Development director jobs

Community sits at the heart of everything we do.

This role leads our work to connect, support and grow the national craft community through Crafts Council Membership and the Craft UK network.

You will shape spaces where makers, creative businesses and craft champions can connect, learn and thrive. Working closely with colleagues and partners across the sector, you will ensure that our membership programmes respond to the real needs of the craft community and create meaningful opportunities for people to engage with craft.

You will bring strong community instincts, an understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing creative practitioners and small creative businesses, and a passion for the transformative power of craft.

As a senior leader within the organisation, you will guide a talented team to deliver a compelling programme of activity, events and partnerships that strengthen the value of membership, deepen engagement and grow participation.

Through insight, listening and collaboration, you will ensure that our work remains relevant, inclusive and ambitious — supporting makers today while helping shape the future of the craft sector.

Role Focus

This role combines community leadership, programme development and income generation.

You will:

• Build and nurture a thriving national craft community
• Lead the strategic development of Crafts Council Membership and Craft UK
• Grow membership participation, reach and income
• Champion inclusive practice and remove barriers to engagement
• Strengthen the voice and visibility of craft through partnerships and advocacy

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who is passionate about the craft sector and understands the realities of building a creative career or business.

You will be a natural community builder with the ability to bring people together, build trust and create opportunities for collaboration.

You will also bring:

• Experience developing and growing membership, community or network-based programmes
• Strong understanding of the creative industries or craft sector
• Experience managing teams and supporting colleagues to deliver excellent work
• The ability to develop partnerships and collaborative initiatives
• Confidence working with data and insight to inform strategy and programme development
• Experience delivering programmes or initiatives that generate income or financial sustainability
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in programme design and delivery

Contract and Hours - Permanent, full-time, 36.25 hours per week. Role to commence from Summer 2026 onwards.

A typical working day is 9.15-5.30pm, including a lunch break (unpaid). We support flexible working and part-time arrangements where it is appropriate for the role.

We promote hybrid working with three days per week worked at our office and gallery for full-time staff, and two days per week office and gallery working for part-time staff.

Wednesday is a whole team office and gallery day when staff meetings take place.

Salary - £39,000 to £50,000 gross per annum, dependent on experience and based on full-time working (pro rata for part-time / annualised working).

Location - Crafts Council Office and Gallery is based on the Pentonville Road in Islington, London, with some hybrid / home working.

About Camden People First

Camden People First is a user‑led organisation run by and for adults with learning disabilities. We promote independence, equality, and self‑advocacy across the London Borough of Camden. Our work centres on empowering people to speak up, make their own choices, and influence the services and policies that affect their lives.

This role supports our mission by helping adults with learning disabilities, build confidence, understand their rights, remove barriers and help them to take an active role in their community.

Role Purpose

To provide high‑quality, person‑centred advocacy for adults with learning disabilities, and neurodivergency in Camden. The Community Advocate helps individuals speak up, be heard, access services, challenge unfair treatment, and participate fully in decisions about their lives. The role also strengthens Camden People First’s presence in the community and supports our self‑advocacy groups.

As a Community Advocate, you will empower people to have a bigger voice, to be heard, and to be actively involved in decisions that affect their lives.

You will support individuals with issues including wellbeing and health, housing needs, accessing services, organising and attending meetings, and ensuring their rights are upheld.

Key Responsibilities

Advocacy & Empowerment

• Support adults with learning disabilities and neurodivergent) to express their views, wishes, and concerns in their own words.
• Provide independent advocacy during meetings, assessments, reviews, and care‑planning processes.
• Support people with a range of communication needs using accessible approaches (signs, symbols, photos, multimedia, etc).
• Help service users understand information and choices using accessible communication (Easy Read, plain English, visuals).
• Encourage and develop self‑advocacy skills so service users can speak up for themselves.
• Manage a caseload of up to 5 active cases at any time.
• Attend meetings and forums alongside service users.

Community Engagement

• Work in partnership with local services, including Camden Council Social Services, health providers, housing teams, and voluntary and community organisations.
• Promote the rights of people with learning disabilities across Camden.
• Support adults with learning disabilities to access community activities, employment, education, and social opportunities.

