Strategic lead jobs

This is an important opportunity to join a respected service supporting adopted adults, birth family members and their descendants, and to help shape high-quality practice that makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Main Responsibilities: 

As Practice Manager, you will provide professional leadership, supervision and operational oversight across intermediary services. You will support a team of PAYE and sessional Intermediaries and Researchers, oversee service quality and safeguarding practice, and contribute to service development and strategic growth. The role also involves building strong relationships internally and externally, ensuring that our services remain responsive, safe and effective.

· Provide supervision, guidance and practice leadership to Intermediaries and Researchers.

· Oversee referrals, allocations, case progression and case closure across the service.

· Support decision-making in complex and higher-risk cases, including safeguarding concerns.

· Lead service development, quality assurance activity and continuous improvement work.

· Maintain oversight of active cases and case records to ensure high standards of practice.

· Represent the service in meetings with internal colleagues, commissioners and external professionals.

· Support recruitment, induction, training and ongoing development of staff and sessional workers.

Main Requirements (for details check the job description and person specification):

You will hold a professional qualification in social work, counselling or psychotherapy, and bring strong knowledge of the lifelong impact of adoption. You will have experience in post-adoption and permanency work, alongside the confidence to supervise staff, manage competing priorities and contribute to service development. We are looking for someone with excellent communication, sound judgement, a collaborative approach and a clear commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Benefits:

- an annual paid leave entitlement that commences at 25 working days (pro-rata), and after a full year of service, rising each April by one day, subject to a maximum of 30 working days plus bank holidays

- up to 6% matched-pension contributions

- enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions

- eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers

- cycle to work scheme

- investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.

• Location: Cambridge
• Salary: £39,640
• Contract period: Permanent
• Start date: As soon as possible

This is a pivotal moment to lead Fauna & Flora’s Research & Insight function as the organisation grows its global fundraising ambition and expands high-value activity across philanthropic, trusts & foundations and private sector income streams.

You will provide strategic leadership across donor intelligence, due diligence, CRM insight and analytical processes, ensuring these systems are applied with integrity, consistency and real impact across Fauna & Flora’s fundraising efforts.

Working closely with fundraising and wider organisational teams, you will develop and drive insight-led approaches, strengthening fundraising pipelines, embedding evidence-based decision-making and enabling long-term organisational growth.

In return, we offer the opportunity to work for a ground-breaking organisation at the frontline of global conservation, with a generous pension contribution, attractive leave allowance and life insurance.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives on leading high-performing teams, shaping organisational practice and using insight and analysis to drive ambitious fundraising growth.

Please visit our website and download the job application pack for further details on how to apply.

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 28 June 2026. Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 6 July 2026.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Organisation: Happy Days
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Location: Calderdale

Role Purpose

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic and operational leadership across all frontline services, accommodation provision, organisational infrastructure, and compliance functions within the charity.

The COO is responsible for ensuring safe, trauma-informed, financially sustainable, and outcomes-focused delivery for individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, health exclusion, addiction, and crisis.

The role leads operations across the charity’s accommodation portfolio, including winter shelter provision, general needs accommodation, supported accommodation, and intensively supported housing. The COO also oversees the operational platform of the charity’s support programmes, including a community café, community supermarket, crisis drop-in provision, and integrated health clinics.

Working collaboratively with the CEO, Board, statutory agencies, housing provider partners, and wider stakeholders, the COO plays a key leadership role in shaping organisational strategy, strengthening operational systems, embedding trauma-informed practice, and developing innovative models of support that improve long-term outcomes for individuals experiencing multiple disadvantage.

The COO provides executive oversight of, operational risk, health and safety, HR, operational systems, and service compliance, ensuring the organisation maintains robust standards of governance, accountability, and person-centred care across all services.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Provide executive operational leadership across services and organisational functions
• Lead the delivery, development, and continuous operational improvement of:
  • Supported and temporary accommodation services (68+ properties)
  • Crisis and drop-in provision
  • Food programme and social supermarket
  • Winter shelter provision
• Translate organisational strategy into effective operational delivery plans
• Drive organisational improvement, innovation, and sustainable service growth
• Lead operational responses to emerging community need, organisational risk, and system pressures
• Support strategic planning, organisational development, and long-term sustainability
• Lead operational capital development initiatives across the organisation

Housing, Property & Supported Accommodation Executive Oversight of:

• Operational management, legal compliance, health and safety, quality assurance across all accommodation services
• Lead strategic partnerships with housing providers
• Manage delegated housing arrangements and supported housing pathways
• Maximise occupancy, sustainment, and positive move-on outcomes
• Oversee property-related risk management, maintenance coordination, and accommodation standards
• Lead the transformation and redevelopment of The Gathering Place, including partnership working with architects, infrastructure planning, and service design
• Oversee operational development planning for the Bramwell Booth building to support future service delivery and organisational growth

