238 Head of programmes and impact jobs

Lead a respected counselling charity and help shape the future of mental health support in our community.

If you're an inspiring leader who combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach, this is an opportunity to make a lasting difference. As our new Head of Centre, you'll lead an established, BACP-accredited charity with an excellent reputation for delivering affordable, high-quality counselling and professional training across West Kent and East Sussex.

For almost 40 years, The Counselling Centre has been committed to ensuring that everyone can access professional counselling, regardless of their financial circumstances. We are now looking for an exceptional leader to build on this legacy, strengthening our financial sustainability, developing new partnerships and expanding our impact to meet the growing demand for mental health support.

Reporting to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will provide both strategic and operational leadership across the organisation. You'll work closely with our dedicated staff, volunteers and trustees to ensure we continue to deliver outstanding counselling, training and community services while identifying opportunities for growth, innovation and long-term sustainability.

This is a varied and rewarding leadership role. You'll oversee the day-to-day running of the charity, lead financial planning and income generation, develop relationships with funders, commissioners, businesses and community partners, and act as an ambassador for The Counselling Centre across the local area. You'll also champion our values, nurture a positive organisational culture and ensure we continue to meet the highest standards of governance and professional practice.

We're looking for someone who brings senior leadership experience, commercial awareness and a genuine commitment to improving mental health. You'll be an excellent relationship builder with experience of developing partnerships, generating income and leading organisational change. Most importantly, you'll be motivated by our mission and excited by the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of our organisation.

Why join us?

• Lead a respected charity with an outstanding reputation built over almost 40 years.

• Make a genuine difference to the lives of people in your local community.

• Work alongside a committed Board of Trustees, experienced staff and dedicated volunteers.

• Help shape the future direction and growth of an ambitious organisation.

• Enjoy a flexible part-time role (21 hours per week) with hybrid working.

• Competitive salary of circa £50,000–£55,000 per annum pro rata, contributory pension, 25 days' annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, and Christmas closure.

If you're looking for a leadership role where your strategic vision, commercial skills and passion for community impact can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

This is a rare opportunity to lead and grow an established, high-performing fundraising team, shaping the next phase of Teens Unite's growth as we enter the most ambitious chapter in our history.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will lead the delivery of an ambitious five-year income strategy that broadens and deepens relationships with major donors, philanthropists, corporate partners and leads the charities capital appeal. You will redefine how the charity approaches modern philanthropy, creating innovative partnerships that generate shared value while increasing both impact and income.

Who we are:

Teens Unite is leading the way in youth cancer support.

We’re an energetic, ambitious and dynamic charity improving the lives of 13-24-year-olds living with, and beyond, cancer. We’re not here to cure cancer. We’re here to empower young people to rebuild their lives and thrive beyond a diagnosis.

As we approach our 20th anniversary, we are entering the most exciting and ambitious chapter in our history.

We have bold plans to treble the number of young people we support, grow our income beyond £3 million per year and open the Home of Teens Unite, England's first purpose-built retreat for teenagers and young adults living with and beyond cancer.

To help us achieve this vision, we are looking for an exceptional fundraising leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy.

This is a rare opportunity to join a charity with a proven model, strong foundations and ambitious growth plans. You'll inherit an experienced and successful fundraising team whilst playing a leading role in shaping the next phase of our development.

Most importantly, you'll help ensure thousands more young people affected by cancer can access the support, experiences and opportunities they deserve and build a facility that will support generations to come.

The role:

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy will provide strategic leadership across all fundraising activity at Teens Unite.

You will oversee and develop our income generation strategy, ensuring existing income streams continue to grow whilst creating new opportunities for transformational support.                                                                                                           

A key focus of the role will be philanthropy, major donors and capital fundraising.

You will build meaningful relationships with major donors, high-net-worth individuals, family foundations, trusts, corporate supporters and strategic partners, creating opportunities for significant investment in the future of

Teens Unite.

You will also play a central role in securing funding for the Home of Teens Unite, a transformational project that will create England's first dedicated retreat and support centre for young people living with and beyond cancer.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to wider organisational strategy and help guide the charity through an exciting period of growth and development.

Key Responsibilities:

We're looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with exceptional relationship-building skills. Someone who can inspire supporters, lead a talented team and deliver ambitious growth.

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of Teens Unite's fundraising and philanthropy strategy.
• Develop plans to support the charity's ambition of becoming a £3 million income organisation.
• Identify opportunities for sustainable income growth across all fundraising streams.
• Provide regular fundraising performance updates to the Chief Executive and Board.

Philanthropy & Major Giving

• Build and manage a pipeline of high-net-worth individuals and major supporters.
• Cultivate, solicit and steward significant gifts and long-term philanthropic partnerships.
• Create high-quality donor engagement plans and stewardship programmes.

Capital Appeal Leadership

• Play a leading role in securing funding for the Home of Teens Unite.
• Develop and manage a pipeline of prospects capable of supporting the capital appeal.
• Create compelling cases for support linked to the project.
• Deliver significant philanthropic investment in support of the appeal.

