Development director jobs

One of London’s historic “Magnificent Seven” cemeteries, the Cemetery Park is now a Local Nature Reserve and a vital green space in the heart of the East End — where biodiversity, heritage and community come together.

Founded in 1990, the Friends are an award-winning charity dedicated to protecting and caring for this unique site. Now, we are looking for a values-driven, collaborative leader to help strengthen our organisation for the future.

About the role

This is a senior leadership position within a collaborative charity structure. You will:

– Work closely with the Board of Trustees on strategy and governance

– Lead on finance, fundraising and organisational sustainability

– Support and develop staff and volunteers

– Represent the charity externally

– Work in close partnership with our longstanding Cemetery Park Manager

Importantly, this is not a corporate CEO role. It is an opportunity to lead within a community-rooted, place-based charity where humility, partnership and emotional intelligence matter as much as strategy.

We’re looking for someone who:

•  Has senior experience in a charity or values-led organisation
•  Understands governance and financial sustainability
•  Can build trust with staff, volunteers and stakeholders
•  Is excited by heritage, conservation and community

As a small charity, this role balances strategic thinking with hands-on involvement.

Join us and lead the growth of a thriving, mission driven charity. As our Commercial Services Director, you will shape and drive the sustainable income that powers life changing services for older people across Lincolnshire.

Working at both a strategic and operational level, you will provide visionary leadership across Age UK Lincolnshire’s commercial portfolio. Partnering closely with the Chief Executive, Board of Trustees, Executive Team, staff, volunteers and the older people we serve, you will help set organisational direction, identify future opportunities, and ensure strong oversight of performance, policies and priorities.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, this commercially focused role is responsible for generating income and overseeing all income producing services within the charity. You will balance ambition with purpose—ensuring that our charitable aims are upheld and that older people remain at the heart of every service and development.

As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will play a central role in shaping, developing and delivering the future of our commercial activities. You will lead the growth of existing services and pioneer new income streams across the region, expanding our reach so that more older people can benefit from high quality support. This position combines strategic innovation with hands on delivery, offering the opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of older people in Lincolnshire.

The post-holder needs to be a confident communicator who is self-driven, proactive and dedicated, with an enthusiastic and positive approach to delivering and developing services for older people. Knowledge and experience in the charity sector and business development is desirable. The post-holder would also ideally have knowledge of the Health and Social Care Sector.

Please go to our Age UK Lincolnshire website to view the full recruitment pack.

About Us 

Inspire is a charity based in East London. We inspire children and young people across London and beyond, using data to understand the barriers they face and connecting them with a range of employers and opportunities to open doors to their success. 

We have over 30 years of experience in delivering high quality services and programmes to children, young people, schools, local authorities and employers. Working alongside our large network of employer volunteers, we design and deliver programmes that inspire and support children and young people to create a positive future for themselves in their journey from the classroom to workplace.  We provide them with independent careers guidance, high aspirations and strong employability skills. 

The Opportunity 

Are you passionate and enthusiastic about advancing social mobility and ensuring all young people have access to the opportunities and inspiration they need to achieve their full potential? If so, this role is for you. 

We are seeking a Senior Business Development and Partnerships Manager to join us in a pivotal role in our Business Development Team. This is a new role for our charity that will make a significant contribution to delivery of our high quality services to children and young people, providing them with opportunities and inspiration to enable them to create a positive future for themselves and open doors to their success.

If you are self-motivated, enthusiastic and confident, with experience and a proven track record in successfully securing, managing and developing long term, five figure levels and above partnerships from initial prospect research through to contracting and ongoing management, then this role is for you. Working alongside our Director of Business Development and Partnerships, you will pro-actively manage business development activity, steward partnerships and raise funds for Inspire from a range of sources including corporate partnerships, community fundraising, trusts and foundations. 

Key responsibilities of the role include: 

1. Identifying and securing new business development opportunities in the corporate, trust and foundations sectors that align with our mission and objectives. 

2. Developing and maintaining a pipeline of prospects for new business opportunities, targeting five-figure level and above partnerships to deliver high-value, long-term partnerships and achieve financial targets and KPIs. 

