Institute Manager Jobs

Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF) is a charity that builds thriving communities through effective philanthropy, matching investment to the needs of small charitable groups. We fund around 200 grassroots organisations each year, giving around £2m annually to tackle priority issues. These organisations offer excellent value for money, but often go under the radar of funders because they are too small to afford comms and fundraising.

In November 2023 we published the second edition of Oxfordshire Uncovered, our flagship report that sets out priority need areas for Oxfordshire over the coming years. Our county’s wealth, success and beauty hide a number of serious and shocking social problems, including poverty, poor education and health, crime, and homelessness. The pandemic and the current huge increases in the cost of living have made these issues worse, while the climate crisis is becoming ever more urgent.

We recently received an ‘A’ rating in an independent assessment of transparency, accountability and diversity by the Foundation Practice Rating and we are an accredited member of UK Community Foundations, a network of foundations across the UK. We work with philanthropists, businesses and the public sector, pooling their funds so that they can make a bigger difference together.

We are a small, friendly team. OCF is committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can flourish whilst contributing to our mission. We warmly welcome applicants from across the rich diversity of Oxfordshire and we are happy to consider flexible working.  We are proud to be an official Oxford Living Wage employer.

The role

The Financial Accountant will report to the CEO and be part of our small management team. They will oversee our finances as we seek to scale up our grant-making while maintaining our high-quality assurance processes. They will also be responsible for providing scrutiny and a strategic eye to the management of our endowment. A small but important element of the role will be oversight of OCF’s cybersecurity. The successful candidate will combine a rigorous eye for technical detail with long-term thinking and a passion for our mission.

Accountable to: CEO

Key relationships: Treasurer, Chair of Finance Committee, Chair of Trustees, staff team and trustees and OCF fundholders.

Salary: £55,000 (full time equivalent) subject to negotiation for the right candidate.

Hours: 0.6 FTE (21 hours a week, which can be spread flexibly across the week)

Type of contract: Permanent.

Other benefits: 3% pension (increasing to 5% after five years). 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays (FTE); additional paid leave for Christmas week office closure; 5 paid volunteering days (FTE).

Place of work: OCF office at 3 Woodins Way, Oxford (less than 10 minutes’ walk from Oxford bus and rail stations) with hybrid working options. Parking permits available.

Preferred start date: as soon as possible

Responsibilities

· Accountable for producing the Annual Report and Financial Statements in accordance with the Charity SORP, and being primary contact for the auditors.

· Preparation of annual budget and forecast, quarterly financial reports and monthly management accounts and updated forecasts.

· Maintain the detailed records of the endowment and restricted funds on a monthly basis. Oversee accurate statements for fundholders and provide ad hoc reports and analysis as required.

· Responsible for maintaining strong financial systems to provide accurate financial records and control systems for OCF, working closely with the Development and Grants teams to ensure complete alignment between internal systems (eg SAGE and Salesforce).

· Responsible for ensuring the Finance Committee is effectively supported, including: agenda and minutes, the production of timely reports, following up on actions and ensuring compliance with Charity Commission, HMRC Gift Aid and other reporting requirements.

· Liaise with OCF’s Investment Fund Managers (currently CCLA and Brompton Asset Management) and work with the Finance Committee to ensure performance is maximised.

· Monitor cash balances and ensure OCF is getting value for money on its cash.

· Management and development of a Finance Officer

· Oversight of effective delivery of all financial transactions, bank accounts, cash flow, bank reconciliations and staff payroll; includes oversight of checking the accounts for potential grant recipients.

· Bring to the early attention of the CEO and Chair of Finance Committee any matters of concern and risk in relation to the finances of OCF, and provide financial advice on mitigating actions.

· Maintain cybersecurity and insurance to meet operational requirements, and provide oversight to ensure OCF contracts are value for money.

Key competencies

· ACCA/ACA/CIMA qualified and membership of one of the major UK accountancy bodies

· Experience of charity accounting and knowledge of best practice

· A proven track record of financial management in a an organisation with significant turnover understanding of restricted spend-down funds and endowments

· Experience in accounting software – preferably SAGE – with good computer literacy, including MS Excel and ideally CRM systems such as Salesforce

· Ability to think strategically in financial matters and identify areas of risk and opportunity, and to implement improvements working with colleagues.

· Good communication skills, particularly with the ability to explain financial data to a generalist audience of senior decision-makers.

· Commitment to the mission and values of the Oxfordshire Community Foundation

· Commitment to developing staff, preferably with line management experience.

· Willingness to undertake occasional planned evening duties, such as quarterly Finance Committee and Board meetings.

Application Process

To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae and one-page cover letter.

