Head of volunteer jobs

Designed by families, for families, The Ark was opened in September 2019 by the Mayor of London. The grounds offer wheelchair accessible outdoor experiences, including a Woodland Walk through a 7-acre nature reserve, a hydrotherapy pool and overnight suites for families to be close to their loved ones. At The Ark we are able to provide Specialist Care and Nursing for babies, children and young people, supporting their full clinical, emotional, social and practical needs. We have created a space where children who are seriously unwell are accepted as they are, safe to play, explore, express themselves and build confidence.

Rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, the charity has had a sustained period of growth over the last two years and we are looking for high quality employees to come and be a part of that success.

Our expert staff and trained volunteers provide clinical, emotional and practical support for families across North and Central London and Herts Valley. We carefully adapt our support for every child and offer it wherever it is required - whether in their home, their community or at our state-of-the-art children’s hospice building, The Ark, in Barnet.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

We are seeking a Head of Partnerships & Events to join our highly successful Philanthropy team. In this role, you will work closely with the Director of Fundraising & Communications to develop and enhance our Corporate and Special Events Programme. This is very much a hands-on role of team leadership and direct account management. This includes six figure partners and our key relationships with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, The Dorchester Hotel and international insurer Fidelis. Special Events include our Winter Ball which raises over £500k annual and our Golf Day at around £100k. The post-holder has a key role in the management of our Philanthropy & Corporate Board, which bring together industry leader to help move both these programmes forward. There is great freedom to innovate and a healthy pool of local business with an affinity to our cause. The post-holder takes a key leadership role across fundraising and marketing, working with their peers (Heads) and Director to take strategic decisions for wider benefit of the department. Having invested in the team’s capacity, we aim to grow income from c. £1.5m to £2m over the next few years. This in the broader context of a total voluntary income target for the charity of £5m-£6m.

The Head of Partnerships & Events leads a team of two currently, although this may increase. We have a Corporate Manager and Events Manger with support from the Philanthropy Officer.  You will play a key role in building and maintaining relationships with existing and prospective partners of Noah’s Ark. You will ensure our partners have the best possible experience, making them feel engaged and motivated, valued and informed about the impact of their involvement and help them achieve their organisation’s objectives.

Please refer to the job description for more information on this role.

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from groups who are currently under-represented in our staff.

Our diversity council is working hard to construct positive changes within our organisation. We are a disability confident employer and part of our commitment is to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities.

Organisational Vision & Context:

At TLG, we’re passionate about building an exceptional staff team that’s committed to making a real difference in the lives of struggling children across the UK. We’re always on the lookout for great people to journey with us towards our vision, and we’re excited to offer a unique opportunity for a motivated and mission-driven individual to join our team as Head of Volunteer Programmes.

TLG’s programmes aim to bring fulness of life for every child, no matter what struggles they face. Each programme is different, but the common thread is an unwavering resolve to transform lives for good.

Mobilising over 200 churches and 1,500 volunteers, TLG’s volunteer programmes - Early Intervention and Make Lunch - currently support around 5,000 children and their families each year. However, our vision goes further: we aim to see many more churches partner with us to transform lives for good in their communities.

This Role’s Impact:

We are seeking an experienced people and operations leader who is passionate about the issues of mental health, poverty, and social justice that underpin our volunteer programmes. This role will help us drive even greater impact through our network of church partners.

They will be naturally relational, organised, and collaborative - empowering others to lead where they are and championing the vital role of the local church in community transformation. With an inquisitive and solution-focused mindset, they will be skilled at identifying and guiding new ways of working that strengthen efficiency, productivity and impact.

With excellent people, communication, and training skills, they will lead and develop a staff team responsible for volunteer management, embedding TLG’s culture and values across both programmes. Our new Head of Volunteer Programmes will be a leader who is both operationally sharp and relationally intuitive - able to pioneer with resilience and build a strong, healthy team culture that enables exceptional performance.

TLG is a Christian charity and, as a team, we want to bring our faith to the work we do; as such, we are recruiting an individual with a strong and vibrant Christian faith. We would welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds to enable us to better reflect the needs of the communities we serve.

Hours: Part time, 30 hours per week (0.8 FTE, equivalent 4 days)

Closing Date: Sunday 15th February 2026

Initial Interviews: Monday 23rd February – Online

Final Interviews: Monday 2nd March – at our National Support Centre in West Yorkshire

Have you led transformational change in the third sector – and are now looking for your next big opportunity to make a lasting impact?