Casework & Representation

• Manage a caseload of individuals needing one‑to‑one advocacy.
• Attend multi‑agency meetings (such as MASH) to ensure the person’s voice is heard and respected.
• Challenge decisions or practices that undermine an adult with learning disabilities’ rights, wellbeing, or independence.

Safeguarding & Rights Protection

• Identify and report safeguarding concerns in line with Camden People First policies and statutory guidance.
• Promote the principles of the Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Equality Act, and Human Rights Act and other legislation.
• Ensure all advocacy is independent, confidential, and led by the person.

Administration & Reporting

• Keep accurate case notes, outcome records, and monitoring information.
• Contribute to service evaluation, member feedback, and quality improvement.
• Support the development of accessible information and Easy Read materials.

Internal Relationships

Reports to the Director, with caseload-only supervision by the Volunteer Caseload Supervisor.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Level 4 Independent Advocacy qualification
• Experience working with people with learning disabilities or other vulnerable groups.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including accessible communication methods.
• Understanding of relevant legislation (MCA, Care Act, Equality Act).
• Ability to build trust, maintain boundaries, and work in a user‑led environment.
• Confident in challenging decisions and advocating assertively but respectfully.
• Commitment to co‑production and working alongside self‑advocates.

Desirable Skills

• Experience in advocacy, social care, community development, or peer‑support settings.
• Knowledge of Camden’s local services and community networks.
• Experience producing Easy Read materials or using tools like photosymbols
• Understanding of user‑led organisations and the social model of disability.

Personal Qualities

• Empathetic, patient, and genuinely person‑centred.
• Passionate about equality, rights, and inclusion.
• Organised, reliable, and able to manage competing priorities.
• Comfortable working in a lively, member‑led environment where lived experience is central.

Join RUHX – Be part of something extra extraordinary.

At RUHX, we’re more than the Official NHS charity of the Royal United Hospitals Bath. We go further to give every patient the extra extraordinary care they deserve, while supporting our staff to do what they do best and furthering innovation within our hospitals. We’re out there in our community, collaborating with the people and organisations who drive real change. And we’re making sure that every penny we raise goes towards improving health, happiness and wellbeing for everyone in our community.

RUHX are seeking a motivated and collaborative Charity Impact Manager to lead our internal grants programme and ensure that charitable funds deliver measurable impact for patients, families and staff.

You will play a key role in implementing our new grant‑making system to strengthen monitoring, compliance, approvals and financial forecasting across all restricted and unrestricted funds. Working closely with clinical, operational and fundraising teams, you will help shape a strong pipeline of strategically aligned projects and support the delivery of donor‑funded initiatives, including restricted grants and major donor commitments.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong analytical skills, excellent relationship‑building capability, and a passion for improving patient and staff experience through effective, transparent and high‑impact charitable investment.

Main duties of the job

No two days in our team are the same. In this role you will spilt your time working onsite in the office in Bath, so that you can meet clinical colleagues across the hospital, with opportunities to work flexibly from home.  You will have a varied role which involves managing a wide range of duties and tasks including.

• Lead the RUHX internal grants process, ensuring all charitable expenditure is compliant and aligned to strategic priorities and donor intent.
• Support the implementation and management of a new grant‑making system that tracks assessments, approvals, expenditure, commitments and fund forecasting.
• Build strong relationships with RUH teams to encourage and support high‑quality, high‑impact grant applications.
• Work with the Development Team to deliver and monitor donor‑funded and restricted‑grant projects, ensuring accurate reporting for stewardship.
• Lead impact measurement and evaluation across all funded projects, producing clear and engaging reports for governance and donors.
• Monitor fund utilisation, project progress and risks, providing regular updates to senior leadership and the Charities Committee.

Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre are the membership bodies for the theatre sector, representing theatre producers, managers, owners and operators in London’s West End and across the UK. Theatre and the performing arts enrich our lives, strengthen our sense of belonging, and are a cornerstone of both the levelling up and growth agendas. Alongside the social and cultural impact their members deliver, theatre is a key part of the UK’s fast-growing creative industries, generating £2.39bn GVA, supporting 205,000 workers, and adding £1.94bn each year to local economies through audience spend.

SOLT & UK Theatre’s vision is a dynamic, sustainable and world-class theatre sector. Their mission is to champion theatre and support their members to thrive. Their shared priorities and focus are Membership, Audiences and Advocacy.

