach, bringing an additional 50 Spots into the network.

We won the Tes International Award in 2018 and the Big Give Supporters’ Choice Award in 2022, and we were recently selected as a finalist for the 2023 Their World Scale-Up Innovation Prize. In 2021, our Founder was a Finalist in the UNESCO-backed $1 million Global Teacher Prize.

We are excited by our future. 

About this role 

The Global Head of Operations is a new role being introduced in 2026 with the core purpose of strengthening systems, processes and strategic delivery across both EduSpots Global and EduSpots Ghana, offering hands-on support to the CEO and wider staff across a range of areas.

In this senior role, you will work closely alongside the CEO, offering her the advice and skills needed to move EduSpots successfully through a complex period of growth in a challenging fundraising context, enabling more learners and Catalysts to participate in a unique community-led model of education, whilst sharing our practice more widely.

We are looking for an organised and empathetic strategic leader, ideally with strong or developing skills across project management, finance, HR and MEL skills and an ability to work independently in a fast moving work environment.

This role has the potential to grow into a Director of Global Operations or Deputy CEO role in time for outstanding candidates, and carries significant organisation-wide responsibility.

Candidates should hold a genuine passion for educational equity, a strong belief in the power of community-led models to transform lives at scale and a high level of flexibility in a fast-changing yet friendly and playful work environment.

Whilst this role is remote, and open to all global candidates, you will need to have understanding and experience of UK law, accounting and policy development, or a strong appetite to build experience in this area quickly.

Main duties and responsibilities 

Systems

• Work with the CEO and staff to proactively strengthen systems and processes across the organisation, including monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks and operations. 
• Support the wider team with IT, including general skill development, leading the Google Space system. 
• Monitor compliance to organisational policies and lead the quarterly review of the organisational risk register, working with the Ghana Head of Operations. 

Finance 

• Work with the Finance and Admin Officer to produce monthly and quarterly global management accounts, cash flow analysis and to complete the annual audit. 
• Lead the financial planning of the organisation, working with the CEO and the Ghana Head of Operations to create the annual budget. 
• Work with the Ghana Head of Operations to strengthen financial systems, processes, and training across the organisation. 
• Work with the Ghana Head of Operations to prepare budgets for funding bids as needed.
• Work with the grants team to track grant spending and produce consolidated financial reports (including expenditure from the UK and Ghana) for donors. 
• Ensure EduSpots’ new accounting software (QuickBooks) is fully embedded and utilised.
• Oversee bank account management, including payments, checking bank statements, and reviewing bank reconciliations for UK and Ghana.
• Ensure staff payroll (likely to be outsourced) and payments to freelancers / consultants are done accurately and in a timely manner.

HR

• Work alongside the CEO, Head of Operations, Safeguarding and Inclusion Managers  and wider staff to develop strategies to sustain and strengthen a high performing and friendly work culture. 
• Work across the team to strengthen HR and performance management structures, informed by best practice and legal frameworks. 
• Lead the recruitment of staff, consultants and volunteers in the UK (advertising roles, drafting contracts, contacting referees and completing all filing and administration relating to recruitment).
• Onboard new staff, provide training on policies and procedures, and track key information (leave, appraisals, etc) for UK staff. 
• Regularly review and keep the Staff Handbook up to date.
• Depending on skill-set, work with the CEO to lead professional development for staff across the organisation, liaising with trustees and advisory group members.

Administration & Governance

• Manage and maintain databases and our Google Drive system. 
• Ensure compliance with GDPR and adherence to our child safeguarding and protection policy. 
• Maintain insurance renewals, tracking and filing.
• Review and keep up to date all organisational policies in line with current legislation, working with the Trustees and Directors. 
• Assist the CEO in the administration relating to EduSpots’ governance, including board meeting arrangements and minute taking.
• Support the CEO in all ad-hoc tasks that arise, working closely alongside her to ensure the smooth running of the organisation. 

