Could you lead Babbasa into its next chapter?
Babbasa is one of Bristol’s most recognised youth empowerment organisations, supporting talented young people from low-income and ethnically diverse communities to progress into employment, education and enterprise.
Founded in 2010, our name comes from an ancient African word meaning “ordinary people coming together to act as a support bridge.” That belief continues to shape everything we do.
Over the past 15 years, we have supported more than 4,000 young people, built powerful partnerships across business, education and civic sectors, and received national recognition including the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility.
We are now entering an important new phase.
Following a period of organisational reset and renewal, Babbasa is implementing a bold and focused 2026 strategy centred on:
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A single Integrated Youth Empowerment Programme
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A stronger, values-led organisational culture
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A modernised operating model and digital infrastructure
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Sustainable growth and long-term impact
We are seeking an exceptional Managing Director to succeed our Founding Director and help lead Babbasa through this next chapter with clarity, discipline, compassion and ambition.
About the Role
As Managing Director, you will work closely with the Board, senior team, employees, partners and young people to:
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Provide strategic and operational leadership across the organisation
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Embed Babbasa’s new integrated programme model
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Strengthen financial sustainability, governance and organisational resilience
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Build trusted relationships with funders, employers, civic leaders and community partners
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Support and develop a committed, ambitious team
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Champion Babbasa’s manifesto and values of Kindness, Imagination and Determination
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Act as a visible and credible public leader for the organisation locally and nationally
This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected social mobility organisation at a pivotal moment in its journey.
Who We’re Looking For
We are looking for a values-led and emotionally intelligent leader who combines strategic thinking with strong operational capability.
You may come from the charity, social enterprise, education, youth, public or private sectors, but you will bring:
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Senior leadership experience within an organisation or service
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Experience of leading teams through change, growth or transition
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Strong financial, governance and operational management capability
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Experience of building partnerships, securing funding and/or developing income streams
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Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
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A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for young people
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A collaborative and inclusive leadership style
An understanding of the barriers faced by people living in ethnically diverse and/or low-income communities is vital.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.
Why Join Babbasa?
At Babbasa, you will join an organisation with:
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A nationally recognised social mobility mission
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Deep roots within Bristol’s communities
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A strong manifesto and values-led culture
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An ambitious and committed Board and team
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Significant opportunity to shape the future direction of the organisation
We believe talent should never be limited by background — and we are looking for a leader who shares that belief.
Additional Information
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23 days annual leave plus bank holidays
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Pension contribution scheme
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Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
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Evening and occasional weekend representation required
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Babbasa is proud to be an equal opportunity organisation. We actively encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented communities and backgrounds. We believe our diversity strengthens our work and helps us better serve the young people and communities we exist to support.
Babbasa exists to ensure that talent is never limited by background. Join us in building a more inclusive and opportunity-rich future.
To inspire and support young people from low income and ethnically diverse communities to pursue their professional ambition
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Director of Finance & Services
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time. (We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and part time working).
Location: South Kensington, London SW7
Salary: Circa £100,000+ per annum FTE
About Us
The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography and geographers. It is also a charity and a membership organisation. The Society was founded in 1830 and has been one of the most active of the learned societies ever since. It was pivotal in establishing geography as a teaching and research discipline in British universities and continues to play a key role in geographical and environmental education.
The Society is a leading world centre for geographical learning – supporting education, teaching, research, professional practice and scientific expeditions, as well as promoting public understanding and enjoyment of geography and providing advice to policymakers.
The Society offers professional accreditation to members through Chartered Geographer status.
About You and the Role
As the Society approaches its 200th anniversary in 2030, with ambitious associated goals, ensuring that we continue to have the best possible leadership team in place has never been more relevant.
With the approaching retirement of our current Director of Finance & Services, we are looking for an exceptional, entrepreneurial senior leader with proven ability to balance strategic and operational impact.
Whilst an executive level financial background is a given, we are additionally seeking an individual who has led other functions and developed the professionals within them. This role leads a diverse team of 10, spanning: Finance, Facilities & Estates, IT & Database Administration, and HR. It also holds additional responsibility for: Safeguarding, Data Protection, Risk Management, Pensions, Company Secretarial, Insurance & Legal.
We have exciting plans for our building, at the heart of London’s Exhibition Road Cultural Quarter, optimizing and developing this space as a gathering point of global significance and influence for people intent on making a positive difference to the world. Accordingly, we are particularly interested in individuals who bring with them strong programme management skills and experience of managing heritage estate projects operationally, in partnership with external consultants.
The successful candidate will drive and deliver effective and efficient financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, reporting, controls, operations, and management, whilst continuing to improve the Society’s processes and systems.
Salary and Benefits
This is a permanent post. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and part time working. This is looked at on a case-by-case basis, balancing the Society’s needs with the successful candidate’s other commitments, to support a good work-life balance. The salary range for this post is c£100,000+ (FTE) per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. The post is based in Kensington, London.
There are a range of benefits at the Society which include the following:
- 35-hour working week with core working hours between 10.00am and 4.00pm.
- Flexible working arrangements are available with a mix of office based and home working.
- 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus public bank holidays.
- Society closure between Christmas and New Year, in addition to the basic annual leave allowance.
- Pension scheme - 3% employee, 7.5% employer.
- Group Life Assurance at four-times basic annual salary.
- Corporate eye care vouchers.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Free 24-hour Employee Assistance helpline with available counselling support.
Applications must be received by 5.30pm 12 June 2026.
It is anticipated that interviews will take place week commencing 29 June 2026.
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.
The Society aims to be an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applicants from those traditionally underrepresented in the geographical discipline.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. The Society is unable to offer work visa sponsorships.
No agencies please.