Development director jobs

Stewardship Manager
Based at the Diocesan Office, Rochester (with travel across the Diocese)
Full time
Salary: £44,931

Do you have the vision and experience to help churches grow a culture of generosity that supports mission and ministry? Are you able to inspire, equip, and encourage congregations to respond faithfully and joyfully to Christian giving?

The Diocese of Rochester is seeking a Stewardship Manager to play a key role in increasing the financial resources available for mission across the Diocese. Working closely with the Finance Director, Archdeacons, and parish leaders, you will help embed generous giving practices and support churches to develop sustainable approaches to funding ministry.

This is an influential and relational role for someone who can combine theological understanding, financial insight, and strong communication skills to help parishes identify and overcome potential barriers to generosity and grow in confidence around Christian stewardship.

About the Role

You will support parishes and diocesan colleagues in building a culture of generosity and sustainable giving. Your key responsibilities will include:

· Leading the development of a culture of generosity and mutual support across the Diocese

· Working alongside the Finance Director, Archdeacons and colleagues to grow parish giving and develop parish offers

· Teaching and speaking in parishes, deaneries, and online gatherings on Christian generosity and stewardship

· Encouraging and supporting the use of the Parish Giving Scheme and other digital giving tools

· Promoting best practice through parish giving reviews and stewardship initiatives

· Working with the Communications team to promote generosity through a range of media and resources

· Supporting training for clergy and lay leaders on teaching generosity and managing parish finances

· Using data and financial trends to identify barriers to giving and develop practical strategies

· Contributing to diocesan strategy by ensuring generosity and giving are embedded in planning and initiatives

· Creating practical preaching and training resources to support local churches

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

· Has significant experience in fundraising, ideally within a Christian charity or similar context

· Has experience working with high-value donors and developing giving strategies

· Understands the theology and biblical principles of Christian generosity and stewardship

· Is confident in teaching, preaching, and communicating about giving in a range of contexts

· Has strong interpersonal and negotiation skills and can motivate others to embrace new approaches

· Has a strong understanding of finance and the ability to analyse giving trends and data

· Is highly organised and able to manage multiple relationships and projects

· Understands the culture and diversity of traditions within the Church of England

· A communicant member of the Church of England (or a church in communion with it, or a member Church of Churches Together in England, the Council of Churches for Britain and Ireland, or the Evangelical Alliance)

· Able to travel to all areas of the diocese, including during evenings and weekends to meet with parishes.

What we can offer:

• Flexible working and TOIL

• Generous holiday entitlement

• Contributory pension scheme

• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and counselling service

The Diocese is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

The wider a group’s diversity, the smarter, wiser, and more compassionate and creative its decision making becomes.
We are committed to achieving diversity throughout our Diocese by seeking UKME/GMH colleagues and those from a wide range of backgrounds, to help us create a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Closing date for applications: 12 April 2026

Interviews will be held on:  21 April 2026

Location: MSSC National Support Centre, London, SE1 7JY

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Salary: Up to £80,000 gross per annum, depending on experience

Closing Date: 22 March 2026

Are you looking for a new challenge where you can have a positive impact on the lives of young people? We’re looking for an exceptional leader with significant experience of youth, volunteering, safety and business support.

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, while also enabling seafarers and maritime professionals to realise their potential through learning and career development.

Thousands of young people take part in Sea Cadets activity every week. We want to reach thousands more. We have a strong vision and are on the cusp of rolling out a new multi-year growth strategy to meet the growing demand for what we provide for young people. We aim to equip them to achieve their potential and thrive in a rapidly changing world. We are immensely proud of the breadth, quality and safety of activities we offer to young people.

We are looking for an exceptional individual who wants to be at the heart of this project to reach more young people through our extraordinary, highly skilled volunteers. This individual will drive quality and consistency across everything we do.

About the role

The Director of Young People, Volunteer & Business Support is a full-time employee of Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) and reports to the Chief Executive Officer. The post holder is a member of the MSSC Senior Management Team. The post is based at the National Support Centre in London but will require some travel, mostly within the UK, in order to fulfil the responsibilities of the role. The nature of the role will also involve occasional evening and weekend work.

