Senior programme officer jobs

Hours: Full time (30 hours over 4 days)

Location: Flexible across England, Wales and Northern Ireland 

Salary:  Regional £49,202 to £53,252 per annum, or London £52,500 to £56,550 per annum

(London salary applicable to candidates who live in London or are based in the London office a minimum of two days a week)

The role: 

This is a great opportunity to join the UK’s biggest grassroots network dedicated to protecting people and planet at a critical time for our world.

We’re looking for an experienced high value fundraiser and team leader to join Friends of the Earth as our Head of Major Giving. The role will focus on growing income and leading our passionate and well-established high net worth team, which covers Philanthropy, Trusts and Foundations and Strategic Partnerships.

You’ll be responsible for developing the Major Giving strategy, retaining our loyal supporters and attracting new, long-term funders by refreshing the stewardship and cultivation programme to encourage deliver on our growth plans in line as we develop a new strategy to answer the challenges in the external environment and ensure that we have the funds to respond to the crises of climate, nature and inequality.  

We are developing a new organisational strategy, building on our proud history of working with communities to achieve change. We have longstanding partners and loyal supporters to bring with us as we evolve to meet the challenges and deliver the urgent action needed to deliver our mission.

Key Skills and Attributes we’re looking for: 

• Experience of motivating and inspiring team members to achieve high, sustainable performance.  
• Collaborative and skilled at working cross organisationally and building strong internal relationships.
• A good networker and ability to work in true partnership with grassroots organisations and funding partners.
• Demonstrable experience of significant income growth and pipeline development.
• Experience of, or knowledge of campaigning organisations would be an advantage as well as organisations going through strategic change.

The team: 

The Major Giving team consists of 12 people with five direct reports, leading the sub-teams of Philanthropy, Trusts and Foundations, Strategic Partnerships and our Events function. Your team sits within the Income Generation Directorate, and you’ll work closely with colleagues across that Directorate and with our Policy & Campaigns  Engagement and Community & Network Directorates. You will play a key role in promoting a culture of philanthropy and partnerships across the entire organisation as together, we strive to create lasting change in the fight against climate and nature crisis.

For more information, please see the detailed candidate information pack.

Closing date: Monday 23rd  February 2026 (23:59). 

Please note we only accept applications via the Friends of the Earth Application System.

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance including a 4-day working week with no loss of pay, additional leave for sustainable travel, excellent learning and development opportunities and a vibrant organisational culture. 

Our staff body is currently under-representative of People of Colour, LGBTQIA+ people and people with long term conditions or impairments. We are committed to eroding these historic barriers, so as to create a movement in which people from all walks of life see themselves in, and so we particularly encourage you to apply if you belong to one of these groups or sit at multiple intersections of disadvantage. We are committed to the Disability Confident standard and will guarantee an interview to any candidates who declare a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the role.

Friends of the Earth staff who publicly represent Friends of the Earth (including all campaigners) are not allowed to also represent a political party. This is to ensure that there can be no confusion in the minds of the public about Friends of the Earth's party-political independence. Affected staff should also seek permission from the Senior Management Team if they wish to hold a non-public facing official role in a political party. If this is an issue, please do raise this with us as soon as possible.

Friends of the Earth is an international community dedicated to protecting the natural world and the wellbeing of everyone in it. We lead campaigns, provide resources and information, and drive real solutions to the environmental problems facing us all.

We are looking for a new business focussed part time Global Trust Fundraiser to join a small team and play a critical role in securing funding from diverse sources to support the charity with their innovative development initiatives.

The ideal candidate would bring senior-level fundraising experience from a similar role at an NGO, organisation, or charity with an established network of executive relationships in major foundations.

This is a remote working role offering £60k pro rata

The charity
A passionate international development charity, dedicated to to collaborating world wide to make a lasting social impact.

The Role
Relationship Management
Oversee the complete grant lifecycle, from initial lead to application to reporting and closeout.
Build and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors, program officers, and other key stakeholders.

Applications & Fundraising Development
Lead the development of high-quality grant proposals, ensuring proposals are compelling, well-written, and tailored to meet the requirements and priorities of each donor.

