Chief development officer jobs

Mission Without Borders (MWB) is a Christian charity supporting over 10,000 children and 2,000 families living in poverty across Eastern Europe. As we embark on an ambitious new 5‑year strategy, we’re investing in the growth of our UK team and we’re looking for a creative, proactive Marketing & Communications Officer to help expand our reach, raise awareness, and inspire supporters across the UK.

In this exciting new role, you’ll shape and deliver our marketing and communications strategy across both digital and traditional channels. From running targeted digital campaigns and enhancing our online presence to crafting compelling stories and to building relationships with Christian media and, you'll play a key part in growing awareness, engagement and income.

We’re seeking someone with strong digital marketing experience, excellent storytelling and relationship building skills, with an understanding of the UK Christian landscape. If you’re passionate about using your skills to make a real impact, and to help bring hope for vulnerable children and families across Eastern Europe, we’d love to hear from you.

The Website Development Project Manager is primarily responsible for the end-to-end delivery of the major website development project, a core part of the Digital, Data, and Technology (DDT) transformation activity. This strategic project is key to implementing the 10-year organisational strategy, ARUK: Towards a Cure. The post holder will manage the full project lifecycle, from planning and execution through to embedding the new platform, ensuring the project is delivered on time, to scope, and to a high standard.

This is a 18-month FTC

Key Responsibilities:

 

Project Management – Website Development

· Work with internal teams and external digital agencies/third parties to develop a flexible project plan for the Website Development Project that is adaptable to unexpected changes; manage these changes effectively through appropriate stakeholder management and risk planning.

· Proactively build and maintain strong relationships with project team members, internal stakeholders, and third parties, to foster collaboration and drive the successful delivery of the website development project.

· Drive and monitor project progress against timelines using appropriate project management tools (e.g. Excel, Smartsheet, MS Projects or similar), and ensure stakeholders are updated at key checkpoints; ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and understood from the start.

· Apply sound judgement and problem-solving expertise to manage project risks, decisions, and dependencies within the wider organisational context; demonstrate accountability by escalating project risks via appropriate and agreed channels, as required.

· Support the Senior Website Development Manager with effective decision-making, budget management, and management of dependencies with other digital or organisational workstreams.

· At the end of the project, conduct project closure and review sessions to capture successes and learnings and help ensure project outcomes and the new platform are effectively embedded into business-as-usual (BAU).

Stakeholder Management and Collaboration

· Lead on the development of a stakeholder management plan for the Website Development Project, ensuring it is tailored and maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

· Liaise on a regular basis with ARUK’s central Projects & Programmes team, ensuring project plans and approach align with ARUK’s project management approach.

· Work with the Senior DDT Programme Manager to ensure plans and reporting are set up and delivered in line with the wider DDT programme requirements. Build strong professional relationships, trust, and inspire confidence with stakeholders at all levels.

Project Management Best Practice

· Adopt and apply appropriate project management methodologies to suit the nature of the website development project.

· Contribute to the facilitation of project management best practise within the Digital Engagement Team.

 

Knowledge, skills and experience needed:

· Proven experience managing key, strategic projects including allocating tasks and managing risks, decisions, and changes.

· Demonstrable experience in managing large-scale website development or digital transformation projects (e.g. CMS migration, significant platform rebuild).

· Sound knowledge of project management methodologies (Waterfall, Agile).

· Working knowledge of project management tools, such as Excel, MS Projects or similar.

· Project Management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, APM)

· Excellent communication skills, with an ability to build relationships, trust, and inspire confidence and respect at all levels.

· Demonstrates strong negotiation and influencing skills to drive project outcomes.

· Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload and reprioritise in accordance with the organisation's needs.

· A proactive and pragmatic approach to investigating and solving problems, strives for continuous improvement and identifies ways to deliver creative and innovative solutions.

· Strong team player who can work both independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders

· Strong ethical standards and a high level of personal integrity and empathy.

· Excellent IT skills in PowerPoint, Word and Excel.

Additional Information:

Ways of working:

As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £47,000.00 per annum, plus benefits.

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 19th April 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website. 

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

Andover, Hampshire | Hybrid working
£62,000–£72,000 bonus car
 
Shape the future of a respected national body at the heart of a technically complex, safety-critical industry.
 
The British Swimming Pool Federation sits at the centre of the UK wet leisure industry. It safeguards standards, supports businesses and provides a unified voice for a sector that underpins public safety, professional integrity and economic activity across the UK.
 
