Development director jobs
Employer: Community Rail Network
Salary: £43k-£51.5k pa, full time
Location: Home based / flexible or Huddersfield
We are seeking a dynamic director of policy and communications, to lead and develop our increasingly impactful external affairs activity. You’ll be sharing community insights and evidence with policy and decision-makers at national and devolved level, supporting a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable transport and mobility, while overseeing high-quality, inspiring member communications and thought-leadership, drawing on grassroots experiences.
About us
Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.
Community rail is made up of 76 community-based partnership organisations, and c.1,300 station friends volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.
Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in different locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support our members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in developing our team and helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.
About this role
This role is crucial for us, our members and their communities, especially at the current time, with our need to seize on the opportunities of rail reform and devolution, promote wider use of sustainable transport, and bring communities together. You will spearhead our external affairs strategy and plans, building political relationships, influencing decision-making and raising awareness of community rail and its insights, while ensuring effective communications with our members and helping them to have a voice locally and regionally. You’ll be striving to put community rail at the forefront of a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable mobility.
As a member of our senior leadership team, reporting to and working closely with our chief executive, you will manage a passionate team of four, ensuring collaboration with our other teams, partners and funders, and drawing on members’ insights.
Main responsibilities
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Lead the review, development and delivery of our communications, policy and insights strategy, working to position the community rail movement effectively, use its insights to influence policy change, and ensure our members are well-informed and have a voice;
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Further strengthen our advisory and influencing work with national, devolved and regional government, transport bodies, parliamentarians and other decision-makers, especially around rail reform, transport devolution and integrated, inclusive, sustainable transport;
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Ensure we’re engaging effectively with policy developments and opportunities, taking forward a programme of relationship-building, and identifying and engaging in relevant consultations, events and speaking opportunities, enabling community rail’s insights and experiences to be shared;
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Collaborate with partners in rail, government and the third sector to feed in our expertise on community engagement with rail, amplify our campaigns, and build opportunities for joined-up communications and policy work;
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Continually develop and disseminate our evidence base and insights on the social, environmental and economic value community rail delivers, and opportunities to create greater benefits for communities from rail and transport;
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Oversee high-quality, coherent and inspiring communications with our members and partners, promoting our work, and sharing news, opportunities, and good practice across the movement;
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Manage production of high-quality resources, case studies and reports that our members can use to enhance their impact and which showcase community rail’s impact;
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Lead and develop our media relations and awareness-raising PR, championing community rail and its messages on sustainable, inclusive travel and communities at national and regional level, while supporting members on local PR;
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Develop our online presence and reach, making full use of our website, social media, our Scenic Rail Britain campaign, and partners’ channels to celebrate and position community rail and grow its reach and impact;
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Oversee a calendar of creative and impactful campaigns that involve and empower our members, creating PR and engagement opportunities, including Community Rail Week;
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Play a key role in collective leadership, strategic focus and organisational development as a member of our senior leadership team, including through internal communications and cross-team working, annual planning, funder liaison and reporting, upholding our strategies and policies, and pursuing opportunities for continuous improvement.
Skills and competencies
- Strong leadership and management skills, including experience managing, developing and drawing on a multi-faceted team delivering complex campaigns or projects, and budget management;
- Excellent communication and external leadership skills; articulate, assertive, and with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels;
- An understanding of public affairs, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, and a demonstrable ability to identify influencing opportunities, deliver thought-leadership, and engage with policy-makers, including sharing community insights;
- Politically astute, with awareness of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a good grasp of the importance of public transport sustainable travel, and community-led action, to these agendas;
- Understanding of political processes and experience of engaging with policy and decision-making, ideally at national, devolved and local levels;
- Sound knowledge of communication and marketing methods and channels, and ability to oversee messaging and targeting of public and professional audiences, and to align content across multiple channels;
- A demonstrable ability to think analytically and draw on statistical and qualitative research to construct robust, evidence-based arguments;
- Experience of working with the media and achieving coverage at national, regional and local level;
- Experience working collaboratively with partners and ideally funders to deliver communications and policy activity and forming professional networks;
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while dealing with competing priorities, and to support team members to do so;
- IT literate with a good working knowledge of Office, the internet and social media;
- Appropriate qualifications and professional development demonstrating knowledge and skills in line with the above, and a commitment to ongoing learning and development.