Responsibilities

• Growth, Development & Outreach
• Health, Safety & Environment
• Young People Support & Safeguarding
• Volunteer Support
• Business Support & Legal
• Policy & Impact

Requirements

Knowledge and understanding of health and safety

Knowledge and experience of managing youth safeguarding issues

Knowledge and experience of volunteering and volunteer management

Experience of leading management processes, compliance, assurance and driving change

Experience of leading a large team with strong people management capability and driving high performance including remote management

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

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave per annum, increasing with length of service
• Hybrid working for many roles (minimum 2 days per week in the London office)
• 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 one-to-one counselling
• Employee development

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.

Join a charity rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission and play a central role in our senior leadership team.
This is a rare opportunity to use your finance and people leadership expertise to help shape the future of a well-established, values-driven organisation.

Shared Lives South West delivers long-term and short break care and support across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, enabling people to live fulfilling lives within family homes and communities. We are proud of the quality of our work and the positive, relational culture we have built as an organisation, and we are ambitious about what comes next.

As Deputy Chief Executive, you will join our senior leadership team in a pivotal organisation-wide role leading finance, people and core business functions. Working closely with the Chief Executive and Leadership Team, you will help strengthen financial stewardship, support a thriving and sustainable people culture, and ensure the organisation remains resilient, well-governed and effective.

This is a broad and influential leadership role offering both strategic responsibility and meaningful organisational impact. You will contribute to long-term planning and decision-making, provide leadership depth and continuity, and deputise for the Chief Executive when required.

We are looking for an experienced senior leader with strong organisational finance expertise and a good understanding of people leadership and workforce practice. You may come from the charity, public or wider values-led sector, and you will bring a collaborative, grounded leadership style alongside professional rigour.

For the right candidate, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant contribution to an already high-performing organisation while continuing to grow your own leadership portfolio in a supportive and purpose-driven environment.

For full details and to apply please see Applicant Pack attached. 

Other organisations may refer to roles like this as Deputy CEO, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Finance Director, Director of Finance and Operations, or Executive Director of Corporate Services.

DIRECTOR FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

​​​​​​​Handcrafted seek their new Director for Young People.

• Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week and will consider part time/flexible hours
• Location: Based from one of the hubs in Gateshead or Durham with travel to other hubs 

Do you have significant experience at senior level working with vulnerable young people? 

Can you shape culture and strategy whilst carrying regulatory responsibility, strengthening systems, developing managers and representing our organisation externally?

Can you demonstrate the below?

• Strong strategic leadership skills with the ability to shape vision, drive improvement, and lead organisational development within young people’s services
• In-depth understanding of safeguarding, risk management, trauma-informed practice at senior level
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage young people, teams and external partners

Do you have experience in the following? 

• Leading teams, supervising staff and developing professional practice
• Managing safeguarding concerns, coordinating multi agency responses and ensuring compliance
• Operational leadership within social care, education or supportive housing

You will also have the strong personal commitment to Christian ethos of Handcrafted through prayer, practical action and ways of working. 

Download the candidate pack for full details, responsibilities and person specification.

This role is subject to a DBS check, which will be carried out by the employer. 

If you feel you have relevant skills and experience, please submit your CV and supporting statement to Sandra Smith, via the Charisma Charity Recruitment website.

Key dates:

• Applications are being reviewed by Charisma on a rolling basis, so please apply without delay to avoid disappointment.
• Interviews with Handcrafted: TBC

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, veteran status or other category protected by law.

The Director of Programmes & Learning (DPL) provides strategic, technical, and operational leadership for Amna’s programmes across all geographies, partners, and ecosystem levels. The DPL champions a culture of learning, quality, and continuous improvement, ensuring that all programme strategies and initiatives are designed to advance Amna’s global mission.