As part of their continued evolution, they are seeking a Head of Membership to lead the development and delivery of SOLT & UK Theatre’s membership offer, ensuring members are engaged, supported and able to thrive. Working closely with the Director of Membership & External Affairs, you will lead member engagement, services and programme activity; turning member insight and organisational priorities into high-quality, joined-up experiences.

This role is central to connecting membership, advocacy and operational delivery. You’ll build strong relationships with members, stakeholders and partners across the UK theatre sector, making sure member needs are clearly understood, addressed and reflected across their work, and helping shape a membership experience that feels relevant, responsive and genuinely useful. Alongside this, you will be responsible for leading the improvement of systems, member recruitment and on boarding, planning and reporting, and harnessing new CRM systems to deliver value to members.

Some evening and weekend work will be required

As an organisation that is committed to working in an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment SOLT & UK Theatre encourage applications from all backgrounds. 

If you want to know more about the role or selection process, please visit the vacancy microsite at our Executive Search partners, Green Park.

Closing date: Sunday 29th March 2026 at 11:59pm.

Do you want to work for a dynamic, creative, fast-paced charity?

At Action Together we see the amazing things people achieve when they work together to make the lives of others better. If you share our values: believe it’s possible, strengthen others, and be true, we’d love you to consider joining our team.

Finance Director

The ideal candidate

We seek a finance leader driven by values, with extensive experience directing finance operations and delivering top-tier financial planning, reporting, and governance. This role requires strong technical accounting abilities, exceptional communication skills, and the talent to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.

You should be a collaborative, inclusive leader who excels at developing team members, managing risks, negotiating effectively, and guiding the organisation through periods of change. Most importantly, you must be committed to Action Together’s mission of social justice, equity, and community empowerment.

The role

The Finance Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring Action Together remains financially robust, sustainable, and compliant as a charity and employer. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will partner closely with the CEO and Board to shape a resilient business model, strengthen financial governance, and provide strategic direction that supports our mission and values.

You will lead and develop a high performing finance function, oversee annual budgeting and long‑term financial planning, and ensure high‑quality financial insight is available to the CEO, SLT and Board. The Finance Director has responsibility for the production of monthly accounts package, annual audit and statutory accounts, risk management, payroll assurance, investment strategy, and organisational compliance with Companies House, the Charity Commission, and all financial governance requirements.

You will play an integral role in supporting strong governance, working closely with the Treasurer and Board to provide clear, timely, and insightful financial performance updates, forecasts, and risk assessments.

You will also work with the Treasurer to shape investment strategy, strengthen financial controls, and uphold governance across all statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements

Equality , Diversity and Inclusion

At Action Together we value diversity, promote equity and challenge discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.

In order to ensure that our workforce reflects our communities across all levels of seniority, Action Together is offering a guaranteed interview to any candidate who meets the essential criteria listed in the person specification and who is also:

• A disabled person and/or
• A member of a community experiencing racial inequality

Action Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees to demonstrate this commitment.

Right to work

We do not hold a Sponsor License and are unable to accept applications which require sponsorship to work in the UK

Please note, the successful candidates will be required to undertake a basic Disclosure and barring Service (DBS) check. A positive Disclosure of Offences will not automatically bar an applicant from being appointed and suitable applicants will not be refused employment because of offences that are not relevant.

Director of Finance & Operations

• Hours: 37.5 hours per week 
• Location: Oxford
• Salary: £85,000 per annum
• Closing date: 26th March 2026 at 12 noon 

Join Helen & Douglas House as our next Director of Finance & Operations

Help to shape the future of the world’s first children’s hospice and make a profound difference to the lives of local families.

Helen & Douglas House has been supporting children living with life‑limiting conditions and their families for more than 40 years. We are a place of compassion, expertise and unwavering commitment — and now, we are searching for an exceptional Director of Finance & Operations to help ensure we build upon our unique legacy of innovative and impactful care and support.

A role with purpose. A role with impact.

As a key member of our Executive Team and working closely with our CEO and Board of Trustees, you will be at the heart of strategic decision making — ensuring our resources, systems and operations are effective, efficient, and aligned with the needs of the children and families we serve. This is an opportunity to influence the long-term sustainability of a truly special organisation at an important and exciting time for the hospice sector.