Although associated with leisure and wellbeing, pools and spas require rigorous standards and responsible regulation. When those standards are strong, trust is protected and harm is prevented. The Federation plays a critical role in maintaining professionalism and credibility across the sector.
 
Representing over 300 member businesses (through BISHTA and SPATA) and overseeing the delivery of SPATEX, the industry’s flagship exhibition, BSPF works with government, standards bodies and international partners to influence policy and shape the sector’s long-term direction.
 
Following a long and successful tenure, the current Managing Director will be handing over to a successor, creating a rare opportunity to step into a sector-shaping leadership role.
 
The Opportunity
 
BSPF has strong foundations, trusted relationships and financial stability. The opportunity now is to strengthen and extend that position by growing membership, reinforcing commercial resilience and ensuring continued relevance in a changing commercial and regulatory landscape.
 
This is a leadership role with genuine ownership. You will shape long-term direction, safeguard financial sustainability and represent the industry with authority, working closely with Boards and Committees while leading a capable team within a lean structure. You will be closely involved in both strategic direction and operational delivery, ensuring plans translate into measurable progress.
 
The breadth of the role requires energy, sound judgement and disciplined prioritisation. You will move confidently between strategy and execution, diplomacy and decision-making, commercial focus and sector representation. The role is visible and carries real responsibility.
 
For the right leader, it offers meaningful responsibility and lasting impact.
 
Key Areas of Focus
 
• Setting clear strategic direction and maintaining organisational alignment
• Strengthening financial sustainability and supporting the continued success of SPATEX
• Driving membership growth and retention while enhancing the value proposition for SMEs
• Enabling effective governance through strong relationships with Boards and Committees
• Acting as principal representative of the UK wet leisure industry
• Leading and developing a small, talented, multi-skilled team
 
About You
 
You are an experienced senior leader who combines commercial awareness with sound judgement and professional credibility, whether from within the sector or from a related membership, regulated or public sector environment.
 
You bring:
 
• Experience working with Boards or membership-led organisations
• Accountability for financial performance and income sustainability
• A track record of strengthening membership engagement or commercial development
• Confidence operating under scrutiny and navigating diverse stakeholder views
• A pragmatic, hands-on approach alongside strategic thinking
 
This role suits a leader who values responsibility and the opportunity to shape direction. You are motivated by long-term impact and institutional credibility, and you are comfortable operating in complex environments.
 
You might be an experienced deputy ready for a first Managing Director role, or an established leader seeking meaningful influence and scope. Either way, you are looking for a role where you can invest your energy and make a lasting contribution.
 
Working Pattern and Reward
 
The role is full time with a hybrid working arrangement, combining time in the Andover office, home working and UK and occasional European travel.
 
A competitive salary and benefits package is offered, reflecting the responsibility, visibility and influence of the role.
 
If you are ready to take ownership of a respected national body and strengthen its long-term impact, we welcome your application.
 
You may have experience of the following: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Executive Director, General Manager, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Head of Operations, Director of Strategy, Commercial Director, Membership Director, Sector Lead, Industry Association Director, Governance Director.
 
REF-227 245

About Woman's Trust

The charity was established in 1996 to meet the gap in specialist mental health services. Woman’s Trust is led by and for women and aims to ensure that women affected by domestic abuse can live a life free from further harm and abuse. Our approach is trauma-informed and person-centred, empowering survivors on their journey to recovery from the trauma. We are committed to a positive, inclusive and equitable environment for our staff, service users and volunteers.

Alongside delivering our existing 1-1 counselling, self-development workshops and therapeutic support groups for women who have experienced domestic abuse, we are focused on developing our innovative mental health services for young women and girls, delivering new peer-led support groups and providing therapeutic groups to children and their mothers. We are also committed to developing further awarenessraising workshops and training for professionals, building on our research and policy to improve systems nationally.

About the role

This is a dynamic, strategic role and the successful candidate will exercise PersonCentred clinical responsibility for Woman’s Trust (WT), counselling, groupwork and other therapeutic services.

Reporting to the CEO, this role will oversee the day-to-day delivery of seamless, highquality service across all of our client-facing provisions. The post holder will support the CEO to ensure the future development of WT by leading the frontline staff team in the provision of high-quality, relevant and safe services to survivors of violence and abuse in line with WT’s aims and principles.

