316 Head of partnership jobs

Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses and coaches unemployed women for success at their job interview. We empower each woman by giving her the clothes and the confidence she needs to succeed.

After visiting Smart Works, 68% of clients secure a job, gaining financial independence and transforming their lives.

The Smart Works service is delivered in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Newcastle, Reading, Bristol and Leeds. Over the past ten years, Smart Works has helped over 50,000 women, and last year alone we reached 10,600 women. It is our mission that any woman who needs our service should be able to find her way to a Smart Works centre.

In 2025 we launched our new 5-year strategy- we are aiming to build a future where every woman, at any stage of her career, can access trusted, personalised support to secure employment. We aspire to be local in feel, national in reach, shaped by the voices of women, valuing every story and every success.

About the Role

The South London Centre Manager will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day management, smooth running and development of the South London centre and Smart Works service in Croydon.

They will oversee the delivery of a high-quality Smart Works service, to include managing centre operations, leading and supporting the volunteer community, and building strong relationships with local partners and stakeholders, to ensure that Smart Works is well-embedded in the South London community.

The Centre Manager will be a highly organised and proactive individual who enjoys making things happen. They will be equally comfortable managing the practical running of a busy public-facing centre, supporting clients and volunteers, representing Smart Works externally and identifying opportunities to grow the service.

They will be a natural relationship builder who is able to create a vibrant, friendly and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.

The role would be based in the South London centre, and there will be occasional evening and weekend work for which staff are awarded TOIL. There will also be an expectation that this role may need to visit other Smart Works London centres or travel for outreach events and activities throughout the city.

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and a cover letter which answers the following questions by 29th September at 5pm. Your application should be addressed to Fiona Hollow, Head of London Service Delivery

• Why do you want to work for Smart Works? (Max 250 words)
• How will you create a positive atmosphere and environment for clients, volunteers and staff members in our South London centre? (Max 250 words)
• Tell us about a time you have worked effectively in a team to solve a problem. (Max 250 words)

1st round interviews will take place on Monday 5th October and will be virtual. If you are unable to attend a virtual interview for any reason, please let us know to discuss another arrangement.2nd round interviews will take place on Friday 9th October and will be in person in Croydon.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or alterations for the application and recruitmentprocesses, please reach out to us.

Smart Works is committed to best practice employment practices, including reducing the burden for those seeking work. Smart Works will therefore reimburse reasonable costs of travel to interviews if required.

The Executive Director will provide strategic, operational and financial leadership for East London Dance, working in close partnership with the Creative Director & CEO to deliver the organisation’s vision and business plan, strengthening its position as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. The role leads people, culture, finance, governance, risk, operations, fundraising and stakeholder engagement, ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable, well-governed and equipped to deliver high-quality artistic and community programmes.

As a senior ambassador, the Executive Director builds strong relationships with funders, partners, trustees and stakeholders, while fostering an inclusive, collaborative and values-led culture. The role creates the conditions for a thriving team, turning creative ambition into organisational reality and supporting East London Dance’s long-term success.

We’re looking for someone who can help turn our ambition into a sustainable, thriving future – building the relationships and the funding that will carry us forward, and doing it alongside a team that already cares deeply about the organisation.

If you’re someone who loves building things, who knows how to bring people and money together, and who wants to help shape what east London’s cultural life looks like for years to come – we’d love to hear from you.

Job requirements:

Must bring substantial senior leadership experience, ideally Director, Deputy CEO or equivalent level, with evidence of strategic planning, organisational growth and performance management. Must have a proven track record in fundraising, business development and income generation, including securing funding, managing funder relationships and identifying new commercial or partnership opportunities; experience leading high-performing teams, managing change and strengthening organisational culture; strong financial acumen, including understanding budgets, balance sheets and financial decision-making; knowledge of charity governance, safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and risk management frameworks; experience working with Boards of Trustees. Must demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, be confident using Microsoft Suite, and have knowledge of ACE funding and reporting requirements.

Job Responsibilities:

Provides strategic, operational and financial leadership with Creative Director & CEO. The role translates the Business Plan into action, leads staff, freelancers and consultants, and develops an inclusive, high-performing culture. Key responsibilities include workforce planning, recruitment, HR compliance, performance management and staff wellbeing. The role oversees organisational systems, administration, IT and the operation of Talent House, including health and safety, compliance, venue hire and stakeholder relationships. They co-lead budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash flow monitoring and audit processes, while driving fundraising and income generation across grants, trusts, partnerships, sponsorship and earned income. The role also leads governance, risk management and business continuity planning, supports the Board of Trustees, develops strategic partnerships, represents the organisation externally and strengthens its profile, impact and long-term sustainability.

Apply via the East London Dance Website by Thursday 8 October, 12 Noon

About the role:

Step into a role where your drive, resilience and belief in young people can truly change lives. As a Young Person’s Worker in Camden, you will be right alongside young people at risk of homelessness, helping them move from uncertainty towards stability and independence. This is hands on, purposeful work where every day matters, and where your determination can unlock real opportunity for those who need it most.