What you’ll lead

In this role, you will provide strategic leadership across Finance, Estates & Operations, Information Systems, Data & Governance, Risk, Health & Safety and our Project Management Office.

• Providing insightful financial leadership to help shape our strategic plans.
• Oversee the annual corporate planning and budget cycle.
• Ensure strong governance, regulatory compliance and effective risk management.
• Lead our Estates & Facilities strategy, ensuring our buildings and environments remain safe, high quality and fit for purpose.
• Guide the development of an effective organisational information systems strategy.
• Support and empower a talented cohort of Heads of Department — fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and excellence.
• Act as a trusted ambassador to regulators, partners, advisors and donors.

Who we’re looking for

You will be:

• A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA).
• A strategic and inspirational leader with experience overseeing diverse operational functions.
• Skilled at navigating complexity, shaping strategy and driving organisational performance.
• An exceptional communicator, able to build trust and confidence with stakeholders at every level.
• Passionate about making a meaningful difference through high quality, sustainable charitable services.

Experience in the non‑profit or healthcare sector is welcome but not essential — what matters most is your leadership, values and ability to deliver impact.

Why join us?

At Helen & Douglas House, every decision you make directly supports children and families facing life-limiting conditions. You will join a committed, values driven Executive Team and help to lead an organisation with a powerful mission and deep community roots. If you’re motivated by our purpose and ready to bring your expertise to an organisation where your leadership will truly matter, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us secure an impactful and sustainable future for Helen & Douglas House and the families we serve.

Please note that everyone working for Helen & Douglas House are required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Helen & Douglas House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and value the benefits of a diverse workforce. We positively encourage applications from all areas of the community.

Location: London (Hybrid working - a minimum of three days a week in our South London Centre)

1st stage interviews: 8th and 9th April (over MS Teams)

2nd stage interviews: 16th April (face-to-face in London)

We’re looking for an inspiring and strategic leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Director of Government Partnerships. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our mission and strategy, leading a high-performing team of fundraisers and policy specialists to grow income to £14m+ annually in public sector income, and ensure the voices of young people shape and influence national policy and investment decisions.

Sitting within Fundraising & Marketing, you’ll drive our influencing strategy across the UK Government, positioning The King’s Trust as a trusted partner in reducing inequalities and delivering life-changing programmes for young people. You’ll represent the Trust at senior levels, develop new income streams, and collaborate closely with teams across the organisation to turn strategy into impact.

If you’re an exceptional communicator with a deep understanding of government funding and a commercial mindset, proven leadership experience, and a passion for driving change at scale, we’d love to hear from you. This is a unique opportunity to shape the national landscape for young people and lead one of our most significant income and influencing portfolios.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and a Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need a Director of Government Partnerships? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives, and we couldn’t do this without the important work of the Director of Government Partnerships! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events, etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

We are seeking an exceptional leader who can act as a credible spokesperson and ambassador for the Catholic Union, building trusted relationships across the Church, parliament and wider society and helping to grow the Catholic Union’s influence and engagement in the years ahead.

Founded in 1870, the Catholic Union of Great Britain brings Catholic laity and Catholic social teaching to the public square across England, Wales and Scotland. Working in partnership with dioceses, parishes, MPs, MSPs, MSs, peers and Catholic organisations, our vision is of a society in which Catholic laity are informed, equipped and encouraged to engage in public life.

Our work is shaped by three key themes: engagement, education and encouragement. Through these we foster informed participation in public debate, help Catholics and the wider public understand contemporary social and political issues through a Catholic lens, and inspire greater confidence for Catholics to contribute to civic and community life.

In recent years the Catholic Union has developed from being largely volunteer-led into a more professional and strategically focused organisation, strengthening relationships across the Church and wider society. Our Weekly Briefing, now read by around 6,500 people each week, has become a key channel for parliamentary reporting, Catholic news and reflection.

As Director, you will lead the Catholic Union at an exciting moment in its development. You will represent the Catholic Union publicly, strengthening relationships with bishops, diocesan leaders, parliamentarians and Catholic organisations. You will act as a trusted ambassador for the Union, grow our channels of influence and engagement, and work with Trustees, Council and a small experienced team to support the organisation’s continued development.

