Charity operations officer jobs

Events, Community & Digital Fundraising Manager 
Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 per annum, plus benefits
Location: London N1
Full time: 37.5 hours a week

We’re a hybrid working employer, meaning you’re required to come into the office at least 2 days per week currently Tuesday, and Wednesday or Thursday.

Closing date: 23rd March 2026
First Interviews: 31st March and 1st April
Second interviews: w/c 13th April

At World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), we’re passionate about saving lives through research, education and prevention. Around 40% of cancers could be prevented – and with your help, we can reach more people, inspire healthier choices and fund life‑changing research.

We’re now looking for an Events, Community & Digital Fundraising Manager to join our friendly and ambitious Fundraising Development team. If you love bringing people together, creating brilliant supporter experiences and using digital innovation to drive impact, this could be the role for you.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and grow WCRF’s events, community and digital fundraising programmes at a time of real momentum.

You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping our fundraising future. You will build on the success of our running and challenge events, looking for new and innovative opportunities in the UK and internationally.

You will expand our community fundraising activity, supporting fundraisers with outstanding stewardship and supporter journeys.

You will also drive our digital fundraising strategy, developing engaging digital and virtual fundraising campaigns, using insight and data to optimise performance, test new ideas and maximise return on investment.

Alongside this, you’ll manage budgets, forecasting and reporting, ensuring ambitious income targets are met and also lead and support our Events & Community Fundraiser, helping them thrive and develop.

Working closely with colleagues across Fundraising, Health Information and Communications & Engagement (especially our Digital team), you’ll deliver integrated, engaging, data‑led campaigns aligned with WCRF’s mission that inspire supporters, grow income and deepen long‑term relationships.

You’ll be a creative, organised and collaborative fundraiser with experience across at least two of the following areas: events, community fundraising and digital fundraising.

You’re confident leading projects from idea to delivery, enjoy working with data and insight, and are excited by testing new approaches.

Most importantly, you care deeply about supporter experience and are motivated by making a real difference.

An interest in healthy living and cancer prevention is not essential but would be advantageous.

Financial administration

Administration of the donations inbox, liaising with current donors and prospective donors for simple queries. Ensuring good organisation of the inbox with a clear labelling system.

Draft donation acknowledgement letters for donors to acknowledge donations received.

Management of donations management system (Raisers Edge), including:

review of potential duplicate donor records

ensuring accurate documentation and declarations for Gift Aid donors

making edits and updates to donor records as and when required.Maintenance of the tracker for Raisers Edge issues to ensure these are managed and dealt with appropriately.

Follow up with donors who have expressed an interest in Gift Aid.

Liaising with the Comms team to ensure maintenance of supporters contact list.

Digital archiving of paper-based records held within the Finance Department.

Support Finance Managers with the organisation of the shared drive and the Sharepoint site.

Management of Finance policy and procedure documents library on the shared drive, ensuring these are up-to-date and accessible to staff.

Scan letters received for finance and deal with these appropriately (sharing with the relevant individual and/or filing on the shared drive).

Download bank statements on a daily basis and save on the shared drive.

 

Financial controls

Reconciliation of simple balance sheet accounts (e.g. petty cash, debit notes, deposit accounts) on a monthly basis.

Rconciliation of properties bank accounts and deposit accounts on a monthly basis.

Support the Finance Officer (Income) with donations collections and trips to the bank to deposit cash and cheque donations, ensuring all cheques and cash received are banked promptly and securely.

Provide assistance with the annual audit and the preparation of the statutory accounts, particularly with regard the provision of supporting documentation.

Host finance inductions for all new staff members.

Financial processing

Manage the corporate credit card process and user register, including onboarding of new users.

Issue monthly credit card statements to staff members for their expenses submissions.

Conduct first finance review of monthly credit card submissions and collate the supporting documentation submitted, ready for posting.

Collate Out of Pocket expenditure claims and conduct a first review of these before processing by the Finance Officer (Expenditure).

Support the Finance Officer (Income) with quarterly donor pledge statements process.

Post property and Victoria Hall interest, bank sweeps, and charges into Business Central.

Supporting others

Perform any other financial duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Financial Controller, Properties Finance Manager, Head of Finance and Operations.

Supporting Finance Officers (Income and Expenditure) and covering key tasks in their absence.

 

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, BEHAVIOURS, ATTRIBUTES
Qualifications

Educated to A-Levels (desirable).
 

Experience

Experience using Excel and MS Office suite.
Flexible approach to working, able to pick up a variety of tasks/projects with minimal supervision; ability to anticipate issues or scenarios, and to address them proactively
Experience of charity accounting and knowledge of such requirements (desirable).
 

Skills

Highly organised with good administrative skills.

Good interpersonal, customer care and liaison skills with a wide range of stakeholders.

Fluent in oral and written English.

A commitment to high professional and personal standards and continuous improvement.

Strong numerate skills with acute attention to detail.

Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and delivering to tight deadlines.

Knowledge

Understanding of and appreciation for ADKN’s goals, values and ethics.

Awareness of charity accounting, charity fundraising regulation and company legislation.

 Attributes

Demonstrates equity, transparency and integrity with high personal and organisational ethical standards; is fair, honest and trustworthy with respect for confidentiality; inspires and builds trust.

Respectful of diversity; sensitive towards others; open and understanding toward other people’s cultures, values, autonomy, and faiths; demonstrates compassion and empathy; is courteous to others with respect for their background, religion, gender and age.

Behaviours
Communicates clearly and concisely; expresses complex ideas in simple terms; listens to the views of others; changes communication styles to meet individual and audience needs.

Is a supportive team player, collaborates creating a culture of knowledge sharing and team learning. Is proactive in teamwork.

Enterprising attitude that is quick to search out alternative solutions to needs or problems.
Builds, maintains and deepens constructive and effective relationships with stakeholders, changes approach to achieve desired results if required.

Has a customer focused approach, is flexible and always puts the good of others at the centre of decision making; is dedicated to AKF’s purpose and fulfilling the mission.

Inspires self and others to greater performance, professional standards and results; likes to get things done; accepts new challenges and opportunities; gives and receives timely balanced feedback.