Events and Networking and Representation
Effectively convey the charity mission, vision, and programs to potential donors, organising fundraising events while overseeing teams of volunteers and probono partners.

The Candidate
Senior-level fundraising experience from a similar role at an NGO, organisation, or charity.

Extensive existing network of senior executives with major global foundations and organisations.

Proven track record of identifying and closing deals for 6 - 7 figure gifts.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you havent been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful, but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.

We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.

Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.

The Head of Advocacy, Awareness and External Relations is a senior leadership role within AtaLoss, working closely with and reporting directly to the CEO. The post-holder will lead work across the public, bereavement and commercial sectors to deliver AtaLoss’ strategic outcomes by:

• providing national leadership in bereavement awareness, advocacy and policy influence, including through Parliament, the APPG and the media
• strengthening the website as the UK’s trusted gateway for bereavement support, ensuring accessible, high-quality content and effective signposting
• enabling holistic bereavement support in communities and workplaces through partnership development, training and the growth of Bereavement Friendly Communities
• contributing to organisational sustainability through income-generating training, cross-sector partnerships and effective external engagement.

The role sits at the heart of AtaLoss’ mission to ensure that every bereaved person can access the right support at the right time, and to position bereavement as a public health issue requiring timely, coordinated and understanding response.

The Woodland Trust is looking for a PR Officer to help us develop our PR campaigns to help raise awareness of our brand and inspire people with our work.

The Role: 
•    You’ll be responsible for all our regional PR and sector press activity.
•    You’ll manage media relationships and collaborate with comms leads across the UK to deliver this work.
•    You’ll deliver PR campaigns and be responsible for press delivery.
•    You’ll support senior PR officers with filming and national news opportunities.
•    You’ll brief and support internal spokespeople with media opportunities when required.
•    You’ll manage and respond to media inbox enquiries.
•    You’ll create comprehensive reporting and learnings on PR activity.
•    You’ll conduct daily horizon scanning and alert the PR Manager and wider team to relevant news.
•    This role is a part time role working 30 hours per week.
•    This role includes a mix of working from home and at our main office in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Visits to Grantham would be required no more than once a month on average.

The Candidate: 
•    You have an enthusiasm for the environment and share our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count.
We are looking for candidates who have the following:
•    Experience leading and delivering PR activity.
•    Good understanding of brand image and the importance of consistency in PR campaigns.
•    Experience writing press releases and developing PR assets.
•    Strong communication skills with the ability to build and manage key media relationships.
•    Experience working in a busy press office environment and responding to incoming enquiries.
•     Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work with internal stakeholders to deliver PR activity.
•    Qualified in PR, Communications or relevant degree or equivalent on the job experience.

Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
•    Enhanced Employer Pension
•    Life Assurance
•    Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
•    Generous Annual Leave
•    Enhanced Parental Pay
•    Employee Assistance Programme

About Us: The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees. 
People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.
Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application. 

Application Advice: For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, we do not ask for your CV at application stage. Make sure that you answer the Application Questions to show your relevant skills and passion for the role.

Acceptable Use Policy - Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools.

Apply Now: If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on the 12th and 13th of February 2026

Our partner, an established UK charity with a focus on fighting poverty by transforming access to health care services in lower- and middle-income countries in Africa seeks a highly dynamic individual for a one-year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of an extension. The position is part of the management team, and the post holder will be expected to lead on the financial accounting, management accounting, and budgeting for the organisation as well as taking forward some strategic finance and operations projects as we expand our programmes in existing countries. The individual will also be expected to support the Co-CEOs with administrative, compliance and IT related tasks.

Finance
•Maintain a strong control environment, ensuring accounting records are complete and accurate.
Financial accounting
•Prepare annual statutory accounts in accordance with SORP 2015.
•Prepare for the annual external audit and host auditors ensuring the audit process runs smoothly. This includes supporting  country offices in hosting their respective audits.
•Ensure annual statutory accounts are finalised and submitted to Companies House and the Charity Commission by the appropriate deadlines.