If so, you may be the dynamic, strategic and values-driven leader we’re looking for as our Head of Volunteering Development.

This is a senior leadership role with real influence and autonomy. Working with key stakeholders and partners, you’ll lead the development and delivery of a forward-thinking, inclusive Vision for Volunteering for Somerset. With a remit that spans strategy development, community engagement, active citizenship and workforce wellbeing, this role will be key in exploring new and exciting approaches that makes volunteering accessible to all.

You’ll bring proven leadership experience in the third sector, and a track record of strategic planning and delivering change in complex environments. You’ll also have a passion for volunteering, a deep understanding of the volunteer experience, and excellent knowledge and understanding of the national and local volunteering landscape – including the opportunities and challenges.

In return, we offer flexible, hybrid working options, a free Employee Assistance Programme, and up to 7.5 hours of volunteering leave per year.

To find out more about this role, including how you can apply, please visit our website by clicking the button on this advert.

Prison Fellowship (PF) is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated Head of Volunteer & Church Engagement to lead and develop our work with volunteers and churches across England and Wales.

Reporting to the Chief Executive and sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, this role offers both strategic influence and hands-on leadership. You will shape the development of PF’s volunteer engagement and church partnerships, ensuring that volunteers are inspired, equipped and mobilised to deliver transformational support for people in prison and their families.

You will lead volunteer recruitment, induction and leadership development, supporting a large and geographically dispersed volunteer base. Working closely with colleagues, you will help ensure volunteers are aligned with PF’s programmes and priorities, while developing new and innovative ways for people to engage in PF’s work.

A key element of the role is church engagement. You will develop and lead PF’s church engagement strategy, building and sustaining strong relationships with churches across denominations. You will represent PF at churches, events and festivals, and work with the Chief Executive to cultivate relationships with senior and denominational church leaders.

About you

The successful candidate will have experience in volunteer management and leadership development, strong communication and public-speaking skills, and a good understanding of the UK Church. You will be a collaborative and resilient leader, able to think strategically while delivering operationally. Experience in a faith-based organisation is essential, and experience in prisons or criminal justice is desirable.

Working arrangements

The role requires regular travel across England and Wales, flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed, and operates on a hybrid basis combining national travel, home working and PF’s London office.

Genuine Occupational Requirement:
This role is subject to a Genuine Occupational Requirement for the post holder to be a practising Christian, in accordance with Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.

Macmillan Cancer Support – Head of Philanthropy

Location: Hybrid – London SE1

Salary: £80-88,000 per annum.

Contract: Full-time, 12 month fixed term contract.

Macmillan Cancer Supporter are seeking a Head of Philanthropy to lead a transformational change in building deeper, strategic relationships with high-net-worth individuals, trusts and foundations, and in the way Macmillan delivers impact through philanthropy.

Macmillan has spent more than 100 years helping people living with cancer. From the moment someone is diagnosed with cancer, they are there with all the information, support and guidance needed, to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can.

The Head of Philanthropy will lead a fundraising team to deliver a current annual target of £5m, whilst also developing an ambitious strategy to sustainably grow income; the charity’s goal is to build a £20m annual philanthropy programme by 2030. To that aim, the post-holder will be responsible for inspiring and supporting team members through a period of rapid growth and change and to maximise existing networks and build relationships with new supporters. They will also work with the Propositions team to develop compelling fundraising asks that galvanise support and work across the organisation to place philanthropy at the heart of everything the charity does.
 
The ideal candidate will be an inspiring, authentic leader who knows how to build high‑performing teams through collaboration, empowerment and excellent people management. You will bring significant experience securing and growing £1m+ relationships with high‑net‑worth individuals and trusts and foundations, alongside proven commercial acumen and a proven ability to manage multi‑million-pound budgets.

Candidates will have personally led major philanthropic gifts and multi‑million‑pound appeals, underpinned by a sophisticated approach to cultivation, stewardship and data‑driven insight. Comfortable influencing high‑profile stakeholders with gravitas and sensitivity, you will also be an innovator - someone who constructively challenges the status quo, developing new propositions and identifying opportunities to accelerate income growth.