Internal Relationships

AKF (UK) finance team

Wider AKF (UK) colleagues

External Relationships

Individual Donors

Raiser’s Edge supplier (Blackbaud)

Application Details:
Must have right to work in the UK.
 Must include CV and a supporting statement that outlines why they want the role, why they want to work for AKF(UK) and how their experiences and skills to date will make them the most suitable applicant for the role.

This is an exciting role in a unique organisation.  Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience for all UCL students and to be one of the best students’ unions in the UK and the world.  We aim to build a vibrant and empowered student community with real influence in UCL and beyond, that enables students to enjoy their time at university; pursue their interests and passions; see the world in new ways; and develop the skills and experience to change the world for the better.

We are a registered charity employing over 150 career staff and 300 student staff, delivering a wide range of services and representative functions for UCL students. We have the widest portfolio of services of any student organisation in the country, managing UCL’s extracurricular programmes for sport, music, drama, dance, media, volunteering, academic societies and intercultural engagement; providing a wide range of fantastic social spaces; leading on student democracy and representation across UCL; and offering excellent student support services.

It's an exciting time to join our growing organisation as we lead the delivery of UCL’s groundbreaking new Student Life Strategy. This is enabling us to build more programmes to improve students’ mental and physical wellbeing, promote genuine equity for all, build students’ skills and confidence, develop their international connections and intercultural skills, and make a real contribution to our local community.

We support hybrid working. Excellent benefits including defined benefit pension scheme and generous holiday entitlement. We are proud of high levels of staff engagement and pride ourselves on being a great place to work. We will consider applications to work on a flexible and job share basis wherever possible. 

The role is full-time and fixed term for 12 months. This role is based at our Bloomsbury campus with flexibility to work from home on a 40/60 basis (40% working from the office).

We are looking for a Prevention and Intervention Programme Manager to line manage the Advisors (Sexual Violence Liaison Officers) and be responsible for an SVLO programme to support students who have experienced sexual violence, sexual harassment, gender-based violence and/or domestic abuse at any point in their lives. The Programme Manager will need to work closely with the Advice Service Manager to support the Specialist Advisors in working alongside the generalist advice provision. The Programme Manager will oversee the Active Bystander Programme as well as the expansion of new and existing programmes, including developing personalised packages for departments and an attractive offer for external partner organisations. 

Have you got demonstrable experience of working with individuals who have experienced one or more of the following: sexual violence, harassment, gender-based violence or domestic abuse? Have you got an understanding of the impact of sexual violence and sexual harassment on survivors, and how to support them with a trauma informed approach? If the answer is yes, then we want to hear from you. 

Our ideal candidate will continue to develop and embed the trauma-informed Consent and Tackling Sexual Misconduct strand to enhance and grow the Active Bystander Programme. The right candidate will scope and develop propositions for new and innovative prevention and intervention programmes. The successful role holder will also manage the planning and implementation of an SVLO programme, in collaboration with UCL colleagues (such as Student Support and Wellbeing Services, the Casework team, and the Crime Prevention & Personal Safety team). 

Job title: Head of Finance & Business Services

Reports to: Director of Operations

Salary:  In the region of £39,000. Flexible based on experience and qualifications

Location: Hybrid

Hours: Full time – 37.5 hours over 5 days

Objective:

2wish exists to provide support to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under.

Aims:

• Ensure every Emergency Department and Critical Care unit has a suitable bereavement suite
• Ensure that bereavement boxes are available at each of these hospitals
• Ensure that immediate bereavement support is available for all affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide a professional counselling service and other therapies for those affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide support to individuals who witness the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide support and training to professionals from any sector who may be affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• To advocate and campaign on behalf of suddenly bereaved families

2wish Cymru and 2wish:

2wish has been established since 2012 and has since grown from strength to strength. During this time, we have worked tirelessly to embed our service and ensure that the offer of support is made at the point of death.

We offer an immediate, consistent, high-quality and compassionate service to all individuals affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under. We work in partnership with professionals who refer into the charity on behalf of families, so they don’t have to trawl through the internet for an organisation who may, or may not, be able to support. We provide immediate, and ongoing, support and are here for as long as our families need us.

We were founded as a Welsh organisation providing immediate casework support, as well as ongoing aftercare services including counselling, alternative therapies, play therapy, support groups, support events and a respite cottage.

In January 2024, we expanded into ‘phase one’ England, namely Cheshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Somerset. And in July 2025 we expanded into ‘phase two’ England, namely Merseyside, Devon and Cornwall, Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Context of role:

The Headof Finance & Business Services will be a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for ensuring the charity is financially sustainable, legally compliant and operationally efficient.

This role provides strategic oversight of finance, governance, HR, IT, facilities, risk management, and business administration, enabling the charity to deliver its mission effectively and responsibly.

Line management responsibilities, including Business Services Officer and Finance and Administration Officer.

Key responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Act as a senior advisor to the CEO and Board of Trustees on financial strategy, organisational performance, risk, and governance.
• Lead on the development and implementation of long-term financial plans, budgets, and business services strategies.
• Contribute to organisational planning, change management, and culture-building across the charity.

Financial Management

• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including grants and foundations, forecasting, management accounts, statutory accounts, and cashflow.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting in compliance within the Charity SORP, and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Lead on financial risk management, reserve’s policy, investment planning, and financial controls.
• Oversee payroll, pension administration, procurement, and contract management.
• Support fundraising colleagues with financial modelling, grant budgets, and reporting to funders.

Business Services Oversight

• Lead and develop the business services function, which include IT, facilities, data protection and health & safety.
• Oversee HR policies, employee relations, recruitment processes, and wellbeing initiatives with the support of our HR consultants.
• Ensure reliable IT systems, digital security, and effective use of Microsoft 365 and organisational software with the support of our IT consultants ITCS.
• Manage the Business Services Officer who oversees office facilities, leases, equipment, and supplier relationships.
• Hold line management responsibilities for our Business Services Officer and Finance and Administration Officer.

Leadership and People Management

• Provide inspirational leadership to finance and business services staff.
• Support a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, compassion, and teamwork.
• Champion organisational values, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of operations

General:

• To be responsible for organising own work agenda, time management and administration.
• To adhere to all company policies and procedures including Safeguarding, Confidentiality, Health and Safety and Lone Working; and to be proactive in implementing new safe working practices as appropriate.
• To attend weekend and evening community events in support of the charity as necessary.
• Participate as and when required in team meetings and one-to-one meetings, and undertake, as appropriate, courses/training/other developmental activities, which is relevant to the role.