Safeguarding Operational Platform

• Lead organisational safeguarding strategy and systems
• Ensure SOP’s are in place to enable staff to respond effectively to complex needs including:
  • addiction
  • mental ill-health and physical health needs
  • dual diagnosis
  • homelessness
  • domestic abuse
  • offending histories
  • health exclusion
• Oversee serious incidents, risk management, and quality assurance processes
• Promote reflective practice, professional accountability, and safe service delivery
• Lead continuous safeguarding improvement and organisational assurance processes
• Support the organisation’s progression towards recognised safeguarding quality and excellence standards

Health Inclusion & Community Services

• Support development of innovative approaches addressing homelessness, substance use, poverty, and social exclusion
• Contribute to wider system responses focused on prevention, health equity, and community resilience

Corporate Governance, Compliance & Organisational Infrastructure

• Provide executive oversight of organisational governance, operational compliance, and corporate infrastructure
• Lead organisational responsibility for:
  • Human Resources
  • Health & Safety
  • Insurance and organisational risk
  • Operational systems and digital infrastructure
• Ensure robust organisational policies, procedures, and assurance frameworks are developed, implemented, and maintained
• Oversee compliance with employment legislation, health & safety standards, and contractual obligations
• Lead organisational risk management processes, incident oversight, and business continuity planning
• Ensure effective management of organisational insurance provision, liability protection, and risk mitigation
• Support governance reporting, operational assurance, and organisational accountability
• Develop quarterly Trustee and governance reporting packs in conjunction with Heads of Department and the CEO

Systems Development & Digital Transformation

• Lead the development and implementation of operational systems, reporting frameworks, and service infrastructure
• Design and embed systems that improve operational efficiency, safeguarding oversight, housing management, and service coordination
• Use data, insight, and performance analysis to improve outcomes and organisational effectiveness
• Support digital transformation, service modernisation, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop monitoring, evaluation, and impact reporting systems to support organisational learning and strategic decision-making

Leadership, Workforce & Organisational Culture

• Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and values-led organisational culture
• Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, retention, supervision, and staff development
• Promote staff wellbeing, reflective practice, and psychologically safe leadership
• Provide leadership oversight and strategic direction for volunteer services and volunteer programme development
• Support the organisation’s progression towards recognised volunteer quality standards, including the VSI Volunteer Excellence Award

Partnerships, Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Represent the organisation within strategic partnerships and multi-agency forums
• Work collaboratively with commissioners, funders, housing providers, and community partners

Financial Oversight & Sustainability

• Budget development and financial planning in conjunction with the CEO and Finance Team
• Support organisational sustainability through efficient service delivery
• Monitor operational performance, quality standards, and service outcomes
• Ensure effective governance, accountability, and operational compliance across all services

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant senior leadership experience within homelessness, housing, health, social care, community, or voluntary sector services
• Extensive operational leadership experience across complex, multi-service environments
• Experience leading services supporting individuals with multiple disadvantage and complex needs
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and organisational risk management
• Experience managing accommodation-based and community support services
• Experience overseeing HR, compliance, governance, and organisational systems
• Experience leading quality assurance, risk, and compliance frameworks
• Strong partnership and stakeholder engagement skills across statutory and voluntary sectors
• Experience managing operational budgets, compliance frameworks, and performance systems

Desirable

• Experience working within homelessness, substance use, or health inclusion services
• Experience working within housing such as a registered housing provider
• Understanding of public health approaches and health inequalities
• Knowledge of housing legislation, supported housing models, and safeguarding frameworks
• Experience with digital transformation, systems implementation, and organisational modernisation

Key Attributes

• Values-driven and strongly committed to social justice and health equity
• Strategic thinker with strong operational leadership capability
• Calm, resilient, and decisive in complex and high-pressure environments
• Compassionate and emotionally intelligent leader
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence across systems and sectors
• Innovative, solutions-focused, and collaborative
• Committed to continuous improvement, accountability, and inclusive leadership

 DownsLink Group (YMCA DLG) is the leading charity supporting children and young people across Sussex and Surrey through safe homes, mental health support and trusted advice. Following a significant period of organisational stabilisation and transformation, we are now entering an ambitious new phase focused on growth, influence and deepening our impact.

We are seeking an experienced and values-led Director of Supported Housing to join our Executive Team and lead our resident-led housing services for young people aged 16-25. This is a strategically important leadership role with responsibility for supported housing, safeguarding, asset management, service quality and housing growth across a complex and evolving operational landscape.

You will bring visible leadership across services, strengthen partnerships with commissioners and local authorities, and help shape the future of housing support for young people across the region. Alongside this, you will help lead the organisation as a whole, contributing to long-term sustainability, growth and strategic direction.

