Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The COO will translate BLiM's mission and strategy and ensure its well-run, properly resourced, with its ambitious day-to-day delivery. You will free the CEO to focus on strategic leadership and external influence by owning operations, people management, financial oversight and internal systems.
The COO will be a senior leader who shapes organisational culture, makes operational decisions, manages complex stakeholder relationships and drives the performance of a passionate, high-commitment team. You will be the person the organisation looks to when it needs clarity, stability and momentum.
The COO joins at a moment of leadership transition following the departure of BLiM's co-founder and Director of Operations.
Why Join Us:
Black Lives in Music (BLiM) is a not-for-profit dedicated to advancing racial equity across the UK music industry. We amplify the voices of Black artists, music professionals and communities; drive systemic change; and hold the industry accountable for meaningful progress. Through research, advocacy, programming and strategic partnerships, BLiM creates the conditions for Black talent to thrive.
BLiM has published ground-breaking research including the Being Black in the UK Music Industry report, produced the UK's first Black classical music festival in Classically Black, influenced government policy on live music licensing, and built a network of over 100 partner organisations across the four nations. BLiM is now entering a new phase of its development, with a strengthened leadership team, a Target Operating Model designed to carry the organisation beyond its founding era, and an ambition to become the UK's most influential voice for racial equity in music.
Person Specification
Essential
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Significant experience in a senior operational leadership role, ideally as a COO, Head of Operations or Director of Operations in a charity, social enterprise or purpose-driven organisation.
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Demonstrable track record of building and improving operational infrastructure: systems, processes, policies and ways of working that make organisations more effective and resilient.
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Proven people management experience, including line management of senior staff, performance development, recruitment and team culture-building.
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Strong financial literacy, including experience of budget management, grant compliance, financial reporting and working with a board finance function.
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Experience of leading or supporting governance processes, including board reporting, risk management and compliance.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex operational information into clear, accessible reports and presentations for senior stakeholders.
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A genuine, demonstrable commitment to racial equity and an understanding of the specific systemic barriers faced by Black professionals, artists and communities.
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The emotional intelligence and interpersonal skill to lead with care, build trust quickly and navigate complex relationships under pressure.
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The resilience and adaptability to thrive in a small, fast-paced, mission-driven organisation where the work is varied, the stakes are high and no day is the same.
Desirable
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Experience of working in or with the music industry, creative industries or arts and culture sector.
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Familiarity with Arts Council England funding frameworks, charity law and the regulatory environment for non-profit organisations.
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Experience of implementing or managing a CRM system, project management platform or other operational technology.
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Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) frameworks and how to embed inclusive practice into operational systems and culture.
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Experience of leading an organisation through a period of significant change, transition or growth.
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An existing network within the UK music sector, creative industries or racial equity and social justice space.
At BLiM, we're interviewing on a rolling basis, so we'd encourage you to apply sooner rather than later!
To be considered for a first interview, please include a Cover Letter with your application. This initial conversation will be relaxed and informal, and we'll take you through the full interview process together so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.
To drive transformational, systemic change across the UK music sector, ensuring every person regardless of background.
Location: UK – Open to remote arrangement (Only candidates who are eligible to work legally without work visa sponsorship in the UK will be considered.)
Contract Type: Part-time (0.5 FTE / 20 hours per week), Permanent contract
Hiring Salary: GBP 46,474 per annum (before taxes, to be pro-rated to 0.5 FTE)
Target Start Date: As soon as possible
Application Closing Date: 8 July 2026 23:59 BST
This job advert is for an existing vacancy.
About Right To Play:
For more than 25 years, Right To Play has been protecting, educating, and empowering millions of children each year to rise above adversity through the power of play.
We offer programs in 13 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and North America, reaching millions of children each year in some of the most difficult places on earth, helping them to stay in school and learn, overcome prejudice, heal from trauma, and develop the skills they need to thrive. We do this by harnessing play, one of the most fundamental forces in a child's life, to teach children the critical skills they need to dismantle barriers and embrace opportunities, in learning and in life.
This work is supported by our two global offices in Toronto, Canada and London, UK; and seven National Offices in North America and Europe.
Right To Play UK is a charity registered in England and Wales and in Scotland that works in partnership with Right To Play International to raise funds and awareness across the UK and Ireland.
Benefits Highlights:
- Connect and collaborate with a global team who are passionate about protecting, educating and empowering children and youth using the power of play!
- Culture premised on our Culture Code (accept everyone, make things happen, display courage, demonstrate care, and be playful)
- Flexible work arrangements
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays per year (to be pro-rated for part-time employees)
- Competitive benefits such as Income Protection and Life Assurance
- Learning opportunities and 5 learning and development (L&D) days per year (to be pro-rated for part-time employees)
- More information on what we offer is available on our website.