Team Leadership

• Provide strategic oversight, management and support across all income streams.
• Create a positive, high-performing and collaborative culture.
• Ensure individual fundraising strategies align with wider organisational goals.
• Responsible from growing current annual income for £1.4million per annum to £3million per annum over the next 5 years.

Why this role is different:

This isn't a role where you'll inherit a struggling fundraising programme and spend your first year fixing problems. You'll join an organisation with:

• A strong reputation and clear purpose
• A committed and experienced fundraising team
• Existing successful income streams
• Significant growth opportunities An ambitious capital appeal
• Clear board and leadership support
• A vision capable of inspiring major supporters and philanthropists
• You'll have the opportunity to build a major donor programme from the ground up, shape the future fundraising strategy of the organisation and play an integral role in delivering a truly unique national project.

Who you are:

We're looking for an ambitious and relationship-focused fundraising leader who is excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of a growing charity.

You may currently be working as:

• Head of Fundraising
• Senior Philanthropy Manager
• Major Donor ManagerSenior Fundraising Manager

Most importantly, you'll bring:

Essential

• Significant experience in major donor, philanthropy or high-value fundraising.
• A proven track record of identifying and securing five and six-figure gifts.
• Experience managing and developing fundraising teams.
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills.
• Experience building and managing fundraising pipelines with high-net-worth individuals.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• The confidence to engage and build relationships with senior stakeholders and major supporters.
• Experience of capital appeal fundraising.

Desirable

• Experience within youth, health, cancer or social impact organisations.
• Knowledge of trusts and foundations fundraising.

Reporting to: Chief Executive

Direct reports: Trusts & Grants Manager, Events & Challenges Fundraising Team and other fundraising staff as the charity grows

What We Offer:

• Performance-related bonus
• Hybrid and flexible working
• 33 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Christmas office closure
• Pension contribution
• Professional development and training
• Recently refurbished offices with free on-site parking
• The opportunity to help shape a nationally significant project and positive change the cancer care landscape for young people.
• Direct access to the Chief Executive and Board

Summary of Key Milestones

We will commence the first round of interviews from Wednesday 30th September

Should a suitable candidate be found prior to the closing date, applications will close early.

Base of Work: Hybrid, minimum 1 day per week at the Community Impact Bucks Office in Aylesbury

Hours: 16 hours per week

Salary: £32,000 FTE (£14,629 actual salary)

Contract: Permanent 

This is an exciting opportunity to shape how data and insight is used at Community Impact Bucks. You will strengthen our data practices, lead our monitoring analysis to ensure data is used effectively to support continuous improvement, planning and shape future projects and priorities. You will work closely with team members and project leads to understand how they collect and use data and insight across the organisation, being proactive in identifying and driving improvement.

The role will report to the Head of Programmes and Business Development.

About the charity  

Community Impact Bucks is a charity that uses its expertise to deliver, support and empower positive change for local charities, communities and people. Our mission is to enable and develop strong and vibrant communities in Buckinghamshire. 

We support charities, communities and volunteers to be the best they can be by:

• Building capacity empowering sustainable not-for-profit organisations and communities through practical support and development. 

• Enabling volunteering through Volunteer Bucks. 

• Developing partnerships and collaborations to influence change. 

• Delivering community-based services and projects to help people stay connected and independent. 

• Providing leadership and advocacy strengthening our sector’s voice and influence. 

At the heart of Buckinghamshire’s communities, Community Impact Bucks is a locally rooted charity committed to helping communities and charities thrive. Our impact is made possible by a passionate and committed team who believe in the power of local action and understand the places and people they serve. 

The role  

The Data, Insight and Impact Lead will help us understand, demonstrate and increase the difference we make. Working across our programmes and services, you will turn data into clear insights, reports, dashboards and impact stories that improve services, support decision-making and shape future priorities. 

Working alongside the Head of Programmes and Business Development and colleagues across the charity, you will bring together information from different programmes and systems. With strong analytical and reporting skills, experience of monitoring and evaluation, and confidence working with complex datasets, you will support colleagues to improve data quality, meet reporting requirements and use evidence to improve services and identify future opportunities. 

A key element of the role will be building a strong understanding of all areas of our work and collaborating with colleagues across the organisation. This will include regular in-person activity and collaboration with team members and the Senior Leadership Team. 

The role will be responsible for  

• Developing and improving data, insight and impact reporting across the charity.

• Analysing monitoring and evaluation data to demonstrate impact and support service improvement.

• Producing clear reports, dashboards, visualisations and impact stories for different audiences.

• Supporting project teams to collect accurate and useful data that meets operational and funder requirements.

• Improving data quality, consistency and validation across systems and supporting GDPR-compliant practice.

• Helping colleagues build their confidence and skills in using data and producing reports.

• Identifying effective digital tools and new approaches to data collection, analysis and reporting.

• Leading the preparation of data and insight for annual impact reporting.

• Promoting learning, reflection and evidence-informed decision-making across the charity. 

