Chief executive jobs

Purpose of the role

The Senior Legal Officer plays a key role in supporting ILPA’s legal and policy work on immigration, economic migration, asylum and nationality.

Working under the direction of the Legal Director, the post holder will lead detailed legal and policy analysis, support parliamentary and influencing activity and contribute to high-quality information and engagement for ILPA members.

Key responsibilities

1. Legal and policy analysis

a. Produce high-quality analysis of immigration, asylum and nationality law and policy.

b. Monitor developments in legislation, case law and policy, including secondary legislation and guidance.

c. Prepare written briefings, updates and summaries for members, trustees and external stakeholders.

d. Support the Legal Director in the development and delivery of ILPA’s legal strategy.

2.       Parliamentary and influencing work

a. Support ILPA’s parliamentary work, including monitoring legislation and parliamentary business.

b. Draft consultation responses, briefings and evidence submissions.

c. Assist in engagement with parliamentarians, officials, peers and external organisations.

d. Support the organisation of meetings and briefings with MPs, peers, civil servants and sector partners.

e. Contribute to ILPA’s influencing activity through written and oral advocacy.

3.       Member engagement and sector support

a. Liaise with ILPA members to gather evidence and practice insight to inform policy positions.

b. Support ILPA’s thematic and regional working groups, including attending meetings and progressing agreed actions.

c. Respond to and triage member enquiries, directing issues to appropriate working groups or colleagues.

d. Promote knowledge-sharing across the immigration and advice sector.

4.       Legal project delivery

a. Ensure project outputs are delivered on time and to the required standard.

b. Contribute to monitoring, evaluation and funder reporting where required.

5.        Information management and publications

a.Ensure legal and policy information is accurately stored, organised and retrievable.

b. Work with the Content and Digital Services Manager to ensure accuracy and clarity of published legal content.

6.       Organisational contribution

a. Support cross-team working with training, content and litigation colleagues.

b. Contribute to organisational planning, learning and continuous improvement.

c. Undertake other duties consistent with the seniority of the role.

Accountability and relationships

Reports to: Legal Director

Key working relationships:

· Director of Strategic Litigation and Advice

· Training Manager

· Content and Digital Services Manager

· Chief Executive and Trustees

Person specification

Essential

· Appropriate post-qualification experience in immigration, asylum or nationality law

· Strong legal analysis, judgement and drafting skills

· Ability to communicate complex legal information clearly in writing and orally

· Experience of legal or policy work within immigration law

· Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage competing deadlines

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively

· Commitment to ILPA’s charitable objectives

Desirable

· Experience working with parliamentarians or government departments

· Knowledge of parliamentary process and legislative scrutiny

· Experience of project management or grant-funded work

· Experience supervising staff or supporting junior colleagues

Help protect the green spaces that matter to every community — forever

Parks, playgrounds, sports fields and green spaces are essential to our physical and mental wellbeing, to thriving communities, and to a healthier planet. Yet too many of these spaces are under threat.

Fields in Trust exists to change that. For over 100 years, we have worked to legally protect the UK’s green spaces so they can never be lost to development. Following our centenary year and the launch of a bold new five-year strategy, we are now focused on growing our impact, strengthening our organisation, and securing our long-term future.

The opportunity

We are seeking a values-driven Director of Finance and Resources to join our Senior Leadership Team at a pivotal moment for the charity.

This part-time role is about far more than numbers. It is an opportunity to use your financial leadership to safeguard green spaces for generations to come — ensuring Fields in Trust has the resilience, systems and governance needed to deliver lasting impact.

You will play a central role in shaping our financial strategy as we diversify income, develop new commercial opportunities, and continue to evolve as an organisation. Alongside finance, you will also provide strategic oversight of our resources, including IT, HR, facilities and risk.