Application Method:
Apply with your resume and cover letter in English via the application link.
Right To Play provides equal employment opportunities to employees regardless of their gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation or marital status. We strongly encourage groups who have been historically disadvantaged with respect to employment to apply for positions at Right To Play.
As part of our selection process, final candidates will be required to complete security checks and Vulnerable Sector Check or equivalent criminal record check as a condition of the offer. More details about our recruitment process are available here. Safeguarding information is available here.
As part of our recruitment and selection process, Right To Play uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) - assisted tools to support the assessment of candidates or applications. This may include but not limited to generating and editing of job adverts, assessment and interview questions, scheduling, translation, transcription, note taking, etc. Our Applicant Tracking System (ATS), VidCruiter, also use AI-powered ChatBot to answer candidates' enquiries. These tools are used only to assist human reviewers in evaluation and do not make selection or screening decisions. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers. All AI-assisted processes comply with applicable privacy and data protection regulations, including GDPR and PIPEDA. For more information, please refer to RTP AI Policy and our Best Practice: Use of AI in Recruitment.
We value and promote a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to providing accommodations to candidates with disabilities during the recruitment and selection process, and thereafter. Please reach out to the People & Culture team by email. All information provided will be treated as confidential and used only to provide an accessible candidate experience.
Job Description:
Job Title: Finance and Operations Manager
Grade: 7
Reports to: Executive Director, UK and Global Strategic Initiatives
Reports Technically to Director, Finance HQ
Location: UK (open to remote arrangement)
Direct Reports: NA
Department: Finance
1- Purpose:
The Finance and Operations Manager ensures the effective financial, administrative, and operational functioning of Right To Play UK and support the establishment of Right To Play Ireland by overseeing accurate financial records, coordinating people and legal processes, and continuously improving business systems and practices to support and enable successful fundraising outcomes.
2- Accountability & Responsibilities:
Finance (90%)
- Lead financial management, compliance, budgeting and reporting for Right To Play UK and Right To Play Ireland by ensuring accurate and timely recording of all expenses and revenue connected with the operation of the offices
- Ensure revenue is appropriately captured and coded and reconciled with bank.
- Oversee liquidity/cashflow, procurement, payroll, audits, tax reporting, and external financial relationships
- Deliver reliable management and statutory reports to leadership, Boards, HQ, and authorities.
- Lead for staff payroll and benefits, HRIS data accuracy, payroll coordination, contracts, insurance and benefits administration, and employee records to ensure compliance, efficiency, and strong organisational support
- Supporting global finance in finance related initiatives, as needed
- Where applicable, ensure compliance on all governance requirements
Operations (10%)
- Direct office operations, administration, IT, and legal coordination by establishing efficient administrative processes, managing office infrastructure and IT security, coordinating vendors and service providers, monitoring licenses and compliance requirements, and supporting organisational risk management and legal obligations.
Perform other duties as assigned.
3-Scope (geographical and/or functional), Impact and Autonomy
The incumbent operates with significant autonomy, holding delegated authority over financial management, systems, and office operations, including safeguarding all funds received, and preparing supplier invoices for payment. They operate with high trust and independence and is expected to safeguard assets and ensure full statutory, fiscal, and HR data compliance.
4-Leadership and Staff management
The role exercises functional and collaborative leadership with no direct reports, providing guidance and influence across Right To Play UK and Right To Play Ireland. Leadership is demonstrated through setting standards and supporting teams to work effectively within organizational policies and financial controls, by providing authoritative guidance to the offices on financial policies, internal controls, and risk management; escalating material risks and recommending mitigation actions to the Executive Director and HQ Finance. The incumbent is expected to operate effectively in a low segregation environment due to small staff size by implementing and monitoring compensating controls (spot checks, reviews with Executive Director, exception reporting) to maintain strong control integrity.
5- Information requirement for decision-making
The incumbent requires secure access to accurate financial, donor, and operational data - primarily through the MCRM and ERP systems - which is already identified and readily available and applies established analysis and reporting methods as a super-user to interpret information, ensure compliance, protect confidential constituent records, and support informed financial and operational decision-making.
6- Innovation and Improvements
The incumbent is expected to drive process improvements and functional innovations within the offices—data integrity, financial tracking, and internal collaboration—while supporting others to implement these changes, with major or high-risk innovations subject to approval by the Executive Director.
7- Relationships & Communications: Internal / External:
The incumbent maintains key internal relationships with all team members, doner services team and HQ colleagues in MCRM, Finance, and People & Culture, and external relationships with Board members, and event partners, using effective communication and donor stewardship to support organizational objectives and ensure smooth operations. The incumbent stewards Right To Play UK and Right To Play Ireland’s fiduciary obligations and is the primary authorized liaison with banks, landlords, insurance and payroll providers, external auditors, tax advisors, and legal counsel.