This appointment is part of a wider strengthening of YMCA DLG’s Executive Team, alongside the recruitment of a second Director, as the organisation enters its next phase of growth and impact. This is an opportunity to join an ambitious organisation at a pivotal moment and help shape what comes next.

Peridot Partners are supporting us with the recruitment of this role. When you click 'Redirect to Recruiter' you will be redirected to the full job advert and how to apply on the Peridot Partners website.

Closing date: 9 am Tuesday 30th June

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) is a membership organisation and the voice of the profession, with over 4,750 members in the UK and overseas. Our role is to champion the specialty, set standards of training and practice, and influence change to make a difference to the lives of patients with eye conditions.

Job Purpose  

The Director of Finance and Operations plays an important role within the College, providing strategic leadership, oversight and development of a portfolio of corporate support functions. This includes finance, membership, HR, IT and facilities. 

This role has responsibility for a team of 8 members of staff and also forms a key part of our Senior Leadership Team, taking corporate responsibility for the overall direction and operational management of the College. 

Main responsibilities 

1. To lead the strategic and operational management of our finance function 

• Provide strategic leadership and quality assurance for the annual budgeting and forecasting process, delivered by the Financial Controller and finance team 

• Review and challenge monthly management accounts, forecasts and financial performance reports prepared by the Financial Controller, working closely with budget holders

• Present financial reports and analysis to the Finance Committee and Board of Trustees to underpin informed discussion and decision-making

• Oversee, develop and maintain effective finance systems to reflect best practice and to help ensure timely and accurate figures  

• Provide assurance to the Chief Executive and Trustees that appropriate systems and controls are in place to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements 

• Provide executive oversight of the annual audit and statutory reporting process led by the Financial Controller, including the production of the annual report, working closely with auditors and ensuring that any management control points are implemented promptly 

• Lead trustee engagement on investment strategy and monitor investment performance 

• Support the operation of the College’s trading subsidiary 

• Co-ordinate the College’s use of restricted funds, ensuring compliance with contractual terms.

2. To foster individual and organisational development

• Monitor and develop our organisational culture, championing our values at every opportunity 

• Empower staff and teams to actively inform the direction of the College and our activities 

• Oversee the delivery of our equity, diversity and inclusion strategy, evaluating progress against key metrics 

• Support the implementation and delivery of our new strategy from 2027.

3. To oversee other areas of our corporate support function 

• Oversee our membership strategy to support sustained growth, identifying new opportunities to develop our offer to UK and international members 

• Lead on operational and contractual efficiencies and service improvement programmes including IT and facilities management, ensuring the smooth running of the organisation, raising productivity, and delivering value for money 

• Oversee all aspects of our HR function, including learning and development, in line with our values and behaviours framework, and new organisational strategy from 2027. 

• Oversee the robust management of risk, data protection, and health & safety compliance. 

4. To lead the department

• Lead and support the team, including through the identification and delivery of professional development opportunities 

• Establish individual and team objectives linked to our strategic priorities, monitoring and holding colleagues to account for delivery 

• Share key updates with the team on a regular basis and champion the department’s work internally 

• Ensure rigorous financial management and long-term forecasting to ensure departmental and College-wide sustainability 

• Support and provide strategic insight to committees, including the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee 

• Establish appropriate structures and processes to drive forward key projects, including collaborative working across the College and evaluating success against identified metrics. 

5. To be an active member of our Senior Leadership Team (SLT)

• Provide leadership and support across the organisation, ensuring consistency of operation, high standards of service and driving a one-team approach 

• Agree organisation-wide policies and procedures and ensure their correct implementation 

• Assume corporate responsibility for trustee and senior leadership decisions 

• Role model our organisational values and behaviours at every opportunity

To undertake other duties as required:  

• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Chief Executive

• Some travel may be required, including attendance at our annual congress. Working outside normal hours may also be needed from time to time on key projects 

Person specification 

Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience 

• A CCAB-qualified accountant, with at least five years of experience in a senior leadership role 

• Detailed knowledge of charity financial management, budget preparation and reporting, risk, GDPR and health and safety 

• Experience of leading successful growth, such as through the delivery of a membership or fundraising strategy, alongside high levels of organisational productivity and efficiency 

• Experience of delivering against challenging performance targets, and of managing others to do so 

• Experience of HR, IT and Facilities management 

Skills and Abilities 

• Ambitious, dynamic, values-driven leader with established leadership skills and emotional intelligence 

• Successful track record of achieving results in a leadership role 

• Strategic thinker with excellent attention to detail and a willingness to adopt a hands-on approach when required 

• Ability to present and write clear reports for non-financial managers, trustees and committee members 

• Highly developed influencing, persuading & communication skills 

• Sound understanding of systems management, including accountancy software and CRM 

• Ability to innovate, recognise challenges, analyse problems and apply effective solutions 

Personal Qualities (Attributes) 

• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and understanding of how this applies to own area of work 

• Commitment to own continuing professional development 

This is an exciting opportunity to lead Field Studies Council's Digital Learning & Publishing unit.