3. Supporting creation and submission of funding applications to corporates, statutory bodies, trusts and foundations. 

4. Management and growth of Inspire's entry to mid-level corporate partnerships. 

5. Collaborate with colleagues to scale up existing, funded programmes and develop creative, dynamic and winning proposals. 

6. Supporting marketing and communications to promote Inspire and its programmes including development of marketing and social media materials. 

Benefits 

29 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays 

3 volunteering days per year 

Family friendly policies 

Hybrid working arrangements. 

If you have the skills and desire to join our team, please see our job description for further details. 

Inspire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.The successful candidate will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service. 

Application process 

If you wish to apply for this role please provide your CV, a covering letter to demonstrate your skills and experience, and your answers to the following questions. Please keep your answers to a maximum of 250 words each: 

1. Strategic Partnerships: 

Describe a partnership you identified and secured that had a significant impact on your organisation’s growth. What was your strategy for engaging the partner and what measurable outcomes were achieved? 

2. Pipeline Strategy & Prioritisation: 

Highlight your experience in building a high performing pipeline that drives measurable income, how do you identify, evaluate, and prioritise new opportunities, markets, or partners? Please explain your decision making process — including the frameworks, criteria, and tools you use to qualify leads, assess commercial potential, and determine where to focus your efforts. 

Use of AI 

We use anonymised recruitment methods for shortlisting and do not use AI when reviewing applications or making hiring decisions. We understand some people may use AI when creating their application, however we value authenticity. Please ensure your application is an accurate, honest reflection of your own experience and skills - we want to get to know you during our recruitment process. 

Closing date 

While this application process has a closing date, we will review applications as we receive them and invite shortlisted applicants to interview on a rolling basis. We would therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as you are able. 

Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive we are unable to contact unsuccessful applications.

ImpactEd Consulting is acting as recruitment advisor to FEA on this appointment.

Thank you for your interest in the role of Director of Policy, Public Affairs and Influence at the Fair Education Alliance

We are proud to be a coalition of 300 organisations united behind a simple but powerful belief: that no child’s success should be limited by their socioeconomic background. We exist to shift the conditions that hold inequity in place through collaboration across schools, colleges, higher education institutions, charities, youth organisations, researchers, funders, and young people themselves.

Our 2025-30 strategy, From Neighbourhood to National: A Strategy to ensure every child and young person thrives, is rooted in systems change—tackling not just policies and practices, but also the resources, relationships, power and mental models that hold inequity in place. Our work targets root causes, deepens collective impact, and embraces the complexity—and opportunity—of true transformation.

We are now recruiting a Director of Policy, Public Affairs and Influence to strengthen the FEA’s external leadership at a critical point in our development. As we implement our strategy, we are placing greater emphasis on how we represent the collective insight of our members, and how we use our convening role to shape agendas at local, regional and national levels.  

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, and working closely with the Co-Chief Executive Officers, this role will lead FEA’s policy positioning and public affairs activity and play a central role in representing the Alliance externally. The Director will be trusted to shape where and how FEA engages in public debate and decision-making, ensuring that our collective voice is credible and influential, and grounded in the experience of our members and partners across the system. This includes working closely with young people, recognising them as critical contributors and often the most powerful spokespeople for our work, and creating meaningful opportunities for their voices to shape our policy and public affairs activity.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who is comfortable operating through influence rather than formal authority, and who brings confidence in navigating complex policy environments. It offers the opportunity to shape how a large, diverse coalition contributes to public debate and policy thinking at a moment when joined-up, system-level approaches to educational equity are increasingly needed.

We hope you will consider applying.

Key dates

• Applications close: Monday 16 March (10 am)

• First round interviews: 26th and 27th March (online)

• Final interviews: 1st-2nd, 7-9th April (in person at the FEA office in London)

• Start date: as soon as possible, to be agreed with the successful candidate

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness, working side by side with thousands of people each year as they find ways out of homelessness. All of us need a decent home – to be healthy and to thrive. Currently though, this basic human need isn’t being met for so many people across the UK.