Finally, you will be passionate about Macmillan’s mission and motivated by the opportunity to share the charity’s story and secure the resources it needs to expand reach and impact.

Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

PLEASE NOTE: We will be longlisting applications as soon as we receive them, so please apply early to register your interest. 
 

Nb: This piece of recruitment is rolling and may close at any time.

In recent years OTR has seen a significant increase in demand for our youth mental health services and we now reach over 17,000 young people each year. We are seeking a Head of Finance to oversee our (circa) £3m annual budget and to ensure that our finance operation is efficient and effective. This role will lead OTR’s finance function and, as well as having responsibility for day-to-day financial processes, will be a key member of the organisation’s senior leadership team (SLT). The role will involve providing financial insight to the SLT and Board of Trustees to improve understanding and inform strategic decision making. Examples of this will include analysing the financial performance of different activities of the organisation and preparing budget and forecast information. 

We are looking for an individual with demonstrable experience in a finance management role which includes a strategic focus, preferably in the voluntary sector. The successful candidate will be a flexible and meticulous individual who is able to present complex information to a range of audiences. Equally important is a strong personal interest in and commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

To find out more about the role please download the job pack. If you would like an informal chat about the role, please email the main contact as listed in the job pack

To apply for this role click the 'Apply now' button

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a team that reflects the diversity of the people we work with

Safeguarding:

OTR is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff, trustees, and volunteers to share this commitment.

As part of our Safer Recruitment practices, all roles involving contact with young people will be subject to robust pre-employment checks, including references, a full employment history, and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Where applicable, overseas criminal record checks will also be required.

We are dedicated to creating a culture of vigilance, transparency, and accountability. Our safeguarding procedures are guided by the principle that the welfare of the child is paramount, and all staff are required to adhere to OTR’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. 

OTR & Benefits:

OTR is a mental health social movement by and for young people. The charity is at an exciting stage of its 59-year history and is proud to be reaching more young people than ever before (around 17,000) across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset with creative and diverse mental health and wellbeing info and support. 

Our approach to mental health is grounded in a set of beliefs and values that underpin all of our work. We believe in celebrating diversity, empowering and mobilising young people to make change, and that catering to the unique strengths, interests and circumstances surrounding young people is key. Our approach centres on collaboration and partnership, building relationships between individuals, peers and communities. 

Each day is as engaging and fulfilling as the last, and with a network of supportive, community minded people, we hope you’ll feel welcome here. As a thank you, we like to compensate our employees for the important work they do with a range of benefits including a flexible leave policy, healthcare cost and wellbeing assistance with HealthShield, flexible and hybrid working arrangements, enhanced sick pay, parental leave, training and development, social and wellbeing events, and more (subject to contractual terms and conditions). 

A Willingness to Work with Difference 

At OTR, whatever your role or professional background, you will be expected to work in a way that is anti-oppressive and inclusive. A key focus for OTR is to develop an organisation that is inclusive for all but we do not claim to be experts in this. We are committed to continuous learning and improvement in these areas and invite you to join us on this journey. 

OTR recognises the benefits to individual practice and organisational credibility of having a diverse community of staff and volunteers and to this end is continually working towards building and maintaining an environment which values and pursues diversity accordingly. 

We recognise that tackling systemic inequality, prejudice, racism and oppressive practice requires each of us to actively engage, self-examine and make changes where necessary, in order to improve access and equitable experience for all in society and all of those who come through our doors at OTR.

Macmillan Cancer Support – Head of Corporate Partnerships

Location: Hybrid – London SE1

Salary: £80-88,000 per annum.

Contract: Full-time, 12 month fixed term contract.

Macmillan Cancer Supporter are seeking a Head of Corporate Partnerships to deliver a corporate partnerships strategy which will support them to reach their goals of reaching everyone living with cancer.

Macmillan has spent more than 100 years helping people living with cancer. From the moment someone is diagnosed with cancer, they are there with all the information, support and guidance needed, to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can.

The Head of Corporate Partnerships, working closely with the Director of Corporate Partnerships & Philanthropy will lead a team of circa 40 people to deliver an annual income target of £15m through a wide range of employee-led fundraising, commercial partnerships and direct programme funding. The role will be responsible for growing and deepening support from existing partners and rapidly expanding a pipeline of new business opportunities, strengthening the connection between the private sector and how Macmillan deliver change, both locally and nationally.

