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Could you be the next Chief Officer of Just Drop-In?
We're looking for an inspiring, values-driven leader to guide our much-loved charity in Macclesfield into its next chapter.
For 25 years, Just Drop-In has been a lifeline for young people 11–24yrs old across the north of Cheshire East. Every year, we support more than 1,000 children and young people through our Counselling, Mentoring, Wellbeing, and Parent Support Services — and the need has never been greater.
We're looking for someone who brings:
✅ Strong leadership experience
✅ Business awareness
✅ Safeguarding knowledge and experience
✅ Experience of working with children and young people and a genuine passion for helping them thrive
This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation with deep roots in its community and a team that truly believes in its mission.
If this sounds like you — or someone you know — we'd love to hear from you.
Please see further information and how to apply by downloading the attached document or clicking redirect to recruiter.
#Hiring #ChiefOfficer #Charity #YouthWork #Macclesfield #NonProfit #Leadership #JobOpportunity
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for an inspirational new CEO to lead our dedicated team and continue to develop SLRA’s outstanding services and impact. You may be an experienced CEO or have the skills and determination needed to step up into the role. We are looking for someone who will ensure the continued exceptional impact of our work with local migrant individuals and communities and who will continue to develop our campaigning and policy influencing work at a time when the hostility of the external environment and government policies is more challenging than ever. If you think you might be the right person for this role, feel that you could bring the best out in those you lead and have the capability to define SLRA’s direction over the coming years, then we would love to hear from you.
SLRA is a well-established local migrant support organisation working with and for refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants who are at risk or in crisis because of immigration issues. We provide specialist immigration advice as well as a broad range of practical, social and therapeutic support services. We also campaign for a fairer immigration system, involving local people with lived experience in influencing local and national policy and practice.
For all roles, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals, and those who are migrants or refugees, and who have lived experience of the hostile immigration system. We are proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network, which aims to create a charitable sector that is led by people with lived experience of the asylum and immigration system. As part of this network, we challenge the one-size-fits-all approach in our employment practices, and respect personal circumstances and needs of people with lived experience. Please feel free to use information and resources on their website which may help in preparing your job application.
To ensure that migrants live safely with access to justice and opportunity
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join the RHN Fundraising Team and help make a profound difference to the lives of people living with neuro-disability!
We’re looking for an experienced Trusts & Major Gifts Manager to lead and grow a key area of fundraising at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability. This is an exciting opportunity to shape our trusts and foundations and major gifts programme, build strong relationships with funders and supporters, and secure significant income to enhance the lives of our patients and their families.
With a 170-year legacy of philanthropy and an ambitious fundraising programme, you’ll play a pivotal role in helping the RHN continue to deliver services and activities.
Please note this a part-time role working 4 days a week.
Job title: Trusts and Major Gifts Manager
Department: Fundraising
Contract: Permanent, part time (4 days per week)
Salary: £47,380 per annum pro rata (£37,904 actual salary for the 4 days a week)
Location: Putney, South West London with 1 day per week working from home
Key responsibilities
Lead income generation, driving the team to achieve an annual target of £1.25m+ and developing a strong, sustainable pipeline of trusts, foundations, statutory and lottery funding.
Manage and develop the team, setting targets and KPIs, allocating opportunities effectively, and providing coaching, support and constructive feedback.
Build and nurture funder relationships, identifying new prospects, developing tailored stewardship plans, and representing the RHN through meetings, visits and presentations.
Develop compelling funding applications, working across the organisation to demonstrate impact, understand funding needs and secure multi-year and transformational grants.
Stay ahead of the funding landscape, monitoring trends and emerging opportunities and advising on potential new sources of income.
Oversee effective fundraising management, including budgets, reporting, CRM records, application deadlines and performance against targets.
Person specification: Essential (E) and Desirable (D)
Educated to degree level (or equivalent) (E)
Fundraising qualification (D)
Working knowledge of fundraising best practice; at least 2 years’ experience of grant fundraising; proven record of securing gifts of 5/6 figures and multi-year opportunities (E)
At least 2 years’ experience in a team management role (E)
Experience of Raiser’s Edge (or similar fundraising database) as a tool in supporter relationship management and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Appropriate training can be provided. (E)
Experience of using research techniques to acquire information about existing and prospective funders (E)
Excellent prospect research and profile creation. (E)
Excellent interpersonal skills – strong influencing, relationship building and networking skills to develop and nurture donor relationships. Ability to quickly establish rapport with a diverse range of people. (E)
Ability to conceive and develop complex proposals (E)
A flexible approach to work as this role will require some outside of normal office hours working. (E)
Comfortable working in a hospital setting where interaction with patients, staff, and families is common place (E)
Why the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability is a great place to work:
Generous Annual Leave entitlement
Free counselling and therapy sessions and other mental wellbeing support through our partner CIC Wellbeing
Get involved in our free on-site wellbeing programs, including weekly yoga, and monthly pottery club (we are the UK’s only hospital with its own kiln)!