Strategic insight 

• Work closely with the CEO and staff/Catalysts across the organisation to ensure all EduSpots’ decision-making is strategic and in the best interests of the Catalysts, Sparks and Communities we partner with. 

Other areas 

• Depending on experience, you may in time take on management responsibilities for some staff, but this role is principally a systems strengthening and quality improvement role, working closely with the CEO to offer advice and additional capacity. 
• Depending on experience, you may support with grants writing / management and/or community fundraising. Experience of fundraising would be of significant benefit to the organisation in this key leadership role. 

Personal Specification 

Essential 

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience of operations in a small/medium charity context. 
• Self-starter with the ability to hit the ground running and work with minimal supervision with high levels of flexibility.
• Self-motivated, with an ability to motivate and energise others.
• High level strategic understanding, critical thinking and the ability to strengthen systems in a fast-paced high performance environment.
• Excellent communication, both oral and written.
• The ability to thrive and adapt in a fast-paced, creative and impact-driven culture. 
• Strong administrative skills with a high level of attention to detail. 
• Experience in creating user-friendly tools and processes to support project and quality management.
• Experience using Google Suite, with strong Excel skills.
• Tech savvy – ability to learn new tech tools efficiently.
• Experience coordinating others. 
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills with strong empathy and cultural sensitivity 
• Strong personal alignment with the mission, vision and values of EduSpots. 

Highly desirable 

• Experience supporting charity Boards, and working with external bodies including auditors, tax authorities, and other official bodies is highly desirable.
• Experience complying and strong familiarity with UK charity regulations and requirements.
• Experience preparing budgets and financial reports for donors/grants. 
• Experience of working in a cross-cultural team.
• Experience of working with an international charity would be advantageous. 

Please send a tailored covering letter and CV addressed to the CEO Miss Cat Davison by Wednesday 31st December with a hope to meet shortlisted candidates for a first-round interview in the week starting Monday 12th January. 

Salary: £46,104 – £51,176
Location: Remote with regular travel to Downton and London
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Legacy & In Memory Manager to join our Commercial Directorate at Help for Heroes. This pivotal role will shape and maximise one of our most important income streams, ensuring we can continue delivering life-changing support for the Armed Forces community.

Legacy and In Memory income contributes over half of all fundraised income, making this a strategically significant role with the opportunity to drive meaningful and lasting impact. If you are an experienced, collaborative and strategic leader with expertise in legacy fundraising, legacy administration and/or in memory giving, this could be your perfect next step.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Mass Fundraising, you will lead the development, delivery and continuous improvement of our Gifts in Wills and In Memory programmes. You’ll shape strategies that drive sustainable income growth, ensure operational excellence, and deliver exceptional stewardship for supporters, families and executors.

You will oversee all aspects of legacy marketing, legacy administration and in-memory giving, ensuring compliance, accuracy and sensitivity in this specialist area. You will also provide clear reporting and forecasting to track performance and identify future income opportunities. Working collaboratively across the charity, you’ll embed best practice, enhance supporter journeys and maximise long-term income opportunities.

As a senior leader, you will guide and develop a skilled team of five, championing a culture of collaboration, learning and data-led decision-making.

About You

You’ll be a strategic, compassionate and resourceful leader with a strong background in legacy fundraising, legacy administration and/or in memory giving. You’ll bring both technical expertise and emotional intelligence — able to oversee sensitive stewardship activity, manage complex matters confidently and influence stakeholders at all levels.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Significant experience in legacy fundraising, legacy administration and/or in memory giving
• Strong understanding of legacy marketing, supporter journeys and charity-side legacy processes
• Demonstrable team management or leadership experience
• Experience overseeing sensitive, high-quality stewardship to supporters and families
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong analytical and data-led decision-making capability
• Confidence in managing budgets, forecasting income and reporting on performance
• A values-driven, empathetic approach and commitment to delivering excellence

Due to the specialist nature of this role, we can only consider applicants with relevant experience in legacy fundraising, legacy administration or in memory giving, as well as demonstrable leadership or team management experience.