You'll develop strategy, build partnerships, grow income streams and lead a talented team delivering biodiversity training, digital learning and natural history publishing across the UK.

Success in this position will come from strong commercial leadership, strategic thinking and the ability to deliver sustainable growth while supporting our charitable mission.

• Permanent full-time contract
• Starting salary circa £36,973 - £44,091 per annum DOE + excellent benefits
• Flexible base location with remote / home working welcomed
• Make a visible, lasting contribution to environmental education across the UK

Work with purpose

At the Field Studies Council, our mission is to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment.

As our Digital Learning & Publishing Manager, you will lead a commercially focused business unit responsible for a diverse portfolio of biodiversity training, digital learning and publishing products. Working closely with the Commercial Director, you'll help form the future direction of the unit, ensuring sustainable growth, strong customer experience and meaningful impact.

In this key senior leadership role, you will:

• Lead the Digital Learning & Publishing unit, with accountability for its commercial and operational performance, budgeting, forecasting and P&L delivery.
• Develop and deliver commercial strategies that drive sustainable revenue growth across digital learning, publishing, partnerships and e-commerce.
• Identify new commercial opportunities and build relationships that expand our reach and impact.
• Use data, insights and customer feedback to improve performance, conversion, retention and customer value.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team.
• Oversee the successful delivery of biodiversity training courses, digital learning products and natural history publications.

Further detail regarding the full responsibilities can be found in the vacancy pack attached to the advert on our careers website.

Where you’ll be based

The base location for this position is negotiable, with remote working / home working welcomed. If you prefer working in an office environment, you can work from one of our Field Studies Centres across the UK. Hybrid working options can also be considered.

This role will include occasional travel to our Field Studies Council locations and other venues throughout the UK and will involve occasional overnight stays.

Who we're looking for

We're looking for someone with a commercial mindset who has owned budgets, delivered revenue growth and led business performance before. We're particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience in a commercial leadership or business unit management role.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams in a commercial environment 
• P&L accountability and revenue growth delivery, with a track record of developing and scaling commercially viable products or services 
• Experience leading delivery project teams and managing vendors/freelancers. 
• Effective management and influencing of partnerships and networks 
• Budget management expertise, including a proven ability to ensure value for money
• An interest in learning, publishing, environmental education or the natural history sector.

Your benefits whilst working with us will include:

• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
• 2 extra loyalty days dependent on length of service
• Life assurance 5 x your annual basic salary 
• Health and Wellbeing Support App for you and eligible family members to access remote GP appointments, mental health consultations, physiotherapy sessions and financial & legal support
• 24-hour Counselling Helpline Service
• Cycle to work and EV schemes
• Discounts and cashback opportunities 
• Flexible working options where roles permit
• Quality learning and development opportunities

If you are looking for a role where your leadership can make a genuine difference to environmental learning, we would be delighted to receive your application.

The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 8th July 2026.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Interviews are scheduled to take place at Field Studies Council online in the week commencing 20th July 2026.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all team members to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will only be confirmed following the successful completion of rigorous pre-employment checks, including appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks / PVG Scheme check with Disclosure Scotland.

Join Kingston Hospital as our new Director to lead a well-established NHS charity and drive forward both fundraising income and impact for Kingston & Richmond NHS Foundation Trust.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Friday 26th June.

Who we are

Kingston Hospital Charity is the dedicated charity for Kingston & Richmond NHS Foundation Trust. Working closely with clinicians and teams across Kingston Hospital and local community services, we raise and steward charitable funds to enhance care and the experience of patients and their loved ones—above and beyond what NHS funding alone can provide. Our support helps create welcoming, healing environments, invest in innovation and technology, and strengthen staff wellbeing and development so that exceptional care can be delivered every day. Relaunched in 2017, the charity brings together grateful patients and families, community groups, businesses, trusts and philanthropists who want to make a tangible difference for local healthcare.

