Permanent jobs

Head of Grants

We are seeking an experienced grants leader to shape and deliver an ambitious funding strategy that expands access to outdoor learning, green skills and land-based education across the UK.

Position: Head of Grants
Salary: £50,000 to £53,000 per annum
Location: Quenington, Gloucestershire with hybrid working considered
Hours: 35 hours per week, full-time
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 17 June 2026

About the Role

This is a senior leadership opportunity to lead and develop a strategic grant-making programme focused on increasing equitable access to outdoor learning, land-based education and green skills.

Reporting to the Director of Learning, you will oversee the full grants lifecycle, ensuring funding programmes deliver meaningful impact while responding to environmental, social and educational priorities. You will also play a key role in building partnerships, influencing the wider sector and helping to shape future funding approaches.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and delivery of the organisation's grants strategy
• Overseeing grant programmes from design through to evaluation and learning
• Building strategic partnerships with funders, policymakers and sector organisations
• Developing collaborative networks that strengthen the voice and influence of the sector
• Embedding equitable, trust-based and relationship-driven funding approaches
• Championing youth participation and ensuring lived experience informs decision-making
• Using insight, learning and evidence to improve grant-making effectiveness
• Managing budgets, resources and operational planning
• Providing leadership, support and development to a high-performing team
• Contributing to organisational strategy as a member of the senior leadership team

About You

We are looking for a strategic and collaborative leader with significant experience in grant-making and partnership development.

You will have:

• Strong experience leading strategic grant-making programmes
• Excellent knowledge of land-based sectors
• Experience of youth engagement, participation or leadership development
• A track record of building successful partnerships and cross-sector collaborations
• Experience using evidence, learning and insight to inform decision-making
• Outstanding communication, influencing and presentation skills
• Strong analytical and reporting abilities
• A commitment to equity, inclusion and widening access to opportunities
• The ability to lead, inspire and develop teams

You will also bring a proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach, together with a genuine passion for creating positive change through education and connection with nature.

About the Organisation

The organisation is one of the UK’s leading outdoor learning charities, helping children and young people connect with nature, develop skills and improve life opportunities through learning from the land. Rooted in the conservation and stewardship of the countryside, the charity manages significant estates while supporting environmental sustainability, partnerships and community impact across the UK.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Head of Funding, Head of Programmes, Grants Director, Funding Director, Head of Partnerships, Director of Impact, Director of Programmes, Head of Philanthropy, Funding and Partnerships Manager, Strategic Programmes Manager, Trusts and Foundations Lead, Head of Social Impact. #INDNFP

If you are an experienced grants professional looking to influence strategy, build partnerships and create lasting impact through education and nature-based learning, we would love to hear from you.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People. 

Location: Hybrid, attached to either The Grange in Buckinghamshire or Beatrice Wright Centre in Yorkshire. Regular UK travel required.
Salary: £60,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time, permanent

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is seeking an experienced and inspiring fundraising leader to grow community fundraising and events income, helping more people who are deaf or have hearing loss reconnect with the world around them.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People transforms lives through the unique partnership between a person and a highly trained hearing dog, while also providing practical and emotional support that builds connection, companionship and confidence. As the charity continues to expand its reach and impact, community fundraising, events and volunteering will play a vital role in helping more people access this life-changing support.

Reporting to the Director of Income Generation, you will lead the development and delivery of an ambitious community fundraising and events strategy, driving sustainable income growth and deepening supporter engagement across the UK. You will oversee a diverse portfolio of community activity and events, building strong relationships with supporters, volunteers, local groups and organisations that share our commitment to improving the lives of people with hearing loss.

Leading a passionate and motivated team, you will create opportunities for supporters to fundraise, volunteer and advocate for Hearing Dogs in their communities. You will also work closely with colleagues across fundraising, communications and service delivery to maximise engagement, strengthen supporter journeys and embed legacy giving within community activity.

The successful candidate will bring significant experience of community and/or events fundraising, with a strong track record of delivering income growth and supporter engagement. They will be a confident and collaborative leader, capable of developing strategy, inspiring teams and empowering volunteers, while using insight and data to drive performance and innovation.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of community fundraising at a much-loved charity, helping more people live well with hearing loss through connection, companionship and confidence.

Please download our Candidate Pack [PDF] for further information, including details on how to apply.