If you are inspired by the opportunity to serve as a public voice for a respected Catholic organisation and help foster thoughtful dialogue and engagement in public life, we would love to hear from you.

For more information, please see the job pack attached. Closing date 10th April.

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with a leading international NGO working to accelerate the global transition to sustainable, plant-rich food systems. We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Global Director of Strategic Communications to lead a high-performing international team and shape a compelling global narrative that influences policymakers, businesses, media and partners.

Recognised internationally for its impact and collaboration with major global institutions, the non-profit organisation (NGO) combines evidence, strategy and advocacy to deliver measurable change. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a global communications function at a pivotal moment for food, climate and public health.

Reporting to the Global CEO, you will:

• Develop and deliver a global communications strategy aligned to organisational priorities
• Secure high-impact international media coverage (e.g. Financial Times, BBC, The Guardian, The New York Times)
• Provide senior counsel on reputation and crisis communications
• Oversee brand integrity, messaging and digital channels globally
• Build alignment and clarity across distributed international teams

You will bring significant experience influencing B2B and policy audiences, leading global communications functions, and delivering results within complex structures. An established international media network and strong crisis judgement are essential. It’s essential that you have a strong alignment with sustainability, food systems, climate and/or public health agendas.

• Location: Remote (UK-based). Travel required ad-hoc for meetings and conferences.
• Contract: Full-time, Permanent.
• Salary: £56,000–£63,000
• Fantastic benefits package: including enhanced family leave policies, increasing holiday allowance yearly, inclusive, values-driven culture, and dedicated professional development budget.

Firm closing date: Sunday 22^nd March. Please get in touch today to find out more!

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

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.

Are you an exceptional senior leader, who is ready to drive income growth, system innovation and strategic partnerships across grassroots football in Surrey? 

This is a high-impact executive role for an experienced fundraising and partnership professional who thrives on income diversification, public sector commissioning organisational growth and strategy development.

A major focus of the position will be developing and submitting funding bids to national, regional, and charitable funding bodies. The successful candidate will identify funding opportunities and craft compelling proposals that bring new projects to life, helping to expand access to football and strengthen communities across Surrey.

Alongside this, the Director of Fundraising will lead work around income diversification, with a particular emphasis on public sector commissioning. This will involve building relationships with local authorities, health bodies, and other public sector organisations to secure commissioned work that aligns football with wider social outcomes such as health, wellbeing, education, and community development.

Location: MSSC National Support Centre, London, SE1 7JY

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Salary: Up to £80,000 gross per annum, depending on experience

Closing Date: 22 March 2026

Are you looking for a new challenge where you can have a positive impact on the lives of young people? We’re looking for an exceptional leader with significant experience of youth, volunteering, safety and business support.

The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is the leading maritime charity for youth development and lifelong learning. We are a vibrant and growing charity inspiring young people to achieve their potential through challenge and nautical adventure, while also enabling seafarers and maritime professionals to realise their potential through learning and career development.

Thousands of young people take part in Sea Cadets activity every week. We want to reach thousands more. We have a strong vision and are on the cusp of rolling out a new multi-year growth strategy to meet the growing demand for what we provide for young people. We aim to equip them to achieve their potential and thrive in a rapidly changing world. We are immensely proud of the breadth, quality and safety of activities we offer to young people.

We are looking for an exceptional individual who wants to be at the heart of this project to reach more young people through our extraordinary, highly skilled volunteers. This individual will drive quality and consistency across everything we do.

About the role

The Director of Young People, Volunteer & Business Support is a full-time employee of Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) and reports to the Chief Executive Officer. The post holder is a member of the MSSC Senior Management Team. The post is based at the National Support Centre in London but will require some travel, mostly within the UK, in order to fulfil the responsibilities of the role. The nature of the role will also involve occasional evening and weekend work.

Responsibilities

• Growth, Development & Outreach
• Health, Safety & Environment
• Young People Support & Safeguarding
• Volunteer Support
• Business Support & Legal
• Policy & Impact

Requirements

Knowledge and understanding of health and safety

Knowledge and experience of managing youth safeguarding issues

Knowledge and experience of volunteering and volunteer management

Experience of leading management processes, compliance, assurance and driving change

Experience of leading a large team with strong people management capability and driving high performance including remote management

For further information, please download the . If you are interested in this role, please apply now!