The post-holder will also develop a culture of innovation and collaboration at Macmillan to identify new ways that businesses can work with the charity to create impact, as well as creating a first-class programme of stewardship for corporate supporters.
 
The ideal candidate for this role will bring authentic, inspiring leadership that empowers teams and drives high performance. They will be confident managing large teams and complex projects/partnerships, and skilled at influencing a diverse range of successful and high-profile individuals.

A proven commercial mindset will be essential, alongside a track record of securing £1m+ strategic partnerships and delivering income in excess of £10m annually. Your approach will be insight‑driven, using data to shape strategy, improve effectiveness and unlock significant income growth. Innovation will be central to how you work – constructively challenging the status quo, developing new propositions and identifying opportunities for improvement. Confident decision‑making and sound judgement will underpin your ability to deliver ambitious results.

Finally, you will be passionate about Macmillan’s mission and motivated by the opportunity to share the charity’s story and secure the resources it needs to expand reach and impact.

Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

PLEASE NOTE: We will be longlisting applications as soon as we receive them, so please apply early to register your interest. 
 

Organisational Vision & Context:

As we journey towards our vision to bring fulness of life for every child, no matter what struggles they face, we’re looking for a motivated and mission-driven individual to join our team as Head of Programme Development.

While our programmes vary, they share one common thread: an unwavering commitment to seeing lives transformed for good. With two well-established and hugely effective volunteer-driven programmes operating at scale, and two new developing programmes in the early stages of roll-out, TLG is at a pivotal time of innovation.

This Role’s Impact:

We are looking for a dynamic, pioneering leader to energise, shape, and elevate the impact of TLG’s programmes. This person will bring strengths in innovation, collaboration, and strategic delivery – able to inspire others, spot emerging opportunities, and drive meaningful change across the organisation. They will have a strong track record in developing high-quality resources and training, ensuring best practice is consistently embedded across all functions. Naturally creative and forward-thinking, they will champion the exploration and implementation of digital solutions that enhance programme delivery and extend our reach.

The new Head of Programme Development will navigate change with resilience and optimism, leading the way as we explore new approaches and refine what we already do so well. Confident on their feet, yet equally comfortable developing content and materials, they will balance big-picture thinking with a keen eye for detail. Their leadership will drive continuous improvement, so our programmes remain relevant, missional, and high-impact as we pursue our ten-year vision.

As TLG positions itself as a leading practitioner in therapeutic coaching, this leader will bring a solid understanding of coaching practice and how therapeutic coaching can transform a young person’s thinking and strengthen the culture of support we offer. Their expertise will help embed coaching-informed approaches across TLG, shaping programme design and creating richer opportunities for children and young people to reflect and grow, strengthening their wellbeing and future outcomes.

TLG is a Christian charity and, as a team, we want to bring our faith to the work we do; as such, we are recruiting an individual with a strong and vibrant Christian faith. We would welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds to enable us to better reflect the needs of the communities we serve.

Hours: Part time, 30 hours per week (0.8 FTE, equivalent 4 days)

Closing Date: Sunday 15th February 2026

Initial Interviews: Monday 23rd February – Online

Final Interviews: Monday 2nd March – at our National Support Centre in West Yorkshire

Head of Governance

£50,718 - £58,726 plus London weighing if applicable

Location , Hybrid, with travel needed

The WEA is the UK’s largest voluntary sector provider of adult education, a charity dedicated to bringing high quality, professional education into the heart of communities.  

We are looking for talented individuals to help us deliver our mission – to bring lifelong learning within reach fighting inequality and promoting social justice.

Job Description

WEA are looking for talented individuals to help us deliver our mission – to bring education within reach. If that sounds like you, then please read on.

As the Head of Governance, you will work closely with the Director of Governance & Purpose (Company Secretary) to support the Chair of the Board of Trustees and the Chairs of committees with advice and support on standards of good governance, and compliance - particularly around or SDI status. 

Reporting to the Director of Governance and Purpose, the successful candidate will also ensure ongoing monitoring of governance effectiveness and continuous improvement, and the efficient and effective administration of governance process, including trustee and committee member recruitment and onboarding, tracking appointment terms, and annual skills audits. Along with other members of the corporate governance team, you will support the Board of Trustees and its committees, including the creation and retention of proper meeting records, and the appropriate support, training and development of Trustees and senior volunteers serving on committees of the Board. 