In this role, you will manage a caseload of young people, building trusted relationships and empowering them to lead their journey forward. You will create and review personalised support and safety plans, support moves into independent accommodation, and help young people take confident steps into education, training or employment. Working within a trauma informed and strengths based approach, you will champion each young person’s goals while developing practical life skills such as budgeting, self care and cooking. You will also support access to essential services including mental health support, housing advice and employment pathways, motivating and coaching young people to take ownership of their futures.

At Single Homeless Project (SHP), you will be part of a tenacious, values driven team that does not shy away from challenge and believes in doing things differently to achieve lasting change. We will support your ambition with ongoing training, development and the chance to grow your career while making a genuine impact. If you are ready to bring your energy, compassion and persistence to a role that truly matters, we would love to hear from you.

*This role includes sleep-in shifts as part of the rota at Cecil Court, which are paid at an additional rate on top of your salary.

About you:

• You bring experience working with young people in the community and in accommodation services.
• Your toolkit includes practical skills in motivation and coaching young people
• Your approach is creative, analytical, trauma-informed and rooted in a strengths and recovery model.
• You can creatively inspire opportunities for our young people to thrive and to develop to their highest potential.
• A non-judgmental approach to working with complex needs young people and to promote a strengths-based approach and an understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Strong team-working and interpersonal skills, maintaining a collaborative approach to supporting young people achieve the outcomes and goals we support them to set for themselves.

About Us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important Info:

Closing Date: Sunday 4th October at midnight

Interview date: Tuesday 13th, Wednesday 14th and Friday 16th October at SHP Head Office in Kings Cross

Please note there will be a second stage interview in service for suitable candidates

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant.

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications with insufficient/without current right to work or requiring sponsorship will not be accepted for this role. 

To develop policy goals and recommendations in line with Women for Refugee Women’s (WRW) overarching campaigns strategy to improve the lives of women seeking asylum in the UK; to develop and deliver policy interventions such as policy briefings, evidence for parliamentary committees, responses to inquiries and consultations; to plan and carry out research projects for influencing purposes, ensuring that these are informed by and co-delivered with women in WRW’s network.

We are part of the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative. The network supports inclusive recruitment of people with lived experience of the UK asylum or immigration system. If this is your experience, you can find useful resources on the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative website.

London Youth Gateway is a sector leading service supporting 18-25 year-olds facing homelessness or rough sleeping across the capital. Our mission is to make sure young Londoners bounce back quickly and safely in times of crisis and to prevent or solve their homelessness for good. You will be playing a leading role in helping to shape the work of the partnership, its collaborative processes as well as its connections with each of the London local authorities.

This is a key role in our organisation, and we are looking for someone with demonstrable experience in partnership and stakeholder engagement who knows how to get and keep people on board to meet mutual or differing needs. The ideal candidate will be a confident communicator and persuasive negotiator with an eye for detail. You will be able to facilitate multi-agency meetings and collaboration, hold responsibility for regular reporting to the commissioner, and contribute to our broader policy and influencing work. We have big ambitions for an organisation our size, so we are on the look-out for someone who can work at their own initiative, support our different teams, and is not afraid to get hand-on with administrative tasks, while tuning into partner priorities and sniffing out great opportunities to connect.

Key details

• Contract type and hours: The role is full-time (35 hours per week), Monday-Friday. Some work over the Christmas period will also be required.

• Starting salary: £39,634. Salary scale AP32 (£39,634) to AP36 (£44,348).

• Location: New Horizon Youth Centre, 68 Chalton Street, London, NW1 1JR

• Application deadline:9am, Monday 21 September

• How to apply: complete our application form below, submit your CV and write a 2 page cover letter/supporting statement. Please don't include your name or address in your CV or cover letter.

About School of Hard Knocks

School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is one of the UK’s leading education charities, working in 29 secondary schools across England, Scotland, and Wales. Using rugby as a key delivery tool, we support young people who are struggling to engage in early secondary education - often because of anxiety, low confidence, disrupted home lives, or behavioural challenges rooted in trauma. For many of the children we support, life has already brought more hardship than most adults experience in a lifetime. Our purpose is clear: to help young people facing complex challenges break the cycle and move towards a safer, stronger, more hopeful future.

The SOHK Schools Programme is a two-year intervention working with cohorts of around 20 pupils from Year 7 through to Year 9. Pupils are selected by the school and are typically among the hardest to reach young people. Each week, we deliver half a day of rugby training and classroom sessions built around our 3Cs framework, covering topics such as growth mindset, goal setting, and decision-making, alongside monthly one-to-one sessions with every pupil. The programme’s impact is evaluated by SOHK staff, teachers, parents, and the pupils themselves.

90% of our participants report feeling more confident and more engaged with school after taking part, with long-term effects on attendance, attainment, and life outcomes. Find out more about our Schools Programme.