Other information
As you will be home-based, we are flexible about your location. However, you will be expected to travel to in-person full team meetings quarterly (usually in West Yorkshire), and you will need to bring your team together (currently all West Yorkshire based) with similar regularity in between. Attendance at in-person events and meetings is also important. We therefore welcome applications from those with decent public transport links, not too far from a railway station, to enable journeys to be made sustainably.
This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months.
Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.
Championing the community rail movement | Connecting people and their railways | Creating inclusive, empowered, sustainable and healthy communities
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.
Join us and help create opportunities that change young lives.
Career Ready is a UK-wide social mobility charity, working to empower young people with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to succeed. We’re looking for a proactive and strategic Corporate New Business Development Lead to drive growth in our corporate and partnerships income, unlocking innovative collaborations that deliver real impact.
In this pivotal role, you’ll identify and secure high-value corporate partnerships, craft compelling proposals, and lead pitches to senior decision-makers. You’ll work closely with colleagues across Communications, Programmes, and Operations to create multi-year partnerships that combine funding, programme support, and brand alignment—helping us reach more young people than ever before. The role is home-based, but you’ll have opportunities to travel across the UK (primarily London, Manchester, and Edinburgh) for meetings, events, and networking opportunities (expenses covered), giving you variety and the chance to build relationships face-to-face.
We’re seeking someone with a proven track record of winning significant corporate partnerships (five-figure or ideally six-figure), excellent communication and influencing skills, and a strong understanding of CSR/ESG trends. If you’re entrepreneurial, creative, and thrive on building relationships from scratch, we’d love to hear from you.
For full information view our candidate pack, which is available when you click on Apply.
Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 12 January 2026
First stage interviews: expected to take place w/c 19 January 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for someone who:
- Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with key stakeholders
- Has experience of supporting the wellbeing of caring professionals, ideally with those in Christian ministry
- Is familiar with the Anglican diocesan structures and culture
- Is a strategic thinker with experience in partnership development
- Shares our vision to see flouishing clergy
This newly created role within St Luke's is supported by a generous grant from the Henry Smith Foundation to develop our wellbeing programmes over the next three years. The Associate Director will engage with dioceses and individual clergy as they explore and embed our wellbeing programmes.
The post holder will represent St Luke's and our Christian ethos within senior diocesan teams and help shape and deliver our strategic vision for flourishing clergy. This role will support the advancing clergy reflection programme and support dioceses, other networks and communities and Theological Educational Institutions in establishing wellbeing practices.
The role is home based with travel around the UK as required. There will be a requirement to be in London at least once a month for team meetings.
This role carries an occupational requirement for the postholder to be a practicing Christian, in accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. The role involves representing and upholding the Christian ethos of St Luke’s in both internal leadership and external engagement.
Please see job pack for more information.
Applicants must have eligibility to work in the UK.
A leading charity in clergy wellbeing and mental health
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an extraordinary opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Programmes, a pivotal role at the heart of our mission. You will lead the design, delivery, and impact of Belong’s programmes across England and Wales, ensuring they are strategic, inclusive, and evidence-based. Working closely with the CEO and senior colleagues, you will shape programme strategy, oversee complex portfolios, and drive systemic change that strengthens social cohesion nationwide.
As Director of Programmes, you will:
- Lead strategic development and delivery of Belong’s place-based programmes, ensuring alignment with our mission and values.
- Oversee programme design, implementation, evaluation, and learning to guarantee quality and measurable impact.
- Line manage a talented team of Programme Leads and Coordinators, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment.
- Apply systems thinking to understand the interconnected nature of community, policy, and service ecosystems.
- Build and maintain high-level partnerships with funders, commissioners, local authorities, and community organisations.
- Represent Belong at national forums, events, and networks, championing our work and influence.
- Identify and pursue new opportunities for programme development and funding, supporting organisational growth.
This is a senior leadership position that combines strategic vision with hands-on delivery. You will play a key role in shaping Belong’s future and ensuring our programmes make a lasting difference to communities across the UK.