At Crisis, we have an incredible and committed workforce of more than 600 employees across England, Scotland and Wales, as well as c5,000 inspiring volunteers who are central to the success of our Christmas services and the running of our shops. Without them Crisis quite simply wouldn’t exist.

This is an exciting time to be joining Crisis. Emerging from a period of change, we are in the first year of our new 10-year strategy and an even greater focus on purpose and priorities. Central to the success of this will be ensuring that Crisis is a positive, high performing and inclusive work environment that allows us to have the greatest impact for those that we support.

As a member of the wider leadership team, the Director of People & Culture will be responsible for developing a strategy that meets our aspirations for our staff and volunteers, attracting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce and creating an environment that allows everyone who works with us to feel safe and be the best that they can be.  As our most senior People leader in the charity, this is a role that is highly visible at all levels and you will be required to build strong, trusted relationships across the leadership team, our Board and with our staff and volunteers.

We are looking for an authentic and inspiring leader who brings significant experience of developing and implementing people strategies, with strong knowledge of culture and organisational development. You will have a confident and informed approach to all things relating to people and culture and a proven commitment to promoting equity and inclusion in the workplace, so that everyone feels able to be their authentic and best selves. With high levels of emotional intelligence, you will also be a leader who gives space and encouragement for the team to learn on their own, while being able to spot when they need support, and also have the humility to acknowledge the things that you don’t know yourself.

We want to hear from experienced people leaders who share our vision and values, we also welcome applications from emerging leaders for whom this will be their first director role but who bring the enthusiasm and drive to succeed in it.

We are excited for someone to join us who is passionate about ending homelessness and ensuring that their team is focused on delivering excellence to ensure that we are achieving the Crisis mission. If this sounds like you then we would love to hear from you.

Funders In Good was founded to support Muslim donors in the UK who want to achieve strategic, long-term impact but lack the capacity, connections, or expertise to give effectively. We provide tailored financial grants and strategic support to social ventures serving Islam and Muslims, helping them scale, strengthen systems, and increase long-term impact. Our focus is on ventures and leaders contributing to a society where commitment to God flourishes.

Since 2021, we have grown from nine seed funders to over 130 members in our invitation-only Funder Network. Members contribute financially and through skills, receive quarterly progress reports, access events, and connect with other funders. This network is part of our wider community, which includes our team and the ventures we back.

As Funder Development Manager, you will shape this network by developing a compelling value proposition, building acquisition pipelines, nurturing funders, and curating engagement programs that deepen alignment with our mission. Success relies on both fundraising expertise and emotional intelligence: you will build trust with a diverse range of donors and philanthropists, navigating conversations about values, faith, impact, and community with warmth and confidence.

This senior, outward-facing role carries responsibility for income generation, stewardship, and relationship-building.

Please read the JD to find out more, application deadline is midnight 8th March 2026.

Campaign Director

Are you driven by social justice and motivated by creating real, lasting change? Are you a strategic campaign leader who can turn public will into political action? If so, we have a job for you.

We are looking for a Campaign Director to provide overall day-to-day leadership of the Partnership with The Disabled Children’s Partnership (DCP). You will be responsible for driving forward an ambitious integrated campaign, which combines political influencing, press and digital communications, public campaigning, and coalition mobilisation. Reporting directly to the Chair, the Campaign Director ensures the Partnership’s strategy is coherent, impactful, and responsive to political and public opportunities.

In this role, one eye will always be to our impact and the lasting legacy of our campaigns. Success will be measured in terms of real lasting social change – the extent to which DCP has driven positive shifts in policy, practice and attitudes through our campaigns, and whether our influence has shaped the narratives, priorities and actions of others beyond the lifetime of the campaign.

This role is a fixed‑term position (22.5 hours per week, worked over 3 days) until June 2027. We’re open to discussing how these hours can best work for you. Some on‑call and out‑of‑hours working may be required.