Closing date 9 June 2024.

Interviews will be held 18 – 21 June. These will consist of a presentation task and in-person interview at our office.

Please let us know if you have a disability and require any reasonable adjustments to the interview process. We are proud to have disabled staff and are fully committed to providing adjustments.

Digital Content Creator

Are you looking for an opportunity to put your digital marketing skills and creativity to use for a socially responsible cause? Do you have a flair for creating engaging videos, a passion for social media and a love of all things digital?

We are looking for a highly creative digital marketing specialist to create and deliver engaging and inspiring content across our range of digital channels.

Ensuring our digital presence supports and enhances our business offering and delivers our messages effectively, the role requires a creative, digitally savvy individual with proven experience of developing and delivering successful digital marketing campaigns.

You will be a social media whizz, have strong design skills, know your way around a digital camera, and have experience in copywriting and proofreading. From coming up with new ideas for delivering digital content, to managing social channels and developing our websites, this is a truly varied role and the opportunity is there for you to really make it your own.

Sound like the challenge you're looking for? To apply, please submit a covering letter indicating how you feel you meet the person specification and why this might be the role for you, together with your CV.

• Contract length: 3 months with possibility of extension. 
• Hours: 35 hours per week
• Salary: £29,656-£32,000 per year (dependent on experience)
• Based: Remote with occasional travel to the London office
• Closing date: Ongoing
• Interviews: May be arranged at short notice
• Start date: As soon as possible.

Please see the full job description and person specification for further details.

Chalk Farm Tenant Management Organisation (TMO) is looking for a competent leader with a passion for social housing to manage our housing organisation.

Located close to the historic Camden Market, the TMO provides housing services and community activities for residents of the estate. Sustainably funded by Camden Council long term, this is an ideal opportunity for a candidate with experience in management and a real interest in social housing, who values the autonomy of working in a small and close knit organisation.

As estate manager, your main duties will be to:

1. Give the TMO the strategy it needs to deliver an excellent housing service for residents.

2. Ensure that the TMO is adequately and responsibly resourced.

3. Ensure that the TMO complies with the Management Agreement signed with Camden Council, all applicable legislation, and current best practice.

4. Provide effective day-to-day leadership, management and supervision of staff.

5. Uphold a service culture which puts residents’ satisfaction at the heart of delivery. 

6. Ensure the effective delivery of the TMO’s housing management functions.

7. Work in partnership with the committee to deliver continuous improvement and good value across all TMO managed and contracted services.

This could be you if you have:

• 4 years+ experience of managing staff, and at least 2 years experience of reporting to a board;

• good knowledge of housing law or current issues relating to social housing;

• experience in procuring contracts and managing contractors;

• a proactive, can-do attitude, and an ability to motivate a team;

• excellent numerical and IT literacy, including a record of preparing and scrutinising budgets;

• Either a Level 4 Certificate in Housing, or an undergraduate degree (2:1 or above), and are prepared to enrol in the 1 year online Level 4 course by the Chartered Institute for Housing. 

The TMO is prepared to fund the Level 4 course, and to support a bright manager with a successful track record of delivery to transition into social housing.

Please download the job description and person specification, and send your CV and Cover Letter by the closing date.

Waterloo Community Counselling (WCC) offers life-changing accessible and affordable counselling in the heart of London and is a small charity that has a big impact! We are one of only a handful of Low-Cost Counselling services offering weekly therapy at reduced fees, or for free. We reach adults from diverse backgrounds and our unique Multi-Ethnic Counselling Service (MECS) provides free mother-tongue counselling to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers who have survived exile, torture, human trafficking and modern slavery in 30 languages.

WCC has gone through a period of transformation and operational improvements over the past 2 years which has increased the charity’s financial and organisational resilience. We are now looking for a Finance Manager who will join a well-developed team and be responsible for embedding the progress made and identifying further areas for improvement.

About the role of Finance Manager

The Finance Manager is a core member of WCC's management team and is a key advisor and partner to the CEO on all areas of finance.  The post-holder will have responsibility for timely and efficient management of the day-to-day accounting function and all internal and external financial reporting.  Reporting directly to the CEO this role is part of a friendly, highly productive and collaborative, dedicated clinical and operational staff team of ten.

It is a varied and senior position that is part time, 3 days per week, and we are happy to discuss how the hours are worked over the week. It’s hybrid, working a minimum of one day per week in our Waterloo office. The salary is £45,000 to £48,000 pro rata, depending on experience.

The successful candidate will:

• Be a Fully Qualified Accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA, ICAEW etc).
• Have 5+ years PQE, preferably with charity sector/ fund accounting experience.
• Able to demonstrate working independently and as finance lead.