Please note that compensation will be benchmarked and weighted according to the cost of living and market standards in the country where the candidate currently resides

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join Reprieve in a senior leadership position that brings together legal, compliance, governance, finance and operational oversight.

The Director (Legal and Operations) will play a central role in ensuring Reprieve runs effectively, is well-governed and has strong foundations for impact. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will be a trusted advisor across the organisation providing expert guidance on organisational legal matters including employment law, compliance, sanctions, data protection, contracts, privilege, and managing relationships with key partners (you will not be responsible for strategic litigation relating to clients or day-to-day casework as these issues are handled by the casework teams).

You will also support the effective functioning of our Board, ensuring strong governance processes and compliance with our charitable and regulatory obligations. A key part of the role is skilled risk management - helping the organisation navigate complexity while enabling rather than constraining our work.

Reporting to the CEO, you will line manage the Head of Operations and Head of Finance, providing strategic direction and support to ensure these functions are operating as effectively as possible and that relevant information is able to be communicated appropriately and clearly to the Board.

This is a role that spans the technical and the operational, requiring someone who is comfortable working across different domains - from legal and compliance questions to organisational functioning, budgets and Board management. We're looking for someone with a sharp legal mind who understands NGO governance, has good judgment and an ability to work collaboratively and effectively with teams across the organisation.

As a small legal NGO, Reprieve punches above its weight, and this role is key to making that possible.

For full details, please read the job description. 

About Reprieve

Reprieve is a leading international human rights organisation working to end the death penalty and abuses committed under the banner of national security. Founded in 1999, our mission remains critically relevant as governments worldwide increasingly adopt authoritarian tactics, expanding executive power at the expense of civil liberties.

You can best judge a society by how it treats prisoners, criminal defendants, and the far-flung targets of an ever-changing counter-terror policy. To us, the rule of law means little if we selectively apply it to people we agree with. It is for all of us. Liberty is always eroded at the margins.

Reprieve’s staff is made up of courageous and committed human rights defenders. We provide vital legal and investigative support to those facing execution and victims of rendition, torture, arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killing, and citizenship stripping. Our work spans multiple jurisdictions, challenging states' most egregious human rights violations through strategic litigation, investigations, and advocacy.

We support cases in courts worldwide while building the legal and political momentum necessary to consign these practices to history.

Based in London with Fellows and partners globally, Reprieve operates at the intersection of law, policy, and human rights, working alongside governments, senior legal practitioners, and civil society to advance systemic change.

We collaborate closely with our independent partner organisation Reprieve US.

Terms

This is a full-time role on a permanent contract. The annual salary is £71,379 per annum, less any required deductions for income tax and national insurance.

This role is based in Reprieve’s London office. Reprieve operates a hybrid working model and we require staff to work 40% of their working hours from the London office and the rest of the week from home. Applicants must have the current right to work in the UK, which will be checked prior to interview.

Further information and how to apply

To apply, please read the full job description and submit a cover letter and CV addressing your interest in the role, and how you meet the criteria (both no more than 2 pages) via the application form on our website by 23:59 GMT on 5 April 2026. Please note that no other documents will be considered for this role and should not be submitted. We are also not able to accept applications via email.  

Job Title: Assistant Director of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnership
Reporting To: Deputy CEO/Director of Fundraising and Communications
Manages: Head of Trusts and Foundations, Head of Corporate Partnerships
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time (36 hours per week, flexible)
Salary band: £58,000 - £66,000 per annum
N.B. To ensure fairness and consistency across Home-Start UK, new colleagues usually join at the first point of the pay band for their role. This helps us maintain a clear and equitable approach to pay for everyone joining our team.

Location: Remote – with regular travel to meetings with donors, for events and to our central office in Leicester for collaborative meetings and team activities.

About Home-Start UK

Home-Start is a federated charity consisting of a central national office – Home-Start UK - and over 170 geographically dispersed local Home-Start organisations, all working together under the same identity.