About You
We are seeking a visionary and experienced leader with:
- Proven experience in leading complex programme portfolios and delivering impactful initiatives.
- Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a track record of shaping programme strategy.
- Excellent leadership and line management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
- Experience managing diverse stakeholders, from senior decision-makers to community partners.
- Familiarity with systems change and participatory approaches.
- Understanding of social cohesion, integration, and related social policy issues.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, able to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
- Highly organised, diplomatic, and politically astute, with experience in income generation and bid development.
Desirable: Experience in areas such as Prevent, PCVE, community tensions, hate crime, or tackling misinformation.
Personal qualities matter too: we’re looking for someone passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK, collaborative and inclusive in their leadership style, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave
- Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Closing Date: 12 January 2026
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. We work with communities, local authorities, and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience. Through innovative place-based programmes, research, policy influence, and thought leadership, we help create stronger, kinder, and more connected communities. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses, and we are proud to champion collaboration, diversity, and evidence-led approaches.
*Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.*
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.
CAAT is recruiting a Supporter Development Manager. Working closely with our Campaigns team and Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the recruitment, retention, and engagement of supporters, and fundraising from these individuals.
A skilled communicator and natural relationship builder, you will have experience of developing supporter journeys which integrate campaigning, fundraising and engagement; ensuring that supporter data is held responsibly and used appropriately; and maximising income through regular giving, appeals and digital channels.
This is a permanent, four-day per week post, with a flexible location (based in our London office, or working from home, or from a shared workspace) with a salary of £40,060 (£50,075 pro rata), with a London weighting of £5,775 if applicable, plus 8% into a pension that doesn't invest in the arms trade.
Please note that a Cost of Living Increase will be applied from 1 January 2026, but has not been agreed at the time of posting.
Reflecting the communities we serve
CAAT is working towards a more equitable society and we encourage all applicants to complete an equal opportunities monitoring form. CAAT values diversity and we welcome applications from under-represented groups, in particular People of Colour.
How to Apply
To find out more about the role please download an application pack. This includes:
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Job description
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Personal Specification
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Information about CAAT
Please complete your application using the Charity Job application process no later than 9am on Monday 12 January 2026.
For any enquiries or an alternative method of applying, please feel free to contact us.
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 27 and/or Thursday 29 January 2026. If you have not been invited to interview by 1pm on Friday 23 January, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful.
Further information
You may find pages on our website of interest. If you have any queries regarding this post or any of the information we have given please phone us. Our contact details can be found in the footer of the website.
Thank you for your interest.
To find out more about the role please download an application pack.
Please complete your application using the online Charity Job application process, and ensure this includes a CV and responses to the screening questions.
All applications must be received no later than 9am on Monday 12 January 2026 and will not be reviewed until after the closing date (so please wait until after this time to be contacted).
We're working for a just, peaceful and sustainable world built on foundations of equity and solidarity.

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The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Director of Operations
Lead with Purpose. Shape the Future of Christian Care.
Pilgrims’ Friend Society has been providing Christian care to older people for over 200 years. Today, as the UK faces an unprecedented ageing population, we are growing to meet the challenge and we need an exceptional leader to help us deliver our vision of fulfilled living for older people.
We operate 12 care homes and 9 housing schemes across England, with ambitious plans to expand to 15 homes and beyond. Our mission is clear: to provide outstanding care rooted in Christian values, and to partner with local churches so that older people experience dignity, community, and the love of Christ.
About the Role
As Director of Operations, you will:
- Lead and oversee our portfolio of established care homes and housing schemes.
- Ensure regulatory compliance, quality of care, and financial sustainability.
- Drive operational excellence, innovation, and efficiency through systems and processes.
- Work closely with our Executive Team to deliver our Growth and Renewal Programme, including new builds and acquisitions.
- Inspire and develop a talented team of managers and operational leaders.
This is a senior leadership role with significant influence on the future of our organisation and the lives of hundreds of older people.
About You
- We are looking for a strategic, values-driven leader who brings:
- Significant experience in adult social care operations or a closely related sector.
- Strong knowledge of regulatory, Health & Safety, and compliance frameworks.
- Proven ability to deliver quality and financial targets at scale.
