Strategic programmes director jobs

Shape the Future of a World-Renowned Institution.

Director of Development
Employer: King’s College, Cambridge
Salary: Starting salary in the region of £90,000 – £100,000 with scope to go beyond for a leading professional with outstanding experience and track record.
Location: Cambridge, UK

King’s College, Cambridge is embarking on the next chapter of its long and influential history and is seeking a Director of Development who can imagine, articulate and drive a bold philanthropic vision for the College.

For more than five centuries, King’s has been a place where ideas, discovery and creativity flourish. Its Chapel stands as one of Europe’s great architectural achievements; its Choir is recognised globally; its students and scholars have shaped culture, science and society. The College is now looking for a development leader who can help secure the resources that will enable it to thrive for generations to come.

Joining King’s at a moment of real momentum, you will build on the achievements of the recent £100 million campaign and design the next strategic phase of fundraising. This will include championing initiatives that broaden access, strengthen support for students, enhance academic excellence, and protect the unique historic fabric of the College.

You will have substantial experience in securing major gifts, a confident and motivating leadership style, and experience of cultivating deep, lasting relationships. A key member of the leadership team, you will work closely with a vibrant global community of alumni and build new partnerships with individuals and organisations who share King’s commitment to excellence, inclusivity, innovation and positive societal impact.

King’s is a place that encourages independent thought, creativity and meaningful contribution to society. Among our alumni are Nobel laureates, world-changing scholars, and trailblazers. Central to our mission is ensuring that exceptional students, whatever their background, can flourish.

As Director of Development, you will be elected to a Fellowship of the College, joining a vibrant, diverse and dynamic community. This position offers more than professional advancement - it represents a rare opportunity to make a lasting contribution to an institution whose commitment to education and innovation has shaped the world for over five centuries.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 1 February.

First round interviews are expected to be held the week of 23 February with second round interviews the week of 2 March 2026.

Interested?

Please familiarise yourself with the attached Candidate Pack.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter.

King’s College, Cambridge is partnering with Constellate Global Talent on this search. No agencies please.

The Chief Executive provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Sheila McKechnie Foundation, ensuring the organisation delivers meaningful impact, remains financially sustainable, and continues to be a respected voice in social change and activism.

Leading a small, committed team, the Chief Executive will set the strategic direction, secure and steward funding, and ensure effective delivery of programmes and services. They will work closely with the Board of Trustees, act as an ambassador for the Foundation, and foster strong relationships with partners, funders, and stakeholders.

This is a hands-on role suited to a versatile leader with a passion for social change and building communities, who thrives in a small charity environment.

Please note this is a UK-based role and applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Job Purpose

Are you a strategic HR professional passionate about people, culture, and inclusion? Centre 404 is seeking an experienced HR Business Partner to join our Central People and Culture team and support the Director of People in delivering Centre 404’s People Strategy and sector workforce priorities. The role focuses on embedding workforce planning, building management capability, and strengthening cultural development, ensuring the organisation is well placed to meet the challenges of the Adult Social Care Workforce Strategy and the new national pay deal.

About Us

Centre 404 is a vibrant north London based charity committed to empowering people with learning disabilities and their families. We champion inclusion, choice, and wellbeing, and we’re proud to be driving sector-leading change in social care.

Key Priorities

• Deliver a management development programme with measurable impact
• Provide workforce analytics to inform strategic decisions and reduce agency spend
• Coach managers to resolve employee relations issues proactively
• Drive improvements in staff engagement, inclusion, and fair treatment
• Lead on Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives and quality benchmarking
• Embed co-production principles across HR processes

What We’re Looking For

• CIPD Level 7 (or working towards) or equivalent
• Proven experience in workforce planning, leadership development, and cultural change
• Strong coaching, influencing, and analytical skills
• Commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and the rights of people with learning disabilities
• Knowledge of CQC/Ofsted frameworks and sector reforms is a plus

 Why Join Us?

At Centre 404, you’ll be part of a values-driven organisation that prioritises people. We offer a collaborative environment, meaningful work, and the opportunity to make a real difference.

Centre 404 is dedicated to staff development and supervision and we will provide a detailed induction and on-going training and support. All offers of employment are subject to a DBS check, proof of eligibility to work in the UK and satisfactory references covering a five year period.

Centre 404 is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Charity ref number 299889

The Finance & Operations Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for the financial sustainability, compliance and operational effectiveness of the charity. The postholder will lead all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, rent and service charge accounting, housing benefit income and statutory reporting.