The Head of Therapeutic Services, a member of the Senior Leadership Team, will work closely with colleagues across WT, to plan and implement quality improvement plans in order to deliver outstanding services in an efficient and cost-effective manner. This role will deputise for the CEO when necessary.

Working with key stakeholders to ensure that WT counselling services are delivered to a high professional standard, in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework and the Person-Centred approach.

Leading on the development of new opportunities for the enhancement and expansion of WT counselling services, on the clinical representation of WT services to external bodies and involvement in campaigning for the improvement of services for women experiencing DA, and to be the safeguarding lead for WT.

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week.

Contract: Fixed term as dependant on funding.

Start date: ASAP.

Location: Woman’s Trust premises including co-location with statutory partners and community partnership locations.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website.

Please note, CVs and cover letters should be sent in Word format. 

Closing date: 8th April 2026.

Interviews: w/c 13th April 2026.

This post is open to female applicants only, in line with the Equality Act 100 pursuant to Schedule, 9 Part 1 applies. We particularly welcome applications from women from black and minoritised, and disability communities.

An enhanced DBS clearance is required for this role. Police vetting Clearance may also be required.

We are looking for a dynamic, values-led, strategic leader to drive our mission for migration justice and social work solidarity. The role entails oversight of the operations and strategy of the organisation, responsibility for financial management and fundraising, maintaining the health of the organisation and embedding anti-racist and anti-opressive values into every aspect of the organisation. 

The Compliance Officer will safeguard the charity by contributing to robust internal governance and compliance processes, supporting risk identification and management processes and being mindful of relevant legislation and regulation. This role will be able to interpret regulatory guidance and make suggestions for changes to internal processes, including but not limited to guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales and the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Through the development and utilisation of new and existing processes, you will provide assurance to the charity’s leadership teams that the organisation operates in line with statutory obligations, internal policies and procedures and recognised best practice standards.

This role will co-ordinate and support the development, implementation, and regular review of policies and procedures that underpin strong internal controls and transparent decision-making. Responsible for supporting colleagues with identification, assessment, and monitoring of incidents and operational risks, helping to record proportionate controls and review periods to protect all stakeholders. In doing so, you will promote a culture of accountability, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement across the charity. 

This role focuses on the processes that support operational day-to-day governance and compliance, as opposed to overarching governance which falls to the responsibility of the CEO, supported by the Board Secretary/ Executive Assistance role.   

Working closely with the Finance and Operations Manager, Quality Assurance Manager and external Data Protection Officer to ensure a co-ordinated and streamlined approach to governance, compliance and risk across the whole organisation. 

This role is not responsible for: 

• Acting as Board Secretary 

• Strategic decision making 

• Providing legal advice 

• Acting as the Data Protection Officer 

You Will Bring: 

A strong understanding of internal governance frameworks, ability to implement and coordinate risk management principles and processes and a strong understanding of regulatory compliance. You will demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, and the confidence to ensure processes are applied across the organisation. With strong analytical and problem-solving skills, you will proactively help others to identify risk and implement and record effective mitigations and controls. You will be able to implement processes which support continuous learning and improvement of policies and procedures. You will work closely with others who have a responsibility for compliance, quality measures and risk identification processes ensuring seamless working across departments.

You will also bring excellent written and spoken communication and have strong interpersonal skills, which enable you to deliver training to others and to foster a culture of integrity around compliance. You will build trusted relationships across the organisation while maintaining independence and objectivity in your own role, having the confidence to speak up if change is needed or processes and practice needs to change. 

We’re looking for someone who is highly organised with attention to detail and is able to work collaboratively with a focus on operational delivery.

How to apply 

Please upload your CV and supporting cover letter outlining why you’re interested in the role. Please take your time to explain how your experience is relevant to this post.

Closing date: 9am Monday 6th April 2026 

Interviews:  

First stage virtual: w/c 13th April 2026 

Second stage in-person (Leeds): w/c 20th April 2026 

For more information, please refer to the attached recruitment pack.

About us

 10 Windsor Walk (10WW) is a Community Interest Company established by local therapists concerned to address the provision of intensive psychological services for those most in need.

We support psychoanalysts, psychotherapists and the local community by providing psychotherapy treatment rooms and space for training and events related to developing psychological services.

More than this, we are a hub where therapists and psychoanalysts can meet, work together and exchange ideas on developing the practice as a whole.

