Director of Finance and Operations

Our client is a leading independent think tank and advocacy organisation. For over 50 years, we have worked to challenge inequalities and create a more just and equitable society through high-quality research, evidence-based policy development, and public engagement. Our work seeks not only to understand inequality but to challenge the structures and systems that sustain it. We are a values-led organisation – uncompromising on quality, rooted in care, thoughtfully courageous, and committed to solidarity and social justice.

We are seeking a resilient, confident, and strategically minded Director of Finance and Operations to lead our core operational and enabling functions. Working closely with the CEO as a trusted partner, you will ensure the organisation has the financial resilience, operational infrastructure, and governance frameworks needed to deliver its mission.

Key priorities for the role include bringing structure, stability, and clarity to a deeply passionate, activist-driven team of 15 people. You will build agile systems that enable a dual focus: balancing long-term strategic projects with fast-paced, responsive work, championing this reactive work as a natural and vital part of our impact.

Director of Finance and Operations
Our Client
Salary: £68,985 to £77,643 (FTE, pro-rata for part-time)
Location: Hybrid – two days a week in the office in London
Hours: 28 to 35 hours per week (0.8 to 1 FTE)

About you

We are seeking a highly collaborative and objective leader, with:

• A demonstrable background in a senior finance and/or operations leadership role within the charity, not-for-profit, public, or values-led sector.
• A recognised accountancy qualification or demonstrable equivalent senior-level financial management expertise gained through practice.
• A proven track record of building, structuring, and developing an operations team from the ground up.
• Experience working within a mission-driven or activist charity environment, possessing a strong understanding of how to support and manage the unique dynamics of a deeply passionate workforce.
• Resilience, confidence, and grit, with the ability to bring structure and clarity during times of organisational change or transition.
• Agility and adaptability, with the ability to shift gears quickly to manage a dual environment of long-term projects and fast-paced, responsive work.
• Diplomatic leadership capabilities to balance and bridge the rights and responsibilities of a mission-driven team.
• An objective, clear, and firm approach when establishing and embedding operational systems, processes, and expectations.
• Strong financial and analytical proficiency to interpret, present, and communicate financial information clearly to non-finance audiences including Boards and senior leadership teams.

Crucially, you will share a demonstrable commitment to social justice, equity-centred leadership, and fostering inclusive organisational cultures.

How to Apply

For further information, to access the microsite and to apply to this role, please click 'redirect to recruiter'

If you have any queries, please contact our retained advisor via email with a copy of your CV.

Recruitment Timetable

Closing date for applications is 27th September.