People and organisational development director jobs

Deputy Chief Operating Officer

Position: Deputy Chief Operating Officer

Location: London or Bath, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office

Contract type: Full-time, permanent

Salary range: £55-63,000

Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer

Applications: Please apply here by 25 May

About EJF

The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) exists to protect the natural world and uphold our fundamental human right to a secure environment. We work at the frontlines of environmental injustice, alongside communities most affected by climate breakdown, biodiversity loss, and exploitation - transforming evidence into action, and injustice into lasting change.

EJF is a global non-profit driven by a powerful belief: that environmental protection and human rights are inseparable. Through courageous field investigations, rigorous research, and strategic international advocacy, we expose environmental crime, challenge impunity, and catalyse systemic reform. Our work delivers real-world impact, shaping policy, strengthening governance, protecting vital ecosystems, and defending those who risk their lives to safeguard them.

Our campaigns span four deeply interconnected areas: oceans, climate, forests and wetlands, and the training, protection, and empowerment of environmental defenders and journalists. From illegal fishing and forced labour to deforestation, land grabs, and climate displacement, we confront some of the most complex and urgent crises of our time - always with a focus on accountability, equity, and durable solutions.

EJF is an international organisation with a diverse team working across four continents, united by a shared ambition: to protect people by protecting the planet. We are bold, evidence-led, and impact-driven. We speak truth to power - and we build pathways to a fairer, more resilient future. Join Us.

About the role

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced individual to play a central role in driving effective, efficient, and impactful global operations at one of the world’s leading environmental and human rights organisations.

As Deputy Chief Operating Officer, you will report directly to the COO and support the smooth, efficient, and ethical running of EJF’s international operations across 16 countries on four continents. You will work at the heart of the organisation, supporting critical priorities such as donor relations, recruitment and retention, financial controls and development, safeguarding, risk and security, cybersecurity, and ensuring the efficient operation of offices around the world.

This is a senior operational role that offers broad responsibilities and meaningful engagement across global teams and strategic priorities. You will be a solutions-focused, highly organised, and values-driven individual who brings experience in HR, finance, and broader operations. This role is ideal for a professional who is committed to EJF’s mission, vision and values, now seeking senior-level responsibility and broad, meaningful engagement across global teams and strategic priorities.

Key responsibilities

1. Finance and Organisational Integrity:

• Work with the finance team to provide time-bound, clear tracking of financial income and expenditure against agreed budgets; insightful financial projections to inform strategic decisions; and recommendations on ethical banking and investment opportunities and changing needs.

• Ensure operational systems work effectively when they interface with finance, including ensuring value for money when undertaking procurements.

• Work closely with the finance team to ensure strong financial controls and systems are in place across the global offices, robust against fraud and error.

2. Human Resources:

• Supporting and enhancing EJF’s HR systems to ensure they are fit for purpose, fair and appropriate across all jurisdictions.

• Coordinating and supporting Managers with effective recruitment processes globally.

• Ensuring managers have the systems and tools they need to induct, manage, and retain staff, including guidance on management, issue escalation, monitoring performance and reviews.

3. IT and Artificial Intelligence:

• Ensuring that the IT, software systems and internal processes that the EJF team depend on are effective, secure and offer value for money.

• Contributing to EJF’s approach to tech and innovation, particularly the effective, ethical use of AI.

4. Fundraising Support and Donor Reporting:

• Support fundraising, including coordinating complex applications and ensuring proposal budgets and other operational information are accurate and consistent.

• Supporting decision-making relating to future fundraising priorities and new income streams.

• Ensuring operational developments are accurately reflected in donor reporting.

5. Safeguarding, Risk and Security:

• Overseeing the implementation of EJF’s safeguarding, cybersecurity and whistleblowing policies and monitoring, ensuring consistency across countries.

• Working with relevant teams, regularly review safety and security protocols in EJF’s global teams, including digital systems and data security.

6. Leadership and Coordination:

• Leading the roll-out and periodic review of improved operational processes and systems across the organisation, ensuring buy-in across teams.

• Providing clear, detailed updates on operational developments to the COO and, where appropriate, to the Senior Management Team and Directors.

• Deputising for the COO when required

• Management of an Operations Officer

Essential skills and experience

• Demonstrable commitment to EJF's vision, mission and values and a determination to change the world for the better.

• Strong administrative and organisational skills.

• Financial literacy and experience working with finance systems, controls and protocols.

• At least five years’ experience in HR, finance, or other relevant operational roles.