About the Team

Our Mass Fundraising team sits within the Commercial Directorate and is responsible for building strong, trusted relationships with supporters across the UK. Legacy & In Memory giving is a cornerstone of this work, enabling us to deliver our LiveWell Strategy and ensure every member of the Armed Forces Community can live well after service.

You’ll join a passionate, expert and purpose-driven team who champion innovation, empathy and excellence in everything they do.

In return we can offer you:

• Belonging to a team who make a difference to our community and value equality, diversity and inclusion.
• 29 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, regardless of service — plus your birthday off to celebrate!
• Opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave per year.
• Added to our free health scheme from day one, including discounts on dental, opticians, massages, and more - with the option to upgrade.
• 3 volunteer days per year to support the Help for Heroes community.
• A generous salary sacrifice pension scheme with an 8% employer contribution and a minimum 3% employee contribution, plus life insurance up to 4× salary as an active member.
• Discounts on our branded clothing, including a free Help for Heroes hoody when you complete your induction.

Closing date: 29th December 2025

Please note: We may close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of strong applications.

 Harris Hill is delighted to be working with a dynamic, values-led arts and culture charity to recruit a Head of Venue Operations.

Permanent | 32 hours per week (4 days) | London (multi-site)
Salary: Circa £45,000, with flexibility for exceptional candidates

This organisation is known for transforming spaces into vibrant, community-focused cultural venues, supporting artists, experimental programming and inclusive night-time culture across London. The Head of Venue Operations will play a critical role in ensuring these venues operate safely, sustainably and to a consistently high standard.

The role

Reporting to the senior leadership team, the Head of Venue Operations will have strategic and hands-on responsibility for the organisation’s public-facing venues, including cafés, bars, event spaces and late-night cultural sites. Managing a team of Venue Managers, you will oversee day-to-day operations, compliance, staff leadership, financial performance and guest experience across multiple locations.

A key early priority will be leading the operational launch of a new venue, acting as interim Venue Manager during its establishment phase before transitioning to a permanent management structure.

This is a senior operational role requiring both strong systems thinking and an ability to lead from the front in busy, public environments.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and line-managing Venue Managers and operational teams across multiple sites
• Embedding consistent operational systems, policies and procedures
• Overseeing licensing, health & safety, safeguarding and late-night compliance
• Ensuring excellent customer experience and inclusive, welcoming venues
• Managing budgets, staffing costs, stock control and financial reporting
• Supporting live events, performances, nightlife and community programming
• Playing a central role in opening and launching new venues
• Championing staff wellbeing, development and inclusive working practices

About you

You will bring significant experience managing complex venues, bars, cultural spaces or late-night operations, with a strong understanding of licensing and compliance. You will be a confident people manager, comfortable leading multi-site or large teams, and able to balance commercial awareness with community and artistic values.

Experience within the arts, charity or community sectors is highly desirable, as is a genuine commitment to accessibility, inclusion and grassroots culture.

For more information, please send your CV to

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

Location: Hybrid – London office and home
Contract: Permanent, full time
Reporting to: Chief Executive
Working pattern: Four-day week

About Spinal Research

Every two hours, someone in the UK becomes paralysed. Globally, more than 15 million people live with paralysis. At Spinal Research, our vision is a world where paralysis can be cured. We fund groundbreaking research to deliver life-changing treatments for people with spinal cord injuries. By backing the brightest minds and fostering innovation, we are driving progress towards what could be the medical breakthrough of the 21st century: curing paralysis. We will not stop until that future is achieved.

The Role

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Head of Strategy and Operations. This pivotal role ensures Spinal Research is efficient, resilient, and future-focused. You will work closely with the Chief Executive, board, and senior colleagues to deliver organisational strategy, oversee operations, finance, HR, and systems, and help position the charity for growth and impact.

