Assistant to executive director jobs

Help us achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide.

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We’re looking for an experienced Project Officer to play a key role in delivering and reporting on a major multi-year funding programme supporting Samaritans’ work across our London region.

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You will lead the coordination, administration, and reporting of activity funded through a significant seven-year partnership with City Bridge Foundation. Working closely with senior staff, volunteers, London branches, and external partners and our funder, you’ll ensure projects are effectively delivered, tracked, and evidenced.

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This is a highly collaborative role where you’ll bring together data, insights, and updates into clear, compelling reports, while helping shape how Samaritans’ work is delivered and improved collaboratively across London.

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Contract Terms

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• £34,000-£37,000 per annum plus benefits
• Full time (35 hours per week)
• Permanent
• We are passionate about flexible working—talk to us about your preferences
• Hybrid working with travel to Ewell office and occasional travel to branches and other locations related to the role
• In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We ask you to work in person around 2 days or more per month.
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

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What You’ll Be doing

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• Set up and manage project management processes, tools, and templates to support delivery of funded activities
• Coordinate quarterly reporting cycles, gathering accurate and timely data from branches and partners
• Produce high-quality quarterly reports, combining insights from across Samaritans into clear updates for City Bridge Foundation
• Monitor progress, identify risks or issues, and escalate where necessary to senior stakeholders
• Maintain accurate financial records, documentation, and audit trails for grant funding
• Act as a key point of contact for London branches and third-party partners, ensuring engagement and alignment
• Organise and facilitate meetings, including agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions
• Support evidence gathering and sharing of learning to inform future service delivery and outreach development
• Collaborate with internal teams (research, communications, policy, and people teams) to support wider organisational goals
• Contribute to developing London-focused plans, activities, and future funding bids

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What You’ll Bring

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• Proven experience supporting complex, multi-stream projects, including planning, tracking, and reporting
• Strong report writing skills, with attention to detail and the ability to clearly communicate activities, outcomes, and impact
• Experience coordinating meetings and working with a wide range of stakeholders, including volunteers and external partners
• Proactive approach in identifying challenges and solutions, and passion for making a meaningful impact
• Strong organisation skills, with excellent attention to detail and strong IT skills (Microsoft Office, Teams/Zoom)
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships and influence across different groups
• Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information
• A bonus if you have experience in the charity sector, working with grant funding, or community-based initiatives

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Full Job Description and Person Specification below.

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Why Samaritans?

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At Samaritans, you’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission. You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

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We offer flexible hybrid working, great benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. To find out more about Samaritans, please read our recruitment brochure.

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We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the people we support and who support us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels seen, heard and supported, at all levels of the organisation.

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Apply now

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If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love for you to apply. You will be asked to answer some short application questions and to upload your CV and cover letter. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.

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At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do. 

We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team. 

We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through. We recognise that some candidates may use assistive technology or tools to help with accessibility, structure or grammar. 

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​ Applications close: midnight on Friday 3rd July

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1st stage interviews (online): Thursday 16th July

2nd stage interviews (in person KT17 2AF): Wednesday 22nd July

0.5 FTE – 18.75 hours per week (flexible working)
Salary: £30,000-£32,000 FTE depending on experience
Location: Hybrid working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire, alongside home working and occasional external meetings

About Quest for Learning

Quest for Learning is an education charity working to close the gap for primary school children in Oxfordshire who are falling behind due to disadvantage.

We work closely with schools to deliver targeted, evidence-led literacy and numeracy programmes that help children build the skills, confidence and foundations they need to thrive. Many of the children we support are growing up in poverty, facing barriers linked to low family literacy, unmet additional needs, unstable home circumstances, or limited access to wider opportunities.

Our programmes are delivered by experienced professional tutors and are built around structured interventions, strong school partnerships and measurable outcomes. On average, pupils supported through our small-group tutoring make around 13 months of progress in just 10 hours of support.

Quest for Learning is entering an important new stage of development. Following a period of organisational growth and strategic transition, we are investing in building a more sustainable and ambitious fundraising function that can deepen our impact and reach more children across Oxfordshire.

This is an opportunity to play a central role in shaping that journey.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to join a small but ambitious charity at a genuinely exciting stage of development.

You’ll have:

• Real ownership and autonomy within your role
• The opportunity to help shape and build a growing fundraising function
• Close working relationships with the CEO and leadership team
• Flexibility and hybrid working arrangements
• The chance to make a direct and measurable difference to children facing disadvantage
• Opportunities for progression as the organisation grows

We are intentionally investing in fundraising and organisational growth, and this role offers the opportunity to help shape a developing fundraising function within an ambitious, evidence-led charity with strong foundations and significant future potential.

We are a collaborative, supportive and purpose-driven team that values initiative, professionalism, creativity and compassion.

Role purpose

We are seeking a proactive, highly organised and motivated fundraiser to lead and grow our trusts and grants fundraising activity.

This role will focus primarily on identifying funding opportunities, developing compelling applications, managing funder relationships and building a strong pipeline of income to support Quest for Learning’s future growth.