Since 2023, SOHK has been proud to partner with Impetus, a charity that invests in and supports organisations helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed. This partnership combines investment with strategic and organisational development support, helping to strengthen our impact and set SOHK up for sustainable growth.

We are proud to be delivering long-term programmes that meaningfully reach hundreds of young people each year - but the societal need is vast. Our ambitious four-year strategic plan targets growth, aiming to bring our impactful programme to hundreds more young people each year.

“Despite the usual challenges that every education or sport for development charity faces, School of Hard Knocks really is unique. It is not so much what we deliver at a programme level (which is of course brilliant) but who we are as a team. If you are a values-led leader and love the idea of ‘team’, then School of Hard Knocks is the place for you.”

- Ken Cowen, Founder and outgoing CEO

The Role

The CEO is the public face and leader of SOHK, responsible for the overall strategic direction, vision, and management of the charity - ensuring SOHK meets its mission and strategic objectives while maintaining strong relationships with Trustees, staff, supporters, and the wider SOHK community. We’re looking for a mission-driven charity leader and effective fundraiser, capable of building a sustainable growth model.

Strategy and Direction

● Be the face and voice of the charity - its principal ambassador

● Lead the development and periodic review of SOHK’s strategy with the Trustees and Senior Management Team

● Translate the 2026-30 strategy into organisational priorities, plans, and goals

● Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing, and the lived experience of young people remain central to every decision and growth plan

Programme Delivery, Quality and Impact

● Hold a high bar for programme quality and outcomes for young people

● Line-manage and support the Director of Programmes, working with delivery teams and partners to build a world-class, evidence-based intervention

● Ensure SOHK can evidence the impact of its programmes, with insights feeding back into constant improvement

Income Generation, Fundraising and External Relations

● Lead income generation across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and challenges and events

● Line-manage and support the Head of Fundraising in executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy

● Hold senior relationships with funders and partners, building SOHK’s brand, reputation, and profile

Leading People, Culture and Operations

● Build and lead a high-performing Senior Management Team

● Foster a positive, inclusive, high-performing culture aligned with SOHK’s values

● Line-manage and support the Director of Finance & Operations, ensuring operational excellence

Governance and the Board

● Act as the primary link between the organisation and the Trustees

● Attend all Trustee meetings (held quarterly) and provide timely, accurate reporting

● Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and Charity Commission requirements

About You

Essential

● Proven senior leadership experience in the charity, education, youth, or social impact sector - whether as CEO or as part of an executive team - including working directly with a Board of Trustees

● Demonstrated success in building or significantly growing an organisation, programme, or initiative

● A collaborative and values-led leadership style, with the ability to inspire trust, hold people to account, and build high-performing teams

● Strong track record of income generation, including securing significant funding from trusts, foundations, corporates, or major donors

● Experience of financial oversight, budgeting, and organisational planning at a senior level

● Strategic thinker, able to translate vision into clear plans and delivery

● Strong relationship-builder and communicator, confident with a wide range of stakeholders

Desirable

● Previous charity CEO experience - a bonus, but not essential; we know brilliant candidates come from a wide range of backgrounds

● Direct classroom, youth work, or education leadership experience

● Knowledge of the UK education system and youth policy landscape

● Experience of scaling a multi-site delivery organisation and working with local authorities

Personal Attributes

● Deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people, especially those facing disadvantage

● Resilient and persistent, able to work under pressure and navigate setbacks

● Collaborative, open, and reflective leader who seeks feedback and learns from it

Terms of Appointment

Contract type

Full-time, permanent

Location

Greater London, with offices in Edinburgh & Cardiff

Salary

£85,000 – £90,000 per year + £5,000 PRP

Reports to

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Direct reports

Director of Programmes; Head of Fundraising; Director of Finance & Operations

Travel

Regular UK travel, primarily to Edinburgh and Cardiff. Occasional evenings for stakeholder engagement and fundraising events

Trustee meetings

Quarterly, in London, in the evening, plus ad hoc subcommittees

This is an exciting opportunity to lead IRMO’s Advice service. As Advice Casework Manager you will oversee both immigration and welfare & housing casework, managing casework allocation and maintaining rigorous standards across all work. You will provide line management, support staff development and oversee monitoring and evaluation to create accurate reports for funders and senior management. You will also manage a personal caseload, in line with your previous experience. 

IRMO’s Advice service provides trusted information, resources, advice and casework in Spanish and Portuguese on key areas of need, including immigration, welfare entitlements, housing and homelessness prevention. IRMO is accredited by the Advice Quality Standard (AQS) and the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) at Level 3. We are also members of Advice UK and receive second-tier support from Southwark Law Centre.

As part of our Advice for All partnership, you will oversee the delivery of our Advice Workforce Development Programme, working in close collaboration with our partner organisations. This includes supporting the training and development of year-long cohorts of immigration and welfare & housing trainees, as well as strengthening the skills and practice of our existing advice workforce. 