What's on Offer

• Permanent contract (you will have a probation period of 6 months)
• Salary range of £45,000 to £48,000 depending on experience (Part time 3 days, pro-rated salary to hours)
• Flexible, hybrid working (1 day a week in our Waterloo office but this can be flexible)
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Employer Pension contribution 3%
• Ability to be a key influencer / decision maker within the organisation.
• Positive, supportive working environment where learning and development is actively promoted, and training needs supported.
• Monthly Reflective Practice Group for the staff team (RPGs provide a supportive space for people to explore and understand their interactions and team dynamics amongst other things)

WCC is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and we therefore welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. The charity promotes a positive work life balance through its inherent flexible approach.

Closing date: Friday 14th June
Interview date: week commencing 1st July

Initially, the post-holder will take responsibility for fundraising for our ongoing expansion project. A key part of the role is building relationships with friends of the school, cultivating high-net-worth individuals and corporate partnerships as well as applying to trusts and foundations. The Development Manager will be responsible for seeing the process through from application to conclusion. As the role develops, there will be the opportunity to actively grow the fundraising and development function looking at regular and legacy giving from across the school’s supporters. 

Main purpose of the role:

Working with the Governors and Senior Management Team (SMT), building relationships with friends of the school and creating new links with high-net worth individuals. Keeping a relevant database of prospects, donors and links including communications, pledges and actual donations.

To research, prepare and submit well written applications based on information provided by the Governors and SMT with bids of four, five and six figures to trusts, foundations and statutory bodies. Tracking and coordinating applications.

To identify, cultivate and secure corporate philanthropic partnerships.

Create and run suitable fundraising events for the Unicorn School’s expansion project.

Reporting to stakeholders regarding fundraising progress for the expansion project. 

Person Specification:

At least five years’ experience in fundraising would be preferred.

Work to the highest professional ethical standard as set out by The Chartered Institute of Fundraising or other, relevant professional body.

A proven track record of drafting meaningful, successful proposals to trusts and foundations and other relevant bodies be they corporate or individuals.

Evidence of an aptitude to work with senior, highly influential and well-connected supporters, donors and canvassers.

An expert understanding of the core principles of trust and foundation fundraising, with a focus on building long-term and sustained senior relationships with grant makers.

A proven track record in identifying, cultivating and soliciting significant donations from high-net-worth individuals.

A proven track record in establishing valuable corporate partnerships.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in developing the fundraising vision of Harrogate Theatre.

Harrogate is a beautiful spa town that is frequently voted in the top ten places to live in Britain with a vibrant and growing arts culture. The Theatre delivers a mixed economy of produced and received work, it has a buoyant education department and artist development programme. Come and play your role in securing its future. 

XLP is a youth work charity working to create positive futures for young people and at the cutting edge of tackling poverty and educational failure in inner London. We’re looking for a Senior HR Manager who will be a generalist with prior experience of working in a senior level HR capacity.

You’ll be responsible for the effective provision of comprehensive HR services for XLP, develop highly effective relationships across the team, maintaining a real understanding of their challenges. You’ll partner with Line Managers on a range of HR duties encompassing the entire employee life cycle, including updating and reviewing policies and processes, employee relations, recruitment, onboarding/ offboarding, Learning & Development and more. You’ll ensure we recruit and retain excellent staff to ensure we’re giving our best for young people.

You’ll be happy to manage all aspects of HR and the employee lifecycle and not be afraid to work autonomously and get stuck in. 

About You

Key Skills:

• Significant relevant experience in Human Resources in a generalist role;
• Proven experience in managing complex employee relations cases;
• Experience with employee lifecycle procedures;
• CIPD Level 5 Qualification;
• Strong knowledge of current employment law and best practice;
• High attention to detail;
• Excellent administrative and organisational skills;
• Good level of numeracy and ability to collate data and produce information in simple formats;
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills;
• Ability to build and maintain good working relationships with staff at all levels;
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations;
• Ability to carry out duties with tact and diplomacy, maintaining confidentiality at all times;
• Ability to maintain electronic filing systems.

Useful if you have:

• Experience of the youth work/charity sector;
• Experience of implementing an HRIS.

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave, with 3 additional days between Christmas and New Year
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Ongoing training and development
• Supportive and flexible work environment
• Diverse and inclusive culture
• Generous sick and compassionate leave policies
• Enhanced maternity leave policy

How To Apply

Please click the link to apply via our website. You'll be asked to complete a short form and upload a CV and personal statement. Applications close on Wednesday the 12th of June at 12pm (midday). Please note, we reserve the right to close applications early if a suitable candidate is found.