What we offer: 

• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and an additional 3 days between Christmas and New Year) 

• Onsite parking and lovely office setting 

• Wide range of free training courses, plus personal development opportunities 

• Supportive and inclusive environment with lots of positivity 

• Company pension scheme with 5% employer contribution 

Diversity and inclusion 

Community Impact Bucks is committed to challenging inequality and values the diversity of our communities in Buckinghamshire. We recognise that reflecting that diversity will only ever make our organisation better. We work to ensure an inclusive culture where colleagues feel welcomed and supported to succeed and thrive. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from under-represented communities. 

How to apply  

To apply, please send a CV with a cover letter explaining how your skills, experience and interests meet the Job Description and Person Specification by 4 October at 10pm. 

For more information, please download the Job Description and Person Specification located at the bottom of this ad, or visit our website - Community Impact Bucks. 

Interviews will take place in person at our office in Aylesbury. Interviews will take place week commencing 12 October.

High Trees Community Development Trust is seeking an ambitious Head of Community Research & Impact to join our senior management team and lead one of our core service areas.

Community-led research sits at the heart of how High Trees works. Our approach aims to rebalance the role and power that communities have in deciding how research is informed, delivered and used to improve lives for Lambeth residents. Over recent years we have built a strong foundation for this work and developed two flagship community research partnerships — the Lambeth Peer Action Collective and the Lambeth Community Research Network. We are now looking for someone to significantly expand this work: building local evidence of community need, working with communities to identify solutions and appropriate responses to local challenges, and advocating for change to policy and practice where needed.

This is a broad and varied leadership role. Alongside our direct research programmes, you will lead the development of infrastructure around community-led research in Lambeth, so that voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations can access the training, resources and networks they need to design and deliver their own research. You will also lead our Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning and Communications functions, ensuring the impact of everything we do is understood, evidenced and communicated well.

As part of High Trees’ senior management team, the Head of Community Research & Impact will not only oversee delivery in their service area, but also help shape organisational strategy, grow partnerships and income, and ensure we work as one High Trees — keeping our practice responsive, collaborative and always led by community need.

About High Trees

Based in Tulse Hill, High Trees has been rooted in the local community for nearly 30 years. We deliver community action, employment, education, youth services and community research, working in partnership with local people and local organisations to build stronger communities and create meaningful change. We are recognised for our collaborative, long-term approach and our ability to adapt and respond to the issues that matter most to local people.

About the role

As Head of Community Research & Impact, you will:

• Lead and inspire our Research & Impact team to deliver high-quality, community-led research that drives change.
• Shape and deliver High Trees’ strategic vision for community-led research, championing collaborative research practice across Lambeth.
• Take the lead on designing new research programmes, support with sourcing the funding to run them, and ensuring projects are completed to a high standard with high-quality outputs.
• Grow the infrastructure for community-led research locally, including through the Lambeth Community Research Network and the Lambeth Peer Action Collective.
• Support VCS organisations with community research training, resources and capacity building support.
• Lead and embed Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and Communications across High Trees and our partnership work.
• Contribute as a member of High Trees’ senior management team, ensuring a joined-up approach across all our services.

About you

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Significant professional experience in research and/or community settings, with a track record of leading research projects.
• Experience of qualitative and mixed methods research and a working knowledge of participatory research approaches.
• A proven track record of leading teams and managing multiple projects and programmes at once.
• The ability to build trust and long-lasting relationships across community, academic, public sector and voluntary sector organisations.
• A strategic mindset, balancing day-to-day delivery with long-term vision.
• A solid understanding of the context in which High Trees delivers its work

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to take a senior leadership role in a values-led organisation at a time of growth and ambition. You will help set the standard for community-led research and system change, creating tools, resources and practices that benefit the wider sector — and be part of a collaborative team dedicated to creating lasting change.

We are seeking a talented Director of Programme Delivery and Operations (maternity cover), fully committed to our widening participation cause, to join the Senior Leadership Team in a pivotal role for a growing and ambitious charity. 

You will have responsibility for ensuring we are providing high quality programme delivery to young people across our centre network, that are centres are functioning effectively, and that targets are monitored and met. And of course, you will need to have a genuine passion and enthusiasm for working with young people and helping them achieve their ambitions.

The Director of Programme Delivery and Operations is a Senior Leadership Team position within the charity and reports into the Chief Operating Officer. The role is responsible for oversight of all centre programme delivery and performance across our network of 44 local learning centres (and growing).

Contract

This is a fixed-term, maternity cover role until at least end of November 2027. This role can be either full-time or part-time (0.8 FTE) - responsibilities will be adjusted proportionally for part-time candidates.

Start date
January 2027 (or as otherwise agreed)

Working hours
Mon and Thurs: 09:30-18:00
Tues, Weds, Fri: 09:00-17:30
We are a delivery organisation providing frontline educational services for young people. We are an organisation with team members at different stages of their career, including many in their first roles: We are committed to nurturing talent and providing a developmental culture for all. Our team works in-person 4 days per week (or 3 days for a 0.8 FTE staff member)
with 1 day working from home. 

Location

The role would be based at one of our IntoUniversity centres in Birmingham, Bristol, Coventry, Leeds, London, Manchester or Nottingham, with regular travel across the network and to our Head Office in London. 

Salary

£62,500 (Plus additional London contribution of £2,800 for London-based candidates). Pro rata for part-time candidate.