About the role

The Charity Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for Kingston Hospital Charity. Reporting to the Board, the postholder will lead the charity’s growth, profile and impact, ensuring charitable income is maximised to enhance patient care, staff wellbeing and innovation beyond core NHS funding. There is a real focus on securing major gifts to successfully deliver trust strategic priorities and other funding opportunities as well as expanding the charities’ reach and impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Setting and delivering the charity’s long-term vision and strategy
• Leading income generation across fundraising, partnerships, philanthropy and grant funding
• Building strong relationships with clinicians, NHS trust leadership, donors and community stakeholders
• Ensuring excellent governance, financial stewardship and regulatory compliance
• Leading and developing a high-performing charity team
• Acting as a senior ambassador and advocate for the charity locally and regionally

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a senior fundraising leader to lead a small but ambitious charity team and drive income growth. You will need:

• Senior leadership experience in charities, fundraising or a relevant sector
• A strong track record of income growth and strategic development
• Experience in building relationships with high-net-worth individuals
• Outstanding stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
• Credibility operating at the Board and executive level
• Commercial acumen combined with a strong values-led approach
• Passion for improving healthcare outcomes and patient experience

This role offers a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of a well-established NHS charity and make a tangible difference to local health services.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Friday 26th June.

For further information about the role and to register your interest, please visit the Peridot Partners page and contact our advising consultants.

Earth Trust is looking for a Finance Director to help shape the next stage of our development as a place-based environmental charity with growing ambition, increasing complexity and a powerful mission.

Based at Wittenham Clumps in Oxfordshire, Earth Trust cares for farmland, woodland, meadows, wetlands and community reserves, connecting people with nature and demonstrating how people and the natural world can thrive together. Our work brings together public engagement, learning, nature-friendly farming, partnerships and commercial activity in support of our charitable purpose.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. Alongside our established charitable work, we are delivering Gateway to Nature — a major programme to improve access, enhance the visitor experience and support growth in sustainable earned income. We need a Finance Director who can ensure this ambition is underpinned by clear, robust and commercially sound financial thinking.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will work closely with the Chief Executive, senior colleagues and Trustees to shape organisational direction, strengthen financial planning and ensure resources are aligned with impact. You will provide strategic financial insight, constructive challenge and practical support across the organisation.

You will lead budgeting, forecasting, management accounts, statutory reporting, audit, financial governance, risk, reserves and controls. You will also support business cases, financial models, capital project oversight, trading activity and commercial decision-making.

We are looking for a qualified accountant with significant senior finance leadership experience, ideally gained in a charity or similarly complex organisation. You will bring strong technical finance skills, sound judgement, commercial awareness and the ability to communicate clearly with non-finance colleagues. Just as importantly, you will be collaborative, values-led and motivated by the opportunity to use finance as an enabler of environmental and social impact.

This role will suit someone who combines strategic leadership with a practical, hands-on approach, and who enjoys helping colleagues build financial confidence, accountability and discipline.

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter explaining why you are suitable and what attracts you to the role to by Sunday 21st June.

The Role:

This is a pivotal moment for Dialogue Earth. As news organisations continue to retreat from climate coverage and the funding landscape for independent journalism becomes more challenging, we are looking for a Director of Development who can help us strengthen existing funder relationships, build new partnerships and shape our funding strategy for the years ahead.

You will work closely with the CEO, senior colleagues, and trustees to develop a clear funding strategy, identify new opportunities, lead high-quality proposals and ensure funders understand the value and impact of Dialogue Earth’s work.

The Director of Development will be a key member of the senior management team, and share responsibility for delivering Dialogue Earth’s mission. 

What we are looking for:

Essential

• Commitment to our mission – the search for shared global solutions to climate change and the environmental crisis. 

• Dedication to our values of openness, dialogue, ecological and informational integrity, and justice. 

• Significant senior leadership experience in partnerships, philanthropy or income development, with a strong and demonstrable track record of securing and growing funding from a range of sources. 

• You will possess both strategic insight and hands-on experience, be networked across the charitable funding sector, and combine commercial thinking with a deep understanding of the NGO and fundraising landscape.

• Strategic judgement and strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, analyse complex information and influence a range of stakeholders.

• A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to navigate complex funding landscapes and deliver against ambitious targets.

Main responsibilities: 

• Develop and execute a clear income growth strategy with defined targets, milestones, and measurable outcomes.

• Oversee the development of an updated funding pipeline.

• Lead and develop Dialogue Earth’s small focused fundraising team with clear objectives and accountability.

• Lead on Dialogue Earth’s engagement with existing and potential funders.

• Ensure funding reports are prepared and delivered on time.

• Lead on the submission of funding proposals, ensuring they are in line with editorial priorities and budgeted appropriately.

• Provide strategic oversight of key income generating events, ensuring they are leveraged effectively to cultivate and secure high value support.

• Support Trustees to act as effective ambassadors and introducers.

• Contribute actively to the senior management team, ensuring fundraising is embedded within wider organisational strategy and decision making.

Essential experience, knowledge and skills: 

• Proven track record of securing significant funding commitments.

• Experience of creating an organisational fundraising strategy and enacting a strategic plan

• Experience building and converting a strong major donor pipeline, including multi-year commitments.

• Demonstrated ability to lead high value partnership or funding conversations and personally secure significant commitments.