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring strong experience as a senior caseworker and line manager, with a track record of delivering high-quality advice against targets and communicating impact clearly. You’ll be confident in managing people and priorities, with a leadership style that brings out the best in your team.

You’ll also have a strong understanding of the barriers Latin Americans face in accessing immigration, welfare, housing, health and other essential services in the UK, and a genuine passion for advancing the rights and welfare of migrants and refugees.

About the role 

This role sits within Women and Girls Network’s Intake Service and provides high-quality, trauma-informed and survivor-led support to women and girls affected by Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

As an Advice Hub & Sexual Violence Helpline Practitioner, you will be a key first point of contact for survivors, providing one-off and short-term support through WGN’s Advice Hub and Sexual Violence Helpline. You will offer practical advice, advocacy, emotional support, risk and needs assessment, and safety planning via telephone and webchat.

You will also contribute to WGN’s Emotional Support & Resiliency programme, provide specialist guidance to professionals, and help ensure the continued development of accessible, survivor-centred services.

Job description 

As the Advice Hub & Sexual Violence Helpline Practitioner, you will:

• Deliver one-off and short-term support, advocacy, information and safety planning to survivors via telephone and webchat.
• Undertake risk and needs assessments and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
• Deliver structured emotional support sessions for survivors of sexual violence.
• Provide specialist advice and consultation to professionals supporting survivors of VAWG.
• Support survivors to understand their rights, options and available services.
• Work within an intersectional, feminist, anti-oppressive and trauma-informed framework.
• Contribute to the effective delivery, development and promotion of the Advice Hub and Sexual Violence Helpline services.
• Maintain accurate records, monitoring information and partnership relationships to support high-quality service delivery.

Closing date and interviews

This vacancy will close at 23:59pm on Thursday 8 October 2026. Interviews will take place shortly thereafter, and shortlisted candidates will be notified of the arrangements.

We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close the vacancy before the advertised closing date should we receive a high volume of applications or identify a suitable candidate.

Interviews may be conducted either in person or remotely, depending on panel availability and logistical requirements.

About us 

Women and Girls Network (WGN) is a pan-London organisation that supports women and girls affected by all forms of gendered-based violence. Our overall aim is to promote, preserve and restore the mental health and well-being of women and girls who have experienced, or are at risk of, gendered-based violence, whilst working towards a society free of gendered-based violence.

We do this by:

• Providing women-only holistic and seamless therapeutic services, which meet women and girls’ needs and contribute to total and sustainable recovery from the experiences of violence.
• Evidencing the impact of gendered-based violence and presenting this information in appropriate forums to affect social change in attitudes towards, and responses to, gendered-based violence.
• Developing good practice in the sector by providing training and guidance on specialist service provision and the development of culturally appropriate service delivery.

WGN is proud to be an accredited Living Wage Employer and a member of The London VAWG Consortium, Halo Code, and Helplines Partnership.

Join us and be part of a team that values your well-being, growth, and contribution.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

We are deeply committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity, resilience and strength of the women and girls we serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black and Global Majority women and applicants with Lived Experience, including those who may not meet every criterion.

WGN is an equal opportunities employer.

Exemption

This post is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1, and is open to female applicants only, due to the nature of the role.

This is a varied and rewarding leadership role that combines operational management, people leadership, and business development. You'll play a key part in growing our impact by developing new partnerships, building strong relationships with stakeholders, and expanding both our on-site and outreach programmes.

To succeed in this role, you'll be a confident and adaptable manager who can balance day-to-day operational demands with strategic thinking and creativity. You'll enjoy problem-solving, prioritising competing demands, and managing a diverse workload where no two days are the same.

We're looking for someone who:
• Has strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop teams
• Can foster positive collaboration across teams and functions
• Has experience building and managing partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Brings commercial awareness and business development experience
• Has experience working in the charity, social care, health, or related sectors

We're looking for someone who:
• Has strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop teams
• Can foster positive collaboration across teams and functions
• Has experience building and managing partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Brings commercial awareness and business development experience
• Has experience working in the charity, social care, health, or related sectors

In return, Thrive offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference every day, working with a values-driven charity that transforms lives through gardening and nature. In addition, you’ll be working in a collaborative and supportive organisation at our National Office, set in 3 acres of beautiful grounds.

Are you an exceptional philanthropy leader with a track record of securing transformational seven-figure gifts? Do you combine outstanding relationship-building with the ability to lead talented fundraising teams and turn ambitious strategy into results?

We’re creating two new Principal Philanthropy Lead roles at GOSH Charity: Principal Philanthropy Lead – Best Chance and Principal Philanthropy Lead – Best Childhood.

These pivotal new positions will strengthen the leadership of our growing Philanthropy programme as we enter an exciting new chapter for fundraising at GOSH Charity. 

