Director of development jobs

About the role:
To support the smooth running of HR, administration, IT coordination and organisational events. The role works closely with the Business Operations Manager, the Director of Finance and Business Operations and colleagues across the charity to ensure a positive employee experience and effective internal systems.
 

About Croydon Drop In

Croydon Drop In (CDI) has been serving children and young people in the London Borough of Croydon since 1978. We are deeply embedded in and trusted by local communities. Each year, we work with over 5,000 children, young people and families, providing life-changing support, advice and guidance.

We are a proud member of Youth Access and operate a Youth Information, Advice and Counselling Service (YIACS), partnering closely with the NHS, Local Authority, Education Providers, the Police and other Voluntary and Community Sectors organisations.

Since 2019, CDI has grown rapidly, with the largest growth being the expansion of our therapeutic services and outreach support. Our income has grown to £1.9m and our focus is now on consolidating our position and ensuring our infrastructure, processes and governance are robust to support our continued growth and long-term sustainability.

What do we offer?

Generous Annual Leave entitlement

Flexible and remote working options

Employee Assistance Programme cover via Healthshield

Annual organisation team day out

CPD training days

Employer Pension Scheme

Bike to Work Scheme

Charity Director

£60,000 per annum (full-time equivalent) actual salary £36,000 per annum

24 hours per week (0.6 FTE)

Fixed-term (6 months), with the intention to extend subject to funding and mutual agreement

Primarily remote with occasional visits to AVPB’s central London premises

Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) is an international movement that started in the 1970s in the American prison system. AVP Britain (AVPB) is one of multiple independent branches which operate around the globe. A registered national charity, AVP Britain is committed to a world where everyone has the courage and capacity to manage conflict non-violently.

We provide experiential workshops in-person and online; and distance learning courses which give people the necessary skills to navigate conflict non-violently and empower them to build better relationships.

AVPB is a small but impactful charity with a long history of working in communities and prisons across the UK.  We are entering an important next phase in our development and are seeking a Charity Director who can provide strategic and operational leadership, strengthen our financial sustainability, increase our visibility and impact across the communities we serve, and steward our mission with clarity and care.

The Charity Director is the leader of our charity and is the most senior paid role within AVPB.  The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping the organisation’s present and future.

We are looking for a Charity Director who provides leadership that encompasses income generation, fundraising, oversight of our programme quality and delivery, leads and supports our support staff, volunteers, and facilitators and will works closely with the Board of Trustees.

This is a part-time role (0.6 FTE, 24 hours per week), offering flexibility and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a values-led organisation. This is initially a fixed-term appointment for six months, with the intention to extend subject to funding and mutual agreement.

How to apply

Application is by way of a CV and a Supporting Statement.

Closing date: Midnight 10th March 2026

Director of Finance and Commercial Services

Help shape the future of a values-led consultancy transforming public services.

GGi is a leading independent management consultancy dedicated to improving governance across public services, third-sector organisations and mission-driven entities. We work with boards and leaders of some of the UK’s most interesting public purpose organisations to deliver lasting societal impact, and we pride ourselves on our ethical approach, collaborative culture and commitment to better governance.

Our clients are making a big difference to people’s lives throughout the UK. They include the NHS, local authorities, charities, housing associations, sports and arts bodies, regulators and community interest companies. Our work is interesting and diverse, and we have built a values-driven team who enjoy the work we do. We are very committed to individual development and properly budget time for learning together. Have a look through our website and it will give you a picture of the work we do and the type of team we have put together.

Following significant growth in 2025, GGi is now scaling rapidly, with ambitions to double in size by 2028. We are seeking a Finance and Commercial Services Director to join our senior leadership team at a pivotal moment in our journey.

The opportunity

This is a newly created, senior leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Executive. You will take ownership of GGi’s four year business plan, commercial performance and operational insight, while leading the adoption of modern digital systems to support growth.

This role offers genuine influence, autonomy and variety. You will work closely with the CEO, Board and senior team to professionalise systems, improve visibility of performance and ensure the organisation scales in a financially robust, values-aligned way.