Role closes for applications Wednesday, 24th June
 

Prospectus is excited to be working with our client in their search for a new Head of Public Fundraising to join their team. The organisation is a charity for people with coeliac disease - a condition estimated to affect 1 out of every 100 people and to be twice as common in women as in men - and the skin manifestation of the condition, dermatitis herpetiformis. They work with patients, healthcare professionals, the NHS, legislative bodies, other charities and the gluten free food industry to help improve the lives of all people affected by coeliac disease.

This role is offered on a permanent contract basis, paying a salary of £52,572 per annum, with flexible working arrangements between home and their High Wycombe office.

The post holder will lead the organisation's public fundraising, driving sustainable growth across individual giving, community fundraising, events, lottery, raffle and merchandise. They will be responsible for delivering the organisation's 5-year fundraising strategy to maximise return on investment, grow long-term supporter value, and contribute to the charity’s mission — including the shared responsibility of income generation for the organisation's research fund.. The postholder will combine strategic vision with hands-on delivery, building strong internal and external relationships, fostering innovation in fundraising approaches, and ensuring a best-in-class supporter experience that deepens loyalty and maximises engagement and impact.

They are looking for a candidate with demonstrable experience in a similar fundraising leadership role, with the ability to motivate a team. They are looking for someone who can provide strategic leadership, bring greater focus and prioritisation to their fundraising activity, strengthen supporter engagement and stewardship, and build the foundations for sustainable income growth through a more insight-led and audience-centred approach. The ideal candidate will be motivated by a commitment to the coeliac community, with a strong interest in helping to fund research and initiatives that make a meaningful difference to people’s everyday lives.

At Prospectus, we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustments to any part of the process, then please contact Firas El Dib at Prospectus.
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If you feel you meet some of the criteria, but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and, hopefully, your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.

In order to apply, please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

Closing date: 16th June 2026 Interviews: 19th June 2026

This role leads a new flagship grants and strategic activity programme - a national outdoor play partnership supporting community foundations to deliver risky, adventurous and child-directed play opportunities for children aged 0–12 in up to 20 places across the UK. You will work in the UK Community Foundations team, the national backbone, co-ordinating and convening the wider partnership. The minimum £10m programme (likely larger) runs from June 2026 through November 2031, is delivered with seed funding from an anonymous lead funder. 

You will be accountable for the day-to-day running of the programme. That means managing the relationship with the lead funder, overseeing delivery across the four-outcomes learning framework, coordinating the national learning and influence backbone, building and maintaining sector relationships, and ensuring the programme is delivered on time, on budget and to consistently high standards. 

Alongside the programme, you will also support wider partnerships activity and act as a point of expertise on children and young people. You will advise the Partnerships team on CYP matters, provide a credible internal source of guidance on safeguarding, and keep UKCF abreast of policy and sector developments so we are well positioned to support community foundations to design and deliver further CYP-focused partnerships. 

You do not need to have worked in community foundations before. We are interested in people who combine substantial programme leadership experience - ideally within funding or grant making, though other types of programme delivery are likely to be relevant - with credible CYP sector knowledge, and the confidence to balance delivery, stakeholder relationships, sector influence and partnership support across a complex multi-year portfolio. 

The Partnerships & Insight team designs and delivers UKCF's national partnerships, brings new funding into the community foundation network, and grows our influence on the policy and funding environment community foundations operate in. This role sits at the heart of all of that, and gives you a broad view across the sector, the network and the wider VCSE landscape. 

We know that good programme leadership depends on different perspectives, lived experiences and ways of working. We encourage applications from people who may not meet every requirement but feel excited by the role and believe they could grow into it. 

Your portfolio 

You will hold responsibility for two connected areas. 

Programme management (0.65 FTE) 

You will lead the end-to-end delivery of the programme across four outcomes - Reach & Access; Quality & Character of Play; Lasting Local Capacity; National Evidence, Learning & Influence - and the operational layer that sits behind them. You will lead programme planning, budget management, risk management and quality assurance, working closely with the Director of Partnerships & Insight. 

You will manage the relationship with the lead funder, and any subsequent funders that come on board, including reporting, milestone delivery, board updates and stewardship of the partnership over the full grant period. You will also oversee community foundation onboarding, contracting, ongoing relationship management and convening across the cohort of around 20 delivery partners. 

