Director of Finance and Operations
Contract type: Fixed Term, initially 18 months, part time (initially 2 - 3 days a week)
Contract start date: asap
Location: Remote (some travel for meetings in London)
Please note, this role is only open to applicants residing in and with the right to work in the UK.
This is an exciting opportunity to become a key member of the leadership team for a unique Fund focused on commercial scripted and unscripted projects that address the climate crisis. This is a part time role working remotely, but with the potential for growth.
THE COMPANY
Climate Spring is a unique organisation working to fund and develop content with the world’s leading production companies and broadcasters. We are a company based in the UK working globally, funded by philanthropic foundations. Our team is made up of film and TV professionals, climate and funding experts based in the UK, US and France. Our primary focus is on identifying, supporting and developing a range of long-form content that is commercially viable within the global English language market. We also provide consultancy and training support to the industry on climate storytelling within a commercial context. We aim to create better connections, coordination and partnership to what is a growing movement of interest Climate Spring has grown rapidly over the last 18 months, and has plans for further expansion.
THE ROLE
We are looking for a motivated and passionate Director of Finance and Operationsto join our team, to provide strategic and financial leadership and support to Climate Spring as it continues to grow
Key responsibilities:
- Strategic leadership on all finance and operational matters affecting Climate Spring’s activities
- Manage and oversee the organisation’s budget in line with the organisation’s strategy
- Support the Executive Director and Director of Impact with fundraising strategy and funder management.
- Oversee the financial management of the organisation
- Provide financial and operational leadership for the organisation’s establishment of a new production fund
- Prepare and present financial reports for board and funders.
- Manage relevant internal and departmental operational developments
- Oversee the organisation’s operations, ensuring effective and inclusive practices and policies
- Oversee the organisation’s HR policies and practice
- Supporting the Executive Director in reporting to the board and ensuring effective governance
Minimum role criteria:
- 10+ years of experience working in philanthropic, social investment or charity sector with significant leadership experience.
- Experience managing organisational budgets over £2m
- Experience managing a diverse team
- Experience managing grants and donor relationships
Additional desired skills
- Experience managing social investment funds
- Experience of the entertainment or culture sectors
- Experience setting up new organisations or companies
- Experience drafting contractual agreements
- Governance expertise
To be considered for this opportunity you will need to demonstrate the following skills:
Key skills:
- Excellent leadership skills that foster inclusive cultures
- Excellent fundraising and donor/investor partnership management skills
- Entrepreneurial and adaptive, with creative problem-solving abilities
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent organisational, time management and long-term planning skills
- Excellent writing and communication skills, including clear and effective written and verbal communication skills, negotiating skills, strong drafting abilities
- Professional individual who can build and manage a positive team dynamic
- Demonstrable experience of building and managing budgets and organisational finances.
- Problem solving skills, and a can-do, team attitude
- Ability to juggle multiple, competing priorities, pivot quickly, think practically and be solution-oriented
- Diligent and resourceful
We strongly encourage applications for this role from people with a disability and if you meet the minimum criteria for a role and you have declared that you are disabled, we’ll guarantee you’ll get to the next stage* (minimum criteria above). We're happy to discuss any support/personalisation you may need during our selection process as a reasonable adjustment.
NEXT STEPS
If your skills & experience fit the above requirements and you would like to talk to us about this role, please apply by emailing attaching:
- CV
- Covering letter (no more than 250 words)
Deadline for applications: 6th May 2025
Interviews: 26th May 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Description
Title: Trust Administrator
Salary: £28k - £32k (depending on experience) + Pension
Contract: Permanent (3 months probationary period)
Hours: Full-time (37.5-hour week) with some flexibility preferred. Part time applications also considered.
Location: Bristol office for probation period then hybrid working (at least one day a week homeworking)
Responsible to: Chief Executive
About Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART)
Founded in 2012, the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) is a charity dedicated to restoring and protecting the rivers of the Bristol Avon. Guided by an evidence-based, ecosystem-wide approach, we focus on the health of the entire catchment, not just the rivers themselves.
BART began as a grassroots effort driven by a shared passion for waterways. Today, with approximately 20 employees and an annual turnover of £1 million, we manage multi-year projects funded by diverse supporters to preserve and enhance the Bristol Avon catchment.