• Experience setting and delivering against ambitious income growth targets.

• Experience of leading and developing a small team 

• Experience of contributing as part of a senior management team, with the ability to help shape organisational strategy 

• A natural relationship builder, able to establish trust quickly and sustain long term partnerships with high value supporters.

• Comfortable with accountability and transparent performance measurement.

• Self-aware, pragmatic, and calm under pressure.

• Demonstrates alignment with the values of Dialogue Earth and a commitment to collaborative, high-performance working.

Our client is a federated charity made up of a national organisation and more than 170 local organisations supporting families in communities across the UK. United by a shared purpose and values, each local organisation is rooted in its community and able to respond to the needs of local families. This unique model combines national reach with deep local knowledge, enabling our client to create lasting change for families while remaining connected to the communities it serves. They are now looking to hire a Director of Fundraising and External Affairs and Prospectus is leading the search.

Director of Fundraising and External Affairs
Permanent
£82,000
Remote with regular travel to meetings with donors, for events and to the central office in Leicester
Closing: Sunday 28 June 2026

The organisation is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to drive fundraising, communications and external affairs across the organisation. Reporting as a member of the Executive Team, the postholder will lead high-performing teams with clear accountability for income growth, supporter engagement and organisational profile. With responsibility for trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, individual giving, communications and external affairs, you will grow and diversify income, build influential partnerships and strengthen the organisation’s position as a leading voice for families and children across the UK..

The selected candidate will have a strong track record of securing six and seven-figure gifts, building long-term partnerships, delivering sustainable income growth and leading high-performing teams. You will be a self-starter, a clear strategic thinker, and a pace-setter within an organisation growing and making enormous impact. An exceptional communicator and relationship-builder, you will be comfortable engaging and influencing funders, policymakers, trustees and senior stakeholders, bringing the credibility, resilience and vision needed to operate at Executive level.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds. Please let us know if we can help you with the application process in any way. We are more than happy to make any reasonable adjustments to enable all interested candidates to apply. If you have any disability and would like assistance with completing an application please contact Ryan Burdock or Jessica Stoddart at Prospectus.

If you are interested in applying to this leadership position, please submit your CV and a covering letter in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you the full job description and will arrange for a call and/or meeting to brief you on the role. You’ll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

 

Reports to:  Chief Executive Officer   

Location:  Flexible: monthly co-working days in London and additional regular stakeholder meetings as required nationwide. 

Salary:  £45,000 - £50,000  

Hours: Full time; 37.5 hours a week , We are happy to consider requests for flexible or part time working  

Contract : Permanent  

ABOUT THE ROLE 

Role overview 

The Head of MAT and School Partnerships will build and lead a high-impact portfolio of strategic MAT partnerships that improve recruitment, retention and long-term success for career change teachers while strengthening outcomes for schools and pupils. 

This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of Now Teach’s next phase of growth and impact. The postholder will play a central role in shaping how we work with MATs nationally and how career change teachers are recruited, supported and retained within schools serving disadvantaged communities.

You will also work closely with the Director of Network and Head of Impact to develop a school engagement, impact and advocacy strategy across the 500 schools where our 1,000-strong Now Teacher Network currently teach.

In this role you will……   

Lead the design, delivery and evolution of Now Teach’s MAT partnership strategy aimed at ensuring Now Teacher impact in schools. You will support teams to deliver on their agreed recruitment targets and network offer commitments , establishing and growing a portfolio of deeply engaged partners who get it right for their career change teachers.

You will create and maintain strategic relationships, act as a sector expert for growth opportunities, influence and negotiate at senior levels and demonstrate excellent communication skills. Strong judgement and relentless customer focus will be essential as you build customer loyalty and enhance MAT and school advocacy and ultimately, our impact. 

Key responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership  

• Lead the further development,  execution and continuous improvement of the charity’s MAT and School strategy   

• Feed your knowledge into decisions that will support us to increase our footprint in schools serving areas of greater socio-economic disadvantage 

• Use partnership insight and data to inform organisational strategy and decision-making 

• As a member of the extended leadership team, you will contribute to wider organisational planning, decision-making and strategic development 

Partner Development and Account Management 

• Identify and action external landscape opportunities leading on relationships with relevant sector partners 

• Build and manage a high-quality pipeline of prospective MAT partners who embed the Now Teach model successfully and champion its impact across the sector 

• Shape the development of CRM and partnership management systems that enable high-quality and scalable account management 

• Maintain robust partnership governance, ensuring compliance with contractual agreements and organisational standards 

• Design and deliver an approach for engaging existing partner schools to strengthen relationships and maximise Network impact. 