You will bring people, processes, and data together to maximise effectiveness, empower teams, strengthen cross-department collaboration, and champion innovation—including the use of AI and technology—to help us deliver our mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver organisational strategy, project development, and workforce planning as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Act as a key point of contact for the board on operational matters.
• Build alignment between research, fundraising, community engagement, and operations.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient and consistent processes across teams.
• Lead on HR, recruitment, staff wellbeing, safeguarding, health & safety, and cyber security.
• Ensure robust financial management, reporting, and compliance.
• Develop and implement policies, systems, and processes to support organisational resilience.
• Act as Data Protection Officer, ensuring compliance with data protection laws and championing data-driven decision-making.
• Lead change management initiatives and explore AI tools and technologies to enhance efficiency.
• Line-manage staff and partners in operations, finance, HR, and data.
• Promote internal career progression, training, and succession planning.
• Be a visible advocate for Spinal Research’s mission and support new initiatives, partnerships, and fundraising activities.

The Kind of Person We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a strategic, collaborative, and innovative leader who thrives in a mission-driven environment. The ideal candidate will be passionate about making a difference, with a proven ability to drive organisational effectiveness and lead teams through change.

Experience and Skills

• Senior Leadership: Significant experience in a senior operational, strategy, or general management role, ideally within the charity, health, research, or not-for-profit sectors.
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to shape and deliver organisational strategy, manage complex projects, and align cross-functional teams.
• Operational Excellence: Strong track record overseeing day-to-day operations, including HR, finance, compliance, and systems development.
• Change Management: Experience leading change initiatives, with the ability to engage and support teams through transitions.
• Data and Technology: Comfortable championing data-driven decision-making and integrating new technologies (such as AI tools and platforms like Salesforce) to enhance organisational performance.
• People Leadership: Skilled at empowering, developing, and line-managing diverse teams and partners, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and act as a credible advocate for the organisation’s mission.
• Values-Driven: Committed to upholding Spinal Research’s values of commitment, integrity, collaboration, and innovation in all aspects of work.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, resilient, and adaptable, with a growth mindset.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Passionate about making a positive impact for people affected by spinal cord injury.

Working Arrangements

• Hybrid role split between home and our London Bridge office.
• Spinal Research is a four-day week employer
• Part of a supportive, values-driven team (commitment, integrity, collaboration, innovation).
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support organisational priorities.

Ready to help us deliver life-changing impact?
Apply now to join Spinal Research and play a key role in our mission to cure paralysis.

This is a new role within our client following functional changes over a number of years. The Head of Supported Living is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing and developing supported living services for adults with learning disabilities within the charity including our client's Shared Lives schemes and their residential home.

The role ensures that services are person-centred, high-quality, and compliant with regulatory and organisational standards, while empowering individuals to live independently and achieve their goals.

Leading culture and change with experience, integrity, collaboration and transparency sits at the heart of the role. 

The role responsibilities will ensure that our client is able to support more people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health problems to lead healthy, active and equal lives. Their ambition is to become a leader in social and green care integration through the alignment of the personalisation agenda, technological enhancement and advancement and holistic health and wellbeing. 

To achieve this ambition, they will transform their services to ensure that they are effective, efficient and impact and outcomes focused. There will be clarity of the offer, understanding of the financial modelling in a very challenging political environment and respect of the unique culture and history of the Charity whilst innovating through the power of accessible technology.

The post will be responsible for ensuring that services are targeted at people who will gain the most benefit from the Trust’s community (campus) offer within rural and urban contexts. The role will create an “expert driven” provision which is evidence based and provides independent living and a life of opportunity through an ethos of co-production, health and wellbeing.

The role will implement agreed strategy, developing delivery plans that are executed with high quality communication and engagement ensuring that the voices of both staff, people supported and families are heard.