Our work includes:

Affordable treatment – We run low- and no-fee psychotherapy for those in need in the local community, alongside trainees from the Institute of Psychoanalysis who offer low-fee psychoanalysis.

Community programmes – We run a weekly therapeutic playgroup for parents and toddlers seeking sanctuary in South London, alongside public events such as the Psychoanalytic Film Club and Maudsley Lectures.

Education and training – We host lectures, seminars and specialist training for psychotherapists, psychoanalysts, NHS staff and the wider public.

About the role:

We are seeking a part-time Finance Officer to support the financial management of the organisation and strengthen our internal financial systems.

Working closely with the Programme Manager and Finance Sub-Committee, the Finance Officer will maintain accurate financial records, support grant reporting and provide financial information to support organisational planning and governance.

This role is particularly suited to someone with strong bookkeeping experience who enjoys working in a small mission-driven organisation and contributing to the development of robust financial systems.

Summary of tasks:

·Day-to-day bookkeeping and maintenance of Xero

·Managing payments

·Reconciling bank transactions and maintaining accurate financial records

·Maintaining clear financial records and audit trails to support internal controls and financial transparency

·Producing and releasing sales invoices

·Submitting monthly payroll info to accountant, including HMRC and pension submissions

·Preparing and posting monthly journals ahead of review by the Programme Manager and Finance Sub-Committee

·Maintaining prepayments and accruals

·Tracking and monitoring grant income and expenditure, and preparing financial reports and information for existing and future funders

·Updating and maintaining cashflow forecasts

·Supporting year-end accounts and liaising with external accountants

·Maintaining the fixed assets register and depreciation schedules

·Support the review of the Reserves Policy

·Monitoring liquidity and key financial indicators and reporting concerns to the Programme Manager and Finance Sub-Committee

·Monitoring service contracts and ensuring value for money

·Supporting the financial aspects of the transition from CIC to charity

·Assistance in the preparation of project budgets

·Supporting lease and grant subsidy administration 

·Supporting the development and implementation of financial policies

Working relationships

The postholder will work closely with the Programme Manager and Finance Sub-Committee, providing specialist financial oversight and strengthening internal controls, rather than undertaking general management responsibilities.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

·Has experience of bookkeeping and financial administration

·Is confident using accounting software such as Xero

·Is highly organised with strong attention to detail

·Can manage financial information clearly and accurately

·Is comfortable working collaboratively within a small organisation

·Has strong communication skills and the ability to explain financial information clearly

·Is interested in supporting a mission-driven organisation working in the field of mental health and community support

This job description outlines the main duties of the role. It is not an exhaustive list, and the postholder will be expected to undertake additional responsibilities appropriate to the role as organisational needs evolve. The role involves working closely with colleagues across programmes, operations and governance in a small and collaborative organisation.

How to apply:
 
Interested candidates are invited to submit a (1 page max) cover letter along with a CV.
 
The closing date for applications is Monday the 13th April 2026. Interviews are scheduled to take place the week of 27th April and/or 4th May 2026. A short assessment task will be shared with shortlisted applicants.
 

The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and references will be required.
 
Accessibility:
 
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application or interview process, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate this.
 
Equal Opportunities Statement:
 
10 Windsor Walk Community Interest Company complies with the Equality Act 2010. We believe in fair treatment of all our employees and commit to promoting diversity in our employment practices. We do not discriminate in employment based on race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, marital
status, medical history, parental status or genetic information. We base all our employment decisions on merit, job requirements and business needs.

The Finance and Business Operations Director will lead VAST’s financial and operational strategy, ensuring robust financial management, effective HR and IT systems, compliance with Health and Safety, and the efficient running of The Dudson Centre.

The postholder will act as Company Secretary, overseeing governance and compliance, and also serve as the organisation’s Money Laundering Reporting Officer.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the role contributes to strategic planning and organisational development, as well as supporting VAST’s day-to-day delivery.

What we're looking for

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, etc.)
• Significant experience in financial management and business operations in the VCSE sector.
• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills
• Knowledge of charity finance, governance, and compliance.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to travel locally and work occasional evenings/weekends.

HopeWorks is a community‑focused charity dedicated to improving the lives of the homeless, those in our supported accommodation, and those seeking resettlement in the UK. We are passionate about delivering high‑impact support and ensuring every pound we receive makes a meaningful difference. 