It is the nature of the work that tasks and responsibilities are in may circumstances unpredictable and varied. All employees are therefore expected to work in a flexible way and tasks, which are not specifically covered in their job description may have to be undertaken.

You will be subject to performance review, which will incorporate a review of the above duties and performance over the period.

This role is subject to a DBS check.

Person specification:

Essential

• Fully or part qualified in accountancy or qualified by experience (QBE).
• Proven financial leadership experience within the third sector or a, challenging values-driven organisation.
• Strong understanding of charity finance, including SORP, restricted/unrestricted, designated funds, grant applications and reporting.
• Experience of managing governance, risk, compliance, and business administrative functions.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship building skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively whilst providing strong challenge and professional insight.
• Demonstrable commitment to the mission and values of 2wish.
• Assist with compliance of the Equality Act, Employment Rights Act / Bill & General Data Protection Regulations.

Desirable

• Experience supporting or working alongside a Board of Trustees.
• Experience leading digital transformation or implementing new systems.
• Understanding bereavement-support environments

What we do for you:

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Normal office hours are 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, although alternative hours may be worked with line manager agreement. Work outside office hours may sometimes be necessary and will be compensated for by time off in lieu.

Annual leave: 28 days plus bank holidays. Annual leave steadily increases after five years of service. Annual leave and statutory holidays are calculated on a pro rata basis where applicable.

Pension: 2wish operate a contributory pension scheme. 2wish will auto-enrol you into the scheme in accordance with it’s auto-enrolment obligations. Full details of the scheme will be provided to you once you are enrolled, including the minimum level of contributions that you will be required to make during your membership (current contributions – employer 3% and employee 5%).

Mileage: A fixed rate allowance is payable for agreed mileage undertaken on 2wish business in a private vehicle, over and above your usual journey to your workplace/s.

Additional benefits for our employees:

• An ‘Employee Assistance Programme, ‘ including wellbeing support
• Free parking on 2wish premises
• Free branded 2wish clothing
• An extra annual leave day on your birthday
• Incremental increase in holiday entitlement based on length of service
• Paid sick leave
• Discounts for personal purchases on 2wish Merchandise
• Discounted tickets to UK 2wish events for staff and family
• Extra holiday entitlement when taking part in 2wish overseas events
• Company mobile phone for performance of duties
• Tools/equipment required for the performance of duties
• Reimbursement of work expenses
• Bright Exchange employee discounts
• Auto-enrolment into company contributory pension scheme after 3 months service

How to apply:

Please return a CV and covering letter, or a CV and two-minute video,.

Closing date: Friday 3rd April 2026

Thank you very much for your interest in the role. Please note, if you do not hear from us within ten working days of the closing date, you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

We’re looking for an experienced Head of IT and Digital Transformation with a track record in digital project management, of implementing IT and CRM systems, and of developing digital transformation strategies.

Head of Finance

Students’ Union - Liverpool

Location: Liverpool
Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week)
Salary: £49,897
Closing date: Midday on Wednesday 8th April 2026

Atkinson HR and Marble Mayne are pleased to be supporting a Liverpool based Students’ Union in their search for a Head of Finance to join their senior leadership team.

The Students’ Union is an independent, student-led charity dedicated to enhancing the student experience at the University it is associated with. With 32,000 members, they are committed to creating a home for every student, ensuring each one gets the most out of university life and leaves equipped to change the world.

As they continue to strengthen their financial foundations and long-term sustainability, they are seeking an ambitious finance professional ready to take the next step in their career and help drive their mission of creating an exceptional university experience for every student.

About the Role

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious finance professional ready to take the next step into a more senior role with greater responsibility. You'll oversee the day-to-day running of the finance function, from monthly management accounts and annual budgets to statutory returns and year-end audit, while playing a key part in keeping the Guild financially strong and student focused.

You will manage a small finance team and be supported in the role by an outsourced consultant Finance Director. They are ideally seeking a fully qualified ACCA, CIMA or ACA professional, though they will consider applications from those who are part-qualified. You'll ideally bring an understanding of charity finance, regulation and IT systems, along with the interpersonal skills to work collaboratively across a values-driven organisation. Experience in a similar charity or students' union environment is desirable, but not essential.

The organisation is seeking to appoint someone who can demonstrate alignment with their values and ethos; including being innovative, fun, representative, sustainable and committed to supporting a student-led organisation. They offer a supportive and friendly working environment with a strong commitment to professional development. Other benefits include hybrid working, pension contributions, generous annual leave and a salary sacrifice scheme.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and complete the application form, where you will be asked to answer three questions:

· Why are you interested in applying, and how do you feel your personal values align with our organisational values?

· What are the key achievements and outcomes within your career that make you a strong candidate for the role?

· Summarise your experience in a senior level finance role that you feel is relevant to this position.

Each answer should be a maximum of 400 words.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Jamie at Marble Mayne.

Key Dates

Closing Date: Midday on Wednesday 8th April 2026

First Interview: Thursday 16th April 2026 (remote)

Final Interview: Thursday 23rd April 2026 (in person)

Job Title: Head of Public Fundraising & Engagement

Reporting To: Executive Director of Fundraising

Salary Range: Up to £60,000

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Hybrid, across London sites. Old Street, Canary Wharf & Poplar.

Working days/hours per week: 35 per week, 9am – 5pm

Our Vision: A UK where “No good food goes to waste”. 

The Felix Project and FareShare have recently merged to form the UK's largest food redistribution charity. Its vision is a UK where good food is never wasted, and nobody goes hungry.

The organisation rescues high quality edible surplus food, from across the food industry and gets it to over 8,000 organisations across the UK who are working to strengthen communities and improve lives.

The charity manages seven depots across London, Suffolk, Merseyside and Hampshire and works with 16 network partners who operate a further 26 regional depots across the UK.

Over the next year our ambition is to rescue enough food nationally to provide nearly 200 million meals, turning an environmental problem into social good with measurable impact for people, planet, and the economy.

Why this role and why now?

This is a hugely exciting time to join our organisation.