At Mencap, we offer flexible and hybrid working. The role involves at least fortnightly in‑person meetings at the Contact office in London N1, with opportunities to also work from Mencap’s Head Office in London E1.

The Disabled Children’s Partnership (DCP) is a major coalition of 130+ organisations united by a common vision: improved health, education and social care for disabled children, young people, and their families. Together we campaign to secure the policy change, public awareness, and political attention that disabled children deserve.

Our current focus is our high-profile Fight for Ordinary campaign. Together we are calling for reform of the SEND system, so that children with special educational needs or who are disabled can enjoy the ordinary things that other children take for granted, like having a nursery, school or college place, being safe in school, making friends, and taking part in activities in and beyond school.

What you’ll do

• Lead and evolve an integrated strategy across influencing, media, digital and grassroots mobilisation.
• Build and nurture a high‑performing coalition, aligning 130+ partner organisations around shared objectives and moments.
• Anticipate and seize political and media opportunities; brief spokespeople and partners; and steward relationships across government, parliament, arm’s‑length bodies and civil society.
• Champion co‑production with disabled children, young people and families - so lived experience shapes priorities, messages and tactics.
• Set clear goals and KPIs; commission insight and evaluation; and report transparently on outcomes and learning.
• Act as a visible ambassador for the DCP, representing the Partnership in senior forums and the media.

What you’ll bring

• A strong track record of leading multi‑channel campaigning that shifts policy, budgets and public narratives.
• Deep experience of political strategy and stakeholder management (government, parliament, local systems, sector leaders and media).
• Credibility and facilitation skills to align diverse organisations behind shared priorities—and keep them moving.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and experience of co‑producing campaigns with people who have lived experience.
• Analytical and outcomes‑focused mindset - you use data, insight and evaluation to prioritise, pivot and scale what works.
• Inclusive, values‑led leadership that builds trust, clarity and accountability across partners and teams (aligned to Mencap’s values and behaviours.

If you are passionate about creating meaningful, lasting change for disabled children, young people and their families, we want to hear from you! Apply now with an updated CV. Applications close on Sunday 15th March. Interviews will be held week comencing 23rd of March.

Benefits

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated.

Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.

For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!

About Mencap

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.

At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues.

Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.

• Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.
• Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes
• Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.

We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.

We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.

Development Officer (x2) 

Salary: NJC Spinal Scale Point 20 – £32,597 pro rata (£26,077.60) 
Hours: 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE) 
Contract: Permanent 
Location: North Yorkshire (minimum one day per week in our office at Askham Bryan, with blended working and travel across the county) 

At Community First Yorkshire, our vision is to help people across Yorkshire live happier, healthier lives through thriving, connected, inclusive and sustainable communities. 

We’re looking for two passionate and skilled Development Officers to join our VCSE Support team - recruitment made possible by internal progression and upcoming retirement. 

About the role 

If you’re someone who enjoys supporting people, strengthening community organisations, and helping charities to fulfil their potential, this could be the perfect opportunity. As the Local Infrastructure Organisation for North Yorkshire, our role is to support and advocate for our incredible voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. 

You’ll provide high quality organisational development support to charities, voluntary groups and community organisations. This includes guidance on: 

• Governance and legal structures 

• Volunteer management and best practice 

• Funding enquiries and sustainability 

• General organisational development advice 

• Facilitation and training delivery. 

We are particularly interested in applicants with strong skills and experience in charity law, governance and volunteer management. 

About you 

We’re looking for someone who is: 

• Approachable, supportive and a confident relationship builder 

• Experienced in working with charities and community organisations 

• Skilled in delivering training and facilitating groups 

• Knowledgeable about community development principles 

• Positive, collaborative and solution-focused 

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. 

How to apply 

Take a look at the job description for more details; to apply, send your CV with a covering letter explaining why you’re perfect for this role, along with your confidential details form and equal opportunities form (Job descriptions and forms are available on our website - click on Get Involved/Find a new job) 

Closing date: 9am, Wednesday 25 March 2026 
Interviews: In person on Wednesday 1 April 2026 

We may begin interviewing strong candidates before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged. 