The role will be responsible for continuous value for money service enhancement and will deliver significant growth ensuring close and meaningful relationships with authorities, commissions and private markets resulting in increased funding and healthy waiting lists for the homes and services provided. The post will be responsible for a significant budget and will require the financial acumen to manage this effectively. 

As a direct report to a member of the Executive Management Team (EMT) the role becomes a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and will be pivotal in delivering an ambitious transformation agenda and delivering the charity’s Brilliant Future Strategy.

Location & Travel
West Midlands, Gloucestershire and Hertfordshire

The role will cover our communities at Stourbridge (West Midlands), Grange Village & Oaklands Park (Gloucestershire) and St Albans & Delrow, Watford (Hertfordshire). 

You will be based at one of the communities within the region, with regular travel between communities.

You will be required to attend quarterly leadership away days and other meetings which will require overnight stays.

Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership

• Lead, manage, inspire and develop high performing, highly respected and skilled supported living teams across three communities, supporting and line-managing direct reports to achieve agreed objectives, which will in turn support the delivery of the wider strategic objectives of the Trust.
• Foster a culture of excellence, inclusion, and respect.
• Actively contribute to the Senior Leadership Team, sharing collective responsibility for the development, delivery and evaluation of cross-departmental projects and activities.
• Implement the operational delivery plan that delivers the strategy for supported living services, aligning with the charity’s mission and values.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in service delivery to meet the evolving needs of service users with a particular focus on an ageing population and integration of younger people’s services.
• Monitor and respond to sector trends, legislation, and best practices to maintain a leading-edge in-service provision.
• Lead evidence based, high quality communication and engagement opportunities at community level that support the Trust to become an irresistible employer, measured through agreed annual and pulse survey results, positive feedback and clear understanding of the Trust’s direction of travel and objectives.
• Understand, contribute and support the fundraising needs of the charity to ensure added value for those that we support.
• Working with peers, people supported and practitioners; develop digital innovation and technology solutions to create a modern, flexible service and opportunities to support and evidence healthy lifestyle choices that align to the Trust’s Green Care goals.
• Support the development of a Theory of Change for Supported Living and Housing Management across the region and be responsible for implementation of agreed outcomes.
• Ensure effective recruitment, training, and professional development of staff.

Supported Living Operations

• Ensure the delivery of measurable and high performing supported living services. Manage and drive improvements in the performance and quality of all services by setting clear objectives, targets and KPIs, evidence regular monitoring and implementation of actions to address under performance.
• Ensure all supported living services meet or exceed regulatory standards (e.g. CQC or equivalent) and internal quality benchmarks.
• Develop and implement systems to measure and report on service outcomes and impact.
• Lead on contract negotiations with funding bodies and across the region to maximise income for the delivery of supported living services.
• Ensure services are co-produced and that co-production is central to the work of the supported living teams and services are delivered in line with the ‘I-statements’.
• Through the Theory of Change, develop a clear model of active support that enables independence and clarity of needs led provision.

People We Support Advocacy

• Promote a person-centred approach, ensuring that people we support have choice, control, and opportunities to achieve their Life of Opportunity aspirations.
• Establish systems for gathering and responding to feedback from those supported and their families.
• Embed the Family Charter and support a culture of transparency.
• Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are rigorously implemented and adhered to.

Housing Management

• Ensure properties are fully let to minimise void loss to the target groups identified in the approved strategy.
• Work with colleagues in the Property and Land Services to secure alternative use for unlettable properties to maximises income aligned to agreed plans, tenure and opportunity.