We have recently brought together two £20m organisations – FareShare UK, a national food redistribution charity, and The Felix Project, our London network partner who has made waves across the capital in recent years. We are in the early stages of shaping our future together, while at the same time, developing our fundraising strategy for the next three years – setting the direction for how we grow income, engage supporters and deliver even more impact across the UK.

Public fundraising and engagement will be central to that strategy, and as Head of Public Fundraising & Engagement, you will play a leading role in shaping it.

We already have strong foundations to build on. Recent testing of private site fundraising for both organisations has exceeded KPIs, showing strong public appetite to support our work. We also have the opportunity to learn from The Felix Project’s success in London and explore how proven approaches can be adapted and scaled nationally.

Alongside this, we have a clear ambition to become a destination directorate for fundraisers across the sector – a place where talented people want to build their careers, test new ideas and do their best work.

This newly created role offers a rare opportunity to build on that momentum: helping to shape our three-year fundraising strategy, embedding a new brand, working creatively with network partners, developing new products and propositions, scaling what works nationally, growing mass-market and legacy fundraising, modernising systems and supporter journeys, and bringing together newly merged teams around a shared direction and culture.

This is a role for someone who enjoys building, experimenting, learning from what works and creating something genuinely transformational. If you’re excited by the idea of leading through change and helping create new ways for people to support our cause, we’d love to hear from you.

About the role

The Head of Public Fundraising & Engagement will lead our public fundraising portfolio. This newly created role will oversee Individual Giving and Legacies, Community Fundraising, Mass Participation and Challenge Events, and Fundraising Operations, with five direct reports.

You will be accountable for public fundraising income and performance, whilst also helping to bring together teams, systems and ways of working following the merger. You’ll sit on both the Fundraising Senior Management Team and the organisation’s Senior Management Team, contributing to organisation-wide strategy, decision-making and culture.

You will play a key role in shaping our three-year public fundraising strategy, ensuring it is ambitious, realistic and rooted in audience insight.

Whilst much of the portfolio is delivered through Senior Managers, there is particular scope and opportunity, to shape the future of Community and Mass Fundraising – where we’ve deliberately protected delivery while leaving space for the new Head to define long-term strategy, growth and resource.

You’ll also play a leading role in embedding a new organisational brand once agreed.

What you’ll be responsible for

•Setting direction and growing income

•Champion the growth of long-term sustainable income that supports the organisation’s 3–5-year income ambitions.

•Strengthen our regular giving proposition and performance, embedding a clear strategy for acquisition, retention and lifetime value growth.

•Shape and deliver the organisation’s three-year public fundraising strategy.

•Set the overall direction for public fundraising and lead its delivery.

•Be accountable for public fundraising income, including planning, budgets, forecasting and performance working alongside your Senior Managers and Managers to achieve this.

•Build on strong early signals of public support, including the face-to-face fundraising pilots.

•Learn from proven success from both legacy organisations, including The Felix Project’s fundraising in London, and explore how this can be scaled nationally.

•Drive sustainable growth across the portfolio, balancing short-term delivery with the need to maximise supporter lifetime value.

•Make clear, confident decisions about priorities, investment and risk.

Leading the public fundraising portfolio

•Lead and support Senior Managers and Managers across Individual Giving, Community and Mass, Legacies and Fundraising Operations.

•Bring different income streams together under a joined-up, supporter-centered approach.

•Encourage collaboration, testing and learning across teams.

•Step in where needed to resolve issues, reset direction or move things forward.

A focus on Fundraising Operations

•Provide strategic oversight of Fundraising Operations, ensuring excellent supporter care, compliant processes and efficient income processing across the portfolio.

•Integrate a ‘best in class’ approach to thanking and supporter stewardship across the portfolio.

•Ensure robust fundraising compliance in line with regulation and sector best practice.

•Champion operational excellence, embedding processes and systems that enable sustainable growth.

•Work closely with the Senior Fundraising Operations Manager to ensure visibility and value of the function across the directorate and wider organisation.

Innovation and new product development

•Work collaboratively with colleagues to shape and embed the organisation’s innovation framework within public fundraising, ensuring disciplined testing, learning and scaling.

•Contribute a public fundraising perspective to cross-organisational and directorate innovation priorities, ensuring opportunities are commercially viable and audience-led.

•Lead the development of new fundraising products, propositions and approaches, from ideas through to testing and scale.

•Explore new ways for people to engage and give – particularly in acquisition-led activity such as face-to-face, digital and mass fundraising.

•Use insight, data and supporter feedback to shape and refine new ideas.

•Balance creativity with a commercial mindset i.e. Stopping what doesn’t work and scaling what does.

Shaping Community and Mass Fundraising

•    Make a hands-on strategic lead in shaping the future direction of Community and Mass Fundraising.

•Build on recent business planning that has protected delivery whilst leaving space for longer-term strategic choices.

•    Identify growth opportunities and test new approaches to help define future operating models.

•Build momentum and organisational confidence in areas with significant untapped potential.

•Increase partnerships with small and medium-sized corporates within Community Fundraising, developing scalable propositions that can grow nationally, working in partnership with network partners.

Working with our network partners

•Play a leading role in shaping how we fundraise with, for and alongside our network partners in the public fundraising space, working closely with the Senior Network Fundraising Manager.

•Work collaboratively to explore ideas, test approaches and unlock opportunities that benefit both the network and the organisation.

•Ensure public fundraising activity reflects the stories and impact of our network partners in a respectful and sensitive way.

Developing high-potential partnerships

•Lead the strategic development of high-profile partnerships including our newly launched three-year partnership with Nectar.

•Work closely with internal teams and external partners to grow reach, impact and value over time.

•Develop and embed a robust a partnership strategy for within public fundraising, to ensure we are maximising opportunities with third party providers.

Shaping our legacy fundraising proposition

•Take a strategic lead in developing our legacy fundraising approach, working closely with the Senior IG & Legacy Manager.

•Shape a compelling legacy proposition linked to our impact, values and volunteer workforce – an area of untapped potential.

•Ensure legacy fundraising asks are integrated into wider supporter journeys and long term planning.

•Build organisational confidence, capability and momentum in this area over time.

Brand embedding and supporter acquisition

•Play a leading role in embedding the new organisational brand across all public fundraising activity once agreed.

•Work closely with colleagues in Marketing & Communications to ensure fundraising needs are reflected in the new brand as it develops over time.