What you’ll do

• Shape and lead a long-term financial strategy that supports our mission and ambitions
• Provide clear, insightful financial analysis and forecasting to inform strategic decisions
• Work closely with trustees and the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee to ensure strong governance, transparency and accountability
• Strengthen and develop the finance function (currently outsourced), embedding robust systems, controls and reporting
• Support the growth of new income streams through financial modelling and commercial insight
• Oversee budgeting, statutory accounts, audit and compliance
• Ensure our IT systems, data and digital infrastructure are secure, effective and fit for the future
• Provide strategic oversight of HR processes, payroll, pensions, facilities, health and safety and business continuity
• Be a key part of the SLT and play a critical role in shaping wider strategy and direction
• Provide clear communication and in-depth support as the key interface between finance and the rest of the organisation

Who we’re looking for

You will be an experienced senior finance leader who combines strong technical expertise with a deep sense of purpose. You might come from the charity, public or private sector, but you will share our commitment to protecting green spaces and public benefit.

You will bring:

• Strategic financial leadership experience at senior level
• A strong understanding of governance, risk and working with boards or trustees
• Experience supporting organisations through change or growth
• A collaborative, inclusive and pragmatic leadership style
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery in a part-time role

Most importantly, you will be motivated by our mission and excited by the opportunity to make a lasting difference.

Recruitment timeline

Application deadline: Sunday 8th February, midnight

Shortlisting:w/c 16th February

First stage interviews: w/c 23rd February

Second stage interviews: w/c 2nd March

How to apply

To apply, please send your CV and a supporting statement (no more than two pages) to via the link.

If you’d like an informal conversation about the role, please contact our exclusive partner, Bryony Thomas via the Allen Lane agency website.
 

Lead the growing national charity, Rackets Cubed, as their next Charity Director, helping children thrive through sport, education and nutrition.

Location: London with national travel

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026

About Racket Cubed

Racket Cubed is a charity with momentum, purpose and heart. What began as a small local initiative has grown into a national charity supporting children and families in communities that need it most.

Founded in 2016, Rackets Cubed has grown steadily and purposefully. Today, it supports over 1,000 children every week, working across schools, community hubs and partnerships in multiple cities. The work is rooted in collaboration, with schools, universities, sports bodies, food charities and local organisations.

Looking ahead, Rackets Cubed is focused on controlled consolidation, strengthening systems, people and funding while continuing to grow responsibly.

Rackets Cubed creates happy, resilient learners by bringing together sport, education and nutrition in a simple but powerful way. 

About the role

Rackets Cubed is now seeking a Charity Director to lead the next stage of its journey. This is an opportunity to combine strategic leadership with real-world impact, working closely with an engaged Chair and Board, an experienced team and a wide network of partners.

You will help shape how Rackets Cubed consolidates its growth, strengthens financial sustainability and deepens impact, while staying true to what makes it distinctive: a practical, evidence-led approach and a belief in the potential of every child.

Who we are looking for

Rackets Cubed is looking for a values-driven leader who brings warmth, clarity and confidence — someone who enjoys building relationships as much as shaping strategy.

You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience (CEO, Director or similar)
• Experience working with a Board and supporting good governance
• Financial understanding and experience of income generation
• The ability to lead teams through growth, change or consolidation
• Strong communication skills and a natural, credible presence
• A genuine commitment to equity, inclusion and social impact

Experience in education, youth development, sport, health or food poverty is welcome but above all, you will share the charity’s belief in what children can achieve when given the right support.

Rackets Cubed is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026.

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.

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

Key Dates

Closing Date: Monday 9th February, 12pm
First Stage Interviews (Remote): 16th/17th February (TBC)
Final Interviews (In-person): w/c 23rd February tbc

Optional Q/A session with the CEO and Interim Commercial Director: Click here to register

How to Apply

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

REF-226 086

Our client is entering a defining new chapter as it advances plans to create a reimagined, landmark Museum. With a collection of over 35,000 objects, the Museum is planning totransition from a “museum without walls” to create  vibrant cultural landmark.   At a time of growing division and misunderstanding, its mission—to share under-told stories of Jewish Britain, challenge prejudice and deepen public understanding—is more important than ever. The new Museum will host bold exhibitions, learning, dialogue and cultural exchange, reaching audiences from  across the UK and beyond  through innovative partnerships and programming.