Annual leave

This is the full-time staff entitlement and will be pro-rated for part-time staff.

33 days (inc bank & public holidays)
+ 3 closure days (two in December and one in July)
+ additional length of service entitlement
(one day per year of service, up to 5 days)
 

Staff benefits

• Employer pension contributions of 6% (and up to 8% after two years)
• Year round ‘early finish’ Fridays at 4.30pm 
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to medical and legal support 
• Life Assurance scheme with AIG including SmartHealth service with access to 24/7 online GP appointments
• Interest-free new starter loans of up to £1,000 
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Travelcard Loan Scheme
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay and sick pay allowances
• Staff in FOCUS – rewards, competitions and prizes across the year

Application deadline - 9am Monday 28th September 2026.

Interview Day (in-person at our Head Office in London) - Wednesday 7th October. Please ensure that you are available on this date.

Head of Strategic Programmes

Help shape the future of the Church across Sussex.

We are seeking an experienced strategic leader to oversee an ambitious portfolio of programmes designed to help churches and communities flourish and grow.

Position: Head of Strategic Programmes

Location: Hove/Hybrid

Salary: £61,149 per annum

Contract: Fixed term until 31 December 2030, with the possibility of extension

Closing Date: 11 October 2026

Interview Date: Hove on 30 October 2026

About the Role

Working closely with the Diocesan Secretary, Bishops, Archdeacons and other senior leaders, you will lead the delivery and continued development of the Diocesan Growth Strategy.

You will provide strategic oversight of major programmes and projects with a combined budget exceeding £10 million. This includes leading a multidisciplinary team, strengthening programme governance and ensuring investment delivers measurable mission impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the delivery and development of a portfolio of strategic programmes and projects
• Translating diocesan priorities into achievable plans and measurable outcomes
• Overseeing programme governance, performance reporting, risk management and evaluation
• Managing programme budgets, resources and delivery
• Leading, supporting and developing the Strategic Programmes team
• Building effective relationships with parishes, clergy, diocesan boards, senior leaders and national church partners
• Providing clear analysis, reports and recommendations to support strategic decision-making

About You

You will be a wise, experienced and collaborative leader who can work strategically within a complex, faith-based organisation.

You will have:

• Significant experience of leading large and complex programmes
• Experience of working with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Strong engagement and influencing skills at all levels
• Experience of managing budgets, resources and programme performance
• Excellent analytical, communication and report-writing skills
• The ability to turn strategic priorities into practical plans
• The confidence and judgement to work effectively with senior leaders
• The enthusiasm and self-motivation to lead and inspire others

A Genuine Occupational Requirement applies under paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010, and the successful candidate must be a practising Christian.

Full details can be found in the job description and person specification when you apply.

About the Organisation

The vision of the Diocese is to help people to know, love and follow Jesus. Based in Hove and serving the people of Sussex across more than 360 parishes and 154 church schools and the wider community, this is a great role for someone who supports the ethos, aims and objectives of the Diocese and the Church of England.

As an employer, and as a team, the mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive.

What is on offer:

• 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and two privilege days per year
• Membership of the Church Worker’s Pension Scheme with a 15.1% employer contribution and an employee contribution between 0 and 6%
• Employee Assistance Programme with access to GP appointments, counselling and financial and legal support
• Flexible working, free parking, a ride to work scheme and development opportunities

Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment and comply with the relevant safeguarding policy. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and completion of the Church of England Confidential Declaration Form.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Head of Programmes, Director of Programmes, Strategic Programmes Manager, Programme Director, Head of Strategy, Portfolio Director, Transformation Director or Head of Strategic Development.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

Help Shape a Brighter Future for Bedford

Do you have the vision to turn great ideas into impactful programmes? Are you committed to creating opportunities for children and young people, and helping communities to thrive?

The Harpur Trust is a charitable organisation that operates four leading independent schools, delivers a substantial community grants programme and sponsors the Heart Academies Trust. With more than 1,200 employees, we invest in education, community development and initiatives that improve life chances across Bedford Borough.

We are also a founding partner and host of Bedford Giving, a movement of businesses, charities and other partners, who have all come together to form Bedford Giving to help create a brighter future for the next generation in Bedford.

We're looking for a dynamic Programmes and Grants Manager to play a central role in delivering these missions. This is a unique opportunity to join a respected local charity and help shape the future of Bedford Giving.

About the Role

As Programmes and Grants Manager, you will lead the development, commissioning and management of high-impact programmes and partnerships across The Harpur Trust and Bedford Giving.

You'll take ideas from concept to delivery, identifying community needs, researching solutions, commissioning services, managing partnerships and ensuring programmes achieve meaningful outcomes.

This is a varied and rewarding role combining strategy, programme development, stakeholder engagement, grant-making and contract management.

You'll work closely with senior leaders, trustees, community organisations and delivery partners, helping to ensure that every pound invested delivers maximum impact.

About You

We're looking for someone who combines strong project or programme management skills with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and communities.

You will bring:

• Experience of programme development, commissioning, grant-making or service delivery within the charitable, public or voluntary sector.

• Strong project and contract management skills.

• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder engagement abilities.

• Confidence managing multiple priorities and delivering work to a high standard.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and a willingness to take initiative.

• A passion for creating positive social impact.

Why Join Us?

At The Harpur Trust, you'll be part of an organisation with a long history of investing in people and communities.

In return, we offer:

• A competitive salary up to £40,000.

• The opportunity to influence programmes that improve lives across Bedford.

• A supportive and collaborative working environment.

• Professional development and learning opportunities.

• Generous pension and employee benefits.

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where appropriate.

• The chance to work with inspiring partners across the charity, education and community sectors.

Interested?

Find out more by viewing the full job description and click on apply to find out where to send your CV and covering letter.

Note: This post is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1, and is open to female applicants only, due to the nature of the role. Subject to an enhanced DBS check.

The Head of Youth Programmes sits in our Senior Leadership Team and holds overall operational responsibility for our frontline youth programmes across three pillars: Prevention, Intervention and Healing. The postholder leads and line manages the delivery team, and carries DSL responsibility for the organisation.

You'll lead delivery, expansion and impact evaluation across all three pillars, line manage the Education Lead, IDVA Team and Creative Projects leads, and work closely with the CEO to consolidate our delivery models. You'll hold responsibility as our Designated Safeguarding Lead, manage operational budgets, and build multi-agency partnerships across Barnet and neighbouring boroughs.

It's an opportunity to bring fresh energy and strategic leadership to a small, values-driven charity that trusts its team to do meaningful, creative work with the young people we support.

Essential criteria

• Experience as an IDVA, ISVA or in a comparable frontline advocacy role supporting young women and girls affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence or other forms of harm.
• A strong understanding of VAWG, domestic abuse and youth harm, grounded in survivor-centred and harm-prevention approaches.
• Experience of overseeing and responding to complex safeguarding through multi-agency working.
• At least Level 3 safeguarding training. Designated Safeguarding Lead training is desirable, or a willingness to complete this within an agreed timeframe.

We have highlighted the essentials above. The rest of the person specification, in the attached recruitment pack, is a guide to what we are looking for in a strong candidate, rather than a checklist. Your experience may not meet all of it, but if you have the essential experience we would encourage you to apply. We are just as interested in transferable experience as in a conventional career path.

Benefits

• Regular clinical supervision with an external practitioner 
• Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme, including a 24/7 helpline, counselling and a wellbeing app
• Free on-site parking in Colindale and funded travel between delivery sites

Details

£38,000 to £40,000 pro rata. 28 hours per week (four day working week). Permanent. Barnet, London / Hybrid.

Closing date: Thursday 15th October 2026. Interviews: w/c Monday 26th October 2026.

Independent Age is the national charity working towards ending financial hardship in later life. 

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free information and advice to older people without enough money to live on, while our external training equips professionals with the information they need to support older people on low incomes. Through our grants programme, we fund and support hundreds of local charities working with older people across the UK.  We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change. 

We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life. We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

As Head of Services Development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Independent Age’s services and maximising our impact for older people facing financial hardship. Reporting to the Director of Services, you will lead service development, innovation, quality, evaluation and strategic change across our service provision (information, advice and external training) ensuring they remain effective, evidence-led and responsive to changing needs. Working closely with colleagues across the charity and external partners, you will translate strategy into practical improvements, develop new opportunities for impact and collaboration, and embed a culture of continuous learning, improvement and innovation.

We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.

We're looking for a strategic and collaborative leader with experience of leading complex projects, organisational change and service improvement programmes. 

You will be skilled at turning strategy into delivery, bringing together people from different teams and disciplines to develop practical solutions that improve outcomes. You will be comfortable using data, insight and evidence to drive decision-making and have a track record of stakeholder engagement and identifying opportunities for innovation and growth. 

You will also bring experience of impact measurement, evaluation, quality assurance or performance frameworks, with the ability to use evidence to demonstrate value and improve services. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, alongside the confidence to influence senior stakeholders and work across organisational boundaries. An understanding of the needs of older people, the wider ageing sector and the role that data, learning and collaboration play in delivering social impact would be advantageous.

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9 day fortnight. 

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. 

With an employee engagement score of 98%, colleagues say Independent Age is a great place to work. You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age on the careers page of our website.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification, by visiting our jobs website.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you require any specific arrangements or adjustments to enable you to fully participate in the recruitment process, such as having the job description in a larger text format or to apply in an alternative format, please get in touch with us via the email address on the ‘Contact Us’ page on our jobs site. 

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Please don’t include your name, photo, or any information that could indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement, and don’t include your name in the title of any documents that you upload. However, please do include all dates of employment.  

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require a minimum of two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A BASIC DBS check will be carried out for the successful candidate.

Closing Date: Friday 25 September at 11:59pm

Interview Dates: Monday 12 October at our London office, 18 Avonmore Road W14 8RR

The University of Southampton is a research‑intensive institution and a founding member of the Russell Group. Our aim is to change the world for the better through research, education and knowledge. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

Within the Office of Development & Alumni Relations (ODAR), we build lifelong relationships with our global alumni and supporters, helping them stay connected to Southampton and make a difference through their time, expertise and philanthropy. If you're excited by the idea of shaping and strengthening these communities, this role is for you.