About Us

Fundraising and Supporter Development (F&SD) provides a fundraising and alumni engagement function in support of King’s College London. We are proud to work with colleagues across the university and its health partners to help them serve society through world-leading education, research and healthcare. 

Our work also includes a partnership with the Maudsley Charity in support of children’s mental health initiatives between the university’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and the South London & Maudsley NHS Trust.

We are a committed team that brings together fundraisers working across different channels, alongside colleagues who promote King’s College London’s engagement with its worldwide alumni community. Our work is underpinned and enhanced by a range of dedicated professionals in supporting areas covering proposition development, supporter engagement, supporter operations and business operations. 

We have an impressive, well-established track record of success in securing support that allows the university and partners to deliver on their missions. This includes our global, award-winning World Questions: King’s Answers campaign, which set the standard in the sector and enabled us to raise substantial funds to help tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. Ambitious and innovative, the team has won awards such as a CASE Platinum Award for Fundraising and a CASE Gold Award for Donor Relations and Stewardship. We are strongly values-driven with a focus on sustaining an excellent and supportive culture, which we see as key to creating a successful team that can support the university and its partners in making a real and positive difference to the world, we live in.

More on King’s College London

King’s College London is an internationally renowned university delivering exceptional education and world-leading research. The university is dedicated to driving positive and sustainable change in society and realising our vision of making the world a better place.  Through its commitment to exceptional education, impactful research and genuine service to society, King’s College London is creating positive change in its communities, both in London and on the world stage. The Strategic Vision 2029 looks forward to King’s College London’s 200th anniversary in 2029 and sets out ambitious plans in five key areas: 

· Educating the next generation of change-makers

· Challenging ideas and driving change through research

· Giving back to society through meaningful service

· Working with our local communities in London

· Fostering global citizens with an international perspective.

About the role:

We are looking for two exceptional Senior Philanthropy Managers – Health to join our Fundraising & Supporter Development (F&SD) team to significantly increase philanthropic income for health fundraising priorities across King’s College London (KCL). The roles will focus on major gifts (£100k - £3m gift level) to raise funds in support of the Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences (FoLSM) and the Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care (NMPC).

There are two posts available (full time - 35 Hours per week) on Fixed Term Contracts until August/September 2025. We welcome applications from those seeking part-time and flexible working - minimum of 0.8FTE.

F&SD has a hybrid working approach, with a minimum of 40% of time in the office. Typically, this equates to two days per week, but we’re very happy for colleagues to be in more frequently if they so wish.

Closing date: 28 May 2024.

To apply, please click “Apply Now”.

No Limits is an exceptional charity, with children and young people at the heart of everything we do. The need for our services has never been greater and the positive impact we have is significant: often life changing or saving. We are a large local charity, with a committed staff and volunteer team of more than 200, collectively driven by a passion to make a difference to the lives of the children and young people we serve.

Our Head of Finance role provides a great opportunity for someone to lead on the strategic and operational financial management of the charity. This is a key role in our Senior Leadership Team, and you’ll be joining at a great time, early in the delivery of our exciting new strategy. We’re looking for someone aligned with our values and experienced in finance. There may be opportunity to provide leadership oversight to wider support functions, depending on your experience and interests. We’re looking for a qualified accountant, or someone who is part qualified with relevant experience, who is eager to contribute to the overall direction, planning and leadership of No Limits.

The successful candidate will be joining an experienced and established Senior Leadership Team where we actively live out No Limits values, have great working relationships, and enjoy a collaborative approach with positive energy.

We are proud that around 80% of our team have their own lived experience connecting them to our services and we have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and communities, particularly welcoming applications from people who would add racial diversity to our team and individuals who may bring experience to help us on our journey to anti-racism. We are committed to creating a diverse environment where people can be their authentic self, where their experiences and opinions are valued and we all are open to learn from each other.

For the successful candidate, this is an exciting opportunity to build on the charity’s existing successes, developing strength and sustainability to underpin services that benefit thousands of children and young people each year.

No Limits is committed to making a difference to the lives of the children and young people we work with, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the No Limits ethos. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people is paramount. We welcome applications from candidates with lived experience and from diverse backgrounds.

Your Role

You will be responsible for No Limits’ finances, leading on strategic and operational financial management of the charity and preparing and analysing information relating to financial planning. You will have oversight of the finance team, leading No Limits to be a sustainable and efficient organisation.

As part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will make an active contribution to the strategic direction, planning and leadership of No Limits in collaboration with the wider team. You’ll be a role model for our values and ensure the needs of children and young people are at the heart of everything we do.