Alongside this, the role has strategic responsibility for office and refuge operations, including facilities management, health and safety, and central administrative systems.

The Finance & Operations Manager will work closely with the Director, Senior Management Team and Board of Trustees, manage key external relationships, and line manage finance and operations staff.

Due to the nature of work and focus of LBWP, the organisation considers the candidate’s race and gender, to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Parag. 1, Schedule 9, of the Equality Act 2010. Therefore, this post is open only to Black and minoritised i.e. Global Majority, women.

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. 

Database and Operations Officer (Maternity Leave Cover)

Hours: Full-Time (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday).  Part time considered, minimum 4 days per week

Job Location: Amersham, Buckinghamshire

Contract: Fixed-term, 12 months contract to cover maternity leave

Salary: £26,000 pa

Pension: 7% non-contributory

Annual Leave: 28 days, plus bank holidays

Other Benefits: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Free Parking

Job Description

To provide professional, efficient, and effective database management and administrative support to our team. This role sits at the heart of the organisation, supporting all departments through effective office coordination and helping to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the charity.  The role is instrumental in maintaining a high-quality database, enabling accurate data capture and analysis that supports both fundraising and programme delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Database Management (Beacon CRM – Fundraising Database)

• Manage and maintain the CRM system, ensuring accurate and up-to-date fundraising and programmes data entry.  Accurately processing all incoming donations and pledges and ensuring others in the team correctly enter and maintain data.
• Develop overall data management structure of supporter records and processes.  Develop and maintain information management structures in the CRM system to enable accurate and timely information and reporting.
• Adhere to data protection legislation ensuring the way we gather, record and use data is compliant with latest policies, working closely with the Data Protection Officer.
• Handle all enquiries received through the CRM system, providing timely and appropriate responses.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure smooth operation and optimal use of the CRM system.
• Generate reports and analytics from the CRM system to track and measure key metrics.
• Conduct regular data audits to identify and rectify any inconsistencies or errors in the CRM database.
• Training staff members on how to effectively use the CRM system.
• Customise and configure the CRM system to meet the specific needs of the organisation.
• Monitor and enhance data quality and integrity within the CRM system.
• Keep abreast of CRM system updates and new features to maximize its functionality.

Operations Administration

• Provide administrative support to the organisation.
• Managing enquiries received by the charity by post, email, and phone.
• Keep a tidy office environment.
• Maintain data management processes and procedures to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and security.
• Manage and update filing systems, and other organisational documents.
• To be main day to day contact for our external IT support contractors and cleaning contractor.
• Assist with the coordination and organisation of meetings, events, and travel arrangements.
• Prepare and distribute internal communications and correspondences.

Finance Administration

• Provide administrative support to the Finance team ensuring a system is in place to regularly reconcile the fundraising and finance databases.
• Maintain accurate financial records by recording daily financial transactions.
• Prepare and process invoices, payments, and expenses.
• Monitor accounts receivable and accounts payable.
• Provide support during financial audits and examinations

 This job advert may close earlier than first advertised if enough suitable applications are received.

For more than 30 years, War Child has been driven by a single goal: to ensure a safe future for every child affected by war. We work in some of the world’s most challenging contexts, reaching children as quickly as possible when conflict breaks out and remaining long after the cameras have gone. Through protection, education, community support and advocacy, we help children heal, learn and rebuild their lives. One child caught up in conflict is one too many, and we exist to make sure they are never forgotten.

We are now seeking an Interim Director of Finance & IT (maternity cover) to join our Leadership Group at a pivotal moment for the organisation. Reporting directly to our CEO, this role is about continuity, momentum and leadership. You will take responsibility for two critical functions and play a central role in shaping how War Child UK is funded, governed and enabled to deliver impact, both independently and as part of the wider War Child Alliance.

This is a role for someone who wants their expertise to matter. You will lead our finance and IT functions, ensuring our systems, processes and data provide the clarity and confidence needed to make bold, informed decisions. Your insight into income, cost and performance will directly influence how we invest, grow and maximise our fundraising potential.

Alongside this, you will play a key role in long-term financial planning and cross-Alliance collaboration, helping to build robust frameworks that support sustainable growth and accountability. Working with fellow directors, you will help steward the organisation as a whole, ensuring War Child UK remains resilient, ambitious and ready to meet the scale of the need we exist to address.