- A collaborative leadership style, with a commitment to developing people and culture.
A personal Christian faith and alignment with our basis of faith(a genuine occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010).
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a growing organisation with a clear vision and calling.
- Influence how society values older people and supports churches in ministry.
- Work in a culture that prioritises prayer, faith, and excellence.
- Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and life assurance.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This new role at Young Sounds UK will lead on securing grant income from and coordinating relationships with Trusts and Foundations. This will include identifying and researching funders, submitting compelling applications and completing timely and accurate reports.
You'll need to be comfortable with managing budgets, using CRMs, and demonstrating our impact through writing case studies that bring our work to life. You'll also need to have excellent communication and relationship building skills, and be organised, flexible and with a great attention to detail.
We're looking for someone who has at least three years experience of fundraising in a charity, especially if they’ve focused on fundraising from Trusts and Foundations, and who is looking for an opportunity to take the next step in their career.
For full information on this role, including key responsibilities and person specification, please view the job pack.
The closing date for applications is Monday 19 January 2026 at 12 noon.
About Young Sounds UK
Young Sounds UK exists because musical talent is everywhere but opportunity isn’t: family finances and other obstacles too often get in the way. We’re here to change this in two key ways:
- We support young musicians from low-income families with funding and other help
- We support music education through training, advocacy and research.
Established in 1998 we work across genres and across the UK. Our four programme areas are:
- Discover: training teachers in how to spot young people’s musical potential
- Connect: targeting and sustaining young people’s emerging talent through strategic support
- Thrive: funding young talent UK wide through annual grants and tailor-made help for individual musicians
- Innovate: leading new thinking and action on talent development
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job overview
In this dynamic role, you'll provide strategic and operational leadership to grow our income streams to £2 million annually and beyond, while maintaining low costs and embedding innovation through AI-driven insights, digital fundraising, and creative projects.
Oversee governance, financial management, grants, lotteries, major donor stewardship, marketing, and a high-performing team, ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies and delivering measurable social value. If you're a visionary leader with a passion for NHS charities, proven fundraising expertise, and the agility to handle hands-on operations—from event planning to risk management—apply now to drive meaningful change and represent us on national stages.
Flexible working with office presence required frequent travel between sites essential.
We kindly request that applicants submit a one-page cover letter along with a curriculum vitae (CV) not exceeding two pages in length when applying.
Main duties of the job
The Charity Director is responsible for driving the purpose and impact of Frimley Health Charity (FHC), ensuring the charity delivers meaningful benefits to patients, staff, and the wider community. The role combines strategic leadership with active operational involvement, across income growth and translating the charity’s vision into practical initiatives and improvements. The postholder will develop and implement a plan to deliver on the newly agreed FHC strategy to grow income streams, maximise impact, and maintain low operating costs, while also engaging directly in day-to-day operations to ensure the charity runs smoothly and efficiently.
In addition to strategic planning, the Charity Director undertakes hands-on tasks such as financial management, data analysis, market research, process improvement, and reporting to the Charitable Funds Committee and Trust Board. The role involves leading a small, high-performing team, supporting staff in their day-to-day work, and maintaining a culture of collaboration and accountability. The postholder also engages directly with patients, staff, donors, and community partners, and oversees marketing, communications, creative projects, and wellbeing initiatives, ensuring that all activities align to the charity’s purpose. The charity aims to generate an income of £2 million per annum and there is an expectation of the postholder to grow the charity over the coming years.
The work of Frimley Health Charity helps to improve lives across all our hospitals for patients, staff, and visitors.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Funding and Development Officer will play a key role in identifying, securing, and managing income streams through grants, partnerships, donations, and fundraising initiatives. This role will also support organisational growth by developing strategic relationships, improving funding processes, and enhancing the charity’s visibility and impact.
The Funding & Development Officer will work closely with the Centre Manager to identify a strategic funding & finance plan to ensure sustainability for all the charities projects.