There may be opportunity to provide strategic leadership oversight to our wider organisational infrastructure functions including IT, Business Support, Fundraising and Communications.

You’ll have the essentials of: 

• qualified accountant (CIMA / CIPFA / ACCA / ACA or equivalent) – consideration may be given to part-qualified with relevant experience
• Strategic and operational financial management experience, including; financial process, income and expenditure management, reporting, year-end, audit, statutory and management account production, establishing and monitoring effective financial controls
• An understanding of the charity environment and wider landscape
• Experience of costing projects with a full-cost recovery approach
• Ability to plan and prioritise own and others work to set deadlines, with good time management skills
• High level of IT competency to support your role, including the use of technology and Microsoft Office
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal skills and team working
• A commitment to personal growth, continuous development, and application of learning

You may also have:

• Up-to-date knowledge of charity SORP regulations and requirements (highly desirable)
• Experience of payroll and pensions
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop people
• A successful track record of working with a Trustee Board or a leadership team
• Lived experience of one or more areas that No Limits support children and young people

Interested?.. We’d love to hear from you 

We’d be happy to have an informal discussion and answer any immediate questions you might have.

Role Terms

Salary: circa £50,000 (Full Time Equivalent, pro-rata for part-time)
Hours: part-time to full-time available, from 3 to 5 days per week – Happy to talk flexible working
Place of Work: Hybrid – Southampton Head Office with opportunity for regular remote working
Contract: Permanent
Essential Car User: No

Our recruitment timeline:

• Applications close: 9am on Monday 17th June
• Shortlisting: Outcome of applications communicated by Friday 21st June
• Final stage selection and interview: Week commencing 1st July

Head of Finance - No Limits - Application Pack

To apply for this role, please refer to the Head of Finance Applicant Pack and submit your CV and cover letter, outlining your motivation for applying and your relevant experience, qualifications and achievements. 

Are you a dynamic and experienced Research Manager? Now is the time to join our Prospect Research Team.

If you have a proven track record of building positive relationships in teams, especially working with fundraisers to manage their portfolios of prospects and donors, this role is for you. You'll be part of a team providing a critical function to the high value and corporate partnerships teams and be an ambassador for new and innovative ways of working.

We're looking for someone who can help embed best practice, provide a high quality and meticulous service, be proactive and share new ideas and is comfortable providing and using insight and making data-driven decisions.

In this role, you'll use your outstanding research skills, great verbal and written communications skills, knowledge of the external environment. You'll have an adaptable and innovative approach to work, solving problems and working both collaboratively and independently as required.

You'll be reporting to the Senior Manager Prospect Research and working alongside the Prospect Researcher in delivering our high-quality research service to our high value and corporate partnership teams. You'll also take a leading role in managing some of the research projects, such as sector work, network mapping, and prospect identification.

Working as part of a multi-disciplinary Relationship Development Team, you'll develop our core services and adopt a test and learn approach for our key stakeholders.

The post is full-time and permanent, working 35 hours a week. It's hybrid, so can be based in London or from elsewhere and involve homeworking with some travel for team meetings and planning days, often in London.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop your career with a team dedicated to providing excellent service and engaging a wide variety of supporters to ensure all blind and partially sighted people can live the life they want to lead, without limits.

We're involved in fundraising for a diverse range of projects to support our customers, from mental health projects, to eye care support, reading services, employment and training support, new technologies, and much more besides.

What We Offer

RNIB prides itself on being a great place to work with a positive, progressive culture. We offer a wide range of benefits including 26 days of holiday per year (plus bank holidays) which rises with service, enhanced family friendly benefits, a contributory pension scheme with an employer contribution of up to 11% and a rewards platform with employee discounts across over 800 retailers.

For more information on our available benefits, please visit our .

If you are having trouble applying online or would like more information, please contact us on .

If you would like to apply for this great job opportunity, please review the documents linked below, then select "Apply Online" at the bottom of this page and complete our application form, telling us how you meet the Specialist Skills, Knowledge and Experience criteria (Section 1 of the person specification in the Job Description). Guidance for completion can be found on each page of the application form.

We're the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and we're here for everyone affected by sight loss. Working for us means working for one of the UK's biggest charities, supporting almost two million people living with sight loss in the UK.

Would you like to be part of a passionate team working to prevent harm to children?

· £26,207 FTE plus pension and NI contributions

· Monday to Friday 8.30am-2.30pm – or Part Time or Job Share

· Free parking

· Term time only. Annual Leave compensation included in FTE salary.

· Employees’ Assistance Programme

· Uniform provided – polo shirt and fleece

You will be a key team member, being the first to welcome schools when they arrive in the morning. You will take them through their day, facilitating and making everything run smoothly.

