National head of operations jobs

About Us

At Children with Cancer UK, our vision is a world where every child and young person survives cancer. Every day, 10 children are diagnosed with cancer in the UK, 2 terminally. Of the 8 who survive, 5 will suffer long-term effects of their treatment. We fund vital research, raise awareness of childhood cancer and deliver support and welfare programmes for families.

We are the leading childhood cancer charity in the UK, supporting families and childhood cancer research since 1988 and have invested nearly £100 million in paediatric research. Over the last 35 years, research we’ve funded has improved our understanding of childhood cancer, helped develop kinder treatments, and improved the experience of living with and beyond cancer.

About the role

We’re looking for a proactive and organised temporary Research Officer to support the delivery of Childre with Cancer UK’s 2026 grant round.

The role will support research grant management, peer review coordination, Scientific Advisory Panel meetings and research communications, helping ensure funding processes run smoothly and effectively. The post holder will also support portfolio audit and research landscape activities, providing an opportunity to gain insight into a charity funded medical research and the childhood cancer research sector. The role would suit someone with strong organisational skills and in gaining experience of research funding within a national medical research charity.

Role purpose

To support the Children with Cancer UK research programme to ensure our research grant rounds run smoothly and efficiently and that our research is communicated effectively.

Main duties and responsibilities

Research Application Review

· Support the administration and coordination of research grant rounds and funding activities

· Assist with peer review processes, including identifying reviewers, allocating peer reviewers for applications with support from the Head of Research and Research Officer, and sending out invitations and reminders by email to ensure timely external review of grant applications.

· Maintain accurate tracking systems, spreadsheets and records relating to applications, reviews and panel activities

· Coordinate applicant response to peer review, collating documents and sending out clear requirements to applicants by email

· Help monitor timelines and flag potential issues or delays where appropriate

· Support on other aspects of the grant application and review process as required.

Scientific Advisory Panel Meeting Administration

· Support with the organisation of the Scientific Advisory Panel meetings, including:

· Coordinating meeting logistics

· preparation of the agenda and circulation of meeting papers

· taking minutes of complex scientific funding discussions with clear feedback for applicants

· Support on other aspects of the meeting administration process as required

Research Impact and Analysis

· Support background research, data gathering and funding landscape reviews to inform research activities

· Assist with portfolio audit, reporting and grant data analysis activities as required

· Support in maintaining accurate records of funded projects, outputs and strategic themes

· Provide examples of grant impact and aid in translating these for communications work as needed

Other

• The post holder will be working in a developing environment, and they will therefore be required to undertake other appropriate duties as necessary for the efficient operation of Children with Cancer UK’s research activities.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent administrative and organisational skills and strong attention to detail (essential)
• Understanding of cancer biology or research (essential)
• Biomedical sciences undergraduate degree or in a related field (essential)
• Confidence to communicate by email, phone and face-to-face (essential)
• Good standard of written communication skills (essential)
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines (essential)
• Ability to work independently and use initiative where appropriate (essential)
• Understanding of research funding or peer review processes (desirable)
• Experience of the Flexigrant grant management system (desirable)

An introduction from our Head of Fundraising

Villiers Park is a national social mobility charity with a strong track record of delivering impactful programmes that support young people from under-represented backgrounds to fulfil their potential.

We are seeking to recruit an experienced Trusts and Foundations Manager to lead and grow income from charitable trusts, foundations and grant-making bodies. This is a pivotal role within the fundraising team, responsible for developing and delivering a successful trusts and foundations income stream to support Villiers Park's programmes and ambitious ‘Beyond Barriers’ growth strategy.

Villiers Park is generously supported by charitable trusts and foundations, which contribute over £500,000 every year towards our work. The Trusts and Foundations Manager will build on and develop Villiers Park’s trust fundraising, by cultivating relationships with current and prospective supporters, preparing compelling applications and reports, and seeking new funders and opportunities to help us to realise our goals and those of the communities we serve.

As Trusts and Foundations Manager, you will be part of a supportive fundraising team (based in our Cambridge office) and will work closely with dedicated and welcoming colleagues from across the organisation including our Communications Manager, Finance Manager, Programmes Team, Senior Leadership Team and Trustees. I hope that you will be inspired to apply for the role and look forward to hearing from you.

Melody Brooker

Head of Fundraising

About the role

Villiers Park is generously supported by charitable trusts and foundations, which contribute over £500,000 every year towards our work. The Trusts and Foundations Manager will build on and develop Villiers Park’s trust fundraising, by cultivating relationships with current and prospective supporters, preparing compelling applications and reports, and seeking new funders and opportunities to help us to realise our goals and those of the communities we serve. Our established portfolio offers a unique opportunity for an experienced Trusts and Foundations Manager to steward relationships and meet with funders across our hubs, to see our work in action.

The successful candidate will be joining the team at an exciting time for Villiers Park. We have five thriving regional hubs cross the UK, and an evidence-based approach that makes a proven impact on young people’s lives. Our Beyond Barriers strategy is focused on further scaling our work to substantially increase our impact across the country by 2030.