•Support your team to translate brand strategy into practical, high-performing fundraising activity.

Merger transition and CRM

•Play a senior role in the organisation’s merger transition, with particular focus on the Fundraising Transition, working closely with the Fundraising Transition Lead, ensuring that public fundraising’s priorities are reflected in change planning.

•Act as the senior fundraising lead for the implementation of a combined CRM, ensuring public fundraising needs shape system design, data structure, reporting and supporter journeys.

•Work closely with colleagues in digital, data and IT, as well as external partners, to ensure systems support future growth and great supporter experiences.

•Balance business-as-usual income delivery with the demands of transformation and change.

•Help modernise processes and ways of working so the organisation can scale effectively.

Leadership and culture

•Lead and develop Senior Managers and Managers, creating a supportive, inclusive, high-performing and psychologically safe culture.

•Play an active role in shaping organisational culture following the merger.

•Support teams through change with clarity, empathy and pace.

•   Help build our reputation as a great place to work for fundraisers – where people feel supported, challenged, proud and able to grow.

•Role model collaborative, values-led leadership.

Organisation-wide leadership

•   Attend organisation SMT meetings.

•Contribute to organisation-wide strategy, decision-making and problem-solving.

•Work collaboratively with senior colleagues across the organisation.

•Be a strong, credible voice and advocate for public fundraising internally and externally.

Battersea has entered an exciting phase of innovation and transformation as we embark on the second year of our new five-year strategy. With increased investment in income generation starting, we are expanding our team to drive the growth necessary to achieve our organisational goals.

Trust fundraising at Battersea has grown significantly over the past few years, from £1m in 2022 to £2.6m in 2025. Working closely with another Trusts Manager, the Trusts Officer and Trusts Lead, you will secure vital funding from Trusts and Foundations to support the welfare of dogs and cats across the UK and internationally.

As the Trusts Manager, you will manage your own portfolio of five-figure Trust donors and take ownership of relationships to secure funding from both existing and new supporters. You will also support the Trusts Officer to deliver bi-annual Small Trusts Mailings and the Trusts Lead to deliver significant partnerships.

You will be proactive and motivated, with a passion for animal welfare and an aptitude for building relationships. You are a strong communicator with excellent writing skills which will enable you - with support from the team - to craft compelling funding proposals that resonate with donors.

What we can offer you:

In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year
• Discounted gym membership and cycle to work schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources
• Generous pension contributions - up to 10% employer contribution
• Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year
• Annual interest-free season ticket loans

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.

Our hybrid working model:

We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.

Diversity and inclusion:

We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.

We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best. Greyscale copies of the recruitment pack are also available on request.

More about us:

At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.

Acceptable use of AI:

At Battersea, we value expertise. We recognise each candidate that applies to us will have a range of expertise they can offer us, so we want to hear about this in your own words. We understand the support that generative artificial intelligence (AI) software can offer but it can also lead to numerous applications presenting as generic and impersonal. This makes it difficult to gain understanding of your unique experience.

To best showcase yourself, we encourage you to write your responses without the assistance of AI. If you require the use of AI software to aid in completing your application, we ask you use the generative responses as a prompt for writing your answers and avoid copying and pasting. You must also ensure the information presented in your application accurately reflects your experience.

Closing date: 27th March 2026
Interview Date(s): First Round - w/c 13th April 2026; Second Round - w/c 20th April 2026

For full details on the role, please download the recruitment pack.

Step Forward is seeking an experienced Therapeutic Service Lead to join our multi-disciplinary team supporting young people aged 11–25 with their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Working closely with the CEO and Operations Manager, the postholder will help shape the strategic direction of the therapeutic service in line with organisational priorities. You will contribute to the smooth, safe, and effective delivery of the therapeutic service, ensuring it remains accessible, responsive, and relevant to local young people.

Key Responsibilities

· Be part of the Senior Management team alongside the CEO and Operations Manager and have a key role in the strategic direction of the Therapeutic service

· Co-ordinate the development and day-to-day management of the Therapeutic Service

· Support and line manage a small team including the Senior Counsellor and additional Counsellors & Wellbeing Workers

· Act as joint Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

· Work with the Senior Counsellor to help support honorary counsellors

· Manage a small caseload of clients, including assessments for newly referred young people

· Manage allocations of clients to staff and volunteers

· Ensure monitoring and evaluation systems capture the impact of our therapeutic interventions

 

About You

 · A recognised qualification in Counselling or Psychotherapy

· Professional accreditation, or working towards it

· Minimum 5 years’ experience working with young people aged 11-25 years, including at least 3 years of providing post qualification 1:1 counselling support to young people in an organisational setting

· Experience as a team leader or as part of a management team

· Strong understanding of safeguarding principles and experience in managing safeguarding concerns

· A demonstrated commitment to supporting young people

· Confidence delivering evidence-based therapies across short-, medium-, and long-term interventions

· Experience supporting young people with a wide range of presenting issues, including: Anxiety, depression, bereavement, trauma, abuse, identity and relationships

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multi-agency teams

· Commitment to embracing diversity and supporting young people in Tower Hamlets

 

Working with Step Forward

We pride ourselves on providing inclusive, flexible, professional and young people friendly counselling and wellbeing support services.  We provide services both in our own purpose built centre and also on an outreach basis in schools and community/ youth settings. 

As Step Forward is a small charity our multi-disciplinary team work closely together to provide a holistic support service to young people. We expect all members of the team to take part in activities which help ensure the smooth running of the organisation and help us to reach organisational objectives.

Why Join Us

Work in a small, dedicated organisation where your expertise directly influences children and young people’s lives. Join a passionate and reflective  team of staff and volunteers who embrace and uphold our organisational ethos and values to ensure we are: Inclusive, Warm, Empowering, Inspirational and Innovative.

Other terms/benefits include:

· 35 hour (FTE) working week

· Generous holiday allowance -28 days per year plus bank holidays (FTE)

· Organisational closure for 3 days between Christmas and new years

· Employer pension contribution of 5%

· Access to enhanced sick leave after probation

· Ongoing learning and development opportunities

· Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave and pay

· Hybrid and remote working potential where organisational requirements allow

Head of Finance

Location: Midlands – Leicester or Birmingham (hybrid working)
Salary: £48,500 per annum, FTE 37.5 hours (we will also consider a 4-day / 30-hour week)
Contract: Permanent (we will consider interim-to-permanent arrangements)

Join a charity fighting hunger, tackling waste and creating opportunities

We are a forward-looking regional charity working across the Midlands to fight hunger, tackle food waste and create opportunities for people and communities. We believe no one should go hungry when good food is going to waste, and that everyone deserves the chance to thrive.