Draw down a percentage of your monthly wages a few weeks early to help with unexpected costs.
Financial support services such as low-interest loans and help with savings accounts through our partnership with London Capital Credit Union.
Join our wellbeing networks to connect with people in our hospital; we have a Pride network, Women’s network, and our Race Equality network. We also have heritage events to celebrate the diversity of our workforce – most recently we had a South East Asian celebration.
Free on-site parking (rare in London!)
More benefits: Cycle2Work scheme, tech purchase support scheme, Blue Light Card discounts, and more
For more details and a full Job Description, please click the apply now button to be re-directed to our careers page.
The RHN is a charity, independent from the NHS but working closely with it, to provide the best possible care for people living with neuro-disability.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Arthritis Action is the UK charity giving hands-on, practical help to improve the quality of life of people affected by arthritis. We offer an integrated self-management approach, which looks at both the physical and mental health impact of living with arthritis. We support people living with musculoskeletal conditions through healthy eating advice, mental health resources, pain management techniques, Online Groups, employment support, and exercise advice and resources.
We are looking for an experienced Volunteering Manager, based in the Midlands, to lead the development of an exciting new volunteering programme, helping us build a diverse, inclusive and engaged volunteer community that brings our strategy to life.
The Role
Home-Based in the Midlands with monthly travel to the London office (EC1V)
The Volunteering Manager will lead the development, delivery and continuous improvement of volunteering within Arthritis Action. This is a new role responsible for ensuring that more people affected by arthritis across the country receive high-quality, evidence-based support and have meaningful opportunities to connect, participate and influence our work.
The postholder will oversee our volunteering activity, in turn enabling volunteers to extend our reach, strengthen communities and increase our impact across the region. The postholder will work closely with the Head of Services and Engagement to develop the relevant polices and strategies whilst also thinking about recruitment, onboarding, training and retention.
Key Responsibilities
Volunteering Development
• Develop a strong understanding of the volunteer journey, using insight, feedback and data to identify opportunities to improve engagement, satisfaction, retention and outcomes.
• Develop approaches to ensure volunteers can increase engagement amongst diverse and underserved communities.
• Implement effective monitoring and evaluation processes to demonstrate impact.
• Work with colleagues to identify opportunities to link volunteering and donor journeys.
• Establish effective onboarding, recruitment, training and retention processes.
• Update existing volunteering policies and strategy documents to bring them in line with practice for 2026 and beyond.
• Work alongside the CEO to support and develop our new Clinical Advisory Panel.
Engagement Building
• Develop and implement an engagement approach that strengthens relationships with existing and potential volunteers.
• Create meaningful opportunities for people with lived experience to volunteer with Arthritis Action.
• Work collaboratively with Communications and Fundraising colleagues to maximise awareness and impact.
• Build relationships with community partners and relevant external organisations to build the volunteering network.
Volunteering Strategy and Development
• Develop Arthritis Action’s volunteer strategy with support from the Head of Services and Engagement, creating a sustainable model that supports organisational priorities.
• With support from the Head of Services and Engagement, establish appropriate volunteer policies, processes, safeguarding arrangements and systems.
• Work alongside staff to create volunteer led services.
Line Management
• Act as the first point of contact for volunteers.
• Responsibility for volunteers supporting the charity.
Data, Insight and Impact
• Use data, feedback and evaluation to understand the effectiveness and impact of our volunteering programme, identify opportunities for improvement, and enhance the experience and contribution of our volunteers.
• Report meaningful KPIs for volunteering and engagement, using the CRM.
Person Specification
Essential
Experience
Skills and Knowledge
Attributes
Desirable
How to apply
Applications should be in the form of a CV with a covering letter explaining your interest in and suitability for the role. Please provide both email and telephone contact information for yourself.Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Applications should be received by 11:59pm on Thursday 17th September 2026 at the latest.
First-round interviews will take place by Zoom on Tuesday 22nd September 2026. Second-round interviews will take place in the London office on Monday 28th September 2026.