As a Principal Philanthropy Lead, you’ll join the Philanthropy leadership team, lead a team of eight colleagues including three Senior Managers, personally secure significant philanthropic investment and act as a deputy to the Head of Philanthropy.

Principal Philanthropy Lead – Best Chance will lead philanthropy across pioneering medical research, innovation and new treatments, as well as our growing US Giving programme. The role will help shape our next major fundraising campaign, significantly increasing our ambition for philanthropic investment in research and innovation. It will also offer senior leadership for Fundraising Research, our prospecting, insight and due diligence service across Relationship Fundraising.

Principal Philanthropy Lead – Best Childhood will lead philanthropy across our hospital environment, capital infrastructure and patient and family experience, including senior leadership of the final phase of our £300m Build It. Beat It. appeal and the transition towards our next major campaign. The role will also offer senior leadership for Stewardship across Relationship Fundraising, supporting exceptional supporter experiences, impact reporting, recognition and engagement.

Salary

The salary for these positions is £71,831 per annum.

In line with our EDI strategy and Total Reward policy, we calculate our salaries based on benchmarking data across the charity sector. To ensure fairness for existing staff and new joiners, we do not offer salaries above the advertised rate.

We operate a hybrid working policy of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office with Monday as the fixed in-person Philanthropy team day.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead philanthropy fundraising across Best Chance or Best Childhood, shaping strategy and securing transformational support for GOSH Charity’s most ambitious priorities.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of eight colleagues, including three Senior Managers, fostering collaboration, ambition and exceptional performance.
• Personally deliver an annual fundraising target of £2m+, managing high-value relationships and securing significant gifts from philanthropists, trusts and foundations.
• Act as a deputy to the Head of Philanthropy, contributing to overall philanthropy strategy, business planning and performance, while building influential relationships with senior volunteers and stakeholders.
• Provide senior leadership for key strategic priorities: 

For Best Chance: the transition to our next major campaign, US Giving and Fundraising Research across Relationship Fundraising; 

For Best Childhood: the final phase of Build It. Beat It., transition to next campaign and Stewardship across Relationship Fundraising.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Significant experience leading philanthropy, major gifts or principal gifts fundraising, with a proven track record of income growth and securing seven-figure+ gifts.
• Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills, with experience engaging philanthropists, high-net-worth individuals, trusts and foundations, senior volunteers and executive stakeholders.
• Strong strategic and people leadership, with experience developing high-performing teams and translating organisational priorities into ambitious fundraising plans.
• Experience managing and soliciting a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects, alongside strong judgement, resilience and the ability to lead through complexity and change.
• Relevant large-scale fundraising experience: for Best Chance, research fundraising, international philanthropy or similar programmes; for Best Childhood, capital or major fundraising appeals.

About the team

 You’ll join our ambitious Philanthropy team, working with high-net-worth individuals, charitable foundations and other influential supporters to secure transformational investment in the research, innovation, capital and patient experience projects at the heart of GOSH Charity’s work.

The team secures a significant number of £1m+ gifts and is at the forefront of delivering some of the Charity’s most ambitious fundraising priorities. 

This is a particularly exciting time to join us. Alongside completing the £300m Build It. Beat It. appeal to help deliver the world-leading Children’s Cancer Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital, we are shaping the next chapter of philanthropy fundraising.

Our new strategy is centred around two pillars – Best Chance and Best Childhood – which will form the foundation of an exciting new fundraising appeal. Our Philanthropy team will play a central role in bringing this ambition to life and securing the transformational support that helps give every seriously ill child the best chance, and the best childhood, possible.

The creation of these two Principal Philanthropy Lead roles represents an important investment in the team’s future: increasing our leadership capacity, strengthening day-to-day leadership and creating clearer development and succession pathways as our programme grows.

DBS - note a basic DBS check is required for this role

How to Apply

Please click on the apply button in the top right-hand corner where you will be taken to a short application form to complete.

Closing date: 23 September 2026

First interviews will be held: Tues 6 / Wed 7 October 

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and we reserve the right to close the roles prior to the closing date should suitable applicants be found. Therefore, you are encouraged to apply early to avoid disappointment.

Worcester Community Trust (WCT) is looking for a Director of Services to provide strategic and operational leadership for our community-based services. The postholder will be responsible for ensuring services are high quality, responsive to local need, financially sustainable and delivered in line with contractual, legal and organisational requirements.

The role will provide leadership and oversight to relevant Contract Managers, Team Leads and service teams, ensuring effective performance management, contract delivery, budget control, risk management, partnership working and continuous improvement. The postholder will contribute to WCT-wide strategy and work closely with the CEO, fellow Senior Leadership Team members and the Board of Trustees.

About Worcester Community Trust

Worcester Community Trust (WCT) is a registered charity that runs six community centres across Worcester, providing facilities and services for people of all ages. We aim to be at the heart of thriving communities — connecting people, building confidence, and empowering positive change.