About the role

This is an opportunity to lead a wide-ranging programme of engagement across our alumni and supporter communities. You will lead and develop a team of four, working across ODAR and the wider University to identify opportunities and deliver impactful programmes.

Your portfolio spans engagement and volunteering that advances University priorities – including student recruitment, graduate employability and philanthropy – while strengthening relationships with our international and high‑profile supporters.

A central part of the role is leading the volunteering strand of our first University‑wide fundraising and engagement campaign, the £100m Campaign for Southampton. You will also contribute to projects supporting Southampton's brand and reputation, and international engagement in key countries such as China and India.

As a member of ODAR's senior team, you will represent alumni and supporter engagement on cross‑University working groups and build relationships with stakeholders across the institution.

This role is offered on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of two days a week at Highfield, plus international travel typically once or twice a year.

About you

You'll bring experience building meaningful relationships with alumni, supporters, volunteers, members or similar stakeholder groups, with a track record of delivering successful engagement programmes – ideally drawing on insight and creativity to reach diverse audiences.

An excellent communicator and relationship‑builder, you can influence and work collaboratively with people at all levels. You combine strong organisational and project‑management skills with sound judgement to turn plans into measurable outcomes. You're also an experienced people manager who enjoys developing others.

A background in higher education, fundraising, advancement, charity, membership or another relationship‑led environment would be valuable, but transferable experience is equally welcome.

About us

ODAR has enjoyed an exciting period of growth as we prepare for the Campaign for Southampton. With backing from University leadership, we are investing in the people and programmes needed to deepen alumni and supporter engagement and deliver greater impact for Southampton.

We're a friendly, hardworking team with a passion for making a difference, looking for colleagues with intellectual curiosity, fresh ideas and the confidence to shape something ambitious.

We welcome applicants with direct experience or transferable skills and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive team where everyone can thrive. 

Apply by uploading your CV and a cover letter of up to two sides of A4, outlining how your skills and experience meet the role's requirements and what attracts you to the opportunity.

Note on the Recruitment Process:

Successful candidates will be invited to attend an in-person Assessment Day on Wednesday 28 October as the next stage of the recruitment process.

• The Assessment Day is an opportunity to learn more about the organisation and demonstrate your facilitation skills.
• Candidates will be required to deliver an engaging 20-minute facilitation activity tailored to young people aged 12–16.
• The Assessment Day will take place at our London head office: 200a Pentonville Road, London, N1 9JP.

Candidates who are successful at the Assessment Day will be invited to a formal, competency-based interview, which will take place online on Friday 30 October. The interview will last approximately 45 minutes.

A final candidate will be selected following the interview stage.

Main Purpose of the Role

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 using creative media, empowering young people to confront the underlying causes of their emotional distress and work toward healing. To create lasting, sustainable change, we 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.

As the post holder you will be responsible for delivering our front-line work to young people, parents and other adults (professionals). You will work in schools and in community settings across London and/or Manchester to generate impact for young people using Khulisa’s trauma-informed approach. This role requires an enhanced DBS check.

The post holder will be required to work in a hybrid capacity, with 2–3 days per week spent in Khulisa partner schools or other programme delivery locations during term time. Outside of these periods, the post holder may work from home or from our London King’s Cross office (optional).

The role requires a willingness and ability to travel regularly to various locations across London and, where necessary, Manchester. For candidates applying to the Manchester-based post, this will include travel to London where required. This travel is essential to fulfil the responsibilities of the role, including programme delivery and engagement with stakeholders and colleagues.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

We are looking for Programme facilitators based in London or Manchester/North west England

Programme Delivery:

· Facilitate the delivery of sessions in our flagship Face It programme and modular workshops to young people, our Nurturing Connections programme for parents and carers, and our trauma training for professionals.

· Facilitate delivery to a high standard in all settings (schools, youth services, and community spaces), ensuring that you are always taking a trauma informed approach.

· Facilitate various youth participation workshops, co-delivering with young people as much as practicable.

· Respond to any questions, disclosures or safeguarding concerns raised during sessions and follow up where necessary with the relevant safeguarding teams or, where consent is secured, make onward referrals for additional support in specific cases.

· Contribute to the continuous development of all aspects of the programmes, sharing new ideas and using best practice.

· Participate in the periodic review and updating of programme contents and/or development of new materials with relevant colleagues, ensuring that materials used across the team are always uniform and consistent.

· Maintain accurate records of programme activities, including record of input, output, and impact as well as demographics data, and support relevant colleagues in ensuring effective monitoring and periodic evaluation and reporting of impact generated.

· Manage relevant budgets and ensure a value for money approach to all expenditure, making sure to keep within budget.

Programme Coordination:

· Take direct responsibility for logistics of individual programme delivery or activity, including scheduling, resourcing, staffing, and liaising with schools and other partners to ensure effective delivery.

· Work with colleagues in Impact and Evidence team to provide programme data as required to effectively demonstrate impact generated through your delivery.

· Where possible during delivery, generate multi-media content for the use of colleagues in communications to use in updating the Khulisa website and for social media.