Together with the team, you will also provide support to ad hoc working groups and volunteer committees that may arise from time to time to provide important local insight and input to governance decision-making.

We have attached the full role profile, that lists the key deliverables, performance measures and experience/qualifications needed for this role. Please take your time to read through this, and if you’d like to apply, hit that button!

We are working hard to create a workplace that reflects the communities we seek to serve and in which everyone feels empowered to be themselves and work together to drive positive change. We strongly encourage applicants from a diverse range of candidates and encourage everyone with the appropriate skills, experiences and potential to apply.

Should you need any support with your application, then please get in touch. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible

In our recent OFSTED inspection, we received a GOOD overall grade, with an OUTSTANDING rating for Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development.

You can read more about our benefits and what it’s like to work here, on our website .

Contract length: Permanent

Location: North West London

Hours per week: 35, working Sunday - Thursday, 9am-5pm

Salary:  £28k-£34k pa depending on experience and knowledge

Closing date for applications: Saturday 31st January 2026. First round interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams; interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible

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Every dog and cat in need deserves expert, personalised care and support, and to be loved. When you work for Mayhew, you understand that better than ever.

We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of c80 staff and c150 volunteers, here for dogs, cats and communities in the UK, in Afghanistan and in Georgia. We offer expert veterinary care, rescue and rehoming services, programmes in the community and guidance and support to improve the lives of dogs and cats in need.

We do our best for dogs and cats in need every day, working with colleague across the sector to improve their lives and to give them the care, support and love they deserve. But it’s our warmth, creativity and care that touch lives. Here, we take the time to really get to know the dogs and cats we care for and those who love them.

At our North West London Home, we are recruiting a Head of Kennels who will share our compassion and commitment for animal welfare to provide front line leadership to our team of Kennel and Animal Care staff and volunteers. We care for up to fifteen dogs on site, in addition to dogs placed into foster homes. Our Head of Kennels is responsible for managing the day-to-day smooth running of our kennels and maintaining the wellbeing of all dogs in our care, so that their individual physical and psychological needs are catered for adequately, and in line with our standards and ethics.

This is a high profile and hugely important role for Mayhew as our Head of Kennels oversees each dog's journey through Mayhew from in-take to assessment and then to rehoming. Working with staff and volunteers across the Home, foster carers, adopters, other charities and rescues and members of the public, our Head of Kennels is instrumental in ensuring that our dogs have all they need - from feeding, exercising, cleaning, and socialising to finding their perfect forever home. This role can be physically and emotionally demanding but is also hugely rewarding; you can view some of our amazing rescue stories here.

Leading a small team, our Head of Kennels is responsible for managing all aspects of our dog in-takes, adoptions, fostering and Pet Refuge (read more here), managing our capacity to ensure we help as many dogs as we can and ensuring our dogs are rehomed to a home suited to their individual needs as soon as possible.

We offer a caring and supportive team and the chance to make a lasting difference to the lives of dogs who rely on us.

Generally, you will:

• Lead and manage our kennels and ensure the very best care and support is given to each of our dogs
• Proactively, collaboratively and resourcefully maintain relationships with volunteers, foster carers, adopters, other rescue managers and other colleagues in the wider Mayhew community
• Manage your team in an inclusive and collaborative way, enabling and empowering them
• Engage and collaborate with senior staff to ensure effective delivery of our strategic and operational goals

To be successful in this role, you need relevant experience in:

• Experience working with dogs, preferably in a shelter environment
• Knowledge of dog behaviour, training and welfare
• Experience of successfully motivating, managing, and developing a high performing team and managing performance
• Experience of effectively managing competing and changeable priorities, a high workload and multiple complex issues and tasks

Please note that successful candidate(s) will be asked to evidence of their Right to Work in the UK post-job offer – we do not hold a sponsor licence therefore we are unable to provide Visa sponsorship.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People – Head of Acquisition
Location: Hybrid working with some travel to Hearing Dogs offices in either Buckinghamshire or East Yorkshire.
Salary: Circa £56,000 per annum.
Contract: Permanent, full-time hours. 