• Demonstrated experience managing or supporting recruitment and HR systems.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across cultures and time zones.

• Sound judgement and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information, including HR and personnel matters.

• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset, with confidence, taking initiative and improving systems.

• Strong ethical commitment to safeguarding and equality.

• An interest in developing a career in NGO operations, preferably with experience in the sector.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced environment.

• Fluency in English.

Desirable skills and experience

• Degree in a relevant discipline; relevant professional qualifications (e.g. CIPD, accountancy, legal) and additional relevant languages are desirable.

• Experience working in a non-profit, international NGO or other mission-driven organisation.

We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds in the environmental and human rights sectors to apply. If you believe you would be a great fit but don’t meet every requirement, we would still love to hear from you.

What we offer

We offer a rewarding package designed to support your well-being, flexibility, and professional growth:

• 22 days’ annual leave (exclusive of bank holidays), increasing with each year of service, plus additional paid leave between Christmas and New Year.

• Private healthcare package.

• Generous pension scheme, with employer contributions increasing over time.

• Flexible working hours and hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office / 2 from home).

• Cycle-to-work scheme.

• A dynamic, supportive, and inclusive working environment, with genuine opportunities for professional development and career progression.

• The chance to contribute to an organisation delivering real-world impact for people and planet.

Application process

To apply, please complete the application form here. This includes:

1. A personal statement outlining your suitability for the role (max 2 pages)

2. Your CV (max 2 pages)

The deadline for applications is 25 May.

Interview processes for different roles will vary, but is likely to include three stages: a short screening call, a panel interview with a task relevant to the role, and a final interview.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Candidates must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom.

EJF is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity within the workplace.

Join Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity and play a vital role in ensuring our teams can support families facing the unimaginable, helping us make a real difference.

We are looking for an experienced and highly organised Operations Manager to keep our offices, systems, and services running smoothly across the UK. This is a varied and impactful role where your work directly enables frontline teams to deliver life-changing support.

About the role:

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, you will take ownership of the day-to-day operational infrastructure of the organisation, including:

• Managing office facilities, leases, and contracts across our head office and nine regional sites.
• Overseeing IT systems and supplier contracts to ensure reliability and security.
• Leading on contract negotiation and supplier management.
• Managing a central administration budget.
• Overseeing our fleet of 80 leased vehicles (with support from a Fleet Administrator).
• Improving efficiency of our systems, processes, and ways of working.
• Project managing office moves and operational projects.

This is a hands-on role with real responsibility and variety.

What we’re looking for:

Applications will be particularly welcome from those who have demonstrable experience of negotiating and managing contracts - including managed IT service contracts, budgets and holds a qualification in cyber security or IT.

• A systematic and effective problem solver – you are self-disciplined and analytical and you thrive on providing solutions, delivering high standards, and are skilled in appropriately tailoring your output to a range of different stakeholders for decision-making.

• A self-disciplined multi-tasker who is able to work independently and at a fast pace to meet deadlines – you are someone who perseveres and ensures close follow-up of delegated tasks to deliver consistently high-quality work through to completion.

• A strong verbal and written communicator with a high level of attention to detail – you’re a quick decision maker, who operates well within a defined area of control, basing your decisions on policy and procedures.

• You build strong working relationships both internally and externally – you are driven to achieve results and have the ability to train and support others to make correct decisions

• You work well within established systems, standards and procedures – you are accurate, highly numerate with excellent Excel skills and make fact-based and solution orientated decisions

What we offer:

We’re proud to be a Two-Star Best Companies Top 50 mid-sized organisation and a Top 10 Charity, and we’re committed to creating a great place to work. You will benefit from:

• Flexible working hours to balance home and working life
• Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand
• Company car for front line care posts

• 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 years to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)
• Time off in Lieu

• Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts
• Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes
• A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme
• Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year
• Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%
• The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping
• Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth

If you’d like to find out more about these benefits and working with us, click here. More information can also be found in our Candidate Pack.

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

How to apply:

Please send your CV and a covering letter highlighting why your application meets the criteria for the role and should be considered above others to us via the link.

Please disclose in your covering letter if you have used AI for any part of your job application.

Interviews will take place at our Head Office in Leatherhead. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful. If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

Additional information:

• Interviews will take place in Leatherhead
• If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know
• An enhanced DBS check is required

Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

If you’re looking for a role where your operational expertise genuinely makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

This role presents opportunity to work innovatively & responsively, creating new, unique, & informative LGBTQ+ affirmative resources, providing crisis support, prevention & wellbeing initiatives; along with having a developmental role in upskilling & supervising sessional staff, trainees, interns & volunteers. 