Stakeholder Management:

· Support the Programmes & Participation Manager in the building and maintenance of strong relationships with delivery partners - schools, community organisations, and other important stakeholders.

· Contribute to any work to use learning from delivery activities to redesign existing programmes and/or develop new pieces of work as required.

· If required, represent Khulisa at events, meetings, and conferences as required etc.

· Support the onboarding and training of Associate Facilitators and volunteers as necessary.

· When required, support the onboarding and training of other permanent programme staff.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

· Objectively review the successes and achievements of each delivery session facilitated against programme or activity objectives, identifying and implementing opportunities for making ongoing improvements.

· To actively deliver all elements of the Khulisa programme, including work with adults and Khulisa’s Young Influencers.

· Depending on experience and qualifications, to be receptive to any other duties as required by the line manager and in line with the needs of Khulisa.

· To develop and maintain good working relationships with colleagues and other professionals, and to participate in team meetings.

· To participate in personal supervision in accordance with Khulisa’s supervision and performance appraisal policy and attend agreed training as relevant.

· At all times to carry out the responsibilities of the post in a manner consistent with promoting equalities and diversity and demonstrate respect for colleagues and Khulisa’s aims and values.

· To maintain an awareness of own and others’ health and safety and comply with Khulisa’s Health and Safety policies and procedures.

· Occasional evenings and weekend (events) may be involved with time off in lieu agreed.

·  London-based Programme Facilitators may occasionally be required to deliver sessions in Manchester, while Manchester-based Programme Facilitators may also be asked to facilitate in London and in addition, will be expected to attend occasional whole-organisation meetings at the London office.

We're looking for the person to grow NHS charitable funds 🩷🩵💜

We're looking for a Head of Fundraising, a senior new role delivered in partnership with ELFT Charity, the NHS charity of East London NHS Foundation Trust.

This is the Charity's dedicated full-time fundraising post, and it marks a new phase of sustainable growth. You'll lead the day-to-day delivery of the fundraising strategy: building the relationships, propositions, campaigns and systems that grow support for work going beyond what core NHS funding can provide, across East London, Bedfordshire and Luton.

From community fundraising, grants and supporter development through to corporate partnerships and legacies, there is significant scope to shape and grow this function. You'll be employed by Compass Wellbeing CIC and work as an integral part of ELFT Charity.

If you bring broad fundraising experience, an entrepreneurial approach and the ability to turn ideas into compelling cases for support, we'd love to hear from you.

📍 East London, Bedfordshire & Luton | 🕐 Full-time, permanent | 💷 £50,000–£55,000

Hours: Part Time, 21 hours per week

Interviews: 14th & 15th October 2026

Employer: King's Trust International (not The King's Trust)

Help to shape programmes that create brighter futures for young people around the world. The King’s Trust International is looking for an inspiring Head of Programme Development to lead the creation of high-quality, evidence-informed and scalable programme models that help young people learn, earn and thrive. This is an exciting opportunity to support our programme design and content team in translating ambitious long-term strategy into practical programme models, curricula, tools and guidance that can make an impact across diverse global contexts. You will lead a talented team of specialists and work across the organisation to champion innovation, inclusion, safeguarding and impact. This permanent, part-time role is 21 hours per week and is London-based, with hybrid working and an expectation that at least 50% of contracted hours are spent in the office.

What you will do

• Lead the Programme Development function, setting a clear vision, priorities and quality standards.
• Oversee the design, testing and continuous improvement of inclusive youth programmes, blended learning models, curricula, training materials and delivery tools.
• Use evidence, data and learning to strengthen programme models, theories of change and measurable outcomes.
• Work with Delivery, Impact, Digital, Safeguarding and Fundraising colleagues to create scalable, fundable propositions and support their transition into delivery.
• Champion user-centred design, blended delivery and responsible uses of digital tools and AI.
• Develop a high-performing, collaborative team and manage resources, capacity and budgets effectively.

What we are looking for

You will bring strong programme development expertise, sound judgement and a track record of turning strategy into practical, adaptable approaches. You will understand how evidence, safeguarding and inclusion shape excellent programme design, you will be confident working across both online and offline delivery and you will be able to evidence significant experience working with partners across international or multi-country contexts. With a strong track record of leading and developing teams, you will create clarity, build alignment and enable others to do their best work. Above all, you will share our commitment to putting young people at the centre and creating meaningful, sustainable impact.

Perks for working at The King’s Trust International:

• Great holiday package. 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus public holidays. Office closure the days between Christmas and New Year
• Fantastic Family leave. Receive 13 weeks full pay and 13 weeks half pay for maternity and adoption leave, and pro rata entitlement for shared parental leave. Receive 8 weeks' full pay for paternity leave.
• Flexible and agile working. Where operationally possible, you can work your hours that support a work-life balance, including compressed hours and hybrid-working (part office - part home-based) or working from home options.
• Benefits platform. Everything from health and financial wellbeing support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas
• A free employee assistance programme (EAP) to support your mental wellbeing.
• KTI will contribute 5% of your salary to the workplace Pension Scheme
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary)
• In-house and external training opportunities are available throughout the year

About School of Hard Knocks

School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is one of the UK’s leading education charities, working in 29 secondary schools across England, Scotland, and Wales. Using rugby as a key delivery tool, we support young people who are struggling to engage in early secondary education - often because of anxiety, low confidence, disrupted home lives, or behavioural challenges rooted in trauma. For many of the children we support, life has already brought more hardship than most adults experience in a lifetime. Our purpose is clear: to help young people facing complex challenges break the cycle and move towards a safer, stronger, more hopeful future.