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, whose mission is to build confidence, companionship and connection for people with hearing loss, is seeking a Head of Acquisition to lead and grow recruitment across individual giving, legacy and regular giving channels, as well as attracting new volunteers and service users.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has been creating life-changing partnerships between hearing dogs and deaf recipients since 1982. As well as acting as an ear to their partners and alerting them to sounds, the charity’s clever and expertly trained dogs help deaf people to live life with confidence and independence, whilst providing love, companionship and emotional support. This is coupled with the provision of emotional and practical support services for anyone with hearing loss.

Following a strategic review, the charity is now entering an exciting period of growth and expanding their Individual Giving programme within the Performance Marketing and Communications Directorate, to enable them to transform many more lives across the UK.

Playing a pivotal role in this transformation, the Head of Acquisition will drive sustainable income growth through innovative, data-driven acquisition campaigns targeting new supporters, donors, lottery players and legacy pledgers that deepen engagement and bring the charity’s brand story to life. The role will ensure that every acquisition activity clearly communicates the impact of Hearing Dogs’ work, connecting supporter action to life-changing outcomes for people who are deaf or have hearing loss. At the same time, the post-holder will be responsible for championing strategies to reach more people who can volunteer for, and benefit from, the charity’s vital services.

The ideal candidate will be a leader in supporter or customer acquisition in a not for profit or commercial environment, with a strong track record in delivering successful campaigns across multiple channels, including digital, face-to-face, direct marketing and fundraising products (eg lottery, legacy and regular giving). You will have experience in developing strategic investment cases and multi-year acquisition strategies, grounded in data insight and performance engagement. You will have also have a background in brand-led campaigns and communicating organisational impact to engage and convert audiences. Finally, you will have excellent communication and relationship management skills.

This is an exciting opportunity to help Hearing Dogs shape their future with the flexibility of hybrid working remotely and spending time at Hearing Dogs’ stunning offices, with friendly and passionate staff and their four-legged friends.

If you want to lead the pack and help deaf people live well with hearing loss Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Monday 16th February, 9.00 am. 

Citizens UK 

Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.

Citizens UK has played a pioneering role in introducing and developing community sponsorship of refugees in the UK. In response to the Syrian refugee crisis in 2015, we campaigned successfully for the introduction of community sponsorship in the UK. Citizens UK was then instrumental in proving the model can work in the UK and through training, advocacy, and coordination, we have helped hundreds of local groups welcome thousands of refugee families. In 2022, Citizens UK expanded its work by launching the Communities for Ukraine programme, matching Ukrainian refugees with UK hosts and most recently has run Communities for Afghans, resettling dozens of refugees. Throughout, it has combined grassroots organising with national advocacy to build a sustainable, community-led model of refugee resettlement. In 2025, we campaigned successfully to persuade the Government to introduce ‘named sponsorship’, giving communities greater choice in who they would sponsor. This creates a huge opportunity to grow community sponsorship and to enable UK civil society to step up and honour our proud tradition of offering sanctuary.

Head of Community Sponsorship Role 

This is a rare opportunity to lead Citizens UK’s community sponsorship campaign and help build the movement that will be at the heart of a community-led welcome.

This new role comes at an exciting and crucial time, as we seek to build and embed this new form of named community sponsorship in the UK. As Head of Community Sponsorship you will lead on our strategy to develop named sponsorship as a transformative part of the UK’s approach to refugee resettlement and community power. This will involve building a broad-base of civil society partners ready to sponsor refugees and to add their voice to the campaign. You will lead on the campaigning and advocacy strategy as we ensure quality in the Government policy and cross-Party political support. Citizens UK acts as the Lead Sponsor for local community sponsorship groups and you will oversee their ongoing support and further engagement.

The role foster collaboration with Citizens UK Organisers and alliances, develop sustainable funding strategies, and ensure alignment with Citizens UK’s broader migration and transformation goals. The role will work alongside Citizens UK’s Migrant and Refugee Organising Team and will contribute to the efforts to build the power to create a more welcoming country. You will lead on relationships with senior stakeholders, policy makers, and funders, and support the creation of campaigns and resources to expand public awareness and support for community sponsorship. With responsibilities spanning communications, and external representation, the role is key to shaping Citizens UK’s refugee resettlement strategy and building its national impact as a driver of cohesion. 