Management accounting
•Coordinate the month-end process with the Finance Officer (UK) and Programme Finance Lead, and review transaction postings.
•Prepare monthly management accounts with cash flow forecasts, modifying the format as needed to suit the preferences of senior management and the Board of Trustees.
•Prepare the annual organisational budget and mid-year reforecast.
•Improve existing budget templates to enable straightforward and transparent budgeting for donors.
Support to country offices
•Collaborate with the Programme Finance Lead on a monthly basis to reconcile intercompany accounts, ensuring that reconciling items are cleared promptly.
•Support country office teams in fulfilling any reporting and financial compliance requirements.
•Conduct internal process reviews (internal audits) of country offices where required.
•Review the bi-weekly payment runs for the UK office and the monthly country office fund requests, ensuring cash flow planning is in place for these payments.
•Ensure asset registers are maintained appropriately.

Administration
•Support staff in conducting procurement in line with our procurement policy.
•Assist with preparation for quarterly Board meetings.
•Support office management tasks.

Other
Review and develop existing policies and procedures (e.g. the Finance Manual).

Please note: Salary of £40k offered for 4 days per week ie £50,000 pro rata.

Creative Director and Joint CEO

We are seeking a visionary Creative Director who will also act as joint CEO to lead the artistic and strategic direction of the charity.

For over 40 years, the organisation has used creative practice as a catalyst for social change, promoting inclusion and empowering diverse communities across the North West. The mission and vision is to co-create inclusive, artistic opportunities with diverse communities that enhance wellbeing and celebrate culture and heritage. 

If this is something you are passionate about, then we would love to hear from you!

Position: Creative Director/Joint CEO 

Location: Rochdale /Hybrid (in person 2-3 days per week, one of which must be a Wednesday)

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Salary: £45,000 plus a 7.5% employer pension contribution

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Tuesday 24 February at 5pm

Interview Date: Thursday 12 March in person in Heywood

The Role

The Creative Director (Joint CEO) is responsible for the artistic vision, creative, entrepreneurial and strategic leadership of the charity. You will work as an equal partner with the Managing Director (MD/ Joint CEO), both reporting directly to the Board of Trustees to ensure that the organisation achieves its project objectives and strategic targets, while providing quality assurance of the work of the company.

Principal tasks and responsibilities include:

• Strategic Development
• Artistic Leadership
• Advocacy and Relationships
• Finance & Fundraising
• Company & Governance
• Management and leadership

About You

We are looking for an entrepreneurial leader with a proven track record in securing funding, overseeing complex budgets, and fostering productive relationships with a Board of Trustees, other partners and stakeholders. You will have a creative and cultural leadership style and with experience of programming that reaches diverse communities.

About the Organisation

Join a dynamic participatory arts charity based in Rochdale, dedicated to using creative practice as a catalyst for social change. For over 40 years the organisation has co-created inclusive, artistic opportunities with diverse communities that enhance wellbeing and celebrate culture and heritage.  We call this Art for a Reason. Through a range of initiatives from Art for Wellbeing to community-led festivals, the team provide opportunities for people to explore their heritage, find their voice, and experience the transformative power of the arts. The vision is for a world where everyone has access and opportunities to create, participate and belong.

We particularly encourage applications from individuals who live in Rochdale and/or identify as being of the global majority, disabled, neurodiverse and/or LGBTQ+/and or non-binary communities. The successful candidate will be offered the post subject to an enhanced DBS check and references.

You may also have experience in areas such as Programme Coordinator/manager, Learning and Engagement, Director, Creative Director, Operations Director, CEO, Director of Creative, Joint CEO, Deputy CEO, Assistant CEO, Chief Exec, Assistant Chief Exec, Deputy Chief Exec. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

This is an exciting and engaging role, managing a small, well-established Philanthropy Team, where you will have the opportunity to work directly with our top supporters, develop interesting cultivation events and help us reach new supporters across Dorset and Wiltshire.

The Philanthropy Team incorporates major donor, mid-value, trust and legacy fundraising. It works closely with public fundraising and events teams. The CEO, Deputy CEO and specific trustees are also actively engaged in managing key relationships.

The role

The role is full time (35 hours per week) with hybrid working between home and the office in Wimborne in Dorset. There will be a requirement to travel across both Dorset and Wiltshire for internal meetings, donor meetings and events, with occasional out of hours working.