The SOHK Schools Programme is a two-year intervention working with cohorts of around 20 pupils from Year 7 through to Year 9. Pupils are selected by the school and are typically among the hardest to reach young people. Each week, we deliver half a day of rugby training and classroom sessions built around our 3Cs framework, covering topics such as growth mindset, goal setting, and decision-making, alongside monthly one-to-one sessions with every pupil. The programme’s impact is evaluated by SOHK staff, teachers, parents, and the pupils themselves.

90% of our participants report feeling more confident and more engaged with school after taking part, with long-term effects on attendance, attainment, and life outcomes. Find out more about our Schools Programme.

Since 2023, SOHK has been proud to partner with Impetus, a charity that invests in and supports organisations helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed. This partnership combines investment with strategic and organisational development support, helping to strengthen our impact and set SOHK up for sustainable growth.

We are proud to be delivering long-term programmes that meaningfully reach hundreds of young people each year - but the societal need is vast. Our ambitious four-year strategic plan targets growth, aiming to bring our impactful programme to hundreds more young people each year.

“Despite the usual challenges that every education or sport for development charity faces, School of Hard Knocks really is unique. It is not so much what we deliver at a programme level (which is of course brilliant) but who we are as a team. If you are a values-led leader and love the idea of ‘team’, then School of Hard Knocks is the place for you.”

- Ken Cowen, Founder and outgoing CEO

The Role

The CEO is the public face and leader of SOHK, responsible for the overall strategic direction, vision, and management of the charity - ensuring SOHK meets its mission and strategic objectives while maintaining strong relationships with Trustees, staff, supporters, and the wider SOHK community. We’re looking for a mission-driven charity leader and effective fundraiser, capable of building a sustainable growth model.

Strategy and Direction

● Be the face and voice of the charity - its principal ambassador

● Lead the development and periodic review of SOHK’s strategy with the Trustees and Senior Management Team

● Translate the 2026-30 strategy into organisational priorities, plans, and goals

● Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing, and the lived experience of young people remain central to every decision and growth plan

Programme Delivery, Quality and Impact

● Hold a high bar for programme quality and outcomes for young people

● Line-manage and support the Director of Programmes, working with delivery teams and partners to build a world-class, evidence-based intervention

● Ensure SOHK can evidence the impact of its programmes, with insights feeding back into constant improvement

Income Generation, Fundraising and External Relations

● Lead income generation across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and challenges and events

● Line-manage and support the Head of Fundraising in executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy

● Hold senior relationships with funders and partners, building SOHK’s brand, reputation, and profile

Leading People, Culture and Operations

● Build and lead a high-performing Senior Management Team

● Foster a positive, inclusive, high-performing culture aligned with SOHK’s values

● Line-manage and support the Director of Finance & Operations, ensuring operational excellence

Governance and the Board

● Act as the primary link between the organisation and the Trustees

● Attend all Trustee meetings (held quarterly) and provide timely, accurate reporting

● Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and Charity Commission requirements

About You

Essential

● Proven senior leadership experience in the charity, education, youth, or social impact sector - whether as CEO or as part of an executive team - including working directly with a Board of Trustees

● Demonstrated success in building or significantly growing an organisation, programme, or initiative

● A collaborative and values-led leadership style, with the ability to inspire trust, hold people to account, and build high-performing teams

● Strong track record of income generation, including securing significant funding from trusts, foundations, corporates, or major donors

● Experience of financial oversight, budgeting, and organisational planning at a senior level

● Strategic thinker, able to translate vision into clear plans and delivery

● Strong relationship-builder and communicator, confident with a wide range of stakeholders

Desirable

● Previous charity CEO experience - a bonus, but not essential; we know brilliant candidates come from a wide range of backgrounds

● Direct classroom, youth work, or education leadership experience

● Knowledge of the UK education system and youth policy landscape

● Experience of scaling a multi-site delivery organisation and working with local authorities

Personal Attributes

● Deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people, especially those facing disadvantage

● Resilient and persistent, able to work under pressure and navigate setbacks

● Collaborative, open, and reflective leader who seeks feedback and learns from it

Terms of Appointment

Contract type

Full-time, permanent

Location

Greater London, with offices in Edinburgh & Cardiff

Salary

£85,000 – £90,000 per year + £5,000 PRP

Reports to

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Direct reports

Director of Programmes; Head of Fundraising; Director of Finance & Operations

Travel

Regular UK travel, primarily to Edinburgh and Cardiff. Occasional evenings for stakeholder engagement and fundraising events

Trustee meetings

Quarterly, in London, in the evening, plus ad hoc subcommittees