Our services aim to increase feelings of wellbeing, reduce loneliness and isolation, offer specialist support for survivors of domestic violence, support people into training, education and employment and work with people to deliver local services especially for young people, families and older people.

Vision: To work with residents to build communities where people feel connected, supported and empowered

Mission: Bringing Communities Together by enabling the provision of services and activities for all.

Our values:

• Collaborative – we acheive more together with local people and partners.
• Inclusive – we welcome diversity and value uniqueness.
• Ambitious – we drive progress through innovation and creativity.
• Delivering Excellence – we invest in our people and infrastructure to provide high-quality services.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Strategic Leadership and Service Development

• Contribute as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team to WCT’s organisational strategy, business planning and future development.
• Provide strategic leadership for the community-based services portfolio, ensuring services remain relevant, effective and aligned with WCT’s mission, values and strategic priorities.
• Use service data, community insight, evaluation and feedback to identify opportunities for improvement, innovation and growth.
• Work with the CEO and colleagues to identify funding and partnership opportunities that support the sustainability and development of services.

People Leadership and Management

• Lead, support and develop managers and team leads within the service area, setting clear expectations and ensuring effective supervision, performance management and communication.
• Promote a positive, accountable and inclusive culture that encourages teamwork, professional development, initiative and continuous improvement.
• Ensure staffing structures, deployment and resources are appropriate to contractual requirements, service demand and available budgets.
• Support recruitment, induction, development and, where required, formal peoplemanagement processes in line with WCT policy.

Contract, Performance and Quality Management

• Oversee the implementation and delivery of multiple contracts, grants and commissioned services across the community-based portfolio.
• Ensure clear systems are in place to monitor outputs, outcomes, quality, contractual milestones and service-user experience.
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative information and produce clear, accurate reports for funders, commissioners, the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.
• Ensure subcontracted or partner-delivered activity is appropriately monitored and managed where applicable.
• Address underperformance promptly and support managers to implement effective improvement plans.

Financial Management and Sustainability

• Lead the development and management of service budgets, including budgets of significant value, ensuring expenditure remains within agreed funding and organisational parameters.
• Monitor income, expenditure, forecasts and variances in partnership with the Head of Finance & Resources and relevant managers.
• Ensure resources are used efficiently and that services demonstrate value for money and financial sustainability.
• Contribute to funding applications, tenders, business cases and service-costing activity where required.

Risk, Governance and Compliance

• Identify, assess and manage risks relating to service delivery and ensure significant risks are escalated through WCT’s organisational risk-management arrangements.
• Ensure services comply with contractual requirements, WCT policies, data protection requirements, safeguarding arrangements and relevant legislation and guidance.
• Contribute to the development and review of organisational policies and procedures within the postholder’s areas of responsibility.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries, confidentiality and information-governance standards.

Partnerships and Representation

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with commissioners, funders, statutory agencies, VCSE organisations, local communities and other partners.
• Represent WCT professionally at strategic and operational partnership meetings, networks and forums.
• Promote collaboration across WCT services and with external partners to improve pathways, reduce duplication and strengthen outcomes for local people.
• Protect and enhance the reputation of WCT in all internal and external relationships.

Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Organisational Responsibilities

• Actively promote a culture in which safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and ensure
  concerns within the service area are managed and escalated in accordance with WCT
  procedures.
• Adhere to WCT’s safeguarding, Health & Safety, GDPR, equality, professional boundaries, social media and Code of Conduct requirements.
• Complete mandatory training and maintain the knowledge required for the responsibilities of the role.
• Promote equality of opportunity, dignity and respect for employees, volunteers, partners and service users.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the seniority and responsibilities of the post, as reasonably required by the CEO.

• Adhere to WCT’s safeguarding, Health & Safety, GDPR, equality, professional boundaries, social media and Code of Conduct requirements.
• Complete mandatory training and maintain the knowledge required for the responsibilities of the role.
• Promote equality of opportunity, dignity and respect for employees, volunteers, partners and service users.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the seniority and responsibilities of the post, as reasonably required by the CEO.

For full details including a Person Specification, please download the Recruitment Pack here

What you get…

• Be part of an amazing, welcoming passionate community.
• Put your skills to use to create positive social impact.
• A voice and input into shaping and influence services and decisions.

What we offer…

• Holiday – 25 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata for PT staff) plus an extra day of birthday leave and two additional self-care days
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Access to Westfield Health which provides a range of benefits towards health & wellbeing as well as support with essential healthcare (after completion of probationary period)
• Free Parking
• Life Assurance and a pension contribution of 3%
• Access to professional bereavement and probate support
• An annual celebration and investment review
• A blue light card scheme

Representing the City

WCT is committed to equality of opportunity, fairness and inclusion, and to being representative of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.

To apply please visit our website.

Closing Date: Sunday 4th October 2026

The Senior Philanthropy Officer will work closely with our Philanthropy Managers, Head of Philanthropy and colleagues across the organisation to lead complex funding proposals and manage a portfolio of higher-value donor relationships and grants, ensuring that our policies and procedures are followed.