As our Finance Officer, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth financial running of the organisation. You will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, supporting budget planning, managing day‑to‑day transactions, and helping produce financial reports that support strategic decision-making. This role is perfect for someone who has finance experience in the charity sector, is highly organised, confident with IT packages, numbers and financial analysis, and motivated by the vision and values of HopeWorks.

Contract:  Part time, one-year contract, 2.5 days per week (18.75 hours) 

Salary:  £14,000-£16,000 per annum (£28,000-£32,000 FTE (depending on experience))

The Brent Centre for Young People 

The Brent Centre for Young People (BCYP) is the leading mental health charity for young people in Northwest London, helping over 800 young people a year with a wide range of issues. We offer specialised treatment in the areas of depression, suicide prevention, self-harm, eating disorders, exam anxiety and more. Our approach is rooted in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. We aim to reach significantly more young people in the years ahead, drawing on our heritage that combines specialist treatment in-house and outreach into communities. The Brent Centre is also an important Research Centre on Adolescent Breakdown and Psychotherapy. 

The Role

As HR Officer, you will play a role in bringing structure, consistency and clarity to Brent Centre’s HR processes. You will deliver practical, people-focused support across the employee lifecycle, from recruitment, onboarding to contract changes, developing and updating organisational policies, helping to strengthen and develop how HR supports colleagues across the organisation.

Working closely with the Administration and Finance Manager, you will act as the first point of contact for day-to-day HR queries, ensuring they are handled promptly, accurately and in line with Brent Centre’s values. You will support colleagues and managers to use HR systems effectively, interpret and apply policies correctly, and follow clear, consistent processes. You will maintain accurate information across our HR systems (Bright HR and SharePoint HR Intranet) and ensure HR data is complete, compliant and up to date.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Role

This is a pivotal position designed to transform our capacity to provide professional social and emotional support through mentoring. Funded by the National Lottery, you will manage the daily operations of the project's youth programmes - encouraging participants to get involved in the core activities, including boxing training, mentoring, and personal development - while working with local partners to reach out to those facing the toughest barriers, such as poverty and social exclusion.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Programme Management: Oversee the delivery of high-quality sessions that combine sport with a positive development ethos.
• Mentoring: Establish and maintain over 50 formal mentoring relationships to provide personalised guidance and trust.
• Outreach & Partnerships: Build formal links with local schools, social services, and community groups to maximise our impact.
• Growth: Lead the expansion of our offer to reach over 1,400 young people by Year 2.

Monitoring & Evaluation: Implement systems to track engagement and produce insightful reports for stakeholders and funders.

Hours Per Week: 30

Role Type/Cause: Advice and Information, Advocacy, Practitioner, Volunteer co-ordinator/management, Youth Work / Children

Benefits:

• Salary: £28,000 per annum (£35,000 FTE pro rata).
• Hours: 4 days per week (30 hours), including some evening and weekend work.
• Contract: Permanent (2-year funding secured).
• Location: Hybrid; based at Victoria House (Oldham) with community outreach.
• Perks: 24 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), an extra day off for your birthday, service-based leave increases, and a contributory pension.

Growth: Access to professional development, training, and qualifications

Flexible Working: Hybrid Working - requirement to attend sessions / workshops and key meetings in person

This position can not be job-shared

This position is not suitable as a secondment opportunity

Social Finance is an ambitious non-profit that designs, funds and scales solutions to complex social problems. Our vision is a fairer world where together we unleash the potential of people and communities. We work with governments, funders, communities and the social sector to tackle some of the most persistent challenges facing society in the UK.

Our multidisciplinary team brings together experience from the public, private and charity sectors. We are known for our collaborative and intellectually curious culture and for delivering systems change, improving how entire systems operate so they produce better, lasting outcomes.

One of our most significant initiatives is IPS Grow, which supports the national expansion of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment services across England. IPS is an evidence-based approach that helps people experiencing severe mental illness, addiction and other health challenges find and sustain competitive employment with tailored support.

IPS Grow works with commissioners, healthcare providers and delivery partners to expand high-quality IPS services, improve quality and learning across the system, and ensure the data and evidence behind IPS continue to demonstrate its impact. Scaling IPS has been a priority for Social Finance since 2015 and continues to be an integral part of our work today.

With IPS Grow transitioning from a fast‑growing initiative to a mature organisation with expanding reach and influence, we are now looking for an experienced Chief Operating Officer to join the IPS Grow and Social Finance Senior Leadership Team.