LYCC is a youth and community organisation (registered charity) dedicated to empowering young people, adults and strengthening local communities. We provide inclusive programmes, opportunities, and support that help individuals develop confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging. Our name change in 2011, to Litherland Youth & Community Centre, and our building redevelopment in 2014/2015 reflects how our organisation had shifted from a traditional “boys club” and “youth centre” to now a youth and community centre. Taking a holistic approach in relation to our services facilitated and support offered. LYCC identified the need for this holistic approach and has worked since to provide services and support for individuals of all ages within our community. The Funding & Development Officer, will help LYCC be proactive to local identified need and help to source and secure funds to faciltiate support.
Current charity turnover approx. £300k.
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!
Cambridge Science Centre (CSC) sits at the heart of a vibrant network of philanthropists, educators, community groups, visionary businesses and local government bodies across East Anglia. With over a decade of trusted STEM engagement behind us, a dedicated expert team and a loyal network of long-term supporters, CSC is uniquely positioned to drive lasting
change in communities across the region.
This role builds on that strong foundation. You will deepen existing relationships, identify and shape new opportunities, and help secure CSC’s long-term financial sustainability through innovative, high-impact partnerships.
As the primary contact for partnership development, you will play a central role in shaping and funding our multi-year programmes, while also leading on high-value, short-term opportunities connected to our Cambridge Science Park site and outreach hubs such as Inspire Wisbech. Your work will balance immediate income generation with the cultivation of long-term strategic
relationships that advance CSC’s mission and regional impact.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you a commercially minded, senior leader with strong experience in operations, company management, partnership building and income generation?
VDT is seeking an experienced Head of Operations and Business Development to spearhead the implementation of our ambitious new Commercial Strategy, driving growth and expanding income streams.
This is a crucial, high-impact role for someone who thrives on operational excellence, has excellent management skills and a passion for strategy implementation. It is ideal for someone with strong experience in partnership building, negotiating contracts, lead generation and organisational development.
Working closely with the Chief Executive / Artistic Director, the role works collaboratively across the small staff team to deliver the company’s Business Plan, Funding Agreement, Mission and Values. You will identify opportunities, generate new leads and manage the company’s wide range of production, participation and continued professional development programmes. You will grow a new customer base for our online training and E-learning and develop income from within arts academic and social enterprise settings. You will track progress and ensure the company is run in line with best practice.
You might not have worked in the arts or creative industries before. If you have experience as a Business Manager, Operations Director, Executive Director or Senior Producer within or outside of the cultural / charity sector, then you’ll have the core skills we are looking for.
Closing date for applications: Midday Tuesday 6 January 2026
Interview Date: Thursday 15 January 2026 (possible second interview 23 January 2026).
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Leading UK drug education charity the DSM Foundation is recruiting a Head of Business and Organisational Development to join their senior management team. This role involves working with the Director and Board of Trustees to provide strategic leadership to the DSMF team on all aspects of organisational and business development with a long-term income growth strategy, and alongside the Head of Operations and Head of Education and Engagement, to ensure that DSMF is a well-managed and successful charity with a clear strategic vision.
Suitable candidates will:
- Be passionate about supporting young people to make safer choices about drugs and alcohol.
- Have experience of strategy development and delivery, business and work stream development and income generation.
- Have a deep understanding of finance and market conditions.
- Be experienced in managing projects and performance.
- Be skilled in organisational development and people management.
Key information:
The Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation is a drug and alcohol education charity, founded by Fiona and Tim Spargo-Mabbs in 2014 in response to the death of their 16-year-old son Dan having taken ecstasy. The charity aims to support young people to make safe choices and reduce harm, through increasing their understanding of the effects and risks of drugs and alcohol, and improving their life skills & resilience. They work with young people, parents, teachers and professionals, in schools, colleges and communities across the UK.
This role will be primarily based in the DSMF office with some opportunities for remote working.
Closing date for applications: 20th January 2026
Shortlisting: Week beginning 26th January 2026
Interviews: 23rd February 2026
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!
About Reading Students’ Union
We are a dynamic, student-focused organisation dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their university experience. Our vision is to be a place for everyone, we inspire and empower students to change the world. Check out our exciting new strategy on LinkedIn!
The Role: Director of Membership Services
Are you ready to make a big impact? We’re looking for an energetic, strategic leader to steer our Membership Engagement Directorate through an exciting period of organisational change.