Strategy Implementation, planning, budgeting, and reporting

• Contribution to and implementation of the approved strategies and tactical plans that support the delivery of a Brilliant Future (e.g. Older People, Community Development, Stakeholder Engagement) . 
• Develop and manage a significant and comprehensive operational annual budget and set of KPIs in line with income constraints and create evaluation & monitoring systems that drive value for money and agreed delivery objectives.
• Develop and manage budgets for supported living services, ensuring financial sustainability recognising that the Charity does not fundraise for statutory provision.
• Monitor and control expenditure, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising quality.
• Provide monthly insights, performance reports and analysis using proportionate systems appropriate to different audiences and including Executive, Board of Trustees and Trust strategic documents (such as Annual Report and Impact Reporting).
• Ensure contracts are approved and in place for the delivery of all commissioned services.
• Ensure the service procures goods and services in line with the established governance frameworks in place at the Charity.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead on the development and maintenance of purposeful operational relationships with key stakeholders within the region including funders, commissioners, health services and other partners.
• Work with stakeholders to develop and transform services to meet evolving needs of the local community.
• Support fundraising activity by providing impact reporting as required by the fundraising team and our supporters and local development of volunteering programmes that add value to the unique services of the trust.
• Build meaningful relationships with families in a way that is transparent and aligned to good practise and safeguarding/MCA principles.
• Advocate for the needs and rights of adults with learning disabilities within local and national forums.
• Represent the charity at key events, meetings, and networks.
• Identify and pursue relevant funding opportunities including grants, contracts and partnerships ensuring that key stakeholders are informed and aware of relevant opportunities.

Transformation and Change

• Contribute to, and support, the Theory of Change development of the current model for delivery of supported living 
• Lead the services across the region through transformational leadership and collaborative implementation of the new model for supported living

Governance, Regulation and EDIB

• Ensure that all supported living activities adhere to charity and housing legislation and meet contractual obligations
• Ensure supported living services comply with the regulatory requirements of the Care Quality Commission.
• Represent the charity internally and externally, including Trustee meetings, as required.
• Observe and comply with all Camphill Village Trust policies, including the key policies and procedures on Confidentiality, Data Protection, Health & Safety, Safeguarding and Information Technology Policies and Procedures.
• Own, develop and review the suite of policies and procedures and delivery frameworks for Green Care and Education and Skills.
• Ensure the development, implementation and review of risk registers and business continuity plans for communities and services in the region.
• You will champion a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging ensuring all team members feel valued, respected and empowered to carry out their role successfully and support the delivery of our strategy.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Leadership in Health and Social Care level 5 or equivalent.

Desirable

• Safeguarding Adults level 5 or equivalent.
• Professional Housing Qualification level 5 or above.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential: 

• Experience of working and leading teams in not for profit and voluntary sector organisations which deliver services for adults with learning disabilities and autism.
• Can demonstrate a strong understanding of the needs and rights of adults with learning disabilities.
• Experience in coaching and mentoring for success.
• Experience in significant budget management responsibilities.
• Experience in seeking new growth opportunities that are aligned to business strategy.
• Significant experience of managing change, successful service redesign and transformation, in particular lean thinking and other typical models.
• Experience of successfully leading teams to affect and embed change through powerful communications and engagement.
• Knowledge of housing management and housing legislation.
• Experience of leading housing management services within a context of delivering supported living.
• Experience in the development and implementation of policy and procedure.
• Knowledge of Care Quality Commission regulations as they relate to supported living, residential care and shared lives.
• Experience of leading teams over a wide geographical location combining hybrid working styles.
• Know what constitutes excellent safeguarding practice.
• Track record of successful contract negotiation.
• Experience in developing and implementing systems that evidence performance, outcomes and impacts.

Desirable: 

• Experience of developing digital transformation opportunities and the implementation of innovation and digital systems.
• Experience in the development and implementation of Theory of Change methodology.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communicator – who can communicate with a wide range of people and using a variety of methods.
• Excellent interpersonal, rapport building and active listening skills.
• Good organisational and project management skills.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Able to support and coach others.
• Good team player - able to lead teams and be part of a team.
• Be an ambassador for the Trust and represent the Trust at events and meetings.
• Ability to manage complex information and present it in a coherent manner.
• Ability to travel between communities and stay overnight as required.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer.

Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all adults who use their services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant pre-employment checks including a DBS check

They reserve the right to close this advert early if they receive a sufficient number of applications.