GGI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Key responsibilities

· Lead financial strategy, governance, budgeting, forecasting and cash flow

· Oversee outsourced finance operations and embed audit-ready processes

· Drive pricing strategy, commercial input to bids and margin improvement

· Develop KPIs and dashboards to support high performance and decision-making

· Lead adoption of a unified digital platform (finance, CRM, project tools)

· Provide clear insight to the Board on growth, risks and opportunities

About you

· Values driven professional with an interest in making a difference

· Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

· Senior finance leadership experience in consultancy, professional services or a mission-driven organisation

· Strong commercial, pricing and performance management skills

· Confident working with data, dashboards and financial models

· Interest in digital transformation and efficiency through technology

· Collaborative, ethical leadership style aligned with a flat structure

What we offer

· Salary: £80,000 plus generous company bonus

·       Genuine work/life balance with remote working and regular in-person leadership meetings with occasional client travel

·    Benefits: Contributory pension

· Impact: Opportunity to shape a growing consultancy with real social impact

· Culture: Supportive, learning, values-driven and collaborative

Closing date: 27 February 2026

Job Title - Managing Director of Research Programmes (UK)

Contract – Permanent

Hours - 35 hours per week

Salary – Circa £75,000 per annum (negotiable)

Location - Coram Campus, Bloomsbury, with occasional travel and some working from home as agreed

About Coram

Coram, which is the oldest children’s charity, is a group of specialist organisations; we help more than 1 million children and young people from infancy to independence, creating positive change that lasts a lifetime.

Established by Royal Charter in 1739, as the Foundling Hospital, and operating from its distinctive 3.5 acres headquarters in the heart of London, Coram has built a position of insight, influence, and research by working closely with other organisations and other sectors, universities and government, professionals, and families. We have ambitious plans for the future, to be the UK’s leading recognised research organisation, dedicated to improving life chances as the Institute for Children.

About the role

This role works directly with the Chief Executive as a member of the Senior Management Team in achievement of this vision and strategy; it will lead the advancement of the Coram Institute for Children as a UKRI recognised independent research organisation (IRO), drive research capacity and capability, champion and deliver internal and external evaluations, advance Coram’s sector credibility and relationships, and inform and contribute to the group’s reach, relevance and results.

This senior position leads a large team of mixed methods researchers and data analysts and comprises an important opportunity for a credible research leader and experienced charity senior manager who is dynamic and multi-skilled with an entrepreneurial approach to lead the only IRO in the children and young people’s sector.

The successful candidate will have a strong business focus and commitment to translating research findings into policy and practice and direct experience of securing research council funding, or funding from sources such as What Works Centres, local and central government or Trusts and Foundations.

You will be able to work individually, in a team and across the organisation. Strong critical thinking ability, partnership building skills and knowledge, experience and commitment to improving lives of children are essential.

To apply for this role, please visit the Coram website to complete an application. Please note CV’S will not be accepted.

Closing date: 18th February 2026 at 12 noon

Interview date: 26th & 27th February 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

Director of Fundraising
Salary: £70,000 to £75,000 per annum
Location: Hybrid – London EC1Y/Home

Join MQ and help transform mental health research.

At MQ, we champion and fund world-class research to transform the lives of everyone affected by a mental health condition. We strive to create a world where mental illness is better understood, diagnosed, treated and, hopefully someday, prevented. We believe research is the first step towards making that a reality.

We connect scientists with supporters, people with lived experience of mental health illnesses, policymakers, and practitioners, so together we can strive to understand mental health, improve treatments and prevent mental illnesses.

Supported by our world-class Science Council, MQ funds research globally and works in partnership with leading organisations in the field including Wellcome Trust, the Mental Health Mission, DATAMIND, University of Oxford, Glasgow University and Kings College. In the US, we work through our sister charity the MQ Foundation.

What you'll be doing:

The Director of Fundraising is a senior, strategic leadership role responsible for driving significant and sustainable growth in income for MQ, with a target of achieving £10 million annual turnover over the next five years.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the postholder will set and deliver an ambitious, data-led fundraising strategy across philanthropy, trusts and foundations, partnerships and other income streams. They will personally steward high-value relationships while building a high-performing, commercially minded fundraising function capable of supporting MQ’s long-term mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy & Income Growth

• Develop and deliver MQ’s overall fundraising and income generation strategy, aligned to organisational priorities
• Set clear income targets and KPIs across all fundraising streams
• Personally lead and secure six- and seven-figure gifts, grants and contracts
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with major donors, funders and partners
• Ensure excellent stewardship, reporting and donor experience across all income streams

Pipeline, Performance & Data Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight of the fundraising pipeline, ensuring a healthy balance of prospecting, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
• Use data, insight and CRM reporting to track performance, forecast income and manage risk
• Identify income concentration risks and develop mitigation strategies
• Drive continuous improvement in fundraising processes, systems and ways of working