We recognise that being a parent has never been easy. Every Home-Start volunteer is trained to work alongside parents to overcome the challenges they are facing. We work with parents to build on their strengths and give them the support that they tell us they need. We offer no judgement – just compassionate, confidential help and expert support. This peer-to-peer support is key to the difference Home-Start makes and often our volunteers have lived experience of the challenges their families are facing themselves.

About The Role

This is an important moment for us and for the families we support. Parents of babies and young children are facing huge pressures, and strong, values-driven partnerships matter more than ever. We’re looking for a senior leader who can help us meet this moment with confidence and ambition.

As Assistant Director of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnerships, you will help shape the future of our national work and support our federation of 170+ local Home-Starts working in communities across the UK. You will lead a talented team, build long-lasting relationships, and help make sure Home-Start has the funding, partnerships, and influence it needs to give every child the best possible start in life. This role will suit someone who is motivated by purpose, who values people and relationships, and who is comfortable working across a large and varied network.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record, someone who has already delivered high-value fundraising and partnerships at a senior level and is ready to take on a role with significant national influence. With responsibility for an annual income portfolio of circa £4 Million – with strong potential to grow this over the next 3-5 years to between £6Million-£8Million plus, you will work with a supportive Leadership Team and Board, who have already engaged external philanthropy expertise to develop a strategy and roadmap that you can build on. You’ll need to be confident working with high-value supporters: able to build trust, communicate clearly, and nurture long-term relationships with people who want to invest in families and early years support. You’ll bring the skills and confidence to grow a portfolio that is already strong and take it further, along with the ability to work well with others in a fast-moving environment.

You will be joining a warm, collaborative organisation that believes in the power of community, the strength of families, and the importance of early help. If you feel excited by the chance to make a national difference, to build partnerships based on trust and shared purpose, and to help shape the next chapter of Home-Start’s impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The people at Home-Start are its most important resource. Home-Start UK has been accredited with Investors in People since March 2005, which recognises the commitment we give to developing our staff.

Benefits of working for Home-Start

• Flexible working
• Family friendly policy
• PayCare health cash plan
• Enhanced employer contribution pension
• Learning and development
• DAS Employee Assistance

If it sounds like your type of challenge, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The closing date for applications is Friday 27th March at 4pm.
As part of our recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a full-day assessment centre at our Leicester office on Tuesday 14th April.
The assessment centre will include a mix of individual and group activities designed to understand your strategic thinking, relational approach, and leadership style.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Home-Start UK is committed to Equality of Opportunity and Diversity. We wish to encourage applications from all parts of the community irrespective of gender, race, colour, age, sexual orientation or disability. 

No agencies please.

War on Want challenges the root causes of poverty and injustice. We run impactful campaigns in the UK - and work with partner organisations across the Global South. We are currently relaunching our trade justice campaigning and are looking for an energetic early career campaigner to work on it. 

The trade system sits at the heart of the rigged global economy. It perpetuates social, economic and climate injustice. From fossil fuel corporations suing governments in secret courts, to British mining giants violently extracting minerals from countries in the Global South, to upholding neocolonial patterns of economic inequality. 

Our re-launched campaign will challenge these secret ‘ISDS’ courts and the dangerous global rush for critical minerals, while championing trade justice.

This is a diverse and challenging role. On a typical day, the successful candidate might be planning a panel discussion, producing social media content, meeting an MP, carrying out research, organising a protest, or coordinating with allied organisations. We are looking for an ambitious self-starter with a passion for social justice. 

Take a look at the application pack or get in touch to find out more.

Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for more than 110,000 adults and children in the UK with a muscle-wasting condition. This is a role where you can really make a difference.

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We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of conditions we represent. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and helps us better support our beneficiaries.

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As part of our safer recruitment and safeguarding responsibilities, this role requires a DBS check and professional/character references. We are committed to inclusion and will consider each application fairly.

 

About you:

The Special Events Manager is an exciting role at MDUK, that will sit within the Fundraising team. 

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You'll develop and deliver Muscular Dystrophy UK’s exciting Special Events portfolio.

You'll be working closely with the Associate Director of High Value Engagement

You'll have direct line management of the Special Events Officers to achieve agreed objectives and fundraising targets. 