Director of Development
Permanent
£65,00 to £80,000
London

The Museum is now seeking an exceptional Director of Development to lead a transformative capital campaign ahead of the 2030 opening. Based at the JW3 office and reporting to the CEO, the role will shape and deliver a multi-year fundraising strategy to meet a campaign target of just under £20 million, including £15 million capital costs. As a key member of the Leadership Team, the Director will represent the Museum publicly, build high-value donor relationships, lead major gift and capital fundraising activity, and work closely with Trustees and senior staff to drive philanthropic engagement across trusts, foundations, corporates and individuals.

Candidates will bring significant experience of developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies for large-scale or capital projects, with a strong personal track record of securing high level gifts. You will be a confident relationship-builder, an excellent communicator, and comfortable working with senior stakeholders and donors. Financial acumen, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire trust quickly are essential, alongside experience managing budgets, donor events and compelling campaign materials. Networks within the arts, heritage or philanthropic sectors would be an advantage.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process please contact Ryan Burdock and Jessica Stoddart at Prospectus.

If you meet some of the criteria but not all, we still encourage you to enquire. We can support you to understand the role fully and guide you through the application process. To apply, please submit your CV in the first instance. If your experience aligns, we will arrange a briefing meeting before you submit a formal application. We look forward to hearing from you.

Job Title: Research Officer – Fundraising Prospect Research

Location: Rhodes House, Central Oxford (hybrid working)

Contract: Fixed-term – 12-month contract (From mid-March 2026)

Hours: Full time – 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £33,000-£35,000

Reports to:         Research Manager

We have an exciting, new opportunity for a Research Officer (Fundraising Prospect Research) to join the Rhodes Trust, Oxford. This role is based within the Global Engagement department, focusing on Development and Alumni Engagement, based at Rhodes House.

We are looking for the successful candidate to ideally start with us in Mid-March 2026.

About the Rhodes Trust

The Rhodes Trust is an educational charity which offers Rhodes Scholarships to exceptional students from around the world to come and study at the University of Oxford. Our mission is to build a better world through global fellowship programmes that develop and connect compassionate, innovative, and public-spirited people committed to solving humanity’s challenges. In recent years, we have also partnered with several other remarkable organisations to create the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, Atlantic Institute, Schmidt Science Fellows, RISE and Oxford Next Horizons.

The role

The Research Officer will help provide a high-quality in-house prospect research service to the senior leadership team and the Warden (CEO) of the Trust. The Research Officer will report to the Research Manager, work closely with the major gift team located in the UK, Canada, Australia and the United States, and gain first-hand knowledge and experience working as an in-house prospect research professional for a highly regarded educational charity.

The role will be responsible for;

· Providing a high-quality in-house prospect research service to the Development Team and senior leaders including the Warden (CEO) of the Trust, and Trustees, as required

· Contributing to the proactive identification of potential major donors and partners to the Rhodes Trust including alumni, individuals, foundations and corporates

· Delivering a pipeline of briefing materials for the Warden (CEO) and senior leadership team to support key fundraising and stakeholder meetings, events and overseas travel itineraries as requested

· Assisting with compiling and managing a portfolio of additional research materials and projects, including profiles, network mapping, philanthropy reports, and targeted analysis, as well as country-specific content to support the Trust’s fundraising efforts in different geographies

· Recording and managing prospect and stakeholder data using the Trust’s CRM database (Salesforce)

· Role modelling the Trust’s organisational values of commitment, inclusion, belonging, growth and innovation

· Carrying out any other duties relevant to the role, as requested

· Having a deep commitment to the values, ethos and mission of the Rhodes Trust

Please see the job description for more responsibilities

Essential skills, experience and qualifications:

· Previous experience in an educational Development and / or alumni office – direct experience in prospect research would be a plus

· Reliable and responsible with excellent written communication skills and an emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy

· Ability to use initiative and creatively source information to identify opportunities and map connections

· Ability to keep information confidential and exercise discretion

· Experience of accurate data entry and record maintenance; good working knowledge of a CRM system and competency in creating and running reports from a database

· Excellent IT skills, including experience with Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook)

· An interest in the educational sector

Please see the job description for more responsibilities

Benefits of working here

We are a global organisation and we use our deep connections across the world to bring together people of different backgrounds and viewpoints. We encourage our staff to challenge each other’s thinking and generate new ideas.