If you’d like an informal conversation about the role, please contact: 
Carole Roberts, Head of VCSE Support 

YOUR PURPOSE

To research, develop and secure funding, projects and opportunities that deliver DMWS’s charitable objectives and to support ongoing stakeholder management to ensure positive relationships.

This involves researching and applying for funding and contract tender opportunities to support the armed forces community and other frontline services. This will include Trusts and Foundations, corporate partnerships and tenders with organisations that include the military, police, NHS, Fire service and other organisations with frontline roles.

The aim is to secure funds and opportunities to support DMWS beneficiaries and to increase DMWS footprint.

The role will also require report writing to present evidence of DMWS delivering effective value for money and positive impacts for our beneficiaries in line with the funder’s requirements. An ability to also promote our outcomes through case studies and social media posts would also be advantageous.

Travel will be required and some occasional overnights stays can be required.

Benefits

- Annual Leave: We give employees 30 days a year annual leave plus public holiday (pro-rata'd for part time employees).
- Pension: Auto enrolment onto DMWS workplace pension scheme- Subject to eligibility. You will make a minimum contribution of 5% which DMWS will match. Contributions will be matched up to 6% by DMWS.
- Death in Service Scheme: Three times your annual salary to nominated beneficiaries - subject to eligibility.
- Flexible Working: All flexible working requests are considered - many of our staff work flexible hours and work wholly, or partly from home.
- Smart Health: Access to a 24/7 virtual GP service, with a counselling service and on-line help and support around health and well-being matters.
- Work-based Parking/Mileage: For those who pay to park at their work-base, fees are repaid through expenses. Mileage claims are reimbursed in line with HMRC guidelines.
- Enhanced Sick Pay: Enhanced sick pay scheme for all employees upon completion of their probationary period.
- Staff Recognition: Staff are regularly recognised for their work by the leadership team and their peers, via internal events, social media, and industry awards.
- Personal Development Programme: DMWS supports employee continuing professional development and training.
- Above all, being part of the DMWS team means that you are making a difference to the lives of those working on the frontline.
- Great training opportunities.
- £25 contribution towards eye tests and a contribution of £50 towards glasses. (As long as they are only needed for DSE use and not otherwise needed on a standard prescription).
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption family friendly benefits.

Full job description is attached. 

Applications close on 18th March 2026Applicants must hold a full UK Driving Licence and have access to a vehicle. Applications will be considered as they are submitted. DMWS reserve the right to close the application process early.

Development Administrator

Location: Cambridge

Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum depending on experience

Hours: 37 hours per week  

Closing Date: 09/03/2026

Wolfson College is seeking a highly organised and proactive Development Office Administrator to provide comprehensive administrative support to the Development Director and the wider Development team. 

This is a varied role that combines administrative support, event coordination, database management, and general office administration, playing a vital role in the smooth and effective operation of the Development Office.

You will be highly organised, detail-oriented, and confident managing multiple priorities. You will have excellent communication skills, a professional manner, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Experience in a development, fundraising, or higher education environment would be an advantage.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Wolfson College, please click "redirect to recruiter" to view the full job description and download your application form.

The Vacancy

Community Builder (Community Development) – Leeds 

Salary: Up to £33,995 per annum   

Location: Remote in Leeds with travel within the UK. See the “Please Note” section below for further details.

The vacancy   

We have an exciting opportunity for a COMMUNITY BUILDER to join our Community Development team working to support local veterans to take an active role in their communities. If you believe in the power of strong, connected communities, this role is for you.  

Please see below for more information on what just might be your future role.  

About The Role  

As a Community Builder, you will be at the heart of our charity’s ambition to reach seldom-heard members of the Armed-forces Community (AFC) and engage them in creating positive action that strengthens wider connections. 

You will identify the strengths, passions and interests within the AFC, foster meaningful connections with the wider community, and utilise these to create meaningful and sustainable outcomes.  