You will be a qualified accountant with significant strategic and operational experience. While prior international development experience is not essential, you will need to demonstrate the ability to build trusted relationships across cultures and geographies. Experience in a complex, fundraising-led organisation will be highly advantageous.

We are keen to hear from both experienced directors and senior leaders who are ready to step into their first executive role. If you are motivated by purpose, thrive in complex environments and want your leadership to create real change, we would love to hear from you.

Tall Roots is acting as an employment agency partner to War Child UK. For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Mark Crowley at Tall Roots.

Ataxia UK is in an exciting phase of expansion in its Fundraising activity, specifically regarding investment in a Philanthropy function with a dedicated member of staff. In the past, High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) have been managed reactively by the CEO and other Fundraising staff as opportunities have arisen. Ataxia UK (AUK) now wants to make a step change, in response to identified potential within the current fundraising landscape, towards strategic management of a pipeline of HNWI. As part of this, AUK is looking to engage a consultant on a fixed term contract, to work closely with the Senior Philanthropy Manager to undertake comprehensive research & scoping, in order to populate a HNWI pipeline for AUK. 

Please note, due to the large number of applications we receive, you will only be contacted should we wish to invite you to interview.

Founded in 1927, the University of Hull has a long and proud history. Through our teaching, research and civic engagement, we are helping to shape and deliver the future prosperity of our region and far beyond. 

Leading the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team, the Director will drive the design and implementation of the University’s inaugural comprehensive fundraising campaign, launching it at the culmination of our centenary celebrations in summer 2028. Building on progress made to date, the Director will leverage the centenary to elevate the roles of philanthropy and alumni engagement in support of the University’s future ambitions. 

Person specification: 
- Extensive knowledge of philanthropy, preferably within higher education, including fundraising best practice
- Extensive knowledge of alumni engagement and its role in building connections and supporting wider institutional priorities
- Demonstrable track record of building relationships and working with prospects to secure gifts at the six-figure level and above
- Experience of leading philanthropic campaigns and exceeding fundraising targets
- Experience of leading and managing teams carrying out philanthropic and/or engagement activities 
- Experience of strategic and data-driven operational planning and performance management

Dixon Walter is leading the candidate search on behalf of the University. For more information and details of how to apply by 15 February, please see the candidate brief.

#Director
#DirectorPhilanthropyandAlumniEngagement
#UniversityofHull

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!

We are looking for an enthusiastic and innovative Head of Individual Giving to design and grow a sustainable income stream that will transform the lives of our Pensioners. This is your opportunity to shape the future of our fundraising and launch our very first lottery programme. 

Founded in 1682, the Royal Hospital Chelsea is a retirement community for around 300 army veterans, known as the Chelsea Pensioners, drawn from every corner of the United Kingdom. Based in the heart of London, it is a special place defined by community and service.  

In this role, you will work with our Assistant Director of Development and Fundraising to deliver a results-driven Individual Giving strategy. You will take ownership of planning and implementation to ensure every campaign is delivered on time and to the highest standard. You will work across teams to create a seamless supporter journey, using your CRM expertise to analyse data, report performance and identify growth opportunities. Your creativity and technical skills will drive strategies that expand our supporter base and maximise long-term value across channels including digital, print, DRTV and SMS. 

We are looking for a driven, articulate self-starter with the ability to lead complex projects and inspire others. In this autonomous role you will have proven experience building Individual Giving from scratch, a strong record of generating significant income, and deep knowledge of fundraising regulations, GDPR and best practice and a good understanding of setting up a lottery programme and the gambling commissions regulations.

If you are ready to take the lead, innovate and create something amazing, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and help us build a future where every supporter feels valued and every gift makes a difference. 

Early applications are encouraged as we will be reviewing applications and interviewing candidates throughout the recruitment process.

Opportunity to lead the development of a small but vital York charity in its 25th year

Older Citizens Advocacy York - Support and advocacy for over 50s in York

Here at OCAY we are very proud of what we do

• 520 people supported in the last year
• Provide assistance with benefits, finance, health, complaints and more
• Help people to navigate bureaucracy, financial hardship and communication barriers
• Empower individuals to have their voices heard and access the right information

Our current director is taking the next step in her career and we are commencing the search for a new director. The role is full-time at 37 hours per week (also open to part-time at 30 hours minimum). This is a hybrid role with home working and an expectation of at least 2-3 days a week in our office at the Priory Street Centre, York.

Why join OCAY?