We are now looking for a Head of Finance to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a central role in ensuring our financial strength, sustainability and growth – so we can maximise our social impact.

The role
As Head of Finance, you will be the organisation’s lead financial expert, reporting directly to the Chief Executive and working closely with fellow senior leaders and Trustees. You will provide the financial insight and leadership that underpins strategic decisions and day-to-day operations.

You will:

• Lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s financial strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability and supporting our strategic priorities and business plans.
• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, management accounts and statutory accounts.
• Lead on financial reporting and liaison with the Trustee Board, including servicing and advising the Trustee Finance Committee.
• Ensure strong financial controls, including procurement, credit control, cash flow management, payroll and systems that support growth.
• Take responsibility for statutory and regulatory financial compliance, including HMRC requirements and charity/company reporting.
• Provide clear, insightful financial analysis to support decision-making, funding applications and operational improvement.
• Work closely with budget holders across the organisation, building financial understanding, ownership and accountability.
• Lead, support and develop a small Finance team of two (Finance Officer and Finance Assistant).

This is a highly impactful role where your work will directly enable the charity to reach more people, make better use of surplus food, and create meaningful opportunities in communities across the Midlands.

About you

We are looking for a values-led finance leader who is motivated by using their skills for positive social impact.
You will bring:

• Significant experience in a senior financial and management accounting role, with responsibility for budgets, management and statutory accounts, controls and reporting.
• Experience of leading a finance function, including oversight of payroll and pensions.
• Strong skills in financial planning, analysis, forecasting and budgeting, and the ability to communicate clearly and confidently with senior leaders and Trustees.
• Experience of working with or supporting a Board or Finance Committee, providing clear, insightful information and advice.
• Confident use of Excel and finance systems to produce robust, timely and accurate information.
• A proven ability to lead and develop a team, building a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture.
• Excellent interpersonal skills – able to influence, challenge and support colleagues at all levels.
• A collaborative, solutions-focused approach and the ability to manage competing priorities.

We welcome candidates who are:

• Professionally qualified in accountancy or who can demonstrate equivalent experience.
• From any sector – charity experience is not essential. We are very open to candidates bringing transferable skills from commercial, public or other not-for-profit environments, with a commitment to learning charity-specific requirements (such as charity/SORP accounting) as part of your induction.

What we offer

• A Midlands base in either Leicester or Birmingham, with hybrid working.
• Salary of £48,500 per annum (FTE, 37.5 hours), with 4-day / 30-hour week options considered.
• The expectation of a cost of living increase from April.
• The opportunity to be part of the Senior Leadership Team, shaping the future direction and impact of the organisation.
• A chance to use your finance expertise to directly support people facing hunger, poverty and barriers to work, while reducing food waste.

Inclusion and accessibility
We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can be themselves and perform at their best. We warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and sectors, including those who may not have worked in a charity before.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

CIPFA
Financial Controller
Salary: £60,000 – £65,000
Permanent, Full-time (32 hours across 4 days – compressed hours)
Hybrid working – typically 2 days a week in the office
Office based in Moorgate, London

About CIPFA
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is the world’s only professional accountancy body dedicated to public finance. For over a century, we have supported governments, public services and organisations across the UK and internationally to ensure public money is managed effectively and transparently.
Our work sits at the heart of public trust. From setting professional standards and providing training to delivering advisory services and research, CIPFA plays a critical role in strengthening financial management across the public sector. Our members work in central and local government, health, housing, and international development, helping ensure that public resources deliver the greatest possible impact.
As CIPFA continues to develop its global reach and commercial activities, we are seeking a Financial Controller to help ensure the organisation maintains the highest standards of financial stewardship, governance and reporting.

About the Role
We’re seeking a senior member of the CIPFA Finance management team. Alongside the core deliverables, you’ll work with the CFO and Head of Finance to shape our financial strategy and transform operations. 
The Financial Controller will lead CIPFA’s technical accounting, treasury, tax and financial reporting activities across the organisation and its trading subsidiary.
This is a broad and hands-on role with responsibility for statutory reporting, year-end and audit management, treasury oversight and the charity’s tax environment. You will ensure CIPFA maintains robust financial controls and compliance with charity accounting standards while shaping wider finance initiatives and organisational projects.
Working closely with colleagues across the finance team and the wider organisation, you will also provide expertise on complex accounting matters including revenue recognition, grants and fund accounting, and foreign currency activity. 

CIPFA has successfully implemented a suite of Microsoft systems providing a platform for further operational transformation. The role offers the opportunity to substantially improve reporting and processes to deliver strategic change and enhanced financial governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of statutory accounts for the charity, subsidiary and consolidated group.
• Manage the year-end close process and act as the key point of contact for external auditors.
• Oversee CIPFA’s tax and VAT environment, including compliance, quarterly returns and partial exemption calculations.
• Manage treasury activities including cash management, investments and foreign currency exposure.
• Maintain strong financial controls and support improvements to the organisation’s control environment.
• Oversee complex accounting areas including property accounting, grants and revenue recognition.
• Ensure compliance with SORP FRS102 and other relevant accounting standards.
• Support the budgeting process and quarterly reforecasts in collaboration with the Finance Business Partner.
• Work with colleagues to improve financial systems, reporting capability and the chart of accounts structure.
• Manage internal audits and contribute to wider governance, risk and compliance initiatives.
• Provide financial training, guidance and documentation across areas of responsibility.

What We’re Looking For

• A fully qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Strong experience preparing charity and group statutory accounts.
• Experience managing charity tax and VAT matters, including partial exemption and international sales.
• Excellent knowledge of accounting standards, particularly SORP FRS102.
• Experience managing year-end processes and working with external auditors.
• Strong Excel and analytical skills, with experience improving systems and financial processes.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with both finance and non-finance colleagues.
• A proactive and improvement-focused approach to finance operations.