As the Trusts and Foundations Manager, you will have the opportunity to work with colleagues from across the organisation, from Progression Coaches who work directly in and with our school partners to members of the Senior Leadership Team and Trustees. You will be part of a small fundraising team so working well in a team, and being flexible to support others, is essential. You will build mutually trusting relationships with colleagues and funders and balance tenacity with empathy.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and write compelling applications to charitable trusts and foundations who have the capacity to make five and six figure gifts towards the charity’s work.
• Prepare and submit scheduled applications and reports to current funders, ensuring that we hit deadlines and develop relationships with the trusts and foundations currently supporting Villiers Park.
• In collaboration with the Senior Leadership team, and colleagues in Fundraising and Communications, create engaging and accurate reports to current funders that share the impact of their support, including trusts, major donors and university partners.
• Work with colleagues in the Fundraising team to develop and implement targeted stewardship strategies that bring current donors closer to our work.
• Identify new prospects and propose engagement and cultivation strategies.
• With the Head of Fundraising and Chief Executive, develop the trusts and philanthropic strategy to support the organisation’s 'Beyond Barriers’ strategic growth plan.
• Work closely with the Fundraising Operations and Data Manager to prepare pipeline reports to inform budgeting and forecasting.
• Support the Head of Fundraising to identify and develop fundraising channels, including family trusts, corporate foundations and legacy giving.
• Ensure compliance with Villiers Park’s safeguarding and data protection policies, and with the charity’s gift acceptance and fundraising policies and processes.

This list is not exhaustive, and the post-holder may be required to undertake other tasks relevant to the role and within their capability.

Essential skills and experience:

• Passionate about supporting young people from under-represented backgrounds.
• Experience of successfully building relationships with charitable trusts and securing five and six figure gifts.
• Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Strong ability to cultivate relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and on own initiative.
• Good understanding of financial information and ability to communicate this effectively.
• A team player, who is personable, curious and empathetic.
• A commitment to learning and professional development.
• An understanding of current fundraising trends and connected with relevant fundraising networks.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Experience of fundraising for an educational or social mobility charity.
• Experience of securing multi-year six figure gifts.
• Interest in extending fundraising knowledge and experience, to include major donors, legacies and university partnerships.

Employee Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rated) and additional leave over Christmas.
• A dedicated wellbeing day for you to take at any time and three days (pro-rated) paid leave for volunteering or study each year.
• Training and professional development, including termly staff development days.
• Support from our wellbeing working group and access to an employee assistance programme.
• Opportunity to join working groups with other colleagues from across the organisation as well as wider networks such as the Fair Education Alliance.
• Flexibility in working hours.
• Additional sick pay and compassionate leave policies.

Safeguarding:

Villiers Park Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and to providing a safe and supportive environment, which secures the well-being and best outcomes for the young people with whom we work.

Safeguarding is embedded in all aspects of Villiers Park's work and integral to the commitment we make to our schools, partners and the young people and communities we serve and work with. All employees and volunteers are expected to share this commitment by adhering to our organisational safeguarding procedures, attending regular in-house training and keeping up to date with developments in policies and legislation. All employees and volunteers will also agree to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Services check and successfully complete our mandatory online training courses including NSPCC Safeguarding in Schools and PREVENT training.

Play a leading role in shaping the future of Saferworld’s philanthropic partnerships and help drive funding that supports peacebuilding around the world. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced relationship builder to grow a high potential income stream with real global impact.

Saferworld works to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. As our Philanthropy Manager, you’ll join a committed, values‑driven team working in solidarity with people affected by conflict. You’ll lead on a portfolio of established philanthropic partners while also identifying and cultivating new opportunities that align with our mission and principles.

This is a role with genuine scope for creativity and innovation. You will shape cultivation strategies, co‑create funding opportunities with colleagues and partners, and represent Saferworld externally to deepen relationships and secure high‑value, multi‑year support. You will also help position the organisation to engage high net‑worth individuals, foundations and donor‑advised funds as we diversify our income.

Working closely with programme, policy, communications and finance teams, you will ensure our proposals, reports and donor care reflect the quality, impact and integrity of our work. A smaller part of your role will involve overseeing individual giving and gifts in wills, supported by the Funding Officer.

If you are motivated by building meaningful partnerships, influencing change, and contributing to a more peaceful world, this role offers the chance to make a tangible difference while shaping a growing area of work at Saferworld.

We are looking for an experienced and driven fundraiser with strong leadership skills to play a pivotal role in contributing income for Moya Cole Hospice. This is an exciting opportunity to lead, engage and inspire a committed fundraising team across a range of disciplines.

You will grow support through motivating the team to give excellent stewardship of supporters, effective promotion of fundraising initiatives and building a strong and sustainable volunteer network within the community. You will be passionate about engaging supporters and empowering your team to maximise opportunities that make a real difference to the patients and families we care for.

Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will liaise closely with communications and trading colleagues and build strong relationships with staff across all hospice sites. You will partner with the Fundraising Appeals & Operations Lead to ensure robust administrative and financial processes underpin activity, and work alongside the Innovation & Digital Fundraiser to keep approaches relevant and forward-thinking. With the opportunity to deputise for the Head of Fundraising when required, you will be at the heart of our fundraising success, helping to safeguard and grow vital income streams that support the hospice’s essential work.

Job Title

Fundraising Manager

Location

Cross-Site

Salary

Hospice Band 6 – £39,959 – £48,117 pro rata (Competency Based Framework)

Hours

Full Time – 37.5 Hours Per Week

Contract

Fixed Term – 12 Months

Introduction

At Moya Cole Hospice, there’s one thing that motivates us and that’s providing excellent care and support to those living with or affected by life-limiting Illnesses. We’re continuously developing our plans for delivering outstanding person-centered care that is innovative and evidence- based and to ensure Moya Cole is in the best shape possible for future generations. You’ll be challenged, inspired and empowered to help us achieve our purpose and to play your part in making a difference.

The Role

The Fundraising Manager will: 

• Manage a team of fundraisers to deliver growth and diversification of fundraising across community, corporate, events and philanthropy income streams
• Deliver Income in line with the budget as agreed with the Head of Fundraising
• Work closely with the Fundraising and Communication team to ensure activities are maximised.
• Deliver inspiring team meetings, workshops and training to develop the skills of the fundraising team.
• Ensure effective use of the organisation’s fundraising database by all staff to provide effective information and comply with regulatory requirements.
• Build relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Attend networking events and meetings with potential donors
• Promote effective management of the health and safety of all staff and volunteers involved in fundraising activity, including the preparation of risk assessments
• In conjunction with the Innovation and Digital Fundraiser facilitate the testing of new platforms for fundraising which will increase and sustain income and the visibility of hospice fundraising within communities.
• To work with non-fundraising teams across the hospice to ensure promotion of fundraising activity, excellent supporter care and knowledge of hospice activities.
• To work closely with the Communications team to ensure that supporter stories are shared with the wider public and community events are promoted effectively.
• To plan work to inform and facilitate the achievement of the budget and maintain thorough record keeping in line with Moya Cole Hospice and Fundraising Regulator policies and guidelines.

Requirements

The Fundraising Manager will have: 

• Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience; substantial practical fundraising experience is essential
• Significant, hands-on experience of delivering successful fundraising across multiple income streams in the UK charity sector (including community, corporate, events and philanthropy), with the capability to lead across all areas
• Proven track record of leading, motivating and developing teams, including effective management of people processes, to deliver strong results
• Demonstrate strong IT capability, including Microsoft 365 (particularly Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, Excel and PowerPoint), with the ability to produce high-quality progress reports and presentations
• Experience of using Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM systems to support fundraising activity, data management and reporting
• Manage budgets effectively, including forecasting, financial performance monitoring and income planning
• Proven ability to analyse and interpret data, produce performance reports, and use insight to inform decision making and drive income growth, including developing robust strategic business cases and reporting to senior stakeholders
• Fully conversant with legal and regulatory requirements relating to fundraising, including the Code of Fundraising Practice, data protection and information governance, ensuring compliant and ethical practice
• Lead the recruitment of staff and oversee the effective recruitment, engagement and management of fundraising volunteers
• Ability to travel independently as required for the role, including cross-site working and attending events
• Work collaboratively with other members of the fundraising team and wider hospice for the benefit of supporters and the hospice
• Be highly motivated and have the ability to work autonomously
• Take initiative and make decisions.
• Demonstrate energy, enthusiasm and flair to work hard and achieve ambitious targets.
• Build strong relationships with individuals and key stakeholders
• Demonstrate excellent team working skills
• Manage workload under own initiative with support of Line Manager
• Show commitment and motivation to the purpose of the hospice
• Be creative and innovative using technology to maximize income opportunities.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities and diversity
• Show a flexible approach to work and be able to work out of hours as required

Key Benefits

• 35 days annual leave rising to 37 after 5 years and 41 after 10 years (inc. bank holidays, pro rata for part-time employees)
• Buy an additional week annual leave (pro rata for part-time)
• Heath cash plan
• Contributory pension scheme up to 7% matched contribution (or the ability to continue with a previously held NHS pension (subject to making contribution’s into the scheme in the previous 12 months)
• Life cover
• Free parking
• Discounted meals on site
• Meaningful work, making a difference in the lives of others
• Opportunity to develop your leadership skills within a structured development framework
• IIP Platinum employer creating the right environment for everyone to thrive and reach their potential

How to Apply

If you would like to contribute to making a difference for a much-loved charity, we’d love to hear from you.

Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time.

The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS Check at the level appropriate to the role, the cost of which is covered by the hospice. Any post holder within the organisation will be expected to undertake safeguarding training appropriate to their role and adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures. All staff must work in accordance with their statutory roles and responsibilities in relation to safeguarding in accordance with the Working Together to Safeguarding Children 2023, The Care Act 2014, and Prevent Duty 2015.

Timescales

We reserve the right to close and interview prior to the dates outlined below.

Closing date: 3rd July 2026

Interview date: 14th July 2026