We work with landowners, communities, businesses, farmers, water companies, councils and government agencies to protect and rejuvenate rivers, lakes, and estuaries, delivering benefits for wildlife, local economies, and people. Our efforts help reduce costs for farmers and water companies and enhance public health while addressing the climate and ecological crises.
The post holder will join a growing, ambitious team delivering multi-benefit projects to protect and improve the Bristol Avon catchment, and the Trust Administrator will play a key role in supporting the smooth delivery of the Trust’s operations.
Job summary and purpose
The Trust Administrator is responsible for maintaining the core administrative functions of the Trust to ensure the smooth operation of the charity, enabling its mission to ensure healthy rivers for wildlife and people.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Trust Administrator will work with a range of internal and external contacts to ensure routine business functions, human and physical resources, supporter and governance liaison are working well. The role will involve working closely with the Chief Executive, but also with other members of the team, Trustees, supporters and suppliers.
The role will require exceptional organisational skills, excellent interpersonal skills, an attention to detail, and working flexibly in an agile environment. Experience of organisational administration in the public, private or charity sector, and experience of HR, meetings administration and IT are essential while purchasing and negotiating with suppliers is desirable. A helpful and positive attitude is needed, as is a willingness to embrace flexible ways of working. Adherence to certain policies and procedures is essential, including requirements such as data confidentiality and upholding a culture of professionalism.
Whilst the role is predominantly aimed at internal support, including for Trustees and supporters, external liaison will be required with suppliers, funders, partners, and the public.
Duties and responsibilities
A. Organisational administration
1Take ownership of core business administrative functions including the office space, monitoring and maintaining resources, monitoring inboxes.
2Liaison and negotiation with, and purchasing from, suppliers and providers spanning IT, resources, insurance etc.
3Assist in the upholding of key policies and procedures e.g. security and safety checks.
4 Coordinate routine governance procedures including organising and minuting meetings, filing returns, and communicating with Trustees.
5Coordinate routine HR procedures including recruitment and managing confidential records, including those of staff, supporters and volunteers.
6Coordinate external IT support; undertaking routine IT administration.
7Liaison with finance staff to facilitate the maintenance of timely and accurate financial records, including assistance with project claims where required.
8Executive assistance including diary management, event and meetings organisation.
B Contributing to the work of the BART in general
1Contribute to delivering the Trust’s objectives
2Help maintain and enhance the Trust’s reputation through external contacts
3Undertake other duties that may be appropriate to the position
Person specification
C Qualifications and required knowledge
Essential
1Educated to a degree level in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience in a relevant sector
2Knowledge of relevant administrative processes and procedures
3Understanding of managing contacts in a confidential manner
4 Understanding of charity governance
Desirable
5Understanding of the environmental / freshwater sector
D Experience
Essential
1Demonstrable experience of organisational administration in a team context
2Setting up and maintaining efficient administrative systems
3Use of (essential) and routine administration of (desirable) office software applications e.g. MS 365
4Experience of managing external contacts
5Working alone and as part of a team
ESkills & Competencies
Essential
1Highly organised and comfortable with agile working
2Clear and correct plain English writing ability
3Excellent telephone answering and calling skills, with a wide range of audiences, including suppliers, stakeholders, and the public.
4Excellent IT skills, including use of Office 365
5Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
6Excellent time and task management
Desirable
7Ability to negotiate and secure best value from suppliers
F Personal Attributes
Essential
1Diligent and organised with an attention to detail
2 Strong interpersonal skills and assertiveness
3Pro-active and innovative
4Open, transparent and flexible
5Commitment to a healthy freshwater environment
6Commitment to upholding professionalism
Desirable
7 Being able to maintain excellent client relationships
Miscellaneous
The post is likely to involve occasional travel throughout the Bristol Avon (Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath & Northeast Somerset, Wiltshire, North Somerset) therefore a full UK driving licence and use of own vehicle is required. Mileage expenses will be paid at 45p per mile as set out in HMRC’s Approved Mileage Allowance Payment. Some evening and weekend work may be required. We will also require the successful applicant to undergo a DBS check and provide satisfactory references.
How to apply
Interested parties should submit a CV and a one page covering letter explaining why you would perform well in this role and what you could bring to BART.
Interviews for this post will take place in Bristol, date TBC.
Please note, due to limited resources you will only be contacted should you be successful in gaining an interview. We would like to thank you for your interest in this position.
Thank you for your interest in applying for a role with the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.