· 30 days annual leave (pro rata) plus 8 bank holidays

· Competitive pension scheme

· Generous family leave schemes

· Private health insurance

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Personal development opportunities

· Additional benefits, such as free access to the University's gardens, parks, libraries and museums, and University staff discounts in shops across Oxford.

· Cycle to work scheme

· Electric car scheme

If you would like to find out more, please click ‘apply’ to view the full job description and to find the link to apply. Please send us your CV and a covering letter. Please note, this advert will close on 4 February 2026.

If you have any issues with submitting your application, please email the Recruitment team.

The Rhodes Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We warmly welcome applications from talented people of diverse backgrounds and appoint without regard to age, disability, gender, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, parental status, marital or civil partner status, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion or belief.

We are looking for a Communications Specialist to join our UK office (London-based). Reporting to the Communications Director and the CEO  you will be responsible for supporting the fundraising, events management and private philanthropy teams as well as liaising with the media.

Your main responsibilities, in order of priority and time commitment, will include:

1. Writing content for newsletters, presentations, emails, etc.
2. Managing social media channels, including copywriting and proposing audiovisual content.
3. Writing communications materials for events, campaigns, etc.
4. Maintaining website content.
5. Coordinating annual publications (Annual Report and Impact Report).
6. Coordinating external suppliers (audiovisual, web maintenance, etc.).
7. Writing press releases and liaising with the media.

Requirements

1. 4+ years of experience. 
2. Degree in Journalism, Communications or related fields.
3. Professional experience with Campaign Monitor, Mailchimp or similar.
4. Professional use and management of social media platforms, mainly LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
5. Experience using design platforms such as Canva.
6. Fluent English communication skills.

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Write exceptionally well and know how to create engaging content without losing scientific rigour.
• Have experience communicating with major donors.
• Have a strong attention to detail and take pride in ensuring your content is polished and accurate.
• Are proactive and full of ideas.
• Have creative flair and feel comfortable producing simple designs for social media, presentations, etc.
• Are familiar with the audiovisual world, can manage simple video scripts and have good judgement when assessing content quality.
• Have experience in scientific communication, particularly in cancer research, and are able to explain complex concepts to broad audiences.

It would be a plus if you:

· Are fluent in Spanish.

Conditions:

Salary: £40,000 annual 

Remote flexible: 2 to 3 days in office, depending on needs.

We are delighted to be partnering with Hornet Services Sailing Club, a not-for-profit members’ Club providing high-quality and affordable sailing, marina and social facilities for serving and veteran members of the Armed Forces and MOD civil servants. The Club operates a 180-berth marina, a busy clubhouse with a 7-day a week bar and restaurant, a varied programme of formal and social events, leased and listed buildings (including Grade 2* listed), and boat storage facilities.

With 500 members, 180 berth holders and an annual turnover of circa £1.1m, the new Club General Manager will be the most senior paid staff member and hold full responsibility for the Club’s performance, financial sustainability and day-to-day delivery. Working closely with the Commodore, Flag Officers and Committee, and supported by a management team, you will shape the overall member experience while ensuring the Club operates safely, efficiently and in line with its values and traditions.

This is a broad, hands-on leadership role where no two days are the same. You will oversee marina operations, hospitality services, estate and facilities management, governance and compliance, staff leadership and member engagement. You will have genuine scope to influence standards, develop people, improve systems and processes and ensure the long-term sustainability of a much-loved organisation.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• Relevant professional experience, including the management of a multi-functional organisation and strategic business planning and delivery
• Facilities management, including overseeing infrastructure and maintenance projects
• Strong financial management capability, including ownership of budgets of circa £1million
• A working knowledge of employment law, HR best practice, GDPR and staff development.
• Comprehensive understanding of bar and catering principles
• Experience of sailing, marina or waterside operations (highly beneficial, but not essential)

If you are a capable, people-centered leader who enjoys variety, responsibility and the opportunity to make a visible impact, this role offers a rare chance to combine operational leadership with community, heritage and purpose.