On days that you’re not Visit Managing you’ll be a Guide for small groups of children, taking them on their interactive educational journey through the safety zones.

This role could suit you if you are…

Well organized and have experience of managing different scenarios calmly, with confidence, and good humour.  You will be able to engage, and enjoy working with, people of all ages from 10 to 80 years old. A real team player who is prepared to take responsibility for ensuring a smooth service for all involved. Someone that has strong safeguarding values and passionate about promoting the well-being of children and young people.

Experienced in working in face-to-face delivery in any sector, having an education or training background would be desirable. 

Enhanced DBS check with children’s barred list information required

To apply send your CV and a covering letter telling us why you’d like to be one of our Visit Managers to the email address in the Job Description

Deadline is midnight on Sunday 2 June  2024

If you’d like a chat about the role before applying just call Elaine on 0116  262 9739

The Task Ahead: Finance Manager

As The Difference moves from its early start-up phase into the delivery of our 2025-30 strategy, our programmes and sector-influencing work are expanding to reach more schools and to deepen our impact. Alongside this growth, our team - and the operational function which supports them - is also growing.

As Finance Manager, you will be a key member of the Finance & Operations team. You will hold end-to-end responsibility for the finance function, from reconciliations to budgeting. You will decide where and how our existing processes could be improved, as well as developing new systems that will underpin our work as a larger and more established charity. You will be supported by the Director of People, Finance & Operations, as well as our external auditors.

The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!

Areas of Responsibility

The Difference is looking for a Finance Manager to lead our finance function in the following ways:

• Oversee our internal bookkeeping, payment, and accounting processes, and improve these systems ongoingly.

• Lead on budgeting and forecasting across the organisation, supporting teams to predict income and expenditure and make sound financial decisions.

• Lead on the production of management accounting information, including internal monthly management accounts, quarterly reports for Trustees, and financial reports for investors.

• Lead on The Difference’s audit process, with external auditors.

• Work with the Development & Impact Manager to update fundraising pipelines, and ensure the availability of high quality income projections for Trustees.

• Support accurate budgeting and reporting for grant funding, including tracking spend of restricted funds.

• Support business planning by working with teams to model potential future work - e.g. costs of expansion of an existing programme; modelling potential new programmes.

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for the following skills, aptitude and experience; though you may be stronger in some areas than others:

• Values – Your experience evidences shared values with The Difference (see below) and a personal commitment to our mission to improve life outcomes for vulnerable people.

• Finance experience, operational and strategic – Experience across all areas of finance, from accurate invoicing, payments and record-keeping, through to setting and managing budgets, financial modelling and forecasting, and working with external accountants or auditors.

• Finance process development – Experience of developing finance systems; the ability to recognise how processes could be continuously improved, and enact this improvement.

• Leadership of self and others – Confident in identifying skills or information gaps within your team, and drawing on the expertise of others to address these gaps. Able to show how you've continually grown your own skills and those of your team members so that together you can efficiently cover workload and plan ahead.

• Proactive problem-solving – Ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment and to problem-solve: from rolling sleeves up and diving into detail to working collaboratively to build capacity.

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following additional experiences: 

• Accounting qualification and experience - Some form of accounting qualification and post-qualification experience.

• Early-stage charity/social enterprise experience – You may have specific experience growing charities or businesses for social good at the early or start-up phase.

• Experience of charity finances – You may have worked for or supported other charities, and have experience of working with philanthropic grants, charity accounting, and governance.

• Insight into schools – You may have experience working in the education sector, whether that’s through working for a business or charities that partnered with schools, or through working in a school yourself. 

Why Work for The Difference?

Schooling isn’t working for the children who need it most. Every week in England 109 children – equivalent to three full classrooms – are permanently excluded. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Since the pandemic, school suspensions have risen significantly, as has persistent absenteeism. 1 in 5 children are missing more than 10% of their time in school. Children who are excluded or persistently absent are much more likely to already be experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage. They are more likely to live in poverty, have additional learning needs, suffer mental health challenges, or experience a lack of safety outside school. Certain ethnicities are also disproportionately affected, notably Gypsy Roma Traveller and black Caribbean children. 

Exclusion and high rates of absence can have a dramatic effect on life chances. These young people are more likely to drop out of education or employment, become vulnerable to long-term mental ill health, or be at risk of criminal exploitation. The Difference believes that children and young people deserve better and that the education system has to change.

Our Organisation 

The Difference is a young education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning.  By 2030, we want rates of exclusion and absence to be falling nationally and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, including those who may be vulnerable. The Difference was born out of a year of research into school exclusions with think-tank IPPR. This research identified a lack of inclusion expertise in schools and proposed a new leadership development programme to fill this gap. In 2018, Difference founder Kiran hired the team who took this idea from concept to reality, beginning work with our first schools.