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert ahead of the deadline should we receive a sufficient number of applications.
Arthritis Action is an equal opportunities employer. We treat employees and job applicants in the same way regardless of age, disability, marital status, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion or belief
Please apply with a CV and Covering Letter. Applications without a Covering Letter will not be accepted.
Arthritis Action is a UK charity helping people with arthritis to live fuller lives with less pain.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Third Solutions is proud to be partnering with a dynamic and growing national health and research charity in the search for a Commercial & Events Officer.
You will play a key part in planning and delivering fundraising events, managing supporter journeys, and ensuring that everyone who fundraises for the charity receives excellent stewardship and support.
You will support the Commercial & Events Manager in planning, organising and delivering corporate stewardship, community engagement and fundraising events (including virtual).
The charity are based in Buckinghamshire and ideally looking for three days a week in their office.
The role:
The candidate:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you haven't been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful and your details will not be held further 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
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
This is an opportunity to join a dynamic and successful fundraising, engagement and communications team, helping to drive forward an organisation that is seeking to grow and develop to meet a changing conservation environment for whales and dolphins.
We are looking for someone that can lead a team but will also be a fundraiser in their own right, willing to initiate and take on projects. They need the experience to drive the strategic direction, innovation, and operational excellence needed to grow fundraising income, strengthen brand awareness and deepen engagement with donors and supporters.
The successful candidate will be an important part of WDC’s senior management team, working closely with the CEO and other senior colleagues to lead the organisation into its next stage of development, building resilience and impact in all that we do.
Initial online interviews with selected candidates will take place during October, with final in-person interviews being held on Thursday, 29th October at our Chippenham office.
A world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Title: Mass Participation Event Manager
Location: Hybrid, minimum 1 day per week in our London Bridge office
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time role based on a 32-hour working week across four days
Reporting to: Head of Fundraising (Community & Events)
Salary: £35,000 – £37,000 per annum
About Spinal Research
Every two hours, someone in the UK becomes paralysed. Globally, more than 15 million people live with paralysis. At Spinal Research, our vision is a world where paralysis can be cured. We fund groundbreaking research to deliver life-changing treatments for people with spinal cord injuries. By backing the brightest minds and fostering innovation, we are driving progress towards what could be the medical breakthrough of the 21st century: curing paralysis. We will not stop until that future is achieved.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join our Events team in a newly created management role, building on four years of significant growth and success across our mass participation programme.
As Mass Participation Event Manager, you will play a key role in shaping the future direction of the programme while driving continued growth in income, participation and supporter engagement. You will have responsibility for the development, performance and delivery of the mass participation portfolio, working closely with the Head of Fundraising (Community & Events) to grow income, participation and engagement.
Alongside this overall responsibility, you will have direct ownership of your own area of the portfolio, including the Great North Run, Berlin Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Cape Town Marathon and our wider challenges programme. You will manage these events from recruitment and participant onboarding through to fundraising, event-day delivery and post-event stewardship, while supporting the Head of Fundraising (C&E) with our flagship London Marathon.
You will also line manage the Events Junior Officer, who will have direct responsibility for their own allocated events. You will provide leadership, direction and support to ensure their events are delivered successfully and contribute to the wider mass participation goals.
This is a senior, hands-on role. You will be expected to lead the development of the overall programme while remaining directly involved in the day-to-day delivery of your own events. This includes recruiting and stewarding participants, developing campaigns, managing budgets and suppliers, speaking directly with supporters and being hands-on at events.
Key Responsibilities
· Strategy & Growth: Grow the mass participation portfolio, increasing income, participation and engagement through insight-led planning.
· Supporter Recruitment & Stewardship: Lead recruitment campaigns and deliver excellent supporter journeys from sign-up to post-event stewardship.
· Event & Portfolio Management: Manage allocated events end to end, including budgets, logistics, suppliers, event-day delivery and major event support.
· Team Management: Line manage the Events Junior Officer, providing direction, support and oversight across their events.
· Systems, Insights & Reporting: Use CRM and performance data to monitor KPIs, report on progress and inform future activity.
· Collaboration: Work across the Community & Events team and wider organisation to deliver a strong, aligned mass participation programme.
About you
· Proven experience growing mass participation fundraising, with a track record of increasing income, participation and supporter engagement.
· A track record of increasing income, participation and supporter engagement.
· Experience leading recruitment campaigns and managing supporter journeys.