As YoungMinds’ Senior Philanthropy Officer, you will play a key role in our Philanthropy team, providing an intermediate level of seniority between our Philanthropy Officer and Philanthropy Managers. You will take ownership of prospect pipeline development and lead or support stewardship of a range of major donor and Trust and Foundation partners and prospects, acting as a bridge between operational fundraising delivery and strategic partnership development.  It’s a role that engages with colleagues across the organisation, at all levels, and will give you the opportunity to work closely with them to maximise income from major six- and seven-figure partnerships.

You will build excellent, trusting relationships with trusts, foundations and major donors, developing compelling, cause-led propositions and providing proportionate, high-quality account management and stewardship. You will identify and develop larger-scale funding opportunities, think creatively about stewardship opportunities and events, and manage risk and sensitivity in donor relationships with confidence.

As our Programmes Officer, you will play a key role in supporting grant partners, community engagement activities and effective grant and event administration. Working closely with colleagues, partners and local communities, you will help ensure our programmes are delivered through strong relationships, accurate records and high-quality administrative support. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Being responsible for the grants administration of 40 Regional Programme partners and grants made in Portsmouth, including ensuring due diligence across governance, finance and safeguarding.
• Providing a first point of contact for Regional Programme and local grant partners.
• Managing grant partnerships, ensuring due diligence is met across governance, finance and safeguarding.
• Supporting local grants, events and community engagement activities in Portsmouth.
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with partners, community stakeholders and voluntary sector organisations.
• Maintaining the grants database with accurate and up to date information.

If you are proactive, well organised and dependable, with strong organisational and administrative skills, and a connection to Portsmouth, we'd love to hear from you.

About the team

The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships. 

The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.   

Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve. 

About this role

The Development Director (Philanthropy) provides strategic leadership across Impetus’ philanthropy and stewardship portfolio, with responsibility for relationship management, renewal, growth and selected new business activity. The postholder will work with high-value funders, including corporate partners, trusts and foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.

In 25/26, the Philanthropy and Partnerships team generated £11m in philanthropic income, alongside £2.8m in pro bono contributions. The Development Director will play a key role in delivering Impetus’ growth ambitions, supporting the increase in philanthropic income to £14m by 2029. 

Working closely with the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear stewardship, renewal, relationship-growth and selected new business plans, ensuring strong donor retention, high-quality engagement and sustainable growth in high-value income.

Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will oversee the donor lifecycle across the philanthropy portfolio, with particular focus on strategic stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and the effective transition of selected prospects into long-term donor relationships. They will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure donor relationships and selected funding opportunities, while working with colleagues to ensure the philanthropy pipeline, stewardship plans and account management disciplines are strong.

Working collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and with colleagues across the organisation, the Development Director will ensure a joined-up approach to donor stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and selected donor acquisition, maximising income, partnership value and long-term impact within the agreed fundraising strategy.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Relationship Management & Growth

• Own and oversee strategically significant donor and partner relationships at six and seven-figure levels, ensuring high levels of retention, satisfaction, trust, income growth and long-term value.
• Set and embed best practice stewardship standards, ensuring donors receive timely, consistent, high-quality and relevant engagement and communications throughout their relationship with Impetus.
• Work closely with the wider team to ensure a smooth transition between new business, and long-term stewardship.
• Ensure account plans for priority donors and partners include clear renewal and growth pathways; engagement and risk-management plans.
• Act as senior relationship owner where required, modelling strong stewardship and coaching the Head of Philanthropy and other colleagues to navigate complex or sensitive relationships.

New Business: Pipeline & Conversion 

• Personally lead on select six and seven-figure level priority prospects and strategic funding opportunities, managing the full fundraising cycle from qualification to close.
• Work with trustees, senior volunteers and networks to support warm introductions, relationship development and follow-up, in line with agreed new business and stewardship priorities.
• Work with colleagues to translate Impetus’ impact, evidence base and venture philanthropy model into compelling propositions for donors, prospects and priority audiences.

Performance and KPI Reporting

• Accountable for ensuring effective implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of fundraising performance frameworks, KPIs and reporting disciplines.
• Use performance data and insight to improve team effectiveness, inform portfolio planning and resource recommendations, and identify opportunities for retention, renewal and growth.
• Oversee philanthropy portfolio data quality, reporting and forecasting, ensuring robust systems and processes.
• Ensure robust systems, processes and performance disciplines are in place to support delivery of agreed philanthropy portfolio objectives and wider fundraising goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and evidence-led decision-making across the philanthropy portfolio and direct team.

Donor Communications

• Provide strategic oversight of donor communications for the philanthropy portfolio, ensuring messaging is clear, compelling, timely and aligned to Impetus’ voice, values and evidence base.
• Work with Communications and Philanthropy colleagues to design and continuously improve philanthropic communications, including cases for support, proposals, pitches, stewardship materials and donor updates.