Financial Management & Reporting

• Own the Fundraising budget, including income forecasting, expenditure control and cost-of-fundraising oversight
• Work closely with the Finance team to ensure accurate income phasing, reporting and financial planning
• Produce regular reports for the CEO, Executive Team and Board on income performance, pipeline health and risks
• Ensure all funding is managed in line with grant conditions, donor expectations and regulatory requirements

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide strategic leadership and line management to the team
• Build, develop and retain a high-performing, motivated fundraising team
• Foster a collaborative, ambitious and accountable fundraising culture
• Support succession planning and talent development within the Fundraising function

External Profile, Partnerships & Thought Leadership

• Represent MQ at high-level events, conferences and networking opportunities
• Strengthen MQ’s profile with funders, corporates, policymakers and partners
• Work closely with the Board and Science Council to maximise fundraising and partnership opportunities
• Undertake speaking engagements where appropriate to generate visibility & awareness

Executive Leadership & Governance

• Act as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to organisational strategy and decision-making
• Support the CEO with Board engagement, particularly around fundraising strategy and performance
• Ensure fundraising activity complies with all relevant legislation, regulation and best practice
• Uphold MQ’s values, reputation and commitment to ethical fundraising

Person Specification:

We'd love to hear from you, if you have:

• Significant senior leadership experience in fundraising or income generation, ideally within the charity, research or mission-driven sector
• Proven track record of delivering substantial income growth and securing high-value gifts
• Experience leading and developing high-performing fundraising teams
• Strong commercial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting and performance management
• Demonstrable experience of managing complex stakeholder relationships
• Strategic, analytical and data-driven approach to decision-making
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, including at Board and senior stakeholder level
• Strong understanding of the UK research funding or philanthropic landscape
• Clear alignment with MQ’s mission and values

The following is highly desirable

• Knowledge of mental health research and lived-experience-led approaches
• Experience of US philanthropy or international fundraising
• Experience working with Boards, trustees or scientific advisory groups
• Familiarity with modern CRM systems and fundraising analytics

Why Join MQ?

We offer a great working experience within a friendly team. Hybrid working (in the London office Mondays and Tuesdays, with the remaining days from home). We are located near Barbican Tube.

Plus, we offer lots of generous benefits and training opportunities.

We're a Sunday Times Top Company to work for.

Benefits

• Flexible working: As a mental health charity, staff wellbeing is of paramount importance. We operate a core hours policy (10-4) to encourage flexible working and staff are mainly home based with the requirement to come into the office two days per week. A standard full-time working week is 35 hours, plus an hour for lunch breaks.
• Holidays: Annual holiday entitlement of 31 days (inc. office closure between Xmas and New Year) plus bank holidays.
• Wellbeing Allowance: MQ provides an allowance of up to £1200 per annum for each employee to spend on activities that increase their wellbeing. This is paid through payroll and is taxable.
• Virtual GP & Other wellbeing services - Get quick GP appointments and support with cancer and caring responsibilities through our Zurich benefits scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme: An interest-free loan is available to enable employees to purchase a bike and accessories, repaid via equal deductions from the employee’s salary over 12 months.
• Employee Assistance Programme: All employees and their families have access to a 24-hour confidential advice and support line.
• Counselling: Employees have access to a number of free face-to-face sessions, via the EAP scheme.
• Pension: MQ makes contributions of 5% and employees make contributions of 3%.
• Life Assurance - Up to 4 x your salary in the event of death in service.
• Season Ticket Loan: An interest free season ticket loan is available, repaid via equal deductions from the employee’s salary over 12 months.
• Personal Development: We value employee development and review individual training needs through our performance management system. HR also runs internal management development sessions for all staff.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Closing date: 22nd February 2026
Please note, we typically start interviewing within two weeks of the job advert going live. We reserve the right to close the job before the deadline based on the volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We believe in equality and inclusion and we welcome job applications from everyone, provided you meet the criteria for the job.

Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration and undertake a DBS check.

No agencies please.

We are looking to recruit an experienced, innovative legal manager for our international Environment and Sustainable Development Programme. The ideal candidate will be a qualified lawyer with deep enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge of how our partners could use the law to achieve environmental justice. A more detailed explanation of our organisational and programme strategy is set out in our 2024-2026 Strategy.