About you

We are looking for a talented, strategic, individual who can hit the ground running, be innovative, ambitious and bring exciting new ideas, ready to make a real difference to the growing number of local families we support. Energetic and with a passion for this type of role, you will be a confident communicator, who can build relationships with new and existing supporters and a considerate and thoughtful people manager. You must have a proven track record of working with high-net worth individuals in order to apply. We welcome applicants from within and outside the charity sector.

About us

Julia’s House cares for babies, children and teenagers with life-shortening or life-threatening conditions across Dorset and Wiltshire. We provide support for the whole family - mums, dads, siblings and even grandparents. Our care is regular, frequent, flexible and free, with more than half of our care taking place in family’s homes.  When the worst happens, Julia’s House is there. We offer comfort and support at home, in hospital or our hospices, wherever families need us.

Join us and make a real difference in this key role

Pathway Project is an inspiring Domestic Abuse Charity that makes a difference, it's a great place to work, we are a charity with big ambitions and huge energy and we need a Finance Manager who can match our energy.

We are currently evolving a bold new strategy and a passion  for excellence in service delivery. Supported by a driven and energetic board of trustees the new Chief Executive is leading Pathway Project through their ambitious plans.

It’s a really fantastic time to join our amazing charity as we move into the next phase of our exciting journey.

We are looking for a new Finance Manager to be responsible for the effective day-to-day financial management of the charity supporting the CEO with the Finance Strategy.

She will be driven, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements including the Charity Commission and Charity SORP (FRS 102).

She will work closely with the CEO, SMT and Trustees and she will provide clear, timely financial information to support sound operational and strategic decision-making and help ensure the long-term sustainability of the organisation.

Lindengate is a mental health charity that supports children and adults of all ages with their mental, physical, and social wellbeing through nature-based activities

This new role will involve planning and delivering seasonal work programmes, develop habitat and garden management plans, and lead a mixed team of staff and volunteers to maintain and enhance the site and gardens as a welcoming, biodiverse place to support people’s mental, physical and social wellbeing and nature. 

ODI is seeking an exceptional Head of Global IT—a high‑calibre technology leader with high emotional intelligence, servant‑hearted authenticity, and a deep passion for strengthening the most persecuted Christians and praying for their connection with the global Church.

This individual will embody ODI’s ministry‑driven purpose, continually improving our operational effectiveness and safeguarding our security as we serve the persecuted Church. If you’re a mission‑aligned IT leader who thrives on building resilient systems that empower global ministry, this could be your next calling.

The primary responsibilities of the Head of Global IT are:

• Global IT team leadership and management (approximately 25 staff & contractors)
This includes business analysis, project and program management, solution design and selection, technical architecture, software development and maintenance, customer support, infrastructure, and cybersecurity.

• Alignment through influence
Build strong, trust‑based relationships with executives and functional leaders across fundraising and field operations, using influence, communication, and demonstrable value to drive voluntary alignment.

• AI and innovation
Champion the adoption of AI and automation (e.g., business analysis, software development, analytics, workflows, decision support) to improve program effectiveness, supporter engagement, and internal efficiency.
Promote the Enterprise Architecture, AI, and innovation processes to identify emerging technologies to help drive solutions that increase the value of IT support and services.

• Cybersecurity
Ensure effective cybersecurity posture globally, including policies, awareness, identity and access management, monitoring, incident response, and alignment with relevant standards and regulations.

• Global IT governance
This includes standards and policies that balance consistency with local flexibility, in close partnership with international leadership, fundraising bases, and field operational entities.
Lead and facilitate the creation of governing principles and a board to guide EA and AI decision‑making (e.g., foci, prioritization, value realization, allocation of roles and responsibilities) to enable the long‑term Ministry strategy.

• IT portfolio and program management
This relates to major technology initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategy, clear business cases, disciplined prioritization, and on‑time, on‑budget delivery.

• Infrastructure
Oversee Azure and Microsoft‑centric infrastructure, collaboration platforms (e.g., M365/Teams/SharePoint), and core business applications, ensuring reliability, scalability, and security for a 60+ country footprint.