Working as the Head of Community Sponsorship for Citizens UK, reporting to the Assistant Director for Migrant and Refugee Organising (MARO), your main responsibilities will include: 

Career Pathway Headings 

Objectives 

Contribute to Citizens UK and Project Strategic Objectives 

• Build a broad and deep engagement across civil society in named sponsorship, demonstrating the potential for scale and the big tent of support.

• Develop and implement campaign approaches that secure policy goals and build cross-Party political support.

• Develop strategy that develops the leadership of local Citizens members and refugees, strengthens civic institutions and builds trust across difference.

Build and Manage Projects & Achieve Work Targets Effectively 

• Oversee multiple work strands, working in partnership. 

• Develop and manage project workplans, KPIs and budgets, ensuring delivery to time, standard, and impact goals. 

• Establish systems for performance tracking, evaluation, and continuous improvement across project streams. 

Learning, Expertise, Wellbeing & Inclusion 

• Act as a senior expert in sponsorship strategy; coach and mentor staff and partners, and facilitate learning across departments and projects. 

• Influence and lead the integration of equity, wellbeing and refugee voice into strategic decisions and delivery frameworks. 

Develop and Manage External Relationships 

• Lead high-level relationships with national and senior stakeholders, including government departments (e.g. Home Office), civil society institutions and funders. 

• Build and manage partnerships that advance sponsorship reform and position Citizens UK as a sector leader. 

• Ensure stakeholder experience is consistently excellent and take the lead on resolving reputational risks or tensions. 

Communications 

• Act as a senior spokesperson for Citizens UK’s sponsorship work in the media, at public events, and in government or civil society forums. 

• Lead the design and implementation of a high-profile communications strategy to influence narratives on refugee welcome and community leadership. 

• Ensure communications align with ethical storytelling principles and amplify sponsor and refugee voices responsibly. 

Develop and Manage Internal Relationships 

• Lead and develop high-performing cross-functional teams, with clear expectations, direction, and collaboration structures. 

• Effectively line manage senior staff and foster shared leadership culture across sponsorship and Citizens UK team 

• Ensure that the community sponsorship strategy is aligned with Citizens UK’s other campaigns and work closely with other members of Migrant and Refugee Organising team. 

• Contribute to senior leadership structures, including strategic planning processes and transformation initiatives. 

Generate Income and Resources 

• Initiate and grow significant and sustainable income streams to fund Citizens UK’s sponsorship work. 

• Develop and lead high-value funding partnerships with trusts, foundations and strategic donors. 

• Demonstrate strong budget oversight and ensure effective use of financial and human resources in sponsorship delivery. 

Personal Specification 

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential 

Qualifications 

• Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as migration, social policy, international development, or community organising (D) 

• Management or leadership qualification, or relevant CPD in project or programme management, public policy, or team leadership (D) 

Experience 

• Proven experience in leading complex, multi-stakeholder programmes related to refugee resettlement, community organising, or social impact (E) 

• Demonstrable track record of strategic leadership in a charity or community-focused setting (E) 

• Experience of managing cross-functional teams to deliver against ambitious organisational goals (E) 

• Experience of developing and sustaining strategic partnerships with civil society organisations, local authorities, or government departments (E) 

• Experience in leading campaigning and influencing strategies to secure changes in Government policy (E) 

• Experience of designing and implementing systems for monitoring, evaluation, and learning to track progress and report to funders and or government stakeholders (D) 

• Demonstrable experience of driving collaborative campaigns or outreach efforts that engage diverse communities (E) 

Key skills and knowledge 

• Strong leadership and team coordination skills – able to motivate, direct, and support multidisciplinary teams across multiple workstreams (E) 

• Excellent project and performance management skills – able to set strategic priorities, delegate effectively, and ensure accountability (E) 

• In-depth knowledge of refugee resettlement systems, community sponsorship models, and UK migration policy, including recent developments affecting Afghan and Ukrainian pathways (E) 

• Knowledge and skills in community organising and an understanding of how community sponsorship and campaigning connect with and support the method and aims of organising (E) 

• Outstanding written and verbal communication – confident in producing compelling cases for support, policy communications, and public messaging (E) 

• Ability to design and deliver stakeholder engagement strategies, with a clear understanding of influencing policy and public opinion (E) 

• Skilled in developing and managing strategic partnerships with funders, policy-makers, and community groups (E) 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills – able to assess complex challenges, identify risks, and implement effective solutions (E) 