• Oversee a suite of messaging and materials that can be used to brief external audiences and pitch to potential partners supported by Now Teach Communications colleagues 

• Manage a lighter touch relationship rhythm with a wider set of training providers in our portfolio.

Cross-Organisational Delivery 

• Define and embed scalable partnership delivery models across recruitment and network teams to ensure successful delivery of agreed partnership models with up to 8 priority partners in year 1 growing to up to 15 over the next 3 years 

• Work with the Leadership team to implement required changes so that by 2030, 70% of new Now Teach recruits are placed with priority partners and experience an integrated Network offer achieving sector-leading satisfaction scores from Now Teachers and partner schools 

• Deliver on our ambition for 60% of all new Now Teachers to be teaching in schools serving areas of greater disadvantage by 2030 

 Business Development & External Influence 

• Secure partnership income targets, negotiate partnership contributions, and drive commercial sustainability, working closely with COO/Finance Manager on ongoing cost models. 

• Position Now Teach as a leading strategic partner for MATs seeking to recruit and retain high-quality career change teachers 

• Represent Now Teach externally across the education sector, building credibility and influence with MAT leaders, system partners and sector stakeholders 

• Maintain deep understanding of MAT priorities, workforce challenges and sector developments 

Impact, Evaluation & Continuous Improvement  

• Work closely with the Head of Impact to monitor and evaluate partnership work

• Identify insights and trends that support continuous improvement and work collaboratively across teams to iterate our future partnership models 

• Deliver and monitor data sharing agreements with priority partners working closely with our Data Manager and Head of Technology to ensure high quality and robust data sets

• Monitor and report on pipeline progress and established success metrics as part of the leadership team, course correcting as required 

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Who you are (qualities/values) 

• You thrive when operating in ambiguity and can implement new approaches from the ground up 

• You enjoy being part of a small team where people work together to drive work forward  

• You are highly self-directed and comfortable leading complex workstreams independently

• You are credible operating with senior education leaders and understand the realities facing MATs and schools 

• You’re skilled at aligning colleagues (internally and externally) around a shared delivery plan 

• You’re committed to your own personal and professional development  

• You’re passionate about ensuring that schools and students benefit from the inspiring professional and life experience of career change teachers.  

What you’ll need to succeed in this role  

• Ability to think strategically and spot opportunities to maximise organisational impact 

• Proven track record of translating strategy into scalable operational delivery and measurable impact 

• Proven experience building and managing senior strategic partnerships, ideally within education, public sector or mission-driven organisations to achieve success metrics 

• Experience influencing senior stakeholders including CEOs, MAT executives or system leaders and shaping compelling propositions 

• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation capability

• A relentless focus on exceptional partner experience and reputation enhancement 

• Strong ability to lead through influence across cross-functional teams and external stakeholders

• A commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. 

Don’t meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. At Now Teach we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

WORKING AT NOW TEACH 

Our people join and stay because they value Now Teach’s flexibility, close-knit team culture and social purpose. 32% of employees at all levels of the organisation work part time and everyone works flexibly, with time off in lieu part of our standard working practices. We are a small, collaborative and supportive team of nearly 20 people. We are non-hierarchical, and we set clear expectations and celebrate the successes of teams and individuals.  

Our Vision 

Schools and students benefit from the inspiring professional and life experience of career change teachers. 

Our Values 

Now Teach has four core values which encompass how we work together to delivery our vision and mission: Drive impact through expertise; Focus on who matters most; Make change happen; and Build connections that amplify. 

Our culture and values are central to us encouraging and supporting people into teaching. Without our positive, honest, and flexible approach we wouldn’t be able to adapt to meet the needs of Now Teachers. We have been named as one of Escape the City’s Top 100 Employers in 2021 and 2022 and have been recognised as a Working Mums’ Top Employer and at the Working Dads Employer Awards. We have won awards for our Culture, Flexible Working and Excellence in Public Service.   

In return we offer you 

As well as flexible working and a great culture, we offer a wide range of benefits including 25 days annual leave per year (plus bank holidays), an additional 3 days for Christmas closure (25th Dec-1st January), a  pension scheme with a generous 11% employer contribution, enhanced parental leave policies, a rewards platform with employee discounts, access to an Employee Assistance Programme and an annual professional development budget for each employee. 

Working arrangements 

Full time/part time role, flexible working patterns possible. Now Teach are supported to work flexibly at co-working spaces or at home as needed with monthly working days in London. You will be required to cover your own travel expenses to London.

Application Process 

Please submit your CV and a cover letter (max. 2 pages for the cover letter)

Applications close on 15th June 

First stage interviews will take place on 24th June online 

Second stage interviews (if appropriate) will take place on 1st July in person at a location in London

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 

Now Teach strives to be a workplace that is diverse, equitable and inclusive where we can ALL be ourselves. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, gender identities, stages of life and those with hidden or visible disabilities.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll endeavor to be as accommodating as possible. If you would like to discuss specific requirements, please contact us and ask to speak to the Operations Team.