Leadership and Team Performance

• Line manage and develop the Head of Philanthropy, providing direction, coaching and performance oversight within agreed strategy and priorities.
• Develop the Head of Philanthropy as the operational lead for stewardship, ensuring capability, succession and high performance across their team.
• Set clear objectives and success measures for stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and portfolio delivery, aligned to Impetus’ wider income strategy.
• Build and sustain an inclusive, evidence-led and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, balancing pace and ambition with quality, learning and collaboration.
• Build fundraising and stewardship capability across the team through coaching and consistent, fair and high-quality performance management, including objective-setting, feedback and development planning.

Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value

• Ensure engagement opportunities, including volunteering, pro bono and events, strengthen donor relationships, partnership value and long-term income growth through strong collaboration with colleagues.

Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk

• Ensure philanthropy and selected new business activity complies with due diligence, gift acceptance and risk management requirements.
• Oversee accurate philanthropy pipeline reporting, forecasting and performance tracking, using Salesforce and other systems to ensure insight informs portfolio planning and decision-making.
• Work with Finance and Operations to ensure income is contracted, invoiced, and reported accurately and on time in line with financial controls.
• Identify and escalate strategic, financial or reputational risks associated with donors, prospects and partnerships.

Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation

• Act as a senior ambassador for Impetus, representing the organisation credibly with new donors, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, income planning, and senior leadership discussions.
• Lead philanthropic work on Impetus funds including identifying funding opportunities and risks; shaping prospect pipelines; contributing to cases for support and donor presentations; and develop fund stewardship.
• Champion collaboration across the Philanthropy team, ensuring opportunities are shared, relationships are well managed and expertise is used to maximise income and impact.
• Model Impetus’ values, evidence-led approach and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion across the philanthropy portfolio.

Strategic Leadership

• Work in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to contribute to the fundraising strategy.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, objectives and delivery, ensuring stewardship, renewal and relationship growth contribute to organisational priorities, income targets and long-term growth ambitions.
• Provide strategic oversight of philanthropy portfolio forecasting, budgeting input, pipeline performance and resource recommendations, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and escalated proactively.
• Maximise the contribution of trustees, committees, senior volunteers and wider networks to support donor stewardship, relationship growth and selected new business development.
• Act as a trusted senior adviser to the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, providing insight, challenge and solutions to strengthen philanthropy portfolio performance and wider fundraising capability.
• Deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships where appropriate, within agreed delegations and priorities.
• Build a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, modelling Impetus’ values and supporting continuous improvement.

Person specification

Essential:

Fundraising & new business leadership

• Significant experience in major donor and/or corporate fundraising at six and seven-figure gift level, with a strong track record of securing new income and managing complex partnerships.
• Ability to lead and personally deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, negotiation, and close.
• Proven experience of building, managing, and converting a new business pipeline, balancing ambition with delivery.
• Strong ability to leverage internal and external networks, including trustees, senior volunteers, and professional contacts.

Senior stakeholder engagement

• Experience of operating at a senior level and leading high value or complex stakeholder relationships (trustees, board members, senior external partners).
• Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
• Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to secure mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting organisational values and reputation.

Leadership & people management

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including developing senior colleagues and building leadership capability.
• A strong track record as a collaborative senior team member, contributing beyond own area of responsibility and supporting wider organisational success
• Ability to build a high-trust, high-challenge culture that supports excellence, inclusion, and learning.
• Strong performance management capability and ability to handle complex people issues, giving strategic feedback, and addressing underperformance constructively.
• Ability to deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships when appropriate.

Strategic & intellectual capability

• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate agreed strategy and insight into clear plans and execute them effectively.
• Ability to grasp, interpret apply and communicate complex information and ideas, including Impetus’ venture philanthropy and impact-led funding models.
• Evidence of an innovative and creative approach, with the ability to adapt in changing contexts.

Financial, operational & delivery capability

• Solid financial management, with experience contributing to budget-setting, managing agreed budgets, supporting forecasting and identifying efficiencies.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to delivery, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to a high standard
• Able to use insight and data (including CRM systems such as Salesforce) to inform decisions and strengthen performance.
• Sound judgement in identifying, managing, and escalating risk, particularly in relation to donor relationships and reputation.

Communication, values & ways of working

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate clearly, persuasively, and with impact.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish, maintain, and leverage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to Impetus’ mission and to improving outcomes for young people.
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrated through inclusive leadership and professional practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within venture philanthropy, impact investing, or systems-change funding models.
• Familiarity with private equity, professional services.
• Experience contributing to income growth, donor strategy or portfolio development within an agreed organisational fundraising strategy.
• Knowledge of the UK charity or social impact sector, particularly education, employment, or youth-focused work.
• Experience using CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce) to manage pipelines, performance, and forecasting.

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

Our Values

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Our employee benefits

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.

You will need to:

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.

Interviews:

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 12th October 2026.

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.