This is an exciting job opportunity to join a dynamic & committed team, in a key frontline role working directly within our Heads-Out mental health service, which provides individualised mental health plans, crisis safety plans and support, mental wellbeing workshops, varied mental health support groups including for those seeking asylum, a trans & non-binary group; LGBTQ+ mental health group, and LGBTQ+ social connections & activities group. 

Opportunities will include delivery of specialised interventions, taking direct referrals and helping to support & stabilise those at heightened risk and/ or living through mental health crisis, plus psychoeducation workshops and group programmes will further enable you to engage, empower & support participants to build confidence, develop skills, strategies & achieve goals to improve, maintain & best manage mental health, increase mental wellbeing, and reduce and/ or prevent future crisis.

elop is a well established thriving and award-wining London based community-led LGBTQ+ mental health & wellbeing charity offering a range of high-quality and professional mental health, counselling and wellbeingsupport services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBTQ+) communities. 

There will be one regular evening/ week and occasional other evenings and weekend working required.

NB: There will initially be both in-person office-based working with some remote home-based working required whilst we’re awaiting completion of building works and relocation to new premises

Interviews will take place Friday 26 June 2026 between 9.30am – 15.00 pm

Role Title: Communications Officer, Europe

Contract Type: Permanent

Reporting To: Associate Director, Communications

Program/Department/Unit Name: Communications

Location: London

Team Name: Executive and Geographic Communications

Opportunity or Team description

The Open Society Foundations (OSF) is one of the world’s largest private funders of organizations advancing justice, democratic governance, and human rights. Active in more than 120 countries, OSF works to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose institutions are accountable, transparent, and responsive to the participation of all people.

The Communications function plays a mission-critical role in advancing Open Society Foundations’ global mandate. It shapes and safeguards the public narrative of the Open Society Foundations, strengthens the visibility and impact of its work and protects institutional credibility in increasingly contested civic and political environments. The communications team leads strategic positioning across complex and rapidly evolving landscapes—proactively elevating the networks achievements while responding decisively to misinformation and coordinated attacks to open society values worldwide.  

Role Purpose

The Communications Officer, Europe serves as a senior strategic leader of external communications engagement for Open Society’s priorities across Europe, with a mandate that extends globally as needed.

Key responsibilities

Through integrated media engagement, digital strategy, social media platforms, publications, executive communications and internal communications, the department partners with  dozens of Open Society Foundations and programs to drive coherence, clarity, and influence across the global network.

Reporting to Associate Director of Communications, Europe and working in close partnership with Program and Advocacy leadership, this role will:  

• Develop and execute high-impact, regionally grounded  communications strategies aligned with institutional priorities.

• Shape compelling organizational narratives and positioning on issues central to Open Society’s mission;

• Lead proactive risk assessment and reputational strategy, anticipating communications and media risks across the region and develops and executes mitigation strategies; serves as the lead during crisis situations, ensuring values-aligned response management.

• Shape and drive strategic communications opportunities aligned with institutional priorities—leveraging both real-time news cycles and long-term advocacy opportunities to advance Open Society values, influence public discourse and shape policy relevant narratives.

• Strategically position key Open Society leadership, experts and thought-leaders across top-tier domestic, regional and international media, cultivating relationships with influential journalist and editorial boards to expand reach, credibility and thought-leadership impact.

• Author and oversee high-impact written communications, including Op-Eds, policy commentaries, thought-leadership pieces, and other press materials—ensuring clarity, narratives coherence and alignment.

• Design and lead strategic media engagements, including press briefings, editorial meetings, high level media convenings and background discussions that deepen understanding of Open Society work and priorities.

• Oversee integrated content strategy and production across digital and print platforms, ensuring strategic coherence, audience targeting and performance impact; manages and coordinates external creative and PR partners to deliver high quality outputs.

• Co-design and delivers communications trainings for program staff, leadership, and partners to strengthen message discipling, media readiness and narrative alignment across the network.

• Contribute to global communications leadership initiatives, partnering with communications colleagues across regions to drive cross-portfolio collaboration, institutional consistency and shared strategic objectives across the highly-matrixed global environment.

Key external relationships

Media partners including journalists and editors; and Public Relations firms; grantees and partners; human rights and legal experts; public intellectuals and academics

The ideal candidate

Key Considerations and Requirements

This is a fully remote position operating within a highly distributed, global team. The role requires exceptional self-direction, disciplined time management, and the ability to independently prioritize and execute against strategic objectives without day-to-day supervision.