All applicants must have an existing Right to Work in the UK. 

Safe Recruitment Procedure 

Now Teach are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.To meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process, and all successful candidates will be subject to a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service check. 

As the Project Development Manager (RTP), this role will strategically lead the Rethinking Pain programme into its next phase, ensuring continued impact, quality, and sustainability. In addition, the postholder will contribute strategically and operationally to the success of Blood Pressure Connect and other emerging physical health initiatives, providing leadership and support across the wider organisation

Key Objectives 

• To lead and oversee the delivery, development, and day‑to‑day management of the Rethinking Pain programme across Bradford and Craven, ensuring high‑quality, effective, and sustainable delivery.
• To develop and maintain strong professional relationships with key partners and organisations, creating effective referral pathways and promoting the benefits of collaborative working, including embedding programmes sustainably where appropriate.
• To play an active role in horizon scanning and funding development, identifying and securing additional funding opportunities to support, expand, and stabilise the Rethinking Pain programme, Blood Pressure Connect programme and other related activities.
• To represent KHL and the Rethinking Pain programme, Blood Pressure Connect and future health initiatives at relevant meetings, networks, and health boards, raising the profile of the work and contributing to wider strategic discussions.
• To proactively ensure accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to KHL’s ways of working and are embedded throughout the Rethinking Pain programme and associated physical health projects.
• To work closely with the CEO to ensure all programmes and projects, including Rethinking Pain, Blood Pressure Connect, and emerging physical health initiatives, are aligned with KHL’s vision, aims, and strategic objectives

Project Management 

• To enhance systems and processes for the Rethinking Pain programme and support other related projects such as Blood Pressure Connect. To support budget management alongside the CEO and Finance Officer.
• To maintain effective relationships with key Commissioners, funders and key partners To develop high level/quality presentations and present these at local and relevant events as and when required.
• To ensure all projects are delivered in line with local and national guidance and local need, supported by the RP clinical team.
• To have oversight of all partner projects, associated with the managed projects, implement service levels agreements and ensure SLA requirements are being met.

Key Skills

• Supporting with change initiatives to align with organisational goals fostering a positive culture.
• Strong strategic understanding, providing cross-functional operational oversight
• Excellent organisational skills to performance monitor against our group objectives
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to execute work expediently
• Experienced in utilising tools/frameworks to track progress ensuring appropriate governance and therefore outcomes Provide data led insights to guide decision making and strategy

Further details for the post will be detailed in the candidate pack.

Role description: 

We are currently looking for a Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships to join our Fundraising & Supporter Experience Team. 

Reporting to the Director of Fundraising & Supporter Experience, the postholder will lead the development and delivery of the charity’s philanthropy and partnerships strategy, translating organisational ambition into compelling propositions, high value relationships and sustainable income growth. 

Leading a small, committed and recently established team, the Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships will build on early successes to define future direction, strengthen capability, and scale income from major donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partners.  

This role offers a significant opportunity to shape and grow a developing function and play a pivotal part in enabling Yorkshire Cancer Research to deliver its ambitious growth plans and achieve its vision of a Yorkshire free from cancer.  

Specifically you will: 

• Lead and work in partnership with relevant Fundraising Managers to develop and deliver Yorkshire Cancer Research’ Philanthropy & Partnerships strategy to the charity’s mission, values and organisational strategy.

• Provide clear strategic leadership across all high value, aligned income streams, including: Philanthropy, Trusts and foundations, Corporate partnerships, Strategic and multi year funding partnerships

• Ensure the philanthropy and partnerships strategy aligns with, and complements, the public fundraising strategy, delivering a coherent overall income approach. 

To be considered for this role, you will need to be a member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising and have significant experience leading high-value fundraising and/or partnership income streams, with evidence of delivering significant and sustainable income growth.

For further details please refer to the role profile. 

Application 

Before applying, please visit our Careers Page to view the full role profile and find out more about working for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Claire Wooldridge, Head of People before 9th June 2026. Please read our privacy notice before applying. 

The charity is a responsible and flexible employer.We welcome any discussion for flexible working at the interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity.

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact us.

We're looking for a creative, strategic and data-driven Digital Marketing Manager to lead and develop our digital presence across multiple channels.

Reporting to the Head of Marketing, you'll be responsible for creating engaging digital content and campaigns that inspire audiences, strengthen our brand and showcase the life-changing impact of our work. You'll manage our digital ecosystem, including social media, website development, email communications and digital advertising, ensuring every channel delivers measurable results.

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a significant website relaunch, manage substantial digital brand profiles and shape how a global charity engages with supporters, partners and stakeholders around the world.