Working as part of a small but dynamic team, you will have the opportunity to learn at close hand what it means to work for an international NGO focusing on how the law can be used to fight corruption and achieve environmental and economic justice. You will develop projects with a range of partners, including international agencies, NGOs, CSOs and governments. You will collaborate with a range of volunteer lawyers (via law firms and barristers chambers) who are leading experts in their field. You will also help nurture, build and maintain relationships with our funders. The role will involve outreach to new partners, programme management, supporting the drafting of fundraising applications and donor reports, tracking impact, as well as evaluating and learning from projects.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Implement the strategic vision for ILP’s Environment and Sustainable Development (ESD) programme, in conjunction with the ESD Programme Director, Legal Fellows, Executive Director, partners, staff and Board;

2. Develop an understanding of the most effective environmental policy tools and legal interventions to deliver the programme’s objectives, through engagement with volunteer lawyers, ILP partners, ILP’s ESD Advisory Committee, staff, Board and others;

3. Support the ESD Programme Director to build and maintain ILP’s Environment and Sustainable Development (ESD) programme. This includes:

   • liaising with partners to identify legal/policy needs and offer potential legal and/or policy reform solutions, including through conducting legal analysis;

     identifying and engaging in regular outreach with potential new partners to build the project pipeline;

   • identifying, building and maintaining strong relationships with existing and new highly experienced volunteer lawyers;

   • mapping and developing relationships with regional and international development entities and other technical assistance providers to identify potential partners, needs and focus countries;

   • representing the programme in external fora and events.

4. Support the Programme Director in ensuring effective project delivery and evaluation of impact including:

   • managing and coordinating project implementation through the full project cycle;

   • delivering financial management for assignments including accurate budgeting, forecasting, accounting and reporting;

   • Supporting the development and maintenance of strong programme management and knowledge management systems and processes, including regular updating of ILP’s online internal database (GRID).

5. Support the Programme Director’s fundraising efforts to finance both the programme and organisational overheads, including working closely with the Programme Director to identify opportunities for potential funding with partners, liaise with and nurture donors, design funding applications and create relevant budgets;

6. Deepen ILP’s knowledge and understanding of the situation in developing economies, including engaging in relevant research alongside ILP partners (pro bono lawyers, NGOs, CSOs and others) and sharing findings via written reports and output;

7. Share in the necessary operational and administrative activities of the organisation and contribute to website and social media communications.

For further information on the candidate profile for this role, our full job description is available to view and download below. 

Longer working lives and ongoing economic transitions are reshaping careers: how we start them, and how we move through them. But too many people remain paid in low-paid, low-quality work – with damaging consequences for them personally, and our economy as a whole. We’re seeking a senior, policy-oriented research leader to help us and our partners generate insights that enable more people to move into and progress through better work.

You’ll have a proven track record in scoping and securing funding for research and influencing activity, with significant autonomy to lead your own programme at L&W. You’ll be supported by committed researchers and managers whom you will coach, lead, and develop—alongside a peer group of Deputy Directors working across other key pillars. We welcome quantitative expertise, but most important are the skills to design and deliver high-quality, impactful research programmes.

You’ll join an organisation with a national reputation for driving policy change—and a friendly, highly capable, delivery-focused team. 

Location: Hybrid working: 40-60% in an L&W office. Our offices for this role are currently in Leicester and London, but if you are based elsewhere, please contact us to talk about how the role could work for you.

Team:Research and Development

Salary:£64,450 -£77,880 per annum (pro rata), dependent on experience and location

Duration:Permanent

Working hours:0.8 to 1 FTE, with flexible working supported (e.g. condensed hours, flexible start and finish times)

Main Purpose

The Deputy Director, Policy and Research (Better Work and Progression) will have overall ownership of the ‘Better Work’ pillar of our strategic plan at L&W: overseeing all projects and activity in this area and generating new work (including developing project ideas and securing funding).

While there is significant scope to shape the ongoing programme of research and impact work, we anticipate that key areas of focus in this area going forward will be: understanding & better supporting career change; understanding and improving policy to increase employer investment in skills; high quality and fair access apprenticeships and technical education; understanding how to better support progression from low pay.