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director of Charisma Charity Recruitment.Applications should be submitted via the Charisma website and include your CV and a supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or any other category protected by law.

Contract & Hours: Permanent, full-time. Weekdays with some Saturdays and evenings as required

Closing date: 3rd February 2026

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by 12th February, prior to shortlisting on the 13th.

Interviews with Hornet Services Sailing Club: w/c 23th February onwards

Location: MSSC, National Support Centre, 200B Lambeth Road, London, SE1 7JY (Hybrid)

Contract: Full time, Permanent

Salary: £60,000 - £63,000 gross per annum, depending on experience

Closing Date: Sunday 8 February 2026

Interviews:Tuesday 17 February 2026 (Interviews to be held in London)

Application: CV & Supporting Statement

Are you a Head of Safety, Health & Environment looking for a new opportunity?

The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is the leading maritime charity for youth development and lifelong learning. We are a vibrant and growing charity inspiring young people to achieve their potential through challenge and nautical adventure and also enabling seafarers and maritime professionals to realise their potential through learning and career development. Working with our employees, cadets, and volunteers, we have built a strong vision and five-year Future Ready strategy to meet the growing demand for what we provide, both for young people, seafarers and maritime professionals – and the thousands who aspire to be the sea cadets and marine professionals of the future. It is also about equipping them to achieve their potential and thrive in a rapidly changing world, while growing our charity to benefit even more people – including those from under-represented or marginalised groups.

We are currently looking for a Head of Safety, Health & Environment to join our team.

About the role

If you have significant experience of delivering and guiding health and safety in a large organisation as well as providing advice and guidance on health and safety issues on both a strategic and operational level this could be the role for you. 

You will have first class leadership skills, with the ability to manage a disbursed staff team as well as the excellent interpersonal skills to support and influence colleagues, senior managers, volunteers and others.

The successful candidate will be able to build effective relationships, manage a diverse workload as well as being able to analyse and deal with complex or difficult situations, with skill and discretion.

Responsibilities

• Manage all safety, health and environmental issues within the MSSC, working closely with the Director of Young People, Volunteer & Business Support and other members of the senior management team, the area, offshore, training and other teams as appropriate.
• Manage a disbursed team of Safety Assurance Officers with the support of a Deputy Head of Safety, Health & Environment.
• Monitor changes to legislation and advise CEO and Trustees of their impact on the MSSC and any required actions and/or policy changes.
• Report and analyse safety data and identifying trends or issues.

Requirements

• Hold a formal qualification in Health & Safety (NEBOSH Certificate or higher).
• Up to date knowledge of H&S legislation, developments, practice and management.
•  Experience of risk management and compliance systems.
•  Significant experience of providing advice and guidance on H&S issues at a senior professional level; both operational and strategic.
•  Experience of managing and supporting a staff team.

For further information, please download the Recruitment Pack. If you are interested in this role, please apply now!

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata for part time employees, increasing with length of service
• Hybrid working for many roles
• Volunteering Leave
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Private medical insurance
• Generous pension (employer contribution up to 10%)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to the Marine Society Digital Library
• Wellbeing portal and EAP with 121 counselling
• Employee development: We are investing in our employees' development and have an annual calendar of learning and development opportunities, designed to support employees to develop into their roles and stretch them to achieve their full potential. 

Additional Information

MSSC positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. Equity, diversity, and inclusion really matters to us, so we can best serve our beneficiaries from every community. We work to ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process and aim to be a charity where diversity of experience, identity and skills are valued and welcomed. MSSC is an equal opportunities employer.

We recognise our responsibilities to safeguard and protect the young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We do all we can to promote their health, safety and wellbeing, and we expect our staff to share this commitment and work in line with safeguarding policy, the MSSC’s values and ethos of inclusivity. We adhere to safer recruitment practices and therefore employment is subject to detailed pre-employment checks for successful candidates, including references and criminal disclosure checks and the completion of a disclosure questionnaire. 

All successful applicants are required to attend safeguarding training and undergo pre-employment checks including a criminal record check.