• Financially sustainable charity with funding secured until 2029 and exciting funded projects and partnerships in the pipeline
• Highly regarded organisation with an active and visible local presence
• Established relationships with partners, funders and the public sector
• A talented, ambitious team
• Committed to building on our income generation strategy and service development

Main responsibilities

• Be at the heart of the charity’s strategic development over the next 3 years, driving exciting initiatives and growth.
• Lead and co-ordinate all aspects of OCAY’s services, ensuring a high quality of provision for its clients and maintaining a continuous improvement focus.
• Develop and broaden excellent relationships and work collaboratively with volunteers, funders, partners and Trustees.
• Build and maintain a sustainable financial basis for OCAY’s future development.
• Take the lead in writing and submitting fund raising bids and submissions. • Managing a small but highly effective staff team while recruiting, expanding and supporting local volunteers to deliver personalised one-to-one support.

About OCAY

OCAY is a niche charity founded in 2001 offering people over 50 in the York area, advocacy and practical support to access services and benefits. Our dedicated, knowledgeable and compassionate volunteers and staff provide prompt, personalised one-to-one support.

Macmillan Cancer Support – Head of Corporate Partnerships

Location: Hybrid – London SE1

Salary: £80-88,000 per annum.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Director of Development

Contract: Permanent
Function/Team: Development
Location: London, UK
Hours: Full time, inclusive of breaks
Reporting to: CEO

Salary: £54,649 - £61,726

STOP THE TRAFFIK prevents vulnerable communities from being recruited, trafficked, and exploited. Our targeted prevention efforts disrupt the criminal business of human trafficking, making it too high-risk and low-profit to be viable.

As a core member of the Executive Team, the Director of Development will lead on organisational income generation and operational development. Working closely with the CEO, Presidents, this role will oversee all fundraising, partnerships, communications, and internal operations, ensuring STT is financially strong, strategically aligned, and operationally effective.

Leadership & Team Management

· Work closely with the CEO to deliver the organisation’s strategic plan, focusing on sustainable growth, financial health, and operational excellence.

· Work with the Presidents to grow funding and pro-bono support to scale organisational capacity for impact.

· Create and deliver a three-year development strategy, with a focus on diverse and sustainable income.

· Line manage and lead head of, manager, and project officer roles.

Fundraising & Partnerships

· Provide strategic advice to the Head of Development & Communications.

· Support on the management of our STT Prevention Ambassador Network, which should generate philanthropy and donation opportunities.

· Identify new strategic partnerships and funders to nurture, with a focus on growing our philanthropy stream.

· Oversee and grow income across trusts and foundations, philanthropy, individual giving, and corporate partnerships.

Finance

· Oversee financial strategy and operations, ensuring sound financial management withregular reporting to Senior Leadership and the Board of Trustees.

· Oversee budgeting and financial planning with support from manager roles and Oasis Charitable Trust.

Communications & Brand

· Oversee our brand and storytelling, ensuring a consistent, impactful voice across audiences.

· Support external representation of STOP THE TRAFFIK, including speaking engagements, donor presentations, and media opportunities.

Governance & Impact Measurement

· Support the CEO and Board of Trustees through accurate reporting and transparent communication on performance.

· Manage the Senior Leadership Team meetings ensuring alignment to strategy.

· Lead cross-organisational improvement projects to strengthen operational efficiency and impact measurement.

· Lead how we measure our prevention-focused impact, strengthening our theory of change, monitoring & evaluation processes, and overseeing our annual impact report with support from our Communications Managers.

Benefits:

· A friendly, supportive team environment.

· Opportunities to collaborate with global partners and experts.

· Autonomy to take initiative and propose process improvements.

· Access to a healthcare cash benefit scheme (including partner/children coverage).

· Corporate eye-care scheme.

· Life insurance.

· Non-contributory Group Personal Pension Scheme (7% employer contribution).

· 27 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (increasing to 33 days with service).

· Cycle to Work scheme.

· Season Ticket Loan.

· Option to switch 2 bank holidays to suit personal needs.

· Flexible working policy reflecting staff needs.

· In-house and external training opportunities.

Further details about STOP THE TRAFFIK can be found on our website.

If you have the relevant experience, are highly resourceful, adaptable, pro-active, and a critical thinker able to work in a fast-paced environment, please send a CV and brief cover letter (both as pdf format) that evidences your ability to be successful in this role.

Only applications sent via email will be considered to ensure an equitable review process. We will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews for this role on a rolling basis.

We cannot sponsor applicants at this time.

Registered Charity No. 1127321