About You  

You will be a highly motivated and dynamic individual who is passionate about collaboration and community-led change.  You will have experience of engaging and supporting people in a community, charity, education, social care, housing, youth work, or other people-focused role using a range of facilitation tools, techniques and Community Development skills. You will need experience of working in a community setting with a diverse range of people and interests. You will have good organisational skills, energy and the ability to listen, build relationships, and inspire collaboration, which will be essential in creating positive, lasting change.

We are looking for someone with:  

• A Community Development qualification and/or transferable Community Development skills and experience.

• A basic understanding of the Asset-Based Community Development approach (ABCD) is required however full support and development of this practice and our internal ways of working will be provided.    

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships that drive action.  

• A track record of successful collaboration with internal and external partners and stakeholders.  

• Effective and efficient organisational and IT skills. 

PLEASE NOTE:  

• The successful candidate will need to be based within a 30-minute commute of their allocated locality and there is a requirement to travel regularly across the wider area (travel expenses covered).  The successful candidate must possess a valid full UK driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle with business insurance for work purposes.  

• There will also be a requirement for occasional travel to other UK locations for meetings and events depending on the charity’s needs such as our annual all colleagues in person event.   

• The successful candidate will work 35 hours per week over 5 days, Monday - Sunday. Core working days will be Monday to Friday; however, flexibility is essential, as regular evening and weekend work will also be required to meet the needs of the role. Working hours will vary to ensure a total of 70 hours is covered over a two-week period, so please take this into consideration before applying.  

• The successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check   

About the Team  

You’ll be joining a dynamic team of community development professionals who are passionate about supporting people to make a difference where they live. We amplify the strengths already present in communities, forge lasting partnerships and initiatives that empower members of the AFC to thrive. Together, the Community Development Managers and the Community Builders strengthen local communities using the resources and networks that are readily available.

Please see the job description for more details.  

In return we can offer you: 

• Belonging to a team who make a difference to our community and value equality, diversity and inclusion. 

• 29 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, regardless of service -plus your birthday off to celebrate! 

• Opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave per year. 

• Added to our free health scheme from day one, including discounts on dental, opticians, massages, and more - with the option to upgrade. 

• 3 volunteer days per year to support the Help for Heroes community.

• A generous salary sacrifice pension scheme with an 8% employer contribution and a minimum 3% employee contribution, plus life insurance up to 4× salary as an active member. 

Closing date: 22nd March 2026

Please note: We may close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of strong applications.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Together we make a difference, develop and learn, and support each other. Every day with us is different, but our mission remains the same: To champion the rights, needs and ambitions of the people we support - they are at the heart of everything we do. We stand by them and we work together for change.

Alongside an incredible team of like-minded peers, you’ll be working behind-the-scenes to support our staff, volunteers, families, and supporters. You will be helping our work happen across the charity; enabling us to care for and champion the rights, needs and ambitions of the people we support.

The Role

As Interim Head of Business Development, you will provide strategic leadership and hands-on delivery to stabilise and strengthen the Trust’s business development approach. You will lead the end-to-end opportunity pipeline - from market intelligence and commissioner engagement through to bid development, governance and mobilisation handover - ensuring opportunities are aligned to strategy, deliver strong outcomes, and are financially viable.

Hours: 37.5 Hours 

Contract : 1 year fixed term contract 

Salary: £48,022.00 

Location: Cheadle, Stockport

Responsibilities include but are not exhaustive

• Provide visible interim leadership for the Trust’s business development function, setting clear priorities and ways of working, and coordinating contribution from service, operational, clinical and corporate colleagues.
• Develop and maintain a Trust-wide opportunity pipeline (tenders, frameworks, spot-purchase growth, strategic partnerships and other commissioned income routes), including qualification, prioritisation, and clear next steps.
• Lead proactive engagement with commissioners, local authorities, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), NHS partners and other stakeholders to understand demand, shape specifications where appropriate, and position the Trust effectively.
• Own the end-to-end bid process: establish bid plans, coordinate contributors, draft and quality-assure responses, and ensure submissions are compliant, persuasive, and submitted on time.
• Work with Finance and service leads to ensure all bids and proposals are underpinned by robust costing, pricing, risk assessment and contract terms review; ensure financial viability and appropriate approvals before submission.
• Create and embed a practical bid governance approach (stage-gates, templates, timelines and sign-off), so that bidding is consistent, efficient and auditable.
• Champion the Together Trust’s vision, mission and values, and role model the Trust’s behaviours.
• Commit to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in how opportunities are developed and how the Trust works with partners.
• Maintain a visible presence across Trust services and corporate teams, balancing hybrid working with on-site engagement as needed.