• Networking
Provide oversight of vendors, partners, and outsourcing relationships to maximize quality, cost‑effectiveness, and mission fit.

Your Key Qualities

Open Doors believes that spiritual maturity, character, and behaviour are as important as competence. Therefore, the Head of Global IT is:

• A devoted follower of Jesus with a heart to strengthen persecuted Christians.
• Prayerful and able to take IT decisions founded on faith in God.
• Able to build strong relationships across national cultures.
• Able to empower others and intentionally develop future IT leaders.
• Prepared to make difficult decisions and have honest conversations with grace.
• Active in a local church that supports their vocation and provides spiritual support.
• Emotionally intelligent and aware of the impact of their leadership on people.
• Able to communicate complex topics in simple, compelling language for non‑technical leaders.
• Strong in integrity, stewardship, and accountability, recognizing the responsibility of managing donor‑funded resources.
• Experienced in negotiating and influencing at a senior level, combined with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Proven IT skills and experience in the areas of:
o Technology and architecture.
o Delivery and methods: proficiency in business analysis, requirements elicitation, and solution evaluation.
o Data, AI, and process improvement, including process mapping, optimization, and automation.

The Philharmonia Orchestra is seeking a talented and driven Trusts and Foundations Co-ordinator to help the Development team deliver growing, sustainable fundraised income. Working closely with an experienced senior grant-writer, the Trusts and Foundations Co-ordinator will steward existing funders and develop funding applications for:

• Our programme of 150 concerts a year, including landmark multi-disciplinary concert series; 

• Our award-winning Learning & Engagement projects that engage over 15,000 people annually;

• Our talent development programme through which we help improve representation in the talent pipeline;

• Our sector-leading visionary digital and immersive technology programme including our multi-award winning and globally recognised Virtual Orchestra (VR) immersive experiences.

This role will suit someone ready to move on from an entry-level position within a Development team, keen to work in a fast-paced environment, and enthusiastic about taking on their own set of fundraising targets and application deliverables. It is an opportunity for an enthusiastic fundraiser to work within an experienced, inspiring team, to work closely with and learn from one of the most experienced trusts and foundations fundraisers in our sector, and to play a transformative role in a thriving orchestra that on the occasion of its 80th anniversary is already looking ahead to Philharmonia at 100.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

The primary responsibilities of the Trusts and Foundations Co-ordinator are fundraising from and stewarding Trusts and Foundations, achieved by undertaking the following tasks:

1. Delivering the Trusts and Foundations fundraising strategy, with a particular focus on:

• Identification and cultivation:

• Producing lists of prospects to share with the Development Board, via the Director of Development.

• Identifying opportunities for cultivation at projects, events and concerts.

• Application development:

• Responsibility for developing small to mid-range Trust, Foundation and statutory applications up to £25,000 including copy development, application budget creation (using signed-off source budgets), and sign-offs from project manager and line manager.

• Maintaining a strong momentum of application submissions, aiming to fundraise a year ahead of project delivery where possible.

• Collaborating with Development colleagues to agree stewarding responsibilities, review prospects, report on Trust & Foundation income vs. targets and identify prospects whose giving objectives align with the Philharmonia’s work.

• Working closely with colleagues in the Learning & Engagement, Concerts and Marketing departments to build strong, collaborative working relationships in order to source project information to support the development of funding bids.

• Stewarding

• Ensuring timely report development and submission, to maximise re-application rates.

• Ownership of accurate and comprehensive Trust, Foundation and Statutory accreditation in all collateral and online.

• Proactive and consistent conduit between prospects and the Philharmonia, managing invitations to supported projects and ensuring consistent, warm and professional relationship management.

2 Ensuring efficient administration of Trusts and Foundations fundraising, including:

• Managing all Trusts and Foundations pledges and grants on our CRM Tessitura, and ensuring data capture and processing is in line with GDPR and other privacy laws.

• Population and updating of Trusts and Foundations submissions, stewarding and reporting tracker.

• Accurate records of all correspondence held in SharePoint.

Other tasks include

• Representing the Philharmonia externally when required. 

• Undertaking any other duties reasonably required by the Philharmonia.