· Confident managing event budgets, suppliers, CRM systems and performance data.
· A strong communicator who builds great relationships with supporters, colleagues and partners.
· Highly organised, proactive and able to manage multiple priorities.
· Experience leading, supporting or developing others.
· Comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
Why Join Us?
Occasional evening or weekend working may be required to meet organisational needs, with time off in lieu provided.
Ready to help us deliver life-changing impact?
Apply now to join Spinal Research and play a key role in our mission to cure paralysis.
Spinal Research is a Disability Confident Committed employer and welcomes applications from all candidates. We are committed to making our recruitment process inclusive and accessible and will provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process where required.
Please submit a CV and a supporting statement outlining why you would like to work for Spinal Research and why you would be a strong fit for the role.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and early applications are encouraged.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications, we are unable to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Bowel Research UK are looking for an enthusiastic and organised Events Officer to lead the delivery and growth of their challenge events programme.
This brand-new role to the charity will focus on recruiting, supporting and stewarding participants across a range of fundraising events, with responsibility for the charity's London Marathon programme and third-party challenge event portfolio.
The postholder will play a key role in growing participation and income from challenge events, ensuring supporters receive an exceptional experience from registration through to completion. Working closely as part of the fundraising team, the Events Officer will identify opportunities to expand the charity's events programme and maximise fundraising potential.
Key to the success of this role is a strong understanding challenge events and specifically, London Marathon.This role is all about ensuring participants in the charity’s events have an excellent experience, are supported to deliver their fundraising ambition and return to support Bowel Research UK in the future, as such enthusiasm for providing great stewardship, and confidence in managing relationships with fundraisers and event partners alike is crucial.
The successful candidate for this role will be someone who has worked with London Marathon or large scale third party event participants before.
Application notes
Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.
To progress your application, please contact THINK Recruitment to express interest and organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call. Please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.
If you need assistance with downloading the pack or any reasonable adjustments to ensure you can engage with the selection process, please contact THINK Recruitment using the contact details within the Candidate Pack and our team will support you.
Deadline for expressions of interest: midday Friday 25th September - please note the role will close on Charity Jobs at this time.
Closing date for full applications: Midnight Sunday 27th September
Interviews are expected to be kept to one stage, week commencing 5th October and held at Bowel Research UK offices in Lincoln Inn’s Field, London.
Join Clergy Support Trust's outstanding External Relations Team as External Engagement Officer (12-month maternity cover) and play a key role in fundraising, events, and digital comms. Use your creativity and organisational skills to support historic events, engage supporters, and make a real impact for clergy families.
About the Role
The External Engagement Officer provides vital administrative and operational support across fundraising, events, and communications. This is ideal for someone in their second role, looking to develop a broad range of skills in a supportive environment. Working in a small and dynamic team, the External Engagement Officer supports and leads on projects, with a focus on communications, fundraising, events, marketing, and press.
About the candidate:
Key Responsibilities
1. Fundraising and Data Support
2. Events – Logistics and Administration
3. Communications and Digital Engagement
4. General / Team Support
This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual looking for a broad-scope role to development their skills in comms, engagement, events and fundraising in a high-performing team.
Clergy Support Trust is the largest charity focused on the wellbeing of Anglican clergy and their families.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Who we are
IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.
What you’ll do
Reports to: Fundraising Manager
Location: Remote, with occasional travel for funder and staff meetings 4-5 times a year
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Trusts and Philanthropy Officer to join our small, ambitious fundraising team. IPSEA has a proven track record of successfully securing grants for core costs and projects. You will be responsible for researching new funding opportunities, preparing and submitting tailored applications and reports, and managing relationships with funders through thoughtful and timely stewardship. You will also have the opportunity to shape the early development of our strategies in major gifts and wider philanthropy and contribute to this work into the future.
This is a key role in IPSEA’s fundraising strategy and will help secure long-term financial sustainability for our services.
If you share our commitment to protecting, promoting and upholding the rights of children and young people with SEND and would like to use your fundraising skills at IPSEA, we would love to hear from you.
What we can offer you
To apply
Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.
Deadline for applications: 9am on 5 October 2026.
First-round interviews: on 16 October in London, with second-round interviews (online) in the week commencing 19 October 2026.
NO AGENCIES PLEASE.
We help children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) get the education they are entitled to by law


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR
Sheffield Hospitals Charity is looking for a talented Events Co-ordinator to lead the delivery of a growing portfolio of fundraising and engagement events from flagship fundraising events to brand awareness initiatives, you'll play a key role in creating experiences that make a real difference.