Given the global scope of the Communications function, this role requires significant flexibility in working hours to ensure effective collaboration across multiple time zones. Regular availability during late afternoons and evenings will be necessary to align with colleagues and leadership in Africa, the United States, and the Middle East, including participation in cross-regional meetings scheduled during New York morning hours.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Educated to a degree-level (or equivalent) relevant to Communications

• Evidence of continued professional development in media strategy, crisis communications, geopolitical analysis, or digital strategy.

Experience

Essential:

• Substantial relevant communications experience driving strategic communications in complex political and international environments, including journalism OR experience as a communications professional in the not-for-profit or private sector

• Established and active network of high-level media, editorial, and digital influencers across regional and international levels

• Experience managing crisis communications and high-risk reputational environments.

• Experience leading integrated communications strategies across media, digital, and stakeholder engagement platforms.

• Proven track record advising senior leadership on reputational risk, media engagement, and public positioning

Desirable:

• In-depth media knowledge of open society issues

• Established relationships with journalists, editors, producers and creative partners

• Proven skills in the development of communications strategies in regional and/or international contexts

• Excellent skills in writing for and pitching to media

• Demonstrable social media and digital campaign and management expertise

• Ability to provide strategic guidance around communications opportunities (media interviews, public events, campaigns) for senior officials and others

Functional Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of open society issues

• Established relationships with journalists, editors, producers and creative partners

• Proven skills in the development of communications strategies in regional and/or international contexts

• Excellent skills in writing for and pitching to media

• Demonstrable social media and digital campaign and management expertise

• Ability to provide strategic guidance around communications opportunities (media interviews, public events, campaigns) for senior officials and others

Personal Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to OSF’s core values of humility, commitment, collaboration, respect, inclusivity and integrity

• High level of self-motivation, initiative, and creativity

• Willingness to travel extensively for work

• Substantial knowledge of organizational and project management

• Ability to work with minimal supervision, and solve problems independently or collaboratively a needed

• Diplomatic manner and ability to adapt to a range of cultures and experiences in interacting with program management, colleagues at all levels, contacts, and the public

Languages:

An excellent knowledge of English. Knowledge of French or Spanish desirable.

What we offer

• Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.

• Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:

• Generous time off and flexible work arrangements.

• Employer-paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).

• Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.

• Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.

• A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.

About the organization

Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.

Guided by our founder’s values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.

Additional information

Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.

Competitive rates of pay apply.

Open Society Foundations is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and to building a diverse staff that reflects the movements, issues and communities that our mission serves. Candidates from all underrepresented backgrounds, identities and communities are encouraged to apply.   

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.

An exciting and unique opportunity has arisen to join Your City & Metropolitan Hospitals Charity, working in partnership with Dudley Group NHS Charity, in a newly created role during a period of growth.

We are seeking a Legacy & In‑Memory Fundraising Officer to lead the day‑to‑day delivery of legacy and in‑memory fundraising across both charities. This is a vital role focused on growing sustainable long‑term income while providing compassionate, sensitive support to donors and bereaved families.

Fourth Monkey, the home of innovative and transformative actor training, is looking for a student
services professional to help develop our student experience. You will join a small and dedicated
community of professionals at Fourth Monkey. Your specific responsibility will be to develop our
support services for students from general advice to disability support. We are a small training
establishment and offer actor/maker CertHE and BA degrees. You will join a Student Experience and
Academic Services team.

We are looking for a compassionate and thoughtful person interested in providing support to a diverse
community of artists. You might be someone looking to step up into a management role or you might
be stepping away from a larger university. You’ll have experience in one or more areas of student
services and have been involved in supporting students experiencing difficult times. You will help us
with imaginative ways of sourcing help for students and the role will mean you work with the whole
Fourth Monkey team from the teaching practitioners to fundraising. Experience of working with
creative arts students would be helpful but is not essential. Experience of supporting students is
essential.

This is a revised role designed to support Fourth Monkey in creating appropriate arrangements to
support the student experience and work closely with staff supporting the academic experience,
admissions and Fourth Monkey’s practitioners leading and delivering our courses. The role will include
individual delivery of support for students, signposting them to online and digital support services
offered by Falmouth University and developing and extending our own support services for students. It
is essential that the post-holder has experience of implementing (at whatever level of support)
appropriate safeguarding procedures to support students, including those with mental health crises.
Please note that this role is likely to require a Disclosure and Barring Services check.