Personal qualities & values 

• A mission-driven leader with a passion for refugee rights, community empowerment, and social justice (E) 

• Politically astute and able to navigate relationships with stakeholders from civil society, government, and grassroots communities (E) 

• Collaborative and people-centred, able to work constructively across teams and with volunteers, refugees, and community leaders (E) 

• Committed to embedding refugee leadership and lived experience into programme design and delivery (E) 

• Resilient, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced and evolving policy environment (E) 

• Comfortable working within an accountable team culture – open to feedback, reflective practice, and continuous improvement (E) 

• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends, and to travel when necessary to support programme delivery (E) 

Note: 

At Citizens UK, we work with communities to develop leaders, strengthen organisations, campaign for change and organise across difference. This work is rewarding and can be challenging; it requires a personal commitment to inclusion, a willingness to listen and disagree respectfully, and an interest in working in an organisation where our staff, member institutions and leaders will come from a diversity of backgrounds and often hold views that may be very different from our own. More information about how we operate within this context and build trusted relationships across difference can be found on our website and is covered in induction. Onboarding and navigating this relational culture, and type of work, is supported by line managers and further training. 

This role is a key member of a small staff team of the Girlguiding North West England Region Office which is led by the Executive Manager. The role of the Head of Adventure is to manage the delivery, implementation, coordination, and administration of our work supporting young members events and activities. The successful applicant must have excellent verbal, and written communication skills. They must be able to build positive relationships with staff and volunteers at all levels and have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

You will hold an integral role at the DEC for accurately and efficiently managing DEC’s accounting function, ensuring compliance with charity and donor regulations. You will oversee budgeting, grant management, and donor reporting with transparency and accuracy. You will provide financial insights to support cross organisational projects and program delivery and hold a key role in developing and implementing financial strategies that align with our vision and strategic planning.

About You

You will be a confident communicator, who can engage with diverse internal & external stakeholders, including funders and partners, creating a collaborative approach to meet varying commitments. You must be ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified (or equivalent) with senior finance leadership experience in the non-profit or NGO sector and demonstrate strong understanding of charity accounting standards and donor compliance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Processes

• Ensure accurate income/expenditure recording, bank reconciliations, and daily donation processing.
• Manage monthly accounting routines, prepare management accounts, and lead budget/forecast reviews.
• Coordinate annual and strategic budgeting, financial reporting, and analysis.
• Oversee income reconciliation across multiple streams and liaise with fundraising teams.
• Review and process drawdown payments to member agencies.
• Maintain and update accounting systems and support procurement processes.

Financial Controls

• Lead annual accounts preparation and audits; ensure regulatory compliance.
• Manage pension schedules and benefits compliance.
• Ensure tax compliance (VAT, Corporation Tax, Employment Taxes).
• Audit gift aid claims and maintain robust financial control environment.
• Update financial policies, procedures, and systems, support due diligence standards.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Oversee appeal finances, income tracking, and fund allocation.
• Coordinate governance processes (e.g., Indicator of Capacity) with member agencies.
• Monitor legacy income and liaise with fundraising/legal teams.
• Deliver annual report and accounts; produce reports for executive team and committees.

Leadership & Team Management

• Deputise for the Director of Finance and Resources.
• Prepare papers for finance committees and membership groups.
• Oversee finance team members and provide leadership support.

If you have used Sun Accounts (Infor SunSystems Cloud) or similar, have worked within a UK charity context and dealt with restricted funds, have prepared budgets, annual accounts and monitored cash flow and treasury management, then we would love to hear from you.

The DEC is an equal opportunities employer and provides opportunities to learn and grow in an inclusive, supportive, and productive environment. We encourage applications from anyone who can meet the criteria, regardless of gender, race, age, disability, sexuality, or religion.

How to apply

If you have the skills and passion for this role, please apply by 9am, Thursday 29th January 2026.

We are unable to support applications for our vacancies if you do not have the right to work in the UK.

The DEC is committed to the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults and participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from successful applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. 

By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of, and consent, to these recruitment procedures.

About the DEC

The DEC is made up of 15 member charities who are experts in humanitarian aid and specialise in different areas of disaster response. They come together to speak in one voice and make fundraising more efficient when we launch an appeal. Our members fund our running costs, and we give them back the money we raise in our appeals to carry out their vital work.