8- Expertise (Certifications / Education, Professional Experience/Language)
- Post-secondary diploma or undergraduate degree in accounting, business administration, Finance, or other related fields.
- Professional Accounting Designation preferred
- 5 years of progressive finance experience, including audit coordination, statutory filings, and external advisor management
- Adaptable with the aptitude to work well under pressure, and manage multiple competing and/or changing priorities
- Experience in navigating accounting, banking and payroll platforms
- A team player who is collaborative and innovative
- Excellent organizational skills; systematic in follow-through of tasks; diligent, with strong attention to detail
- Results-oriented with a willingness to learn and take initiative
- Demonstrates professionalism and integrity, with strong judgement skills and ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
- General knowledge of fundraising practices, procedures and standards preferred
- Fluency in oral and written English
9- Core Competences
- Collaboration: Demonstrates strong teamwork by effectively partnering with internal teams and external stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
- Growth Mindset: Actively seeks opportunities to improve processes, learn new systems, and implement innovative solutions.
- Resilience: Maintains focus and effectiveness under pressure, managing multiple priorities and challenges with composure.
- Professionalism: Upholds high ethical standards, confidentiality, and accuracy in all financial, operational, and stakeholder interactions.
- Management and Interpersonal Skills: Guides and influences colleagues through expertise, clear communication, and support, despite having no direct reports.
10- Additional Information
Ability to work irregular hours depending on event and external meeting schedule. Occasional travel for attending internal and external meetings and supporting events.
To protect, educate, and empower children to rise above adversity using the power of play.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Rural Housing Enabler
Hours: up to 34 hours per week available for the role.
Working days and hours to be agreed with the successful candidate
Location: Office base Brightspace, Ipswich or Kirkley Centre, Lowestoft with blended/hybrid working
Term: Fixed Term to 31 March 2027 (potential to extend subject to funding)
Salary: £31,295 Fulltime (pro rata £28,374.13)
Start date: As soon as possible
About us
Community Action Suffolk (CAS) is the county’s infrastructure organisation for the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector. We exist to ensure our sector, and its volunteers are supported, safe and sustainable and that our communities are active and resilient.
Our values of collaborative, enabling, person centred, responsive and trusted are the golden thread which runs through who we are and how we operate, and we aim to make them real every day.
About the role
We are seeking a Rural Housing Enabler to join our friendly team and help tackle the rural housing challenges in Suffolk.
In this role, you will:
- Play a crucial part in increasing the supply of affordable housing in Suffolk
- Engage with communities and provide a range of support including:
- Raising awareness of the need for affordable housing
- Facilitating initial discussions to assess need
- Gather evidence of need around rural housing
- Liaise and engage with stakeholders
- Assist parishes throughout the journey of developing their own local housing schemes
In this role, clear communication is essential. You’ll be presenting to a range of audiences, and working in partnership with communities / community leaders, parish councils, district and county authorities, landowners, developers, housing organisations, and other partners to bring forward affordable rural housing projects in Suffolk. Good IT skills, and the ability to build strong relationships are crucial.
Although this role is predominately desk space there will be some travel around the county and within rural areas of Suffolk. Access to a car is advantageous.
The ideal candidate will have the following experience/skills:
- Excellent working knowledge of the issues affecting housing in Suffolk, and other issues affecting rural communities
- Experience/ understanding of working in supporting rural communities thorough consultation for affordable and/or community led housing
- A good understanding of the principles of quality community consultation
- Working with local authorities, parish councils, housing associations and similar organisations
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
If you are interested in a role which is community led and focused on rural issues within Suffolk we would like to hear from you.
For more information please visit our website for more information on who to contact.
We are a friendly organisation, committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive culture in all that we do, and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We aim to create a workplace which is welcoming, fair, and inclusive, where people can be themselves and contribute to our vision and values.
We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, or on commencement of post.
What we offer
You will work within a reputable charity which offers its employees benefits which include:
- Blended working where role allows
- Flexible working options to support work/life balance
- 33 days (FTE) increasing to a maximum 36 (FTE) annual holiday which includes an allowance for bank holidays
- Up to 4% matched pension contribution
- 2 days pro rata volunteering days to support volunteering in Suffolk
- Staff Discounts Scheme for a range of retailers including; shopping, holidays, insurance, eating out and health and leisure activities
- Company Sick Pay Scheme
- Continued Professional Development for job related development
- Family Friendly policies and practices
- Tailored induction
For more information and an application pack please visit our website.
Applications for this role will be reviewed and considered on an ongoing basis until the role is filled. Interviews will be arranged according to availability.
We therefore encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment, as we reserve the right to close this job listing once a successful candidate is appointed.
Community Action Suffolk’s mission is to strengthen and champion community action in Suffolk by supporting the VCFSE sector
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.