They will be a senior leader for the organization – helping to continuously shape our strategy and the plans we are implementing to deliver it.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and management

• Intellectual leadership of the Better Work pillar: developing and owning policy positions, messages, theory of change and research priorities, and supporting the wider team to feed into and understand them
• Line management of senior and mid-level staff
• Act as a senior leader at L&W – including taking on specific organization-level responsibilities where appropriate

Income

• Write and/or co-ordinate responses to reactive research and evaluation tenders in the areas of employment, better work and progression
• Develop pro-active proposals that will drive change in your area, and respond to the interests of funders and partners
• Build relationships with current and potential funders and research partners

Impact

• Act as an external expert on the issues of better work and progression: writing press quotes, articles and blogs;speaking on platforms
• Building relationships with practitioners, policymakers and partners to improve our insights, and get our recommendations implemented
• Develop appropriate means of tracking impact towards our better work goals, and monitor against them. 

Delivery

• Deputy Director/Project Director-level oversight of projects being delivered in your and related areas: supporting project team to shape research plans, deliver sharp insights and manage funder relationships
• Quality Assurance of research proposals and outputs
• Use your research skills and experience to support the wider development of the Learning and Work team

Person Specification

Experience

Experience of developing, overseeing and delivering programmes of policy-relevant research at a high level - Essential

Experience of business development in a policy/research context: developing ideas, writing bids and building relationships with funders- Essential

Experience of building senior-level relationships with external stakeholders for impact and influence -Essential

Track record of delivering national and/or local policy change - Essential

Experience of senior organisational leadership as part of a team - Desirable 

Experience of responding to tenders- Desirable 

Skills

Advanced research skills (qualitative of quantitative) -Essential

Quantitative skills: experience of using key national research and administrative data sets to generate insights into the labour market -Desirable 

Clear and direct written communication style - Essential

Knowledge

Knowledge of, and commitment to, L&W’s charitable aims and purpose.- Essential

Demonstrable knowledge of employment and/or skills policy in the UK - Essential

Demonstrable knowledge in the specific areas of Better Work and/or progression -Desirable 

Learning and Work Institute works across the UK. Our work in Wales is led by a Cardiff based team, but all staff are required to follow the guidance set out in our Welsh language scheme when working in Wales.

Working with the Director of Research, this role will have management of the clinical development process at Cure Parkinson’s. The charity supports a large treatment selection process that feeds new clinical trials seeking disease modification. This is an exciting time in Parkinson’s research and there is the opportunity to have a really meaningful impact by joining the Cure Parkinson’s team as we expand our funding schemes and initiate new ventures.

As our Clinical Research Manager, you will have a PhD in life sciences (an MD or MBSS would advantageous) and significant experience in clinical trial development. You must have a strong understanding of Parkinson’s, the biology associated with the condition, and the agents currently in development. You will require excellent organisational and communication skills as you will be representing the charity via stakeholder engagement. Working as an effective member of our Research Team you will be able to handle multiple tasks with precision simultaneously and be comfortable building relationships and providing support for researchers.

Corporate Partnerships Manager

City Year UK is seeking an experienced and motivated Corporate Partnerships Manager to drive new business and nurture existing corporate relationships.

Join a youth and education charity which empowers diverse 18 to 25-year-olds to tackle educational inequality through a year of full-time volunteering in schools. As mentors, tutors and role models in schools, our volunteers support children who are furthest away from opportunity in the UK.

Position: Corporate Partnerships Manager (internally known as Development Manager)

Location: Remote (with travel to London)

Hours: Part-time, 4 days per week (28 hours per week)

Salary: £40,000 pro rata (£32,000 for 80% part-time role)

Duration: Permanent

Closing Date: 12th February

Interviews: 17th/18th February

The Role

This role is central to building a strong, sustainable income pipeline and increasing support for our programmes.

You will:

· Identify, cultivate, and secure new corporate partnerships to grow income and impact.

· Manage and develop a portfolio of corporate accounts, strengthening relationships and maximising financial and in-kind support.

· Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to develop and implement a strategic fundraising approach that increases income, improves renewal rates, and generates a robust pipeline of new partners.

· Represent City Year UK at external events, meetings, and conferences to promote our mission and build partnerships.

· Contribute to research, proposal development, and cross-team projects to support organisational objectives.

Main areas of responsibility include new business development, account management and external engagement and profile raising.

About You

We are looking for someone with experience in corporate account management and business development.

You will also have experience of:

· Securing new corporate partnerships and managing existing accounts.

· Working with senior stakeholders, including trustees, CEOs, or senior executives.