Skills

Essential:

• A passion for the arts and belief in their ability to have a positive transformative effect on people’s lives.

• An enthusiasm for fundraising.

• A strong work ethic.

• Excellent writing skills with the ability to form a persuasive case.

• Experience in writing fundraising communications.

• Experience of working within a team in a collaborative and supportive manner.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written), with an ability to adapt style for different audiences and members of the orchestra’s circle of supporters and senior volunteers.

• Commitment to the mission, vision and values of the Philharmonia. 

• Understanding of fundraising and data protection regulation (including GDPR and the Fundraising Regulator).

• Credible experience using a CRM system to record and report on moves management.

• High-level of IT literacy, including the Microsoft 365 suite.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the Philharmonia and its work.

• Proficiency in fundraising databases.

Our partner, a respected and established international charity supporting programmes across Africa; seeks a qualified and experienced senior finance professional to provide strategic financial leadership, maintain robust systems, controls, and donor compliance across the organisation. The Director of Finance is responsible for organisational financial strategy, budgeting, reporting, external audits, risk management, and supporting programme delivery through high-quality financial oversight.This hands-on role requires the Director of Finance to execute daily tasks as well as overseeing, and mentoring, others within the team to undertake what is required.

Key responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Financial Planning 

• Lead the organisation’s financial strategy ensuring sustainability and alignment with mission and organisational priorities. 

• Advise the CEO and Board on financial performance, risk, and scenario planning. 

• Develop long-term financial models and cashflow forecasts. 

• Provide financial insight to strategic decisions, business cases, growth opportunities, and operational planning. 

Financial Management & Control 

• Oversee and execute specific tasks relating to financial operations including accounting, treasury, cash management, payroll, and banking. 

• Ensure monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closes are accurate and timely. 

• Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls across central team and country/project operations. 

• Implement efficient systems and processes to support a lean but compliant financial environment. 

Budgeting & Organisational Performance 

• Lead the annual budgeting process 

• Monitor budget performance, variances, and financial KPIs, providing clear analysis for senior leadership. 

Donor Finance & Grant Compliance 

• Oversee donor grant finance, ensuring compliance with institutional donor restrictions and requirements. 

Audit & Assurance 

• Lead the annual organisational audit: prepare schedules, financial statements, and required disclosures. 

• Ensure compliance with charity accounting standards (SORP) 

• Oversee financial donor audits, ensuring timely, accurate responses and evidence. 

Risk Management 

• Contribute to the organisational risk register by recording and presenting on financial risks to the Board and Finance and Audit Committee. 

• Implement financial due diligence for donors, suppliers, and country operations as required to meet organisation and donor policies. 

Oversight of International Operations 

• Ensure strong financial management of new country programmes creating and reviewing and renewing policies as required. 

• Support the development or review of financial systems, capacity, and reporting in relation to new country expansion work. 

• Oversee financial arrangements for countries where the INGO has no legal entity, including fiscal hosts, secondee payments, and contract structures. 

Leadership, Management & Culture 

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team to achieve operational excellence. 

Person Specification 

• Worked as a Finance Director or as a Head of Finance (with autonomy of decision making and board reporting duties) 

• Strong understanding of charity accounting standards and regulatory requirements. 

• Senior-level finance experience in an INGO, charity, or multi-country organisation (preferably with operations in the Global South) 

• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CPA or equivalent). 

• Demonstrable experience with institutional donor compliance. 

• Experience leading annual audits and preparing financial statements. 

• Strong leadership and team management skills, including developing staff. 

• Strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis skills. 

• Experience managing multi-currency environments and international financial operations. 

• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance staff, senior leaders, and Boards. 

The Organisation

Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity supporting low-income families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people.

We help thousands of families every year with essential grants, services and practical support. But we do much more than that. We champion families’ voices, challenge inequality and help shape the conversation on disability, childhood illness and disadvantage. 

The Role 

This is an exciting opportunity to shape how Family Fund connects with people across the UK. As a newly created role, it offers real scope to define and develop the function, while playing a central role in strengthening the organisation’s voice and influence.