This is your chance to shape student life, lead passionate teams, and ensure our student-facing services and systems for student democracy are sector leading.
What You’ll Do
Strategic Leadership & Impact
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Set the Direction: Provide clear strategic and operational guidance to managers and teams, aligning priorities with organisational goals
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Drive Collaboration: Foster a culture of teamwork across departments and with elected officers to deliver joined-up services
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Champion Innovation: Identify opportunities to enhance student engagement through data driven creative campaigns, digital platforms, and inclusive activities
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Measure Success: Monitor performance, track KPIs, and report on progress to ensure continuous improvement
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Influence Outcomes: Represent the Membership Engagement Directorate in key meetings, shaping decisions that affect thousands of students
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Build strategic partnerships: Work with the University and external stakeholders to enhance student experience. Raise our profile externally to promote our good work
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Drive membership engagement: Oversee sector leading activities that meet the evolving needs of students
People
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Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering growth, accountability, and innovation
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Offer practical support for Sabbatical Officers, acting as their key point of contact to help them succeed in their roles, particularly as political leaders
Project Delivery
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Drive equality, inclusivity, relevance, and engagement by overseeing campaigns, projects and events
Compliance & Risk Management
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Operate within charity law, regulatory requirements, and organisational policies
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Safeguard Governance Standards and uphold principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability
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Ensure teams operate safely and within SOPs
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Oversee compliance for activities, societies, communications, and elections
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Act as escalation point for safeguarding or risk concerns
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Monitor systems for governance and student democracy and drive student engagement
About You
Essential
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Senior management experience
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A true innovator and challenger of the status quo
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Strong leadership and people management skills
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Passionate about using data to drive transformation and innovation
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Has significant experience of governance, democracy, free speech and student representation
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Can create high quality strategic and operational plans and lead teams to implement
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Budget management experience
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Expert decision maker
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Strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
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Experience in a charity, education, or student-focused environment
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Expert stakeholder management skills and ability to communicate effectively at all levels with diverse audiences
Desirable
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SU sector experience
Why Join Us?
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Inclusive and supportive team culture
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Flexible working options
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35 days annual leave including Christmas and Easter closure days
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Professional development opportunities
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Unique working environment in the heart of a vibrant Student’s Union, set on a stunning, green campus.
Ready to make an impact?
Apply today and help us bring our ambitious data strategy to life and transform student life!
Committed to equality, celebrating diversity, and embedding sustainability — building an inclusive workplace and a brighter future for all.
To be a place for everyone, we inspire & empower students to change the world
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exciting opportunity to steer Asylum Aid at an important time in its 30-year existence. As Executive Director you will be responsible for delivering on our strategy for impact. You will oversee our work to increase access to expert, trauma-informed legal representation to those in the asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems and lead our policy and strategic legal work to achieve systemic change that contributes towards our vision.
You will line manage the Director of Legal Casework to oversee the provision of supportive and enabling leadership to Asylum Aid caseworkers so that they can continue to deliver high quality expert advice in complex cases, while being supported in their professional development and wellbeing. You will also manage and develop the work of our welfare advice team within the Westminster Advice Services Partnership and beyond, and work collaboratively with colleagues in the sector to build capacity and increase our impact.
The ideal candidate, who may be legally qualified, will have experience of leadership in the charity/NGO sector and a sound understanding of the asylum, human rights and trafficking processes in the UK and the legal frameworks which govern the protection of refugees, survivors of trafficking and stateless people, and of the role of law in achieving system change.
We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about providing supportive and inclusive leadership to our expert team. You will be committed to our objectives and to the role which expert legal representation plays in enabling people in need of protection in the UK to obtain it.