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave per annum, increasing with length of service
• Hybrid working for many roles (minimum 2 days per week in the London office)
• Volunteering Leave
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Private medical insurance
• Generous pension (employer contribution up to 10%)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to the Marine Society Digital Library
• Wellbeing portal and EAP with one-to-one counselling
• Employee development

Additional Information

MSSC positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. Equity, diversity, and inclusion really matters to us, so we can best serve our beneficiaries from every community. We work to ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process and aim to be a charity where diversity of experience, identity and skills are valued and welcomed. MSSC is an equal opportunities employer.

We recognise our responsibilities to safeguard and protect the young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We do all we can to promote their health, safety and wellbeing, and we expect our staff to share this commitment and work in line with safeguarding policy, the MSSC’s values and ethos of inclusivity. We adhere to safer recruitment practices and therefore employment is subject to detailed pre-employment checks for successful candidates, including references and criminal disclosure checks and the completion of a disclosure questionnaire. 

All successful applicants are required to attend safeguarding training and undergo pre-employment checks including a criminal record check.

DIRECTOR FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

​​​​​​​Handcrafted seek their new Director for Young People.

• Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week and will consider part time/flexible hours
• Location: Based from one of the hubs in Gateshead or Durham with travel to other hubs 

Do you have significant experience at senior level working with vulnerable young people? 

Can you shape culture and strategy whilst carrying regulatory responsibility, strengthening systems, developing managers and representing our organisation externally?

Can you demonstrate the below?

• Strong strategic leadership skills with the ability to shape vision, drive improvement, and lead organisational development within young people’s services
• In-depth understanding of safeguarding, risk management, trauma-informed practice at senior level
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage young people, teams and external partners

Do you have experience in the following? 

• Leading teams, supervising staff and developing professional practice
• Managing safeguarding concerns, coordinating multi agency responses and ensuring compliance
• Operational leadership within social care, education or supportive housing

You will also have the strong personal commitment to Christian ethos of Handcrafted through prayer, practical action and ways of working. 

Download the candidate pack for full details, responsibilities and person specification.

This role is subject to a DBS check, which will be carried out by the employer. 

If you feel you have relevant skills and experience, please submit your CV and supporting statement to Sandra Smith, via the Charisma Charity Recruitment website.

Key dates:

• Applications are being reviewed by Charisma on a rolling basis, so please apply without delay to avoid disappointment.
• Interviews with Handcrafted: TBC

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

Project Possible exists to tackle dependency and build resilient communities around the world.

If you are a passionate Christian leader with a deep commitment to sustainable, holistic international development, this is your opportunity to lead a well-established charity at a pivotal moment. As we navigate both challenge and opportunity, we remain determined to sustaining and strengthening our mission for the future.

Project Possible is entering a crucial phase of strategic implementation. As a small Christian charity, we are seeking an exceptional individual to lead us in building organisational longevity. This is an opportunity to play a vital role in shaping the future of our charity and ensuring the communities we work with are being empowered to create opportunities for generations to come.

As the Chief Executive, you’ll be steering a committed and highly-motivated organisation that develops with dignity at its heart, collaborates with local Christian-led organisations to build small, sustainable projects, and empowers our partners to grow their self-reliance.

Central to your role will be the effective implementation of our strategy, the growth and strengthening of our UK supporter base, and the development of our long-term financial and operational sustainability.

We welcome applications from experienced senior leaders who can serve as an inspiring ambassador to our UK community and build trusted relationships with high-net-worth individuals and churches. You will possess financial acumen and the ability to establish healthy and enduring relationships with cross-cultural partners.

To find out more, please see our CEO Recruitment Pack.

The post is subject to an occupational requirement that the postholder be a practising Christian under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010 (in the UK).

All applicants should have the right to work permanently in the UK. Employment will be subject to receipt of satisfactory references and a DBS check.

The role is based in High Wycombe and is hybrid, including some UK and international travel. It is a 36.5-hour week with flexibility to work some evenings and weekends.

The closing date for applications is 26th March 2026. We anticipate inviting some applicants for interview via Teams during the week commencing 13th April 2026, followed by a second interview in person for those who are successful, in the week commencing 27th April 2026.