· Preparing and delivering compelling proposals, presentations, and reports.

· Managing a portfolio of corporate partners to maximise financial and in-kind support.

· Using CRM or fundraising databases like Salesforce to manage pipelines, record interactions, and report on partnership progress.

Please apply by uploading your CV and cover letter (two pages preferred) demonstrating your suitable experience, knowledge, skills and abilities. Due to the high volume of CVs received, the charity can only respond back to the successful candidates.

Employee Benefits

As an organisation, particular emphasis is placed on fairness, well-being, and inclusion and offer a range of benefits for staff, including:

· Great holiday entitlement

· Training including degree-level qualifications

· Pension scheme enrolment starts at 4% as standard, and employee contributions are matched up to 5%

· Free eye tests and £20 off glasses

· Interest-free travel season ticket loans and bike loans under the “Cycle to Work Scheme”

· Interest-free Loans to assist employees with welfare or financial hardship

· 2 days per year to pursue volunteering opportunities and 2 days per year to support wellbeing

· Regular all staff wellbeing sessions with external wellbeing experts

· Reservist friendly employer - Bronze award

· Laptop and mobile phone

Other areas of experience may include Corporate Partnerships, Corporate Partnerships Manager, Corporate Partnerships Officer, Corporate Partnerships Development Officer, Corporate Partnerships Development Manager, Fundraising, Fundraiser, Fundraising Manager.

Please note this role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of our client.

Life is a national charity committed to delivering high‑quality, compassionate and person‑centred support to people facing crisis. Guided by our values of Humanity, Solidarity, Community, Charity and the Common Good, we work across multiple sites to provide safe, effective and life‑changing services.

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional Director of Quality Improvement and Compliance to join our Senior Leadership Team at an exciting time of organisational development.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a senior, influential role with strategic responsibility for quality, safeguarding, compliance, estates and continuous improvement across our national portfolio of services.

You will provide visible, values‑led leadership, ensuring that everything we do is safe, effective, person‑centred, financially sustainable and fully compliant with regulatory requirements. This role has a real opportunity to shape the future of Life – and to positively impact the lives of hundreds of people we support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership on quality improvement, compliance and continuous improvement across supported housing, estates and services
• Hold senior accountability for safeguarding governance, complaints and assurance frameworks
• Lead audit, inspection and review activity, ensuring consistently high standards and strong regulatory outcomes
• Embed a culture of quality, learning and improvement across multi‑site services
• Oversee property compliance, health & safety and estates management, ensuring safe and welcoming environments
• Use data, insight and digital systems to drive performance, manage risk and support innovation
• Act as the organisation’s senior lead with regulators, inspectors and professional bodies
• Work collaboratively with fellow Directors to deliver a joined‑up, high‑quality client journey
• Develop, coach and inspire senior leaders, fostering a high‑performing, values‑driven culture

About You

You will be a credible, values‑led leader with a strong background in regulated services and a passion for quality and safeguarding.

Essential experience and qualifications include:

• Senior leadership experience within supported housing, homelessness or a closely related regulated sector
• Proven success leading multi‑site services and senior operational leaders
• Strong track record in quality improvement, safeguarding, compliance and inspection readiness
• Sound financial and commercial awareness, including managing significant budgets and resources
• Lean Six Sigma qualification
• Level 5 Safeguarding qualification
• Health & Safety qualification (IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent)

You will also bring:

• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into practical delivery
• A collaborative, visible and approachable leadership style
• Integrity, humility and purpose in how you lead
• A commitment to co‑production, continuous learning and innovation
• Strong communication, influencing and relationship‑building skills

Information about the role: 

For further information, please see the attached job description on our website. 

Salary: £50,285 per annum

Hours: 32 hours per week

Location: Home Based with travel across sites in the UK

Benefits:  

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:  

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours) 
• Birthday Leave  (applicable after 1 years service)
• Additional annual leave for long term service    
• Company Pension Scheme  
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge 

Safeguarding and Equality:   

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.   

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.  

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.  

WORKING WITH US

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking an organised, proactive and professional Personal Assistant to provide high-level support to the Director of Secondary Education at the Harris Federation. This 1-year fixed-term maternity cover role is central to ensuring the smooth running of the Director’s day-to-day operations, including diary management, stakeholder communication, meeting coordination and the preparation of key documents.