The Difference is now a 22-strong team delivering multiple school leadership programmes, alongside a growing research and policy arm. The team is supported by our Youth Advisory Board, made up of young people who have experienced exclusion and who provide their expertise and insights on how school inclusion work should be done. This work is needed more than ever. Effects of COVID-19, coupled with the spiralling cost of living, have substantially increased levels of vulnerability. Schools serving excluded pupils face under-funding. The Difference has had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and grow our capacity to lower exclusions across England.

Our Values

• High Expectations - We are ambitious for excellence from young people, colleagues and ourselves.  We don’t believe in writing off someone’s potential because of their identity or experience of crisis. 

• Strong Relationships - We prioritise genuine relationships over transactional interactions, and know that this requires deliberate relational practice. We see colleagues and partners as people first and their roles second; and know this greater trust allows us to take more risks, gain more feedback and have greater impact.

• Internalised Locus of Control - We work hard to reframe difficult situations to discover what we have within our power in terms of solutions. We take it upon ourselves to walk towards challenges and can take a high level of ownership and agency in our work/

• Pragmatism - We believe leadership means recognising current limitations and striving for improvements within and beyond them.  We develop consensus and chart new ways forward, challenging false and extreme positions like “zero exclusions” or “no excuses”.

• Scientific approach - We take a diagnostic approach to unpicking causes of problems. We are loud and proud of our failures, recognising failing fast and often is key to finding the best solutions. We test solutions and are willing to use data and feedback to make adjustments and choose new directions. 

• Not Squeamish about Structural Inequality - We believe patterns of inequality can and should be disrupted. We strive to be clear-eyed about these inequalities, and both the individual practice and system-changes required to address them. We push ourselves to overcome awkwardness in talking about this; and begin by acknowledging our own biases and blind spots.

• Asset-based - We work hard to avoid deficit thinking and aim to start with what’s strong, not what’s wrong. We are careful not to frame our colleagues and stakeholders - particularly young people and families – as victims but instead to recognise their agency.

• Wise selves - To both enjoy work and do their best, we want to make decisions and work with others in our “wise” - or regulated - selves. We also want to bring our compassionate self to those we work with, externally and internally, to support one another through challenging times. 

How To Apply 

To apply, please complete all sections of the application form by midnight on Sunday 19th May.

First round interviews will be held during the week beginning 27th May, over video call. Please indicate if you would not be available to attend an interview during this week.

If successful in this stage, second round interviews (including a task to be completed the same day) will take place on the week beginning 3rd June, at our office in Bethnal Green. 

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector such as people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the care system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates. 

As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and any protected characteristics redacted.

Recommended Reading 

If you’d like to understand more about The Difference and what we are trying to achieve, we would recommend the following:

• The research which underpins our organisation.

• Our latest Impact Report, sharing our work in 2023

We are looking for an Interim External Affairs Manager to help lead our communications activities from 24 June 2024 to 31 December, while our permanent External Affairs Manager is on sabbatical. This is a particularly exciting time to join the team, as we seek to maximise our impact ahead of the next general election and develop our strategy for the next few years. 

The successful candidate will help to manage the day to day work of the External Affairs team, including supporting colleagues to enhance our reach on social media and digital channels, deliver our events programme and deepen our impact with key audiences. 

You will be joining an inclusive and supportive team who welcome people from all backgrounds. What’s important isn’t your level of education or the opportunities which you have had, it’s about you and how you seize the opportunities ahead of you. 

This is a diverse role and will include:

Communications and events

• Working with Head of External Affairs and Income (EA&I) to manage the External Affairs’ team’s day-to-day work, including supporting the team with social media, website and press relations

• Working with Head of EA&I to deliver communications strategy

• Overseeing and project managing the charity’s events programme

Leadership and management

• Leading External Affairs team catch ups and project planning 

• Line managing an External Affairs Officer and an Intern with a focus on professional development

• Providing sign-off on a number of areas, including those that carry some risk to the charity

• Working with the Head of EA&I to collect key management information to report on the impact and reach of external affairs activities to the CEO

• Assisting with the charity’s other activities as required.

Influencing and stakeholder management

• Working with the Head of EA&I to manage and deliver the influencing strategy, including helping to deliver campaigns.

• Supporting team with public affairs engagement

Essential skills and qualities:

• A comms all-rounder who can help lead and manage our busy External Affairs team. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tell a clear story and to tailor content for different audiences.