The successful candidate will play a key role in helping us develop a more strategic and sustainable fundraising approach. We are looking for someone who can combine strong written communication and attention to detail with initiative, pace and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

This role would suit someone with existing trusts fundraising experience, or someone with highly transferable skills who can learn quickly and thrive in a fast-moving environment.

You will work closely with the CEO, programme staff and trustees, with access to strong impact data, established programmes and a compelling case for support.

Alongside this role, Quest for Learning is also exploring the development of an additional partnerships-focused fundraising role. We are open-minded about how responsibilities are ultimately structured and welcome applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds, experiences and strengths.

Key responsibilities

Trusts and foundations fundraising

• Research and identify prospective trusts, foundations and grant opportunities
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of funding prospects
• Develop and submit high-quality, tailored funding applications
• Manage multiple applications and deadlines simultaneously
• Produce timely and well-written monitoring reports and evaluations
• Work closely with programme staff to gather impact data, case studies and delivery information
• Maintain accurate records of applications, deadlines and funder communications within Beacon CRM
• Monitor fundraising performance and contribute to pipeline tracking and forecasting
• Support the development of longer-term funding strategies and priorities

Relationship management and stewardship

• Build positive and professional relationships with funders and supporters
• Arrange and attend occasional meetings with funders and partners where appropriate
• Ensure strong stewardship and communication throughout the funding lifecycle
• Support the CEO in managing strategic funding relationships

Organisational Contribution

• Contribute to the ongoing development of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function and systems
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation
• Represent Quest for Learning professionally and passionately to external audiences
• Contribute ideas and insight to support organisational growth and sustainability

Person specification

We recognise that strong fundraisers do not always come from traditional charity fundraising backgrounds. If you have transferable skills and experience in areas such as bid writing, partnerships, relationship management, education, sales, communications, account management or business development - and are excited by our mission - we would strongly encourage you to apply.

Essential

• Excellent written communication skills with strong attention to detail
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Confidence using databases, spreadsheets and digital systems
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
• Commitment to the mission and values of Quest for Learning
• Experience of writing successful funding applications, bids, proposals or other persuasive written content

Desirable

• Experience in trusts and foundations fundraising within the charity sector
• Experience using Beacon CRM or similar fundraising databases
• Understanding of monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting
• Experience within education, children’s services or related sectors
• Knowledge of the Oxfordshire funding landscape
• Experience working within a small charity or growing organisation

What success looks like in this role

Successful performance in this role is likely to include:

• Building and maintaining a strong and active funding pipeline
• Producing a consistent volume of high-quality applications and reports
• Securing significant grant income for the charity
• Developing strong funder relationships and stewardship practices
• Contributing to the growth and professionalisation of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function
• Helping position Quest for Learning for sustainable long-term growth

As Quest for Learning grows, we expect this role to develop too, with opportunities to shape strategy and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Who thrives at Quest for Learning?

People who tend to thrive at Quest for Learning are:

• proactive and solutions-focused
• motivated by meaningful impact
• comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with others
• excited by helping build and improve systems and processes
• adaptable, thoughtful and motivated to grow professionally alongside the organisation

Working arrangements

• 0.5 FTE with flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid role combining home working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire
• Occasional travel across Oxfordshire for meetings and events
• Flexible working patterns can be discussed

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Pension contribution
• TOIL policy
• Supportive and collaborative working culture
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to help shape a growing fundraising function within an ambitious charity

Application process

To apply, please submit:

• A CV
• A short statement explaining your interest in the role and how your experience meets the person specification

We encourage applications from candidates with both traditional and non-traditional fundraising backgrounds.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Chris Higgins, CEO

Closing date: midday, Tuesday 30 June
Interviews: week commencing 6 or 13 July 

Enham Trust is one of the UK’s longest-established disability charities, supporting disabled people to live, work and enjoy life for more than 100 years. As part of the wider Aster Group, Enham continues to deliver specialist services with a clear social purpose.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Interim Head of Fundraising to provide operational oversight and work with senior leaders on the strategic development of income generation during an important period for the charity.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Income Generation, Fundraising and Engagement, you will lead and support a small but committed fundraising team, including the Corporate Partnerships Manager and Valued Donor Fundraiser, while ensuring robust governance and fundraising compliance across the function.

This is a leadership role where success will come from your ability to guide and support the team, and ensure fundraising activity is delivered in line with best practice and regulatory requirements.

There is an established senior leadership presence within the fundraising function, and this role has been created to provide additional capacity and continuity during a period of need. It offers an opportunity to build on existing work and maintain momentum while supporting the team and wider organisational priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to the fundraising team, supporting performance, development and delivery.
• Produce high-quality reports, analysis and updates for senior stakeholders and Boards.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising legislation, the Code of Fundraising Practice and wider governance requirements.
• Oversee fundraising policies, processes and risk management frameworks.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Enham Trust and the wider Aster Group.
• Monitor fundraising performance, KPIs and budget management.

About You

We welcome candidates from a broad fundraising leadership or management background. What is essential is your ability to provide strategic leadership and confidently navigate fundraising governance and compliance frameworks.