You'll be working collaboratively within the High Value Engagement team to identify prospects from Special Events that can be stewarded to create long term high value relationships across the organisation.

 

About us:

Muscular Dystrophy UK is a charity that connects a community of more than 110,000 people living with one of over 60 muscle wasting conditions, and all the people around them. So everyone can get the healthcare, support and treatments needed to feel good, mentally and physically. ​

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This is an exciting time to join Muscular Dystrophy UK. We recently launched our new 10 year strategy to transform the lives of people living with muscle wasting conditions. Our vision is clear, a world without limits for people with muscle wasting conditions, and we won’t stop until we achieve it.

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Values and behaviours:

• A positive attitude and approach that reflect the charity’s values.
   
• Seek opportunities to contribute to the development of the charity.
   
• A commitment to and an understanding of disability issues, equality, diversity and inclusion.
   
• Always demonstrate role model behaviour.

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Benefits:

We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We believe in supporting our people both professionally and personally. Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote wellbeing, work–life balance, and career development. Our offer range of benefits includes great pension contributions, life insurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, employee assistance programme, instant retail and events discounts, and much more...
 

Location: We operate a hybrid model (home and office, London SE1). 

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Closing date: Thursday 19th March 2026

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NB Interviews likely to be held on the week commencing Monday 30th March

 

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities

About the Role

We are looking for an exceptional Executive Assistant and Business Coordinator to provide high-level administrative, organisational and governance support to the Director of Membership, Media and Development (MMD) and the wider directorate.

This is a varied and impactful role at the heart of a busy, member‑focused organisation. You will work closely with senior leaders, board members, committees, and cross‑functional teams to support the delivery of key strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Serving as Secretary for the MMD Board; including the relevant Committees and Working Groups; primarily the Nominations Committee, Heritage and Archives Committee, Events and Professional Development Committee and other committees and short life working parties as directed and agreed by the Director
• Managing the Director’s correspondence, diary and appointments, and providing administrative support, such as drafting documents and presentations
• Acting as the main administrative contact (both internally and externally) for the directorate, dealing diplomatically with all enquiries and liaising with other members of the College to ensure good communications
• End to end management of the process for College Awards, from nominations to presentations
• Supporting heritage and archives projects, including ensuring the relevant pages on the College website are kept up to date
• Supporting the directorate’s contribution to the College’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), working with the Governance Team

About You

You will bring proven experience as an Executive Assistant or Business Coordinator, with strong capability in supporting senior leaders and committees. You will have excellent organisational and communication skills, the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure, and a high level of attention to detail with strong written skills. 

You will be confident working both independently and collaboratively, with experience drafting formal correspondence and minutes. An understanding of GDPR, confidentiality and EDI principles is essential, along with strong MS Office skills across Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint. Experience within a membership body or medical education environment is desirable, and you will be educated to degree level or have equivalent relevant experience.

The Package

This is a full-time, permanent position with a competitive employee benefits package, which includes (but is not limited to):

• 26 days of annual leave, plus bank holiday
• 1 additional paid day of leave for the purpose of celebrating your birthday
• Healthcare support through Benenden Health
• Up to 12% pension contribution
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Wellbeing hour once a week
• Cycle to work and employee discounts schemes
• Training and development opportunities
• Access to Mental Health First Aiders and Employee Assistance Programmes

About the College

The Royal College of Anaesthetists is the professional body responsible for the specialty throughout the UK. We are the third largest medical royal college in the UK by membership. With a combined membership of more than 24,000 Fellows and Members, we ensure the quality of patient care by safeguarding standards in the three specialties of anaesthesia, intensive care and pain medicine.

At RCoA Equality, Diversity and Inclusion I is a core part of our culture, so it is important to us that this is reflected in everything that we do. We welcome all individuals irrespective of age, race, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital or civil partnership status, or parental and caring responsibilities to ensure we actively embrace an inclusive and representative culture that encourages, supports and celebrates our differences.