As part of our Head Office team, you will work closely with senior leaders and colleagues across our secondary academies, playing an important role in supporting the Federation’s mission to deliver an outstanding education for thousands of young people. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, and enjoys building strong, professional relationships.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Your responsibilities will include:

• To present the professional and welcoming face of the Harris Federation and all secondary academies, to all visitors, staff and students, in person and on the telephone.
• To ensure that the Director’s diary is managed efficiently and effectively. This will involve liaising with a variety of external and internal stakeholders.
• To provide a daily/weekly diary and documentation and maintain an overview of approaching deadlines.
• To maintain the Director’s contacts.
• To maintain an exemplary professional environment for the Director at all times.
• To ensure that all visitors are welcomed and catered for in a professional manner, organising refreshments as appropriate.
• To exercise complete discretion when dealing with issues of confidentiality and sensitivity.
• To take all telephone calls, in the first instance, dealing with queries, passing on calls if necessary.
• To keep the Director’s meetings file and retrieve necessary paperwork as and when meetings arise.
• To be responsible for organising meetings and passing on messages between all stakeholders, parents/carers, external agencies and students and the Director.
• To liaise with clerks to Governors to ensure that all relevant paperwork and correspondence is efficiently managed for all the secondary academies.
• To support the Director with the preparation of paperwork and presentations for a range of meetings including interviews, disciplinary hearings, grievances, performance management, presentations, training sessions etc.
• To liaise with Federation admin teams, Data, HR, IT and Finance Business Managers, as well as PAs and Principals across the Federation as appropriate.

For a full list of responsibilities, please download the Job Pack.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• Appropriate degree or equivalent experience in previous roles
• Trained in the use of a variety of ICT packages
• Knowledge of personal assistant roles and responsibilities
• Training in typing and formatting of a variety of documents including spreadsheets
• Experience of managing staff in relation to the PA role
• Some experience of human resources e.g. recruitment and/or monitoring attendance
• Experience of working to targets and deadlines
• Experience of managing meetings including preparation and circulation of papers, minutes and ensuring information is circulated as required
• Ability to communicate well both orally and in writing
• Ability to work to deadlines
• Ability to be flexible
• Ability to communicate exceptionally well with parents and carers as well as other stakeholders in the academy

For a full job specification, please download the Job Pack.

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.

Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.

When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.

A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.

OUR VISION & VALUES

Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.

We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that’s why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
• Annual performance and loyalty bonus
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
• 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
• Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans

For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.

• The Director will work primarily from the Shrewsbury office for a minimum of 2 days per week
• Free parking is available
• Statutory leave entitlement plus Bank Holidays calculated on a pro rata basis
• Auto enrolled in a Defined Contribution Pension Scheme; Omega matches up to 5% of employee contributions
• Responsible to the Trustee Board through the Chair of Trustees
• The post holder will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check prior to confirmation of employment

We are looking for a leader who can demonstrate an understanding of, and empathise with, the challenges of social isolation, whilst being passionate about making a difference to those experiencing disconnection/loneliness. The position will appeal to someone who is keen to continue to develop their professional expertise whilst leading the charity. Applicants should have a degree, professional qualification or other evidence of relevant knowledge and experience. They will also be able to show evidence of successful fundraising experience and continuing professional development. Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate:

• Clear strategic thinking, able to develop a vision to take Omega forward on a journey to increase the scope and range of its services
• Proven leadership and management in a relevant sector, able to manage and motivate staff, volunteers, and supporters
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise and manage time effectively
• Excellent listening skills and a willingness to learn from others, providing a strong lead derived from observation and shared understanding
• Ability to communicate clearly on a one to one and group basis as well as externally, both verbally and in writing
• Good level of numeracy and comfortable with IT
• Ability to understand charity finances, budgeting, and planning

To apply:

Once you click 'Apply via Website' / 'Redirect to Recruiter' you will be taken to Omega's Vacancies page, where you can download the recruitment pack for full details about the post and instructions on how to apply.

Assessment Centre: 4th of March in-person at our South London Centre

We currently have a few Youth Development Lead (YDL) roles available, so please check out those adverts too. You will only need to submit one application, even if you are interested in multiple YDL opportunities. 

Let's make every day a chance to create a brighter future for the next generation!

Would you like to be part of the coolest team in town, collaborating with our Outreach and Marketing legends and our friendly customer service team here at The King's Trust? Together, we'll ensure that our young people get onboarded and engaged in our programmes safely and with style.