Lead complex, high-impact services that support people to live well and help shape the future of social care in Southend.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Thursday 26th February 2026
Location: Southend-on-Sea and services-based

About Southend Care

Southend Care is a wholly owned local authority company delivering a broad range of adult social care services, including older people’s care homes, domiciliary care, supported living, mental health services and community-based provision.

Operating across multiple locations with a lean, committed leadership team, the organisation is known for its adaptability, responsiveness and ability to manage change in a challenging and fast-moving environment.

With a refreshed board, new non-executive directors and a renewed focus on culture, engagement and commercial resilience, Southend Care is looking ahead with confidence. We are also on a journey towards providing services for children and young people, so there has never been a better time to join us.

About the role

Southend Care is seeking an experienced, hands-on Director of Operations to play a pivotal role in leading and shaping high-quality social care services across the city. This is a rare opportunity to join a values-driven, commercially aware organisation at an exciting point in its evolution, helping to strengthen operational performance, embed a positive culture and support sustainable growth.

As Director of Operations, you will take overall responsibility for the operational leadership, quality, safeguarding and performance of services. Working closely with the Managing Director and Director of Corporate Services, you will provide visible, credible leadership to managers and frontline teams, ensuring services are safe, person-centred and financially sustainable.

You will play a central role in developing managers, strengthening consistency across services, improving engagement with stakeholders and service users and supporting opportunities for service development and growth.

This is a genuinely hands-on role in a small senior team, requiring someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves while also contributing strategically to the organisation’s future direction.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an operationally strong, people-focused leader with senior experience across social care and a deep understanding of regulated services. You will bring credibility in areas such as safeguarding, quality improvement and service delivery, ideally in older people’s services, domiciliary care, mental health or supported living.

You will be comfortable working autonomously in a lean environment, visible and approachable in your leadership style and confident holding managers to account while building trust and rapport.

Commercial awareness, adaptability and a collaborative mindset are essential, as is a genuine commitment to service user and staff experience.

Above all, you will bring the energy, personality and practical leadership needed to thrive in a close-knit team and help Southend Care continue to evolve and succeed.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Thursday 26th February 2026.

The Vacancy

Job Title: Head of Fundraising, YMCA Essex

Location: Chelmsford

Salary: £55,000 per annum

Weekly Hours: 35

Reference: YMC1154754

Make a lasting impact with YMCA Essex.
We’re embarking on an exciting journey to redevelop our iconic Victoria Road site — creating a vibrant community space that transforms lives. To make this vision a reality, we’re seeking a dynamic Head of Fundraising to lead the generation of income across multiple streams and help shape the future of our organisation.

About the Role
As Head of Fundraising, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering YMCA Essex’s income generation strategy, ensuring sustainable and diverse funding for our redevelopment project and wider community initiatives. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you’ll bring creativity, strategic thinking, and drive to build meaningful partnerships and deliver strong results.

You’ll lead on securing income from a variety of sources including trusts and foundations, corporate partners, major donors, legacies, community fundraising, and social enterprise. With ambitious targets and a clear vision, you’ll identify new opportunities, manage risks, and ensure a healthy return on investment.

This role will also see you collaborate across teams - engaging staff, residents, volunteers and community supporters in our mission. You’ll be a visible and inspiring leader, fostering a culture of energy, growth, and shared purpose.

About You

You are seeking an opportunity where there’s space and scope to build something amazing from the ground up. This means you’ll almost certainly be an experienced fundraiser or income generation professional who thrives on building relationships and achieving results. You’ll combine strategic insight with hands-on delivery and bring a proven track record of meeting ambitious income targets for capital projects.

Key qualities include:

Experience in one or more of the following: trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, major gifts, or community fundraising.

Strong, pragmatic communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to engage senior leaders, donors, and partners.

The ability to innovate, plan strategically, and manage competing priorities effectively.

A commitment to YMCA Essex’s core values of Kindness, Fairness, Professionalism, Perseverance, and Joy.

Why Join Us?
At YMCA Essex, we believe in creating opportunities for everyone to thrive. You’ll be joining a passionate, supportive team driven by a shared purpose - to strengthen our community and change lives for the better.