The COO will provide strategic leadership across IPS Grow’s operational infrastructure, ensuring the organisation has the systems, processes and capabilities required to deliver impact at scale. You will strengthen financial oversight, resource planning and risk management while helping develop IPS Grow’s data and digital capability. The role will also help shape the organisational structures and culture needed to support sustainable growth.

We are looking for a senior operational leader with experience in finance and the non-profit or publicly funded sectors, ideally with a track record of helping organisations scale. You will bring strong financial literacy, sound strategic judgement and the ability to build effective operational frameworks in complex environments.

You will be a collaborative partner across IPS Grow and the wider Social Finance organisation, building trusted relationships, bringing clarity to operational challenges and fostering a strong “one team” culture across a distributed team.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the next phase of IPS Grow’s development. If this resonates with you, we would be delighted to hear from you.

To download a full copy of the candidate brief and learn more about the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button, where you will be redirected to the website of our recruitment partner, Tall Roots.

Applications should include a CV and covering letter responding to the following questions:

1. What is motivating you to become our new Chief Operating Officer for IPS Grow? (200 words)
2. Given what you have read about us so far, what do you believe would make an effective Chief Operating Officer for IPS Grow? (200 words)
3. Please describe your experience ensuring an organisation had the right systems, processes or capabilities in place to use data effectively. What was your role and what difference did this make? (250 words)
4. Please tell us about a time when you built strong partnerships across teams or organisations to deliver a shared goal. What approach did you take and what was the outcome? (250 words)

Background

We are Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Since 1954, we have worked to create a more humane society for animals. Working side by side as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, we have helped to pass thousands of landmark laws, rescue hundreds of thousands of animals, and cared for and protected millions more.

In 2025, to convey our mission and make sure that everyone understands who we are and the bold work that we do, our organisations are standing together under a new shared name: Humane World for Animals. 

We are dedicated to changing the world for animals. We drive change with human action. We help people, communities, governments, and corporations shift behaviour, providing the right support and advocating for policy change to stem the root causes of suffering and cruelty.

Purpose of role

As the Managing Director for the UK and Europe, you will develop and deliver the European fundraising strategy and plans and oversee the execution of all fundraising activities in Europe. These activities include, but are not limited to individual giving, major gifts, bequests, corporate giving, and community fundraising.

Primary responsibilities

The job holder will have the following key responsibilities: 

• Oversees fundraising activities and performance in Humane World for Animals’ EU and UK offices. Works closely with the Country Directors and the VP of International Fundraising on the execution of the fundraising programmes. Identifies opportunities to improve efficiency and facilitates collaboration efforts across European offices. (30%)
• Manages all fundraisers in the region and ensures they achieve their goals by providing guidance and advice, training, performance management and career development. Coordinates priorities and tasks and monitors progress. (25%)
• Monitors and reports on performance progress towards agreed revenue targets; efficiency and cost-effectiveness (including external fundraising contractors); and challenges or opportunities in the external fundraising environment. (20%)
• Creates and manages the budget for fundraising expenses and income targets. Sets and reviews multi-year and yearly investment and revenue targets. (10%)
• Leads research, planning, and implementation of new marketing initiatives and acquisition programmes, including but not limited to DRTV, face-to-face, telemarketing and PSMS Mobile channels. Establishes effective donor retention strategies and oversees their execution. (10%)
• Works closely with the VP of International Fundraising to develop and execute a strategic vision to grow fundraising income in the Europe region, translating the vision into an action plan, and ensuring the successful implementation and execution of the vision. (5%)

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and experience

• An academic degree or equivalent work experience is required.
• A minimum of eight or more years of fundraising experience with a proven track record in driving significant, multi-channel revenue growth across multiple markets.
• A minimum of five years of senior management experience leading fundraising or marketing teams, including leadership responsibilities for staff, strategy development and execution, and budget accountability, preferably in the animal welfare arena, required.
• Demonstrated experience scaling high-performing international fundraising programs. International NGO experience strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to deliver multi‑million income portfolios, optimize ROI, and drive continuous improvement in donor acquisition and retention.
• Experience accurately forecasting and reporting on revenue, expenditures and delivering against agreed KPIs.
• At least five years’ experience in at least one of the following income streams: individual giving, major gifts, bequests, corporate giving, and/or community fundraising. Additionally, a strong preference for marketing experience.