Why Join CIPFA?
CIPFA offers the opportunity to work in an organisation with a unique and meaningful mission: supporting better financial management across public services worldwide.
We pride ourselves on being collaborative, people-focused and forward-looking. Our hybrid working model and compressed four-day week provide flexibility while enabling our teams to deliver impactful work in a supportive environment.
You will join a finance team that plays a central role in ensuring CIPFA continues to deliver high-quality services to members, governments and public organisations around the world.

How to Apply
CIPFA are partnering with Allen Lane on this appointment. To find out more about the role or to discuss your suitability, please contact Iain Slinn at Allen Lane to arrange an informal conversation.

Closing deadline: Monday 23rd March
1st stage interview: w/c 30th March
2nd stage interview: w/c 6th April

We are looking for someone who sees communications and development as a strategic act — someone who understands that brand, partnership, advocacy and fundraising are interwoven. Someone who is excited by the possibility of building a mixed economy that supports artistic risk, sector innovation and long-term civic contribution. 

We would like to hear from candidates with significant senior experience in communications, marketing and brand guardianship, ideally in the arts or creative industries; experience of driving engaging storytelling with creative flair and strategic purpose; and a proven track record of stakeholder engagement and external relations within a charity, cultural or non-profit organisation, developing and implementing strategies that grow visibility, engagement and income. 

You’ll also bring experience of working at a senior leadership level, leading teams in the delivery of high quality, impactful campaigns – along with excellent interpersonal and communication skills; a proven ability to successfully build and maintain stakeholder relationships; a positive, proactive, and solution-focused approach; and a genuine interest in the arts and culture. 

Location is either Birmingham or Nottingham (subject to base of postholder)

Martingale Postgraduate Foundation (Martingale) exists to fund and support the next generation of talented researchers. We believe that family income should not be a barrier to the pursuit of excellence, and our mission is to enable and nurture talented individuals from low-socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive within world-leading postgraduate research.

Martingale’s flagship programme is the Martingale Postgraduate Scholarship, which supports students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue and excel in postgraduate degrees, by providing:

• A fully-funded Living Wage Scholarship to pursue a one-year Masters degree or a four-year PhD.
• All tuition fees and research expenses, including a tax-free stipend for living costs.
• Tailored support to apply for Martingale courses at our partner universities.
• Access to Martingale programmes, including leadership training and connections with top academic and industry professionals.
• Membership of a pioneering community of talented researchers.

In the three years since Martingale launched, we are now supporting over 100 Scholars to undertake postgraduate degrees across our ten partner universities and have committed over £7.7m in Scholarships. We are continuing to expand our offer, bringing on new partners each year.

We are seeking an experienced, strategic and collaborative Head of Programmes to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping our fast-growing Martingale Scholarship Programme.

As Head of Programmes, you will join our senior management team, overseeing the growing programmes team. Working closely with the CEO, you will oversee all aspects of Martingale’s Scholarship Programme from application to alumni, ensuring that the programme maintains a strong reputation for being both supportive and prestigious.

You will set the strategic direction of Martingale’s Scholarship Programme, working closely with the CEO on a day-to-day basis to ensure that as we expand across STEM the programme remains of a high quality and meeting Martingale’s mission. You will ensure that Martingale’s programmes are impactful, data informed and meet the needs of the scholars we are supporting. You will also be responsible for managing relationships with various external stakeholders including universities, funders and evaluation partners.

We are looking for a strong strategic leader with extensive programme experience including line management, partnership management and external relations. You will bring excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail, a proactive mindset, and a strong alignment with Martingale’s mission. We welcome applicants from a range of career paths who are excited to be part of a growing, fast-paced charity delivering meaningful impact.

Martingale Foundation is incubated by Purposeful Ventures who provide operational and strategic support. The Head of Programmes will be employed by Purposeful Ventures.

About Purposeful Ventures

Our vision is for a fairer society where all young people thrive. We work with social entrepreneurs, organisations and philanthropists that share our vision. Through our work with these partners, young people are given opportunities in education and beyond, helping them reach their true potential.

Purposeful Ventures offers philanthropists and funders bespoke advice, using an evidence-based approach to help them to identify high-impact opportunities to fund. We then partner with visionary individuals and mission-driven organisations with strong theories of change. We help them turn great ideas into sustainable and successful ventures by offering fully individualised and very hands-on support, access to funding and a ‘high-challenge, high-support’ home. We do the minimum necessary and whatever it takes to succeed.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership of the Scholarship Programme

• Provide strategic oversight of the end-to-end Martingale Scholarship lifecycle, from selection and admissions through to scholar progression and alumni outcomes.
• Develop and deliver a multi-year operational strategy for Martingale’s Development Programme (MDP), ensuring scalability, academic excellence, and alignment with organisational growth plans.
• Continuously refine the scholar journey to ensure it is sector-leading, prestigious, and tailored to the needs of students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Build deep expertise in postgraduate education, research culture, and enabling access to inform programme evolution and innovation.

Admissions & Selection Strategy

• Lead the design, governance, and continuous improvement of a rigorous, fair, and high-quality admissions and assessment process across subject areas.
• Oversee shortlisting, interview frameworks, assessment centres, and final scholarship recommendations to the Selection Committee.
• Ensure alignment between Martingale’s selection processes and university partner requirements.
• Maintain oversight of scholar allocation, including place management, deferrals, intermissions, withdrawals, and reallocations.

Scholar Experience & Case Management

• Ensure effective advocacy for Scholars including maximising progression and retention across cohorts.
• Oversee complex scholar casework, including deferrals, intermissions, safeguarding concerns, funding queries, disciplinary action and university liaison.
• Ensure consistent, professional, and high-touch support across the scholar lifecycle.
• Strengthen cohort cohesion and long-term alumni engagement.

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Martingale, ensuring safeguarding policy implementation and record keeping in line with best practice in relation to vulnerable adults.
• Oversee data protection compliance relating to scholar and applicant data, in partnership with the organisation’s Data Protection Officer.
• Ensure programme delivery complies with charity, funding, and regulatory requirements.

Budget, Contracting & Financial Oversight

• Hold responsibility for programme budgets, ensuring effective resource allocation, cost control, and value for money.
• Oversee scholarship programme financial management, and work with Head of Strategy and Operations on onwards grants including deferrals, funding adjustments, and invoicing.
• Work with the Head of Strategy and Operations on university contracting, scholarship agreements, and financial reconciliation with partners.
• Ensure timely and accurate invoicing and reporting processes across programme operations.