About You

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent senior leadership experience).
• Evidence of continuing professional development in leadership, commissioning, commercial practice or service transformation
• Significant senior experience in commissioning, business development, service development or strategic partnership working within a public service environment (e.g. local authority, NHS, education, social care, VCFSE).
• Proven track record of developing successful proposals, business cases, tenders or commissioning documentation - including coordinating multiple contributors to deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including experience engaging credibly with senior commissioners and partners.
  • Good understanding of public sector commissioning and procurement routes, including tendering, frameworks and contract governance.
  • Understanding of the importance of safeguarding, quality and regulatory expectations when developing and mobilising services for children, young people and adults.
• Ability to analyse complex problems, identify options and recommend proportionate solutions.
• Full UK driving license with ability to travel across Together Trust locations and to partner/commissioner meetings as required.

Benefits

• Annual Leave 27 day holiday plus 8 days bank holidays rising to 30 after 5 years, 33 days after 10 years
• Generous pension scheme and death in service benefit, up to 7% company pension contributions initially rising with length of service and up to 6 x basic salary death in service benefit.
• Occupational sick pay and family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoptive leave.
• Reward and Discount platform offering discounts at high street shops, travel, insurances etc.
• Eligibility to apply for Blue Light card
• Proud to be a real living wage employer
• Refer a friend scheme, be rewarded for recommending a friend to work with us
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including apprenticeship qualifications
• Long service awards including cash gifts and extra holiday.
• Promotion of Wellbeing across the organisation including Mental Health First Aiders offering wellbeing support from trained colleague and free weekly yoga session  in person or online
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for you and adults at your home

Find out more — watch our short video to see what it’s like to work with us:

https://youtu.be/SEnw2o00T6E

Applications are very welcome from all regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or socio-economic background. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments for disabled people. We positively encourage applications from those with lived experience. 

If there is any part of your lived experience you want to keep confidential in some way please talk to the Recruitment or HR shared service teams and we will do what we can to support you

The Together Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support and expects all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Safeguarding checks will be undertaken for the successful candidate in line with our safer recruitment policy.

Purpose and responsibilities of the post

Reporting to the DARE UK Director, the Deputy Director is a senior strategic leader responsible for shaping and delivering the programme’s next phase of impact.

The post-holder will provide intellectual and operational leadership across the programme, translating strategic ambition into executable plans while ensuring delivery at pace and scale. They will work across research communities, funders, infrastructure providers, technology partners and senior stakeholders across UKRI and government to embed community voice into the design of a UK-wide secure data research ecosystem.

This is a high-profile role requiring visible sector leadership, strong partnership-building capability and confidence operating at Board and executive level. The Deputy Director will deputise for the Director as required and play a central role in positioning DARE UK nationally and internationally.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

· Co-develop and evolve the DARE UK strategy, roadmap and future phases in response to emerging opportunities, policy developments and sector needs.

· Shape the long-term vision for a federated UK sensitive data research ecosystem, including shared standards for governance, ethics, metadata and interoperability.

· Identify strategic partnerships and funding opportunities to secure programme sustainability beyond the current phase.

· Represent DARE UK at senior forums, influencing policy, research and infrastructure agendas.

Programme Delivery and Oversight

· Lead end-to-end delivery of the programme, ensuring alignment between strategic objectives, commissioned work and measurable outcomes.

· Oversee commissioning, governance and performance management of programme activities and working groups.

· Ensure robust financial oversight, risk management and reporting in collaboration with HDR UK and UKRI partners.

· Maintain effective systems, governance structures and delivery frameworks across partner organisations.