We are looking for a bold, creative Group Director of External Affairs to join our Senior Leadership Team. At a time when families need us more than ever, you will raise Family Fund’s national profile and influence, positioning the organisation as a trusted, evidence led voice on childhood disability, serious illness and the broader challenges facing low-income families. You will build and sustain strong relationships with policymakers, funders, and the public ensuring the organisation secures the visibility, support, and resources needed to drive lasting change for the families we serve.

You will lead an energetic, specialist team spanning communications, media, public affairs, partnerships and research, bringing these areas together through a joined up external engagement strategy that delivers real impact.

Some key responsibilities include:

• Lead our communications, media, public affairs, partnerships and research teams
• Raise Family Fund’s profile as a trusted national voice 
• Build strong relationships with policymakers, media, funders and partners 
• Help drive real change for families through influence and insight

Who we’re looking for 

We are looking for an experienced leader who loves the power of communication, influence and connection.

Key attributes will include:

• Senior experience in external affairs, communications or public affairs 
• A strong track record of influencing policy and engaging senior stakeholders 
• Experience leading teams and working at senior level 
• A warm, confident communication style and great relationship skills 
• A real passion for Family Fund’s mission and social justice

This is an exciting, high impact role with the chance to make a genuine difference to families across the UK. 

Candidate Briefing Pack

For comprehensive information about Family Fund, the role responsibilities and the person we are looking for, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply for this fantastic opportunity, please provide the following with your application:

• An up-to-date CV
• A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, outlining your experience, motivations and suitability for the role.

All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Russam. All applications should be uploaded via the Russam website.

If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter - Managing Partner, Charities at Russam.

Closing date for applications: Monday 2nd February 2026
Initial interviews with Russam: 17th and 18th February 2026
Interviews with Family Fund: 4th, 5th and 6th March 2026

Flexibility will be provided if needed - do let us know as soon as possible if you are unavailable on these dates.

We commit to inclusion, equality and diversity and we welcome applications from all parts of the community. Family Fund is a Disability Confident Leader. We will invite to interview all disabled applicants who meet the requirements for the role. If you have a disability, and are happy to let us know, please highlight this in your covering letter. We have also signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and we welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community. 

The Programme Director, Media and Communications leads on the design, development and implementation of communication strategies and plans to advance Humane World for Animals UK’s strategic priorities with regard to campaigns, brand-building and fundraising. The role creates, implements and measures the success of a comprehensive communications programme that will aim to significantly enhance the organisation’s image and position within the UK animal protection space.

If you are results-oriented, organised and creative and have strong proven experience as a media and communications professional then we would like to hear from you.

Key areas of responsibility

1. Develop and execute communications strategies for Humane World for Animals UK’s key campaigns and fundraising requirements.

2. Measure and track communications impact, reach and effectiveness, reporting against agreed targets.

3. Manage, maintain and grow productive relationships with a range of journalists with a goal of securing prominent national media coverage.

4. Oversee the organisation’s social media channels to promote campaigns, support fundraising and engage meaningfully with UK supporters and political stakeholders.

5. Serve as chief content reviewer to ensure communications materials adhere to policy, factual accuracy and visual brand guidelines.

6. Lead on designing reputational risk management mitigation strategies.

7. Implement UK specific brand strategies with the aim of increasing and measuring brand awareness in the UK market.

8. Lead on celebrity recruitment and stewardship.

9. Manage sourcing and contracting relationships with communications / PR agencies and databases to ensure consistently high-quality and value for money communications outputs.

10. Manage the communications and media budget, including regular reporting.

About you

Our successful candidate will be confident, creative and positive with a proven track in media and communications roles at a senior level. A proactive self-starter, you will have demonstrable experience of managing and developing strong, focused and ambitious teams, and a solution-focused approach to overcoming obstacles. You will have experience of building high quality media and communication strategies and plans and delivering these in a fast-paced environment. You will have ambition and drive for creating positive change for animal welfare; a willingness to constantly learn and develop the most impactful, cost-effective communications for our target audiences; and your work will be solidly underpinned by regular evaluation of progress and impact with a view to further improving strategies.

We are searching for an experienced media and communications professional to make a difference and be part of our successful and friendly team. If that’s you, please get in touch!