University & Sector Partnerships (Programme-Focused)

• Lead programme-level relationships with university partners, including Heads of Departments, Graduate Tutors, CDT leads, and admissions teams.
• Ensure universities meet partnership commitments and that Scholars are appropriately supported institutionally.
• Contribute to partnership negotiations where programme design or operational delivery is concerned.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen university research culture and scholar support mechanisms.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact

• Lead development and oversight of Martingale’s Theory of Change and evaluation framework, working with our external independent evaluators.
• Develop robust systems to track scholar progression, outcomes, and programme effectiveness.
• Provide high-quality reporting to the CEO, Board, funders, and partners, evidencing impact and continuous improvement.

New Programme Development & Innovation

• Work with the CEO to design new subject expansions, pilots, or initiatives aligned to Martingale’s mission.
• Assess operational, financial, and reputational implications of programme growth.
• Develop business cases, delivery models, and implementation plans for expansion.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Provide senior leadership to the Programmes team, including line management of programme staff.
• Build a high-performing, mission-driven team with clear accountability and ownership.
• Develop succession planning and team capability as Martingale scales.
• Model Martingale’s values of excellence, professionalism, and thoughtful support.

Organisational Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Senior Management Team, contributing to organisational strategy and governance.
• Represent Martingale externally in academic, sector, and policy contexts where appropriate.
• Support Board and Committee reporting related to programme performance and scholar outcomes.

Key Requirements:

Essential Criteria

• Right to work in the UK

Experience and skills

Essential

• Significant experience leading and delivering high-quality programmes, ideally in higher education, research, scholarships, or a mission-driven organisation.
• Strong stakeholder management experience, with evidence of working effectively with universities, academics, funders, or equivalent partners.
• Proven line management experience, with the ability to develop and lead a high-performing team.
• Experience managing complex operational delivery, including planning, timelines, and coordinating multiple moving parts.
• Strong experience handling sensitive casework and providing professional support to individuals.
• Budget management experience, including planning and overseeing programme delivery costs.
• Excellent written communication skills, including producing clear reports and briefings for senior audiences.
• Commitment to safeguarding, wellbeing and compliance, with willingness to act as safeguarding lead.

Desirable

• Experience working directly with postgraduate research, PhD programmes, or doctoral training environments.
• Experience designing or overseeing selection and assessment processes (e.g. interviews, admissions, recruitment pipelines).
• Experience managing programme evaluation frameworks, including Theory of Change and external evaluators.
• Familiarity with contracting, invoicing, and operational finance processes.
• Knowledge of UK higher education systems and research culture.
• Experience working in a start-up, scale-up, or fast-growing charity.

Personal Characteristics

• Highly organised, proactive, and able to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: able to build rapport and trusting relationships, able to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Strong judgement, discretion and professionalism, including ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• A commitment to Martingale’s mission to support postgraduate students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Comfortable working in a rapidly growing and changing organisation with a degree of ambiguity – confident to create processes and ways forward where they might not yet exist.
• Creative and innovative: willing to think outside the box to maximise reach.
• Resourceful, able to act on initiative, hardworking, detail-oriented, and systematic.

Director of Commercial Services

Salary: £60,727
Location: University of Reading Students’ Union
Contract: Full Time – 37.5 hours per week (worked flexibly)

Are you ready to shape exceptional student experiences through vibrant and innovative commercial services?
Reading Students’ Union is seeking a progressive and values-driven Director of Commercial Services to provide strategic and hands-on leadership across all commercial services, helping to deliver outstanding spaces, services and experiences for the student community.

About Reading SU

Reading Students’ Union is an independent education charity led by, and for, students.

The Students’ Union is central to the University experience and works to support all aspects of student life for the 19,000 plus students studying at the University of Reading. Located in one of Britain’s top green spaces, the Students’ Union is an ambitious and diverse organisation, committed to supporting every student at Reading University in achieving personal success.

Reading SU sits at the heart of a thriving student community, with activities and initiatives inspired by students themselves. The Students’ Union is committed to promoting the interests and welfare of its members, representing their needs, and offering opportunities for personal development through a wide range of social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities.

This commitment to student experience also underpins the Union’s commercial activity. Reading Students’ Union’s venues, services and events are designed to be inclusive, welcoming and vibrant spaces where students can connect, feel a sense of belonging and create lasting memories. Guided by student insight, the commercial services play an important role in supporting the Union’s mission while enhancing student life across campus.

About the Role

Reading SU are thrilled to be searching for a Director of Commercial Services, a dynamic leader experienced in licensed trade, catering, events, and marketing. This role is not just about maintaining the status quo but about reimagining and diversifying the commercial services in line with student community needs.

The ideal candidate will be both strategic and hands-on, with an ability to develop Reading SU’s commercial services while also being involved in delivery of the operations.

The successful candidate will not necessarily come from the Higher Education sector but will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the trends, challenges and opportunities that shape student life and the Students’ Union sector. They will bring a sound understanding of charity governance and financial management, alongside the strategic and operational capability required to lead complex commercial services within a democratic, student-led organisation.

Reading Students’ Union offers an inclusive and engaging working environment and is passionate about developing its people. The organisation is committed to ensuring its workforce reflects the diversity of the community it serves, respecting individual identity and celebrating differences. Applications are encouraged from all candidates regardless of background, and Reading Students’ Union particularly welcomes applications from candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from candidates with disabilities.

The SU offers a range of sector-leading benefits including enhanced leave, onsite nursery, occupational sick pay, access to campus facilities and winter shutdown over the Christmas period- a rare opportunity within the hospitality and commercial sector.

It’s a genuinely exciting time for Reading Students’ Union and we look forward to receiving your application.

Key Dates

Closing Date: Thursday 9th April, 12pm
First Stage Interviews (Remote): 20th April
Final Interviews (In-person): 27th April

Optional Q/A session with the CEO and Interim Commercial Director: 26th March, 12pm. Email to register (see below)

How to Apply

Please click 'Apply' to be redirected to our website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and apply.

For an informal conversation about the role and the application process, or to register to the optional Q/A session, please contact our recruitment partners at Atkinson HR Consulting. Their details can be found in the candidate pack.