Stakeholder and Community Leadership

· Build and sustain trusted relationships across UKRI councils, academia, government departments, devolved administrations, technical suppliers and public contributors.

· Convene and align diverse stakeholders to co-design standards, services and technical-social specifications.

· Lead strategic engagement and communications activity to secure sector-wide buy-in and adoption.

People and Organisational Leadership

· Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team spanning programme management, communications, public involvement and engagement, and community engagement.

· Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture aligned with HDR UK values.

· Provide clarity, direction and stability in a complex and evolving landscape.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

· Senior leadership experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments spanning research, government, infrastructure and/or technology.

· Proven track record of delivering large-scale, strategically significant programmes in fast-paced and ambiguous contexts.

· Experience working with executive teams, Boards and senior stakeholders, demonstrating sound judgement and political awareness.

· Strong strategic thinking capability, with the ability to translate vision into structured delivery plans.

· Demonstrable experience influencing, negotiating and building consensus across diverse communities.

· Strong programme governance, risk management and financial oversight experience.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent programmes at national level.

· Effective line management experience, leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-impact outcomes.

Our mission at Response is to enable people of all ages to live a more fulfilled life by providing excellent mental health services, housing, and supported living.

Do you have the desire to empower and promote independence and an interest in mental health? 

Director of Housing and Estates - £70,000 – £75,000 per annum (Salaries vary depending on experience)

Hours – 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Department – Housing

Location – Littlemore, Oxfordshire

What You’ll Be Doing:

Response is recruiting for a Director of Housing and Estates within our Housing Team. The Director of Housing and Estates is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic and operational delivery of high-quality, safe, and compliant supported housing for people with mental health needs. The postholder will lead housing management, property and estates functions, and provide organisational oversight of Health Safety and Fire, ensuring homes are safe and well-maintained. If you are a motivated individual looking for an exciting opportunity to contribute to a compassionate organisation, we want to hear from you!

Overall job responsibility - Further information can be found in the job description

Some of the core duties include:

• Lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s Housing, Estates, and Health & Safety strategies in line with the charity’s mission and values.
• Act as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organisational strategy, performance, and risk management.
• Provide expert advice to the Chief Executive, Board, and Committees on housing, estates, and safety matters.
• Responsible for the leadership of the housing and property department, nurturing an excellent customer focused service to our residents and provide strong leadership to the team, promoting a positive culture reflecting our values and setting clear objectives.
• Strategic oversight and accountability for the success of some housing service contracts, including leading negotiations with commissioners, ensuring financially robust and operationally excellent.

The Successful Applicant:

Our main priority for all our roles at Response is to find people that can live our values every day – Caring, Safe, Creative and Aspirational. We provide excellent training on everything else, but we do ask that you have: 

• Level 4 qualification in Housing.
• A commitment to undertake continuous personal development.
• Supported housing knowledge.
• Health and Safety knowledge in a supported housing environment.
• Experience working to strict deadlines without compromising content and service.
• Leadership level experience within a housing association or supported housing environment.
• Dealing with people who experience mental health and vulnerabilities connected to their mental health or housing status.
• IT literate with experience using MS Office packages.
• Strong planning, organisational and time management skills.

What We Offer:

• 33 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) 
• Blue Light card and other discounted shopping
• Employee Assistance Plan - with access to free counselling 
• Cycle to Work Scheme (after probation)
• Enhanced family friendly leave
• Flexible and agile working opportunities (role dependent) 
• Professional qualification sponsorship and study leave 
• £500 refer a friend bonus scheme 
• Optional health cash care plan with money off prescriptions and treatments
• Wellbeing hub and mental wellbeing support app – approved by NHS
• Free flu jabs
• Free DBS application

If this Director of Housing and Estates position sounds like the role for you then please apply today! This vacancy may be closed early. To learn more about Response and what we do, please visit our website. Closing date - 15/04/2026

Our employees and clients come from all over the world, we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture and are registered as a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our clients. All our roles require an enhanced DBS check, two references from most recent employers and you must have the right to work in the UK.