119 Head of event jobs

The future of parliamentary democracy is one of the defining questions of our time. At the Hansard Society, we are making the case for a Parliament that can meet the challenges ahead. We are looking for a Head of Operations to help turn that ambition into action.

You will join a small, ambitious charity with an international reputation as we launch a campaign for a more effective Parliament. To support that work we are developing training programmes that advance our educational mission and generate income; improving our website and digital communications so our work reaches and engages more people; and strengthening fundraising through individual giving to support our core work. This is a senior, hands-on role with considerable autonomy and the opportunity to shape how the Society works as it grows.

You will lead our internal operations, taking responsibility for the finances, people processes, governance and systems that support everything we do. We are looking for someone who enjoys solving problems, makes sound decisions and spots opportunities as well as risks. We are looking for someone who enjoys making things happen, thinks creatively about how to use limited resources and shares our commitment to independent, non-partisan work.

You will bring matters to the Director or Board, which require their authority, providing them with clear options and recommendations. You will work closely with colleagues and external advisers, while being ready to roll up your sleeves and handle practical tasks yourself when needed.

By taking ownership of day-to-day operations, you will give the Director and colleagues more capacity to pursue the Society’s mission, while helping us build the resilience and income to sustain it. 

This is a new role, and you will help shape it. You will need to manage competing priorities, and work with the Director to set and review priorities as the Society develops. The post carries considerable responsibility and offers scope to develop and grow as the Society’s work expands.

You could be a strong candidate if you bring:

• Experience managing operations, finance processes or organisational systems, with the judgement to take responsibility across several areas of a small organisation.
• Examples of improving how an organisation works and seeing changes through to implementation.
• Confidence working with budgets, financial information and controls, and with and external accountants or finance specialists. Practical bookkeeping experience would be useful, but a professional accountancy qualification is not required.
• Experience of co-ordinating people processes, governance, compliance or contracts, and the judgment to know when specialist advice is need.
• Strong organisational and project management skills: you can set priorities, manage competing deadlines, pay attention to detail and work with limited supervision.
• The ability to make decisions and explain risks, options and recommendations clearly.
• Strong written and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work constructively with colleagues, trustees, suppliers and external partners.
• Confidence using everyday digital tools, including CRM systems, and the curiosity and creativity to explore how new tools could improve our processes, reduce routing work and help the team work more effectively.
• An enterprising approach to new income and delivery opportunities, grounded in a realistic understanding of costs, capacity and implementation.
• An interest in Parliament, political awareness, and a commitment to the Society’s independent, non-partisan values.

How to apply: Download the Information Pack from our website for further details about the role and the Hansard Society as well as the application process. 

We do not recruit using CVs and covering letters. We use an anonymised application process and responses to six scenario / skills based questions. We are interested in what you can do and how you approach problems; you do not need to have followed a particular education or career path.