Head of the Multi Faith Centre

Vacancy for Head of the MultiFaith Centre 

Location: Multi-Faith Centre, University of Derby. 
Salary: £40 000 (full-time equivalent or prorata according to agreed hours).  
Contract: The role is offered on a fulltime basis, but there is a possibility of discussing parttime working patterns.  

Reports to: Board of Trustees. 

Deadline for Applications:  2 May 2026 

About the Multi-Faith Centre  

The Multi Faith Centre encourages and facilitates dialogue, co-operation, mutual respect and understanding between people from different faith communities and civil society. In bringing people and communities together, the Multi-Faith Centre aims to improve the wellbeing of people living across Derbyshire. Our vision is a society where the diversity and richness of faith communities actively contribute to the building of safe, healthy and cohesive communities throughout our county.  

About the Role 

The Head of the MultiFaith Centre provides leadership, and operational management to ensure the centre is an inclusive, welcoming, and impactful space for people of all faiths and none.  

This is a leadership role with genuine ownership. You will shape long-term direction, safeguard financial sustainability and represent the charity with authority, working closely with Board and Committees.  You will oversee the operational delivery of the centre, ensuring plans translate into measurable progress.  

Community partnerships are integral to the Multi-Faith Centre, and you will be required to maintain, strengthen and build partnerships across communities. To further the work of the Multi-Faith Centre, you will develop initiatives that promote spiritual wellbeing, interfaith connection and respectful dialogue.  

A key element of the role is securing sustainable funding. As Head of the Multi-Faith Centre you will plan, identify and lead on bid writing, grant applications and income generation activities.    

The breadth of the role requires energy, sound judgement and disciplined prioritisation. You will move confidently between strategy and execution, diplomacy and decision-making, commercial focus and sector representation. The role is visible and carries real responsibility and offers meaningful and lasting impact. 

Key Responsibilities 

Leadership 

• Provide direction for the Multi-Faith Centre, ensuring alignment with organisational values and priorities. 

• Enable effective governance through strong relationships with the Board, Committees and key stakeholders. 

• Develop and implement annual and longterm business plans. 

• Foster a culture of inclusion, respect, and collaboration across all faith communities. 

• Act as the public face of the Multi-Faith Centre, representing it at events, networks, and stakeholder meetings. 

Operational Management 

• Oversee the delivery of multifaith activities, events, pastoral support, and educational programmes. 

• Ensure the Multi-Faith Centre remains a safe, well-managed, and welcoming environment for staff, volunteers, and visitors. 

• Lead the recruitment, development, and supervision of staff and volunteers. 

• Maintain effective governance, compliance, safeguarding, health & safety, and risk management practices. 

Partnership and Community Engagement 

• Build strong, trusting relationships with faith leaders, community organisations, university students, staff, and external partners. 

• Promote interfaith dialogue, understanding, and collaboration through events, workshops, and outreach initiatives. 

• Represent the Multi-Faith Centre in local, regional, and national networks relating to faith, wellbeing, and social impact. 

Funding, Bid Writing and Income Generation 

• Lead on researching, writing, and submitting high quality funding bids to charitable trusts, foundations, and public bodies. 

• Identify new funding opportunities to support strategic initiatives and longterm sustainability. 

• Develop income generating activities aligned with the Multi- Faith Centre’s mission. 

• Monitor grant compliance, reporting, and impact measurement. 

• Build strong relationships with funders and stakeholders, ensuring transparent communication and accountability. 

Financial and Resource Management 

• Strengthen financial sustainability and support the continued success of the Multi- Faith Centre. 

• Drive revenue growth and secure funding opportunities. 

• Manage the Multi-Faith Centre’s budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources. 

• Lead on procurement, contracts, and financial reporting. 

• Ensure excellent stewardship of all grants and donations. 

Person Specification 

Essential Skills and Experience 

• A strategic thinker, you will have strong leadership and people management experience, setting clear direction and maintaining organisational alignment. 

• Financial literacy, including budget planning and monitoring. 

• Demonstrable success in grant writing/bid writing and securing external funding. 

• Strong understanding of multifaith engagement, inclusion, and community cohesion. 

• Excellent communication, relationship building, and stakeholder engagement skills, inspiring trust and partnership working. 

• Report writing and presentation skills to different audience groups, spanning community groups and board level.  

• With proven experience of leading programmes or services you will take a collaborative approach within community, faith-based, educational, or wellbeing setting. 

• Empathetic, culturally sensitive, and respectful of diverse faith traditions and worldviews. 

Desirable Skills and Experience 

• Experience working in charitable and/or higher education sectors. 

• Knowledge of safeguarding, wellbeing, and pastoral support frameworks. 

• Experience delivering community-led programmes or social impact initiatives. 

• Understanding of local and national funding landscapes for community and inclusion work. 

Additional Information

• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required for events or community activities. 

• Enhanced DBS or equivalent safeguarding checks may be required. 

• We welcome applicants from under-represented groups.  

How to Apply 

To apply for the position of Head of the MultiFaith Centre, please submit the following: 

Your CV 

• Highlight leadership experience, community engagement, funding work, and operational management. 

A Supporting Statement (no more than 2–3 pages) 

Please explain: 

• Why you are interested in the role. 

• How you meet the essential and desirable criteria. 

• Examples of relevant achievements in leadership, partnership building, programme delivery, and income generation. 

Contact Details for Two Referees 

• Referees will not be contacted without your consent and only if you are shortlisted. 

Interviews 

We will aim for interviews week commencing 11 May 2026.