If you’re ready to bring energy, expertise, and vision to this transformative project, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and be part of something extraordinary.

Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check.

Role Summary

The (Senior) Communications Manager will lead the development and execution of communications to help us win our campaigns. We are looking for a proactive and hands-on team player, who will build relationships with journalists, securing media hits in top mainstream media, ensuring that communications are a strong part of our strategies to win campaigns.  While the position involves broader communications tasks, its core focus is strategic media work — driving impactful coverage, shaping narratives, and ensuring our investigative campaigns gain global visibility. 

Key Responsibilities (Media-Focused)

• Lead proactive and reactive media outreach for multiple high-profile campaigns.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with international, national, and trade journalists, build and maintain our in-house media list.
• Secure high-impact coverage in top-tier outlets and place investigative stories, exclusives, and op-eds.
• Develop media strategies that amplify campaign findings and influence corporate behaviour and policies.

We are a small team, so this is a hands-on role with the focus on press work, but it also requires managing our key communications channels and our website. The Communications Manager will report directly to the CEO and work closely with the team, as well as manage a social media free-lancer and other communications creatives, such as video-editors.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for an experienced communications professional with at least 7 years’ experience in journalism or in leading successful communications for a non-profit organisation, PR agency, or similar. Ideally, you are a creative, hands-on individual with great inter-personal skills, able to form collaborative working relationships with a variety of different stakeholders, ranging from journalists to creative agencies and our NGO partners.

What we are looking for – Skills & Experience

The successful candidate must have:

• Demonstrable experience personally leading media outreach for major investigations or campaigns, with a proven record of securing top-tier international and national coverage (e.g. Financial Times, Guardian, Reuters, AP, Bloomberg, major broadcasters).
• A strong, active network of journalist contacts, and the confidence and instinct to pick up the phone, pitch stories, brief reporters, and manage embargoed launches under tight deadlines.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills in English, with the ability to craft sharp press materials; proficiency in additional languages is an asset.
• Experience coordinating and executing major report launches, working closely with campaigners and partners to shape narratives that cut through, develop media strategies, prepare messaging, and proactively pitch stories to journalists.
• An exceptional eye for detail and an ability to distil complex research into clear, compelling, and accessible media and social-media content.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to balance multiple deadlines, manage fast-moving campaigns, and perform under pressure.
• A creative, strategic mindset, able to think outside the box, introduce innovative communications tactics, and adapt messaging to a rapidly changing external environment.
• Digital fluency, with experience leading online engagement or mobilisation campaigns and an understanding of how digital channels support broader media and campaign goals.
• Willingness and ability to generate regular content to win campaigns, including social media posts, op-eds, blogs, newsletters, and other campaign materials; familiarity with tools such as WordPress, Mailchimp, and Canva.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a collaborative working style, a growth mindset, and a positive, solution-focused, and proactive approach to communications and relationship-building, both internally and externally.
• A commitment to environmental and social justice, with a passion for using communications to drive meaningful systemic change.

It’s a plus if a candidate has:

• Excellent knowledge of and experience working within the environmental and social impact sectors.
• Good knowledge of the use of creative communication tactics, such as short videos.
• Passion to create narrative shifts on complex social issues and personal interest in countering misinformation and greenwashing.

For full details of the role, person specification and salary, please see the attached job description.

About Changing Markets

The Changing Markets Foundation was formed to accelerate and scale up solutions to sustainability challenges by leveraging the power of markets. We create and run campaigns that expose irresponsible corporate practices and shift market share away from unsustainable products and companies towards environmentally and socially beneficial solutions.

We have a successful track record of achieving media coverage in mainstream publications, which has played a critical role in winning our campaigns. We have been running successful campaigns across climate, food, fashion, and circular economy issues, as well as impactful projects, such as a cross-sectoral greenwashing observatory.

We are a Dutch-based not-for-profit stichting (foundation) registered in Utrecht, but this role is based in our London office. Please note candidates require independent right to work in the UK as we do not offer visa sponsorship.