You will bring:

• Fundraising leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of the Code of Fundraising Practice, fundraising regulation and charity governance.
• Experience producing reports and presenting information to senior leadership teams and Boards.
• A track record of leading, motivating and developing fundraising teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Confidence working autonomously in a remote environment
• Experience using CRM systems, ideally Donorfy.
• A collaborative, solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to challenge and improve existing ways of working.

Why Join Enham Trust?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a unique organisation that has been championing opportunities for disabled people for over a century. From its accessible community and employment programmes to its care, housing and retail services, Enham Trust delivers life-changing support every day.

You'll join a passionate team with strong organisational backing, ambitious plans, and the freedom to bring fresh thinking, leadership and expertise to the fundraising function.

Working Arrangements

• Fully remote role (Travel to Andover approximately once per month to meet with the team)
• Occasional travel to fundraising events and meetings as required.
• Fixed-term contract for 4 months.

If you're an experienced fundraising leader who thrives on strategy, governance, team development and driving improvement, we'd love to hear from you. To register your interest please apply here, or for more information contact Leanne or Jen at Charity Horizons.

Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format, such as audio or video upload, please contact either Charlie or Leanne who will be happy to advise on this. Also, please let us know if you require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us.

Please also be aware that we use anonymous recruitment methods when submitting shortlists for all our roles and we only work with organisations that are happy to engage with us in this way.

Charity Horizons is an equal opportunities employer and as such actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates irrespective of age, disability, hidden disability, race or national origin, religion or belief, gender, gender expression, political view, sexual orientation, medical condition, and pregnancy.

About CLTR

The Centre for Long-Term Resilience (CLTR) is an independent, non-profit think tank working to transform global resilience to extreme AI and biological risks. We work with governments and institutions, offering evidence-based advice to improve understanding, decision-making and governance on some of the most pressing issues of our time.

The role

We're hiring two Operations Associates — one to sit within our AI Policy Unit, one within our Biosecurity Policy Unit. Embedded in your respective team, you'll provide a flexible mix of operational, administrative and project support that keeps the unit running well and frees up policy staff to focus on their work.

It's a genuinely varied role. Day to day you might be coordinating a grant proposal, managing a Director's diary, tracking a publication pipeline, or improving a process that's been getting in everyone's way. You'll also have regular touchpoints with CLTR's central Operations function and scope to contribute to organisation-wide projects.

This is a hands-on generalist role, well suited to someone who wants to develop their skills in project management and operations within a mission-driven environment.

Responsibilities include:

Operations and administration

• Coordinate team meetings, events and travel logistics
• Manage the unit Director's diary and act as a reliable gatekeeper for their time
• Oversee the team calendar and support planning of unit-level activities
• Coordinate the publication pipeline, including liaising with editors and designers
• Maintain filing systems, knowledge management processes and information security procedures
• Support onboarding of new team members and track unit-level budgets and expenses

Project coordination

• Track progress across multiple concurrent projects and ensure updates are shared in a streamlined way
• Log activity and impact across the unit in collaboration with the Delivery Manager
• Provide flexible support to project activities as needed

Grant writing and fundraising

• Coordinate input to grant proposals from policy staff, in partnership with the Fundraising team
• Contribute directly to grant writing with appropriate support
• Help maintain consistent language and references across funding proposals

About you

Essential:

• Experience in an operations, administrative or project management role
• Strong project coordination skills, able to manage multiple workstreams and meet deadlines
• Genuine interest in administration and operations — particularly in making systems work better for people
• Exceptional attention to detail, for calendars, logistics, written documents and presentations
• Ability to produce clear written content for different audiences, including funding proposals
• High level of discretion and comfort with information security protocols
• Proactive, high-agency approach — you follow through on commitments and don't wait to be told what needs doing
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships across teams and with external partners
• Genuine commitment to CLTR's mission
• Eligible to live and work in the UK (we are unable to sponsor visas for this role)

Desirable:

• Experience in a non-profit, think tank or similarly mission-driven organisation
• Executive assistant experience
• Familiarity with AI safety or biosecurity policy
• Knowledge of project management methodologies such as PRINCE2 or Agile

This role is probably not right for you if you're looking for significant strategic or line management responsibility, or if your goal is to move into policy research. We're looking for someone who is genuinely motivated by operational excellence and wants to build a career in operations and/or project management.

Salary and benefits

c.£55,000 depending on experience. If salary is a barrier to applying, please do get in touch to discuss.

• 30 days annual leave plus public holidays
• £5,000 annual wellbeing budget
• £3,000 learning and development budget plus up to five paid days
• £2,000 onboarding grant
• Pension with up to 7% employer-matched contribution
• Private health insurance and group life insurance
• Generous parental leave
• Paid office lunches twice a week

Application and timeline

Please submit a CV and cover letter by 9am BST on 1 July 2026, using your cover letter to outline how you meet the person specification.

First-round interviews (remote): 15–17 July
Final interviews (in person, London): 23–24 July

CLTR is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please do get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate you.