• The ability to guide colleagues in producing a range of content for different platforms and audiences, including via social media, digital and press relations. 

• The capacity to juggle competing priorities, and to help guide others in doing so.

• Strong project management, organisation and decision-making skills.

• Experience of organising events (particularly online) and an understanding of different tactics to engage audiences.

• A creative self-starter who can take the lead in identifying and acting upon opportunities to increase the impact of our communications activities.

• Strong reputation management skills.

• The ability to support and develop junior colleagues.

• An interest and/or background in campaigning.

• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

• A passion for improving the lives of people with money and mental health problems.

Chief Executive – full-time, permanent, London (flexible/hybrid)

The Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) is seeking a new Chief Executive to lead the organisation through the next phase of its growth and development. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for a highly experienced and energetic senior player to lead a small executive team, along with many highly dedicated and capable Institute members, as we embark on a number of key development projects which will continue to grow our charitable activities and influence in the food sector. The role is a key point of contact and ambassador for the Institute with many senior and influential stakeholders within the food sector and governments.

We are looking for a strong strategic and conceptual thinker, experienced in business and financial management, who can communicate with and influence people at all levels. The role leads a small team and will have significant hands-on involvement in day to day operational matters.

The individual will have attained a BSc or equivalent level, and have demonstrable experience in leadership and people management. They will have a broad understanding of the food (or associated) sector (and preferably experience working in the sector). Ideally, the individual will already have experience managing or running a charity, and so will have a practical understanding of charity governance best practice. 

With multiple activities from publishing through to professional recognition and from scientific and technical events and communication through to supporting the next generation of talent, the Institute is looking for a leader who can work creatively and yet in a focussed way to ensure all these activities are progressed.

Ideally, they will have previously worked for a professional membership body and are likely to have experience in the food sector.

About the role:

• Full-time, permanent. London-based (Hammersmith) with flexible working – the individual will be required to attend regular physical meetings, often in London, but with some other meetings in the UK. This role may also include some international travel. Salary: On application. No agencies.

About the Institute

IFST is the leading professional body for those involved in all aspects of food science and technology.

As a charity and independent professional body, IFST is in a prime position to provide impartial, science-based information. In addition to publishing peer-reviewed papers, guides, periodicals and reports, we host events, webinars, lectures and conferences throughout the year.

We also aim to be a source of professionalism in our field that reflects the dynamic and innovative nature of food science and technology. We provide independent professional recognition of knowledge and skills. Our professional registers and accreditation schemes are widely recognised and valued throughout the sector as the benchmark for skills and expertise for food technical professionals.

IFST is guided in its decision-making and activities by its five values and through a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Values:

• Evidence-based - All that we do and deliver is based on evidence. This fundamental principle lies at the very core of IFST’s consciousness. We provide scientific evidence that the public, policymakers and our members can trust and use.
• Professional - We aim to be a repository of professionalism in our field of food science and technology and to ensure our profession serves the public. We demand and expect professionalism from our members whether drawn from academia, industry or the public sector.
• Innovative - Food science and technology is, by nature dynamic and innovative. Whilst a serious subject and with serious implications, it is exciting and fun. We will seek to reflect this dynamism in the way we work and communicate with others. We will therefore be responsive to the constantly changing environment in which we work and to the needs of our members and stakeholders. 
• Independent - Our independent position and voice is critical and is what we are valued and respected for. We will ensure our governance, agendas and outputs are based on the best and most complete evidence available and, in gathering this evidence, we will not be unduly influenced by any single views or commercial pressures. We will build trust by being open about all our decision-making processes.
• Food Science Community - We value our members as a community of food scientists and technologists. We respect and value the diversity of our membership and all that this diversity brings. We seek to learn from each other and always encourage a friendly, approachable, inclusive and supportive spirit from all who work for and with us.

IFST’s EDI Statement:

The Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) recognises that diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a catalyst for innovation and excellence in scientific endeavours. We recognise the importance and benefits of equal opportunities, diversity, inclusion and eliminating discrimination in every aspect of our work. By embracing diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents, IFST aims to drive positive change and advance the field of food science for the benefit of society.

We aim to ensure that no individual or group is treated more or less favourably than others on grounds of sex, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity/paternity or religion.

We work to comply with all the legislation related to equal opportunities to ensure that the culture, philosophy and processes within IFST are free from bias of any kind.

We actively encourage applications from individuals who may be underrepresented in our workforce, including those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, and women.

To apply:

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter detailing your relevant experience/skills and what attracts you to this role .Please note that any CVs received without an accompanying cover letter will not be considered.

All applications must be submitted via Charity Job no later than 5:00pm on 14th June 2024.