How to Apply

We are working with Oxford HR to recruit this position and the link to apply will take you to their page and details of the application process. If you have any questions about the role please reach out to Oxford HR in the first instance.

Deadline to apply is close of play on 9th February 2026 but please note we will be interviewing on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged.

ACCM (UK) is a Bedford-based charity working to improve the health, wellbeing and equality of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, disadvantaged and marginalised communities. We focus in particular on women, families and young people who experience social exclusion, health inequalities, or are affected by harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriage (FM) and honour-based violence (HBV).

We provide:

• Health & wellbeing support — group activities, wellbeing sessions, one-to-one support, signposting
• Education & skills programmes — ESOL, digital skills, confidence building, employability
• Advocacy & safeguarding — support for victims/survivors of harmful practices and abuse
• Community engagement — outreach, awareness-raising, partnership development
• A community hub at the Cauldwell Community Centre — a welcoming, accessible space for activities, events and services Our vision is a society where harmful practices and abuse are not tolerated and where everyone - regardless of background - has equal opportunity to live in safety, dignity and good health.

Our values are:

• Inclusion and Respect
• Empowerment 
• Community Cohesion 
• Innovation and Partnership
• Accountability.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected organisation at a defining moment. The successful candidate will:

• Build on deep community trust and long-standing relationships 
• Shape the future of Cauldwell Community Centre 
• Strengthen services that support women, families and young people
• Lead the organisation into a sustainable, confident future 
• Put their own stamp on ACCM(UK)’s next phase of growth.

You will be joining a supportive Board and staff team committed to making this transition a success.

The closing date for applications for this position is Friday 30th January 2026 by 5pm.

Interviews will take place on 18th February 2026 (with the possibility of alternative arrangements being made dependent on your circumstance and availability).

Primary Purpose:

The Head of Services is a key member of Age UK Cheshire’s Senior Leadership Team, designated Safeguarding Lead, and leads all aspects of the organisation’s service operations.
Following the successful integration of existing services, this role will work closely with a supportive CEO and board on the next phase of development of our new organisation, building on the strong history and reputation of two charities, to meet the needs of a growing ageing population across Cheshire.
The successful candidate will understand the strategic need to combine impactful data with storytelling, influencing internal and external stakeholders to join us in our mission.
The role involves representing Age UK Cheshire externally, championing the voices of older people, to influence decision makers and commissioners to help ensure older people aren’t forgotten in a challenging funding environment.

Additional Information: 

Rising poverty, digital exclusion and rural isolation are creating a perfect storm of loneliness for thousands of older people. Age UK Cheshire is a local, independent charity dedicated to supporting older people across the whole of Cheshire. We offer a lifeline for people in later life to access the information and support they need.

If you embody our values of respectful, honest and person centred, and are passionate about supporting those who built the world we now live in, we’d love to hear from you.

You’ll be joining Age UK Cheshire at a pivotal time following the merger of Age UK Cheshire and Age UK East Cheshire in July 2024. Following the successful integration of existing services, you’ll work closely with a supportive CEO and board on the next phase of development of our new organisation, building on the strong history and reputation of two charities, to meet the needs of a growing ageing population across Cheshire.

You’ll have a strategic vision for developing and future proofing services, whilst staying close to operational realities. You will lead the delivery of measurably impactful services, and ensure our resources are directed where they can make the greatest difference for older people across Cheshire.

You’ll understand the strategic need to combine impactful data with storytelling, influencing internal and external stakeholders to join us in our mission.

You’ll represent Age UK Cheshire externally, championing the voices of older people, to influence decision makers and commissioners to help ensure older people aren’t forgotten in a challenging funding environment. You’ll build strong relationships and partnerships across the local authorities, NHS, and voluntary sectors.

This is also a people leadership role. You'll develop and manage a team, creating a high-performing culture where accountability and support go hand in hand. You'll role-model best practice, share knowledge freely, challenge constructively, and coach colleagues to develop their own approach.

This role offers a unique chance for an experienced service-delivery leader to shape the future of a respected local charity, drive innovation and impact — in a supportive, values led culture with an ambitious and passionate team.

Together we can make Cheshire a place where older people are not only seen, but respected and valued every day.