Charity Director

Lead a dynamic, community-driven charity fighting poverty in South West London. DLAG is seeking a strategic and delivery-focused Charity Director to guide its next chapter.​

Closing date: 9 a.m. Tuesday 2nd September

Dons Local Action Group (DLAG) is a fast-growing, award-winning charity tackling poverty across Merton, Wandsworth and Kingston. Founded during the pandemic by AFC Wimbledon fans, DLAG has grown into a vital, volunteer-powered organisation delivering food, furniture and digital devices to people in urgent need.

We are now looking for a committed, hands-on Charity Director, someone who can work closely with trustees, staff, volunteers and partners to ensure operational excellence, increase our visibility, and drive sustainable growth to oversee day-to-day operations and coordinate activity across fundraising, communications, governance and people management.

This newly created role is central to strengthening the charity’s infrastructure and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

You’ll be a senior charity professional with strong fundraising and communications experience, confident in developing teams, building partnerships and securing income – and deeply motivated by our mission to tackle local poverty.

This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in the growth of a thriving grassroots organisation making a real impact in local communities.

Who we are

Dons Local Action Group (DLAG) is a grassroots charity dedicated to tackling poverty and social exclusion in the London boroughs of Merton, Wandsworth and Kingston.

Founded in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, DLAG quickly grew from a volunteer-led food support initiative into a highly respected, award-winning organisation. We provide essential support to people in urgent need—delivering food parcels, furniture and digital devices directly to homes, schools and partner charities.

With over 800 active volunteers and a unique model centred on dignity, speed and community engagement, DLAG has made a measurable impact on thousands of lives.

We maintain strong local roots while continuously expanding our reach and ambition. In 2023 alone, we supported more than 14,000 people and redistributed food and goods worth nearly £1 million.

DLAG became a registered charity in 2023 and is now entering an exciting new phase of growth, with a focus on sustainability, innovation and deepening community impact.

About the role

As Charity Director at Dons Local Action Group (DLAG), you will lead a respected and fast-growing organisation at the heart of the community.

This pivotal new role will ensure DLAG delivers on its mission to support people in urgent need while building a sustainable and resilient future. You will work closely with the Board of Trustees, a small staff team and a large, dedicated volunteer base to oversee all core functions of the charity.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the delivery of DLAG’s strategy across operations, volunteering, fundraising and communications.
• Managing and developing a small team, alongside collaboration with experienced trustees.
• Driving income generation and developing sustainable funding streams.
• Building DLAG’s profile through strategic communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and best practice in governance.

You will play a crucial role in shaping the charity’s next chapter, strengthening its systems and reach and ensuring DLAG remains a trusted and effective presence in the local community.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a purpose-driven organisation with a proven impact and a strong foundation for growth.

Who we are looking for

You will be a strategic, hands-on leader with a passion for community-driven impact and a track record in charity leadership.

You will thrive in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment, relish hands-on leadership and communicate with honesty and impact.

You’ll bring strong interpersonal skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to lead through growth and change with confidence.

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Experience in the charity sector, particularly in fundraising and communications.
• Proven leadership and people management skills, including staff, volunteers and stakeholders.
• A successful track record in developing and delivering fundraising strategies and major campaigns.
• Strong understanding of charity governance, compliance, finance and operations.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to represent DLAG externally and build partnerships.
• Experience managing events, marketing and building community engagement.
• Technological confidence across CRM systems, databases, cloud sharing and digital comms tools.

You may be an ambitious Head of Fundraising or Development Director ready to step up, have experience working with vulnerable communities and a deep understanding of social inequality.

If you are motivated by the opportunity to lead an organisation committed to tackling poverty and transforming lives, we would love to hear from you.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at  9 a.m. Tuesday 2nd September.