Skills and qualifications

• Excellent people managerial skills: ability to coach, motivate, and manage high‑performing fundraisers across dispersed locations.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to plan workload in order to manage fundraising program priorities and meet agreed targets.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, entrepreneurial spirit, and drive to achieve desired outcomes.
• Ability to thrive in a matrixed, fast-paced, mission‑driven environment and drive collaboration across countries and functions.
• Knowledge and understanding of GDPR and other data protection regulations.
• Excellent English verbal and written skills.
• Ability to work in a self-directed manner.
• Willing and able to travel extensively in Europe.

About Avicenna Foundation

Avicenna Foundation is a pioneering leadership development organisation dedicated to empowering the next generation of British Muslim leaders. Our vision is a society where the full potential of the British Muslim community is unlocked, enriching the UK’s social, cultural, and economic fabric and inspiring global progress.

We run the most comprehensive scholarship and leadership development programme for young British Muslims in the UK. Our approach combines academic support, mentorship, emotional and spiritual development, and real-world exposure to create ethical, confident, and visionary leaders. Grounded in our core values; Hikmah (Wisdom), Akhlaq (Ethical Character), Ithar (Altruism), Khidmah (Service), and Ihsan (Excellence) - we aim to deliver a lasting impact on communities and society as a whole.

Role Purpose

The Programme Manager will be the operational anchor of the Foundation, playing a key leadership role in ensuring that every part of the organisation functions effectively and aligns with our strategic direction. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will oversee day-to-day operations, implement systems that drive impact and sustainability, and manage key relationships that are vital to our success.

The Programme Manager will serve as the organisational engine of the Foundation - designing, optimising, and scaling the systems that power our mission. You will lead operational excellence across the organisation, architecting clear processes, building robust SOPs, and ensuring that our programmes and internal functions can scale sustainably as we grow.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a builder environment; combining strategic insight with operational rigour to turn vision into repeatable, high-performing systems.

You will help shape the future of Avicenna, ensuring that our flagship Scholarship Programme continues to deliver excellence while we expand our reach, deepen our impact, and uphold the integrity of our mission and values.

The Right Fit

This role is ideally suited for someone who combines sharp operational acumen with a bold sense of purpose and ambition. As a growing organisation in its early stages, Avicenna Foundation is fast-paced and evolving - an environment that will challenge and stretch you. We are looking for someone with commitment, drive, and resilience; someone who brings both the right attitude and aptitude to lead through complexity and uncertainty.

You must be comfortable taking initiative, building systems from the ground up, and working across multiple priorities. In return, this role offers a rare and exciting opportunity to catalyse your career, helping build a pioneering organisation from the inside out and leaving a lasting mark on a movement for change.

We are looking for someone who brings a builder’s mindset - energised by designing structure from scratch, refining operational workflows, and implementing scalable systems.

You will excel here if you are proactive, solutions-driven, motivated by continuous improvement, and confident leading teams through change. If you enjoy creating clarity, building SOPs, and establishing high-performing operational environments, you will thrive in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all internal operations including programme delivery and organisational development in coordination with colleagues across HR, IT, and finance teams.
• Work closely with the CEO to implement the strategic vision and translate it into effective plans and operations, serving as a key spokesperson for the organisation when required.
• Support the delivery and growth of the Avicenna Scholarship Programme, ensuring excellence in participant experience, programme execution, and outcomes.
• Build and manage a high-performing team culture grounded in ethical leadership, compassion, and excellence.
• Lead on operational risk management, governance, and legal compliance.
• Monitor and report on impact, outcomes, and organisational health metrics.
• Develop relationships with partners, funders, mentors, and other stakeholders to strengthen the Foundation’s ecosystem.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Proven experience in a senior operational or general management role, preferably within the nonprofit, education, or youth development sectors.
• Deep personal alignment with the values and vision of Avicenna Foundation.
• High levels of drive, resilience, and self-motivation.
• Strong strategic, analytical, and operational leadership skills.
• Experience overseeing budgets, organisational development, and team management.
• Excellent project management and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to build trust and motivate diverse stakeholders.
• Adaptability and initiative, especially in a start-up or fast-growth context.

Desirable:

• Experience with leadership development or educational programmes.
• Familiarity with Zakat principles, British Muslim community contexts, or Islamic leadership values.
• Understanding of programme impact evaluation and reporting.