What you'll do:
We'd love to hear from you if you have:
We're looking for someone who is organised, proactive and confident managing multiple projects at once. You'll be a natural relationship-builder with a creative mindset, excellent communication skills and a passion for delivering outstanding experiences. You'll have the opportunity to shape an established events programme, bring fresh ideas to the table and help improve the lives of patients, families across Sheffield.
If you're looking for a role where you can make your mark and deliver events with real impact, we'd love to hear from you.
If you feel you have relevant skills and experience, please submit your CV and supporting statement to Sandra Smith, Senior Consultant via the Charisma Charity Recruitment website.
Location: Sheffield (hybrid working available)
Closing date for applications: 21st September
First client interview: 2nd October
Second client interview: TBC
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.
Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please contact our Operations Teams. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the role.
We help Sheffield’s hospitals, community teams, mental health and specialist services to cover the costs that the NHS can’t.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role: Trust and Statutory Fundraising Manager
Salary: £40000 to £43000 per annum (DoE) + benefits
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Location: Cheadle Hulme, SK8 6RQ
Type: Permanent, Full Time - 37.5 hours per week
About Us
Originally founded in 1823, Seashell Trust is a nationally recognised and registered charity based in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport. The Trust comprises of the Royal School Manchester, the Royal College Manchester, 17 bespoke Residential Care Homes, Outreach Health and Family Services. We provide expert Residential care and Education for children and young people with severe, profound, and complex learning difficulties and disabilities, sensory impairments, communication disorders and autism. Our fantastic services are based all on one-site, which deepens our sense of community for our children and young people and the wider Seashell team
The Role
Were hiring for a Trust and Statutory Fundraising manager to join us at Seashell to lead on the trust and foundations fundraising strategy for the charity, driving increased income for capital redevelopment projects and day to day revenue fundraising. They will extend the portfolio of high profile, grant-making trusts and foundations that support the charity along with securing significant funds from statutory funders such as government, Lottery and Sports England.
Key Responsibilities
Requirements
Benefits
About Recruitment at Seashell
Our vision is for the children and young people in our care to be safe, happy and to achieve the best possible outcomes so that they are valued and valuable members of their communities.
Our Core Values are represented within the three ‘I’s’ – Integrity, Innovation, and Involvement. We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunities.
Disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria on the person specification will be guaranteed an interview. We are an inclusive employer and welcome all applications.
This charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We provide an environment that is safeguarded and as part of our safer recruitment policy, the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and full references will be taken.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Us
Forever Young People CIC delivers relationship-led community programmes across Hertfordshire, currently anchored by our community youth projects and our Dot to Dot mum and baby group. We're part of the wider Forever Young People family, which has spent years building trust-based, relationship-first work with young people and families across the county.
We're at a turning point: our CIC has a real track record and real potential, but no one whose full-time job it is to lead it. That's where you come in.
The Role
We're looking for someone to take genuine ownership of the CIC — its strategy, its funding, and its future programmes — reporting directly to our CEO. You'll line-manage our Trusts & Foundations fundraising consultant, decide which funding opportunities to pursue, and build the relationships and programmes that take the CIC beyond what we've already started.
This isn't a role where you'll be handed a finished playbook. It's a role for someone who wants to build one.
You'll:
About You
You don't need to have done exactly this job before — but you do need to have done something like it. You're someone who can set a strategy and still get your hands dirty. You've probably managed a freelancer or consultant before. You've built relationships with funders or partners when resources were tight, not abundant. And most importantly, you actually want to build something — not just keep an existing programme ticking over.
Experience with trusts and foundations fundraising, youth or family support work, or a background moving from a founder-led organisation toward distributed leadership would all be a bonus, though none are essential.
The Details
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About School of Hard Knocks
School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is one of the UK’s leading education charities, working in 29 secondary schools across England, Scotland, and Wales. Using rugby as a key delivery tool, we support young people who are struggling to engage in early secondary education - often because of anxiety, low confidence, disrupted home lives, or behavioural challenges rooted in trauma. For many of the children we support, life has already brought more hardship than most adults experience in a lifetime. Our purpose is clear: to help young people facing complex challenges break the cycle and move towards a safer, stronger, more hopeful future.