Dive deep to uncover any barriers that stand in their way, helping to remove those barriers to enable them to shine and propelling them on their journey towards amazing outcomes. Responsible for a group of young people, for one-on-one support and guidance or just gently pointing them in the right direction. You'll be on a mission to assist with travel expenses and find clever ways to handle their other commitments. You'll champion their support and learning needs with employers, and you'll be the ultimate liaison, working alongside partners like the job centre to ensure that nothing stands in the way of their success!

You’ll also be the guiding light for our delivery partners and service providers as we want them to deliver the best experience and outcomes for our young people. High-fives all around! Roll up your sleeves and deliver employability sessions directly to our incredible young people. You'll also help our Delivery Partners and volunteers do the same, both in person and virtually through our trusty MS Teams. When we're doing things face-to-face, you’ll need to hit the road and be there in person to help with programme delivery or programme visits to make sure all is running as smoothly as possible.

And if that’s not enough to keep you busy, you’ll also be keeping meticulous records of information and data on our young people, volunteers, and partners. It's all about making sure every step of their journey is accurately reflected in our systems so that it complies with our funding contracts.

We are a massive advocate of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion so it would be amazing if you could lead the charge in creating an environment where everyone feels seen, by implementing a local action plan that supports our big-picture EDI goals. Let's make positive change happen!

Be ready for anything and everything. Alongside all these fantastic responsibilities, you might find yourself wearing different hats and rocking them like a pro, this could even include deputising when the need arises.

Join the King's Trust Team and let’s make magic happen!

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable 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 Youth Development Leads? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with every three in four moving into a positive outcome for either work, education or training. Youth Development Leads play a crucial role in supporting young people, no matter the young person's background or current circumstances, to fulfil their full potential. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Youth Development Leads! 

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! Unless the location of the role is remote, the Youth Development Lead role requires a combination of office days and working from home. 
• 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 
• Cycle-to-Work Scheme
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

Contract Type: Fixed Term 

Assessment Centre: 4th of March in-person at our South London Centre

We currently have a few Youth Development Lead (YDL) roles available, so please check out those adverts too. You will only need to submit one application, even if you are interested in multiple YDL opportunities. 

Are you ready to join The King's Trust and step into a vibrant role where you'll build meaningful connections and nurture relationships with our extraordinary external delivery partners and volunteers, all in the pursuit of connecting with the young hearts and minds we're devoted to supporting? If the answer is yes, read on!

Take the lead in welcoming, training, and expertly managing a group of delivery partners and volunteers. Your mission will be to ensure that our young people have an exceptional experience and achieve those positive outcomes that change lives. You will also be kept engaged as you’ll be required to travel within your local area to support the delivery of programmes as well as programme visits.

Assist and support our delivery partners and volunteers in bringing The Trust's programmes to life. They'll rely on you for access to training, resources, qualifications, and guidance in adhering to our top-notch quality standards. You’ll also be our compliance hero, ensuring that our delivery partners and volunteers are up to speed with all the necessary policies that keep things running smoothly. You'll be our go-to person, ready to tackle any minor concerns or issues that come our way.

Your knack for precision will shine through as you meticulously record information and data on young people, volunteers, or partners. It's all about ensuring that each step of their journey is accurately documented in our systems and aligns perfectly with the requirements of our funding contracts and is at the forefront of championing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. Your sheer enthusiasm and commitment will ignite some transformative action, sparking real change as we put those local plans into play and excel in achieving our EDI goals!

Do you have the creativity to facilitate best practice sharing, energise networking sessions, and throw sensational end-of-programme parties? Are you ready to step up and lead sessions with young people when the moment calls? Having a background in education or an understanding of the education system could be an advantage when joining some of our teams, it's like having an ace up your sleeve, whether you're familiar with the intricacies of the school year or you've walked in the shoes of a teacher.

If you are a strong communicator with sharp problem-solving skills and can transform ordinary moments into unforgettable events, you could be just the person we are looking for.

Expect the unexpected and embrace it. Come and be a part of our mission!

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable 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 Youth Development Leads? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with every three in four moving into a positive outcome for either work, education or training. Youth Development Leads play a crucial role in supporting young people, no matter the young person's background or current circumstances, to fulfil their full potential. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Youth Development Leads! 

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! Unless the location of the role is remote, the Youth Development Lead role requires a combination of office days and working from home. 
• 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 
• Cycle-to-Work Scheme
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary)