Project Lead

Project Lead

Free To Fly is a registered charity supporting expectant mothers to leave abusive relationships and protect their unborn babies. Following successful fundraising and network-building in Portsmouth, they have appointed Charisma to support the recruitment of a Project Lead, to lead and launch their Portsmouth project.

As their first paid employee, the Project Lead, reporting to the Board of Trustees, will lead the day to day operational, strategic and business functions of the charity. You will be agreeing budgets and managing finances (with support and input from our Board and accountants), recruiting and mentoring volunteer teams, ambassadors, and future paid team members, driving fundraising via corporate partnerships, individual giving, events, and other income streams. With a responsibility for ensuring the charity’s sustainability, growth, and impact you will be the face and voice, representing the charity at meetings, events and in the media.

The successful candidate will be:

• Experienced in charity operations, including finance, HR, marketing, and fundraising, with a strong understanding of policy compliance and development.
• Trauma informed and skilled in safeguarding and survivor support, with experience working sensitively with victims/survivors of abuse and protecting vulnerable adults and children.
• Excellent communicator and networker, able to build strong partnerships and represent the charity with professionalism and empathy.
• Organised, analytical, and self-motivated, with proven leadership ability, high computer literacy (Microsoft 365), and a results-focused, KPI-driven approach.
• Values-led and committed to growth, demonstrating flexibility, reliability, and alignment with the charity’s ethos and commitment to continuous development.

You will be based in Portsmouth, willing to travel and work occasional unsociable hours, with your own vehicle covered by business use insurance. This is a home-based role, and it is essential that you can work in a private working space with secure WIFI.

An Enhanced DBS check is also required (exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974).

For more information, please contact Louise Portnall, Recruitment Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV including full work history, and supporting statement.

Please note: If you are passionate about Free to Fly’s mission and believe you have the right skills to carry out this role although you do not meet all the essential criteria, but you feel that you satisfy the majority of these, please do apply. Please include a recognition of the areas where you are aware that you do not meet the criteria in your supporting statement.

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.

Please note that in accordance with paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010, this role within the charity is subject to an occupational requirement to recruit only an individual who is biologically female, due to the specific nature of the duties involved.

Location: Portsmouth (Home based)

Closing date: 14th December 2025

Applications are being reviewed by Charisma on a rolling basis, so please apply without delay to avoid disappointment.