The SOHK Schools Programme is a two-year intervention working with cohorts of around 20 pupils from Year 7 through to Year 9. Pupils are selected by the school and are typically among the hardest to reach young people. Each week, we deliver half a day of rugby training and classroom sessions built around our 3Cs framework, covering topics such as growth mindset, goal setting, and decision-making, alongside monthly one-to-one sessions with every pupil. The programme’s impact is evaluated by SOHK staff, teachers, parents, and the pupils themselves.
90% of our participants report feeling more confident and more engaged with school after taking part, with long-term effects on attendance, attainment, and life outcomes. Find out more about our Schools Programme.
Since 2023, SOHK has been proud to partner with Impetus, a charity that invests in and supports organisations helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed. This partnership combines investment with strategic and organisational development support, helping to strengthen our impact and set SOHK up for sustainable growth.
We are proud to be delivering long-term programmes that meaningfully reach hundreds of young people each year - but the societal need is vast. Our ambitious four-year strategic plan targets growth, aiming to bring our impactful programme to hundreds more young people each year.
“Despite the usual challenges that every education or sport for development charity faces, School of Hard Knocks really is unique. It is not so much what we deliver at a programme level (which is of course brilliant) but who we are as a team. If you are a values-led leader and love the idea of ‘team’, then School of Hard Knocks is the place for you.”
- Ken Cowen, Founder and outgoing CEO
The Role
The CEO is the public face and leader of SOHK, responsible for the overall strategic direction, vision, and management of the charity - ensuring SOHK meets its mission and strategic objectives while maintaining strong relationships with Trustees, staff, supporters, and the wider SOHK community. We’re looking for a mission-driven charity leader and effective fundraiser, capable of building a sustainable growth model.
Strategy and Direction
● Be the face and voice of the charity - its principal ambassador
● Lead the development and periodic review of SOHK’s strategy with the Trustees and Senior Management Team
● Translate the 2026-30 strategy into organisational priorities, plans, and goals
● Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing, and the lived experience of young people remain central to every decision and growth plan
Programme Delivery, Quality and Impact
● Hold a high bar for programme quality and outcomes for young people
● Line-manage and support the Director of Programmes, working with delivery teams and partners to build a world-class, evidence-based intervention
● Ensure SOHK can evidence the impact of its programmes, with insights feeding back into constant improvement
Income Generation, Fundraising and External Relations
● Lead income generation across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and challenges and events
● Line-manage and support the Head of Fundraising in executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy
● Hold senior relationships with funders and partners, building SOHK’s brand, reputation, and profile
Leading People, Culture and Operations
● Build and lead a high-performing Senior Management Team
● Foster a positive, inclusive, high-performing culture aligned with SOHK’s values
● Line-manage and support the Director of Finance & Operations, ensuring operational excellence
Governance and the Board
● Act as the primary link between the organisation and the Trustees
● Attend all Trustee meetings (held quarterly) and provide timely, accurate reporting
● Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and Charity Commission requirements
About You
Essential
● Proven senior leadership experience in the charity, education, youth, or social impact sector - whether as CEO or as part of an executive team - including working directly with a Board of Trustees
● Demonstrated success in building or significantly growing an organisation, programme, or initiative
● A collaborative and values-led leadership style, with the ability to inspire trust, hold people to account, and build high-performing teams
● Strong track record of income generation, including securing significant funding from trusts, foundations, corporates, or major donors
● Experience of financial oversight, budgeting, and organisational planning at a senior level
● Strategic thinker, able to translate vision into clear plans and delivery
● Strong relationship-builder and communicator, confident with a wide range of stakeholders
Desirable
● Previous charity CEO experience - a bonus, but not essential; we know brilliant candidates come from a wide range of backgrounds
● Direct classroom, youth work, or education leadership experience
● Knowledge of the UK education system and youth policy landscape
● Experience of scaling a multi-site delivery organisation and working with local authorities
Personal Attributes
● Deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people, especially those facing disadvantage
● Resilient and persistent, able to work under pressure and navigate setbacks
● Collaborative, open, and reflective leader who seeks feedback and learns from it
Terms of Appointment
Contract type
Full-time, permanent
Location
Greater London, with offices in Edinburgh & Cardiff
Salary
£85,000 – £90,000 per year + £5,000 PRP
Reports to
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Direct reports
Director of Programmes; Head of Fundraising; Director of Finance & Operations
Travel
Regular UK travel, primarily to Edinburgh and Cardiff. Occasional evenings for stakeholder engagement and fundraising events
Trustee meetings
Quarterly, in London, in the evening, plus ad hoc subcommittees
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.