As is the nature of this sector, the role may be exposed to a high volume of traumatic and distressing material and, whilst they will be supported by the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and surrounding team, the candidate should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of good self-care principles in an intense work environment and dissemination of those principles to junior members of the team.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and strategy
·Be responsible, with the support of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO, for the development, implementation and monitoring of Asylum Aid’s organisational strategy
·Provide leadership and strategic direction at Asylum Aid in accordance with its aims and objectives, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework
·Act as external spokesperson for Asylum Aid, maintaining and strengthening Asylum Aid’s position as a leader in the refugee rights, statelessness and legal aid sectors;
·Work collaboratively with others in the sector to promote and strengthen Asylum Aid’s work, identify and establish potential partnerships, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework;
·Work collaboratively with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and Executive Leadership team to drive the implementation of the Group strategic framework;
·Ensure that all reporting and monitoring requirements are met to support fundraising, contract compliance and monitoring strategic impact;
·Support the cross collaboration of the Asylum Aid team with the Helen Bamber Foundation team and play an active part in the management of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group.
Governance
·Act as the Data Protection Supervisor with responsibility for data protection and cyber security within Asylum Aid
·Together with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and designated safeguarding leads, be responsible for child and adult safeguarding within Asylum Aid
·In collaboration with the Director of Legal Casework, ensure compliance by Asylum Aid with all legal and regulatory obligations, including the Legal Aid Agency contract, the Immigration Advice Authority and Solicitors Regulation Authority;
·Lead on the preparation and presentation of quarterly reports on Asylum Aid’s activities, strategy and risks to the Asylum Aid Board, the Finance and Fundraising Committee and the People and Governance Committee;
·Lead on the preparation of the Trustees’ annual report and ensure that monitoring and evaluation systems are adequate to enable reporting on Asylum Aid’s activities and impact.
Management and Supervision
·Responsible for line management of the Director of Legal Casework and Welfare Advice service coordinator, and other team supervisors as required;
·Together with the Group Director of People, responsible for Human Resources and implementation of the People Strategy within Asylum Aid, including development and implementation of HR policies and procedures;
·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors, drive the effective management and supervision of the Asylum Aid team and ensure that they comply with relevant professional standards and accreditation;
·Foster a supportive and inclusive team culture at Asylum Aid in which each member feels valued and supported to develop professionally and to perform to the best of their ability;
·Ensure the team’s well-being and that self-care practices are established and work in tandem with the Director of Legal Casework and supervisors to ensure trauma-informed ways of working.
Policy & Strategic Legal Work
·Together with the Group Director of Policy, identify policy priorities and coordinate the preparation of evidence and briefings drawing on Asylum Aid’s experience and expertise to influence system change;
·Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with sector colleagues to support joint strategic engagement including policy advocacy and strategic legal work;
·Work closely with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors to drive changes in the UK asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems through strategic legal work.
Finance & Fundraising
·Work closely with the CEO and the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Finance Team to set and manage budget(s) and general financial matters for Asylum Aid
·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and the Group Finance Team, establish systems for monitoring legal aid Work In Progress and billing, and securing casework income including legal aid, and inter partes income from judicial review cases;
·Work closely with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Fundraising and Communications Team to secure funding for Asylum Aid from a range of sources including trusts and foundations, corporate philanthropy and major donors;
·Ensure that Legal Aid and other income is maximised, and targets are achieved.
Other duties
·Manage the recruitment and supervision of volunteers where necessary in collaboration with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Volunteers Coordinator;
·Support the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Facilities team to ensure the smooth running of the office and that the facilities meet the needs of Asylum Aid;
·Work outside normal office hours as required and travel in order to carry out the responsibilities of the post.
·To undertake any task that may be requested from time to time that may be consistent with the nature and scope of this post.
Essential Experience, Skills and Knowledge
•Experience of running a small to medium sized charity/legal NGO and/or legal department within the NGO sector (or other equivalent senior management role);
•Demonstrable experience of managing and leading a successful team and the ability to manage a growing team with mixed roles from team supervisors to administrative support staff, working co-operatively with colleagues to maintain transparency and effective working relationships within the team;
•Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds
•Strong understanding of good governance including legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities;
•Ability to work with a range of stakeholders from trustees to external partners;
•Experience of leading and/or participating in organisational strategic planning;
·Experience of legal policy work within the human rights field and /or of strategic litigation, whether as an NGO claimant or legal representative;
•Experience of managing diverse funding sources and setting and implementing budgets;
•Experience of working in a service delivery partnership with other organisations;
•Experience of fundraising, especially grants from trusts and foundations;
•Sound working knowledge of the law and policy as it relates to immigration, asylum, human rights and modern slavery/trafficking;
•Demonstrable understanding of the asylum and human rights sector in the UK;
•An understanding of the barriers migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers face regarding access to legal advice, reasons why they may become destitute and why this makes it more difficult to access advice and support; and
•The passion for working empathetically and supportively with migrants, refugees, stateless people and asylum seekers.
Desirable Experience
·Experience of managing the delivery of frontline casework with people in the asylum or trafficking systems
·Experience of tendering for and delivering publicly funded contracts e.g. LAA or local authority funding;
·Working knowledge of Legal Aid Agency contracts, including the delivery of casework and billing under a legal aid contract in the immigration and asylum category and/or the public law category;
How to apply
The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 10am on Monday 26th January 2026.
The website form will ask you to:
1.Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.
2.Upload your current CV
3.Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional, and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.
For an informal conversation about the post before applying, please contact Alison Pickup, the current Executive Director.
Selection Process
We will invite candidates to an initial online interview on Tuesday 10th or Wednesday 11th February, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interviews at our office in Old Street on Tuesday 24th or Wednesday 25th February.
We offer a guaranteed initial interview for refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration, provided that they provide some evidence of relevant experience or skills in relation to the essential criteria.
We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.
Eligibility
Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).
Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.
Adjustments
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Our commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our approach to our clients, our volunteers and our staff, and we are an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer.
We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates because we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in.
We genuinely welcome and encourage applications from candidates from a range of backgrounds, especially people of colour, people with disabilities, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration or trauma and of the housing and welfare system, who are under-represented in our organisation.
We recognise and value the role of lived experience in meeting the needs of our clients and acknowledge the under-representation of people with lived experience of forced migration and statelessness in the advice sector. We value experience gained overseas as well as in the UK.
We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.
If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network and access other information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.
Please complete the form on their website to request support and they will confirm if they can match you with a mentor to support your application.
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!
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
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Lead the organisation’s financial strategy ensuring sustainability and alignment with mission and organisational priorities.
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Advise the CEO and Board on financial performance, risk, and scenario planning.
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Develop long-term financial models and cashflow forecasts.
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Provide financial insight to strategic decisions, business cases, growth opportunities, and operational planning.
Financial Management & Control
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Oversee and execute specific tasks relating to financial operations including accounting, treasury, cash management, payroll, and banking.
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Ensure monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closes are accurate and timely.
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Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls across central team and country/project operations.
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Implement efficient systems and processes to support a lean but compliant financial environment.
Budgeting & Organisational Performance
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Lead the annual budgeting process
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Monitor budget performance, variances, and financial KPIs, providing clear analysis for senior leadership.
Donor Finance & Grant Compliance
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Oversee donor grant finance, ensuring compliance with institutional donor restrictions and requirements.
Audit & Assurance
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Lead the annual organisational audit: prepare schedules, financial statements, and required disclosures.
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Ensure compliance with charity accounting standards (SORP)
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Oversee financial donor audits, ensuring timely, accurate responses and evidence.
Risk Management
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Contribute to the organisational risk register by recording and presenting on financial risks to the Board and Finance and Audit Committee.
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Implement financial due diligence for donors, suppliers, and country operations as required to meet organisation and donor policies.
Oversight of International Operations
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Ensure strong financial management of new country programmes creating and reviewing and renewing policies as required.
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Support the development or review of financial systems, capacity, and reporting in relation to new country expansion work.
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Oversee financial arrangements for countries where the INGO has no legal entity, including fiscal hosts, secondee payments, and contract structures.
Leadership, Management & Culture
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Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team to achieve operational excellence.
Person Specification
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Worked as a Finance Director or as a Head of Finance (with autonomy of decision making and board reporting duties)
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Strong understanding of charity accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
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Senior-level finance experience in an INGO, charity, or multi-country organisation (preferably with operations in the Global South)
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Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CPA or equivalent).
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Demonstrable experience with institutional donor compliance.
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Experience leading annual audits and preparing financial statements.
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Strong leadership and team management skills, including developing staff.
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Strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis skills.
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Experience managing multi-currency environments and international financial operations.
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Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance staff, senior leaders, and Boards.