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications, we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates on their application. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted after the closing date.

Applicants must reside and have the right to work in the UK. No agencies please.

Program Director (Youth Employment)

Prospectus is supporting an independent foundation seeking a Program Director (Youth Employment) who can complement the existing team by virtue of their experience in labor market economics, workforce development, value chain transformation, and/or the prioritization of public-sector investment in critical economic sectors.

Program Directors work with their government counterparts to design and support implementation of transformative programs, and many government counterparts are prioritizing youth employment. Program Directors are accountable to the CEO and are responsible for ensuring quality execution of programs; strengthening routine monitoring systems; leading evidence-based decision-making; and driving highly leveraged outcomes.

Program Directors each work on a variety of matters related to human capital development and contribute to programs in different African geographies. You can expect a dynamic environment and a culture of collaboration, innovation, and drive for highly leveraged outcomes.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive experience with complex and large-scale program ideation and implementation, ideally related to youth employment, labor market interventions, value chain transformation, and public-sector investment.
• Good understanding of how governmental departments work, ideally with direct experience working within government.
• Significant interactions at high policy levels within governments, with proven experience in managing complex and politically sensitive relationships with different stakeholders.
• Demonstration of methodical program oversight and management.
• Experienced in the use of programmatic tools such as dashboard creation, program monitoring and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated familiarity with and/or experience working in sub-Saharan Africa.

Terms

• £100,000 – £140,000 + benefits.
• The position is full-time. Staff members working in the London office attend the office five days a week. However, if you have a disability and need a different arrangement as a reasonable adjustment, please let us know. We are committed to supporting an inclusive and accessible workplace and will consider any requests in line with the organisation’s obligations.
• The position will require travel to sub-Saharan Africa
• Equal opportunities employer

How to Apply
To apply for the role, please upload your CV together with a supporting statement (no more than 500 words) onto the Prospectus website.

At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website.

Recruitment Timetable (Subject to Change)

• Deadline for applications: 5th April
• Interviews with Prospectus: 13th – 14th April
• First stage panel interviews: w/c 4th May

About the role

We are seeking an ambitious, strategic and relationship-driven Head of Corporate and Employer Partnerships to lead and deliver a national, high-impact partnerships strategy. This role is central to our growth plans and will generate sustainable income, deepen corporate and employer engagement and create tangible employment outcomes for young people. You will combine commercial instinct with social purpose - building partnerships that deliver measurable impact for young people and clear strategic value for corporate and employer partners. 

Key information

• Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 dependant on experience
• Contract: Full time, Monday-Friday, 9.30 – 5.30mpm with some out of hours work needed for events such as Spear Celebration
• Annual leave: 28 days annual leave (including Christmas gift days) plus bank holidays
• Closing date: Friday 27th March, 09.30am (We are interviewing on a rolling basis and might close the application early if we find the right candidate)
• Interviews: Wednesday 1st April

For more information please read through our Job Specification and Work with Us Pack.

If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Person Specification

• A practising Christian, passionate about personally representing the values and beliefs of Spear, and our mission to equip and support young people facing barriers to employment
• Significant senior-level experience in corporate fundraising, corporate social responsibility, business development or strategic partnerships
• Significant experience within the corporate sector, with an established network of relationships across national businesses and employers
• Proven experience of delivering growth strategies and achieving income target, with a strong track record of securing and managing high-value (£100k+) partnerships
• Demonstrable experience of leading and developing high-performing teams
• Credible, confident and persuasive communicator with excellent relational skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, including C-suite
• Resourceful and proactive, ability to manage multiple priorities, drive projects forward to completion and establish effective processes and structures

We are an office-based organisation and value the collaboration and opportunities to work creatively and build community that this offers us, with staff spending time in the working week both at home and in the London office.

Director of Commercial Services

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

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

About Reading SU

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

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

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

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

About the Role

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key Dates

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

Optional Q/A session with the CEO and Interim Commercial Director: 26th March (time tbc) Email to register (see below)

How to Apply

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

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

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)