Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Location: Hertfordshire (with hybrid working possible)
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience
Contract Type: Full-time (flexible arrangements considered)
Reports to: Board of Trustees

About Us

We are a collaborative umbrella charity supporting 12 exceptional children’s charities across Hertfordshire. Our mission is to champion and sustain the vital work these organisations do by raising funds, amplifying their voices, and creating strategic opportunities to increase collective impact.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a values-driven organisation with a strong network, deep community roots, and a powerful purpose — supporting children and young people across the county to thrive.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and visionary COO to lead our charity into its next chapter. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all operations, fundraising activity, and strategic development — ensuring that we deliver on our mission, grow our impact, and serve our member charities with excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Implement our forward-looking strategy to support the long-term success of the Helping Herts umbrella model.
• Act as a visible and credible ambassador for the organisation with stakeholders, funders, partners, and the public.
• Build strong relationships with the 12 partner charities to ensure their needs are heard, supported, and addressed.

Fundraising and Income Generation

• Lead and diversify fundraising efforts — from individual giving and corporate partnerships to major events and grant funding.
• Strengthen the charity’s profile and reach to attract long-term supporters and sponsors.
• Develop an income-generation strategy that is sustainable, collaborative, and impactful.

Operations and Governance

• Oversee daily operations and ensure the charity runs effectively and efficiently.
• Ensure legal, financial, and regulatory compliance.
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees, preparing reports and providing strategic advice.

People and Culture

• Lead a small staff and volunteer team, fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and inclusion.
• Build capacity through partnerships, volunteers, and external service providers.

Communications and Advocacy

• Shape and deliver a clear communications strategy, including public relations, social media, and stakeholder engagement.
• Act as a spokesperson and advocate for the sector locally and regionally.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven leadership experience in the voluntary, public, or commercial sector.
• Track record of income generation and fundraising success.
• Strong operational, financial, and governance knowledge.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into action.
• A strong interest in children’s charities.

Desirable

• Experience working with or within consortia/networks.
• Understanding of the charity landscape in Hertfordshire or similar regions.
• Experience working with Boards and reporting at a senior level.

What We Offer

• A unique leadership role with purpose and impact.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• A supportive, mission-driven board and stakeholder community.
• The chance to shape the future of children’s support services in Hertfordshire.