You will coordinate the national backbone of the programme – participating community foundations, learning partner, expert panellists, sector relationships, and the dissemination of evidence and influence outputs - and oversee learning outputsagainst the programme's two-layer tracking architecture. 

You will build and maintain relationships that lead to the change the programme seeks to achieve and supports a potential continuation funding pipeline. You will represent UKCF and the programme externally - with funders, government, sector bodies and international peers, including our peers at community foundations in Canada.

Wider partnerships and CYP responsibilities (0.35 FTE) 

You will support the Director of Partnerships and the wider team on general partnership matters, pitching in at crunch points and offering senior advice and leadership on design and delivery. 

You will act as UKCF's internal point of information on safeguarding for children and young people, supporting the Partnerships team and wider colleagues to apply appropriate standards across CYP-related programmes and proposals. Training will be provided.

You will keep UKCF abreast of CYP sector developments - policy, funding landscape, research and practice - and translate these into practical advice for partnerships and field-building work. You will advise the team on CYP matters during pipeline development, scoping and proposal-writing, making sure new opportunities are well grounded in current sector knowledge. 

You will build and maintain relationships with key CYP sector bodies, funders and expert networks to position UKCF as a credible, well-informed partner in the children and young people space, and you will contribute to UKCF's wider thought leadership and external profile on CYP, including occasional speaking, writing and convening. 

Your wider responsibilities 

Like everyone at UKCF, you will work closely with colleagues across the organisation. You will partner with Communications, Finance, Field Building and other teams to support wider organisational activity, contribute to the development of the Partnerships & Insight team and to UKCF's culture, standards and ways of working, and take on other reasonable duties commensurate with the role. 

What you will bring 

We are looking for someone who combines substantial programme leadership with credible CYP sector knowledge, and who is comfortable holding the whole of a complex programme in view while making sound day-to-day decisions. You might recognise yourself in some, but not necessarily all, of the following. 

• Programme leadership and judgement - able to hold a complex, multi-year programme in view while making sound day-to-day decisions. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication, adapted confidently for funders, government, community foundations, sector peers and internal audiences. 

• Diplomatic, confident and effective relationship-building and influence with senior and varied stakeholders. 

• Proactive problem-solving - acting on initiative, diagnosing issues early and proposing practical solutions. 

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to balance multiple deadlines and priorities across a complex portfolio. 

• Creativity, flexibility and intuition, with a willingness to adapt your approach as the programme evolves. 

• Commitment to learning and improvement, including reflecting on your own practice and seeking continual development. 

• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and climate justice, and interest in how these values shape programme design, participation and whose voices are heard. 

Essential experience 

• Senior programme leadership: substantial experience leading voluntary and community sectormulti-year, multi-partner programmes, including accountability for budget, delivery and outcomes. 

• Children and young people sector expertise: strong working knowledge of the CYP landscape - policy, funding, practice - and credibility with sector stakeholders. 

• Safeguarding: confident acting as an internal point of information on safeguarding, with a basic or good understanding of safeguarding standards in CYP-related work, and willingness to undertake further training.

• Stakeholder management: experience managing significant relationships, including reporting, stewardship and the negotiation of programme changes. 

• Charity or non-profit setting: understanding of values-driven work and the operating norms of the voluntary sector. 

• Data, impact and learning: able to interpret quantitative and qualitative information, undertake basic and intermediate analysis, and oversee a learning partner, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Understanding of the norms of impact and learning in the voluntary and community sector.

• Relationship management: builds trust with funders, peers, partners and delivery organisations; offers diplomatic, credible guidance. 

• Digital, CRM and AI confidence: confident across Office 365 and  AI tools (or have started to experiment with them) to support efficient working and free up more time for relationship building. Motivated to use AI, and to do so mindfully, responsibly, ethically and to increase impact. 

• Ability to travel occasionally, which may include overnight stays and multi-day events. 

Desirable experience 

• Grant making and funding, particularly relational or participatory approaches; systems change or place-based approaches to community impact; or asset-based community development and community-led programmes. 

• Working with community foundations or place-based funding structures. 

• Play, early years, youth work, education or related CYP fields. 

• Designing and delivering co-design, collaboration or systems-change activity. 

• Contributing to policy or sector influence. 

• Developing AI tools within a VCSE context, and understanding of AI ethics and the unique VCSE context around AI - or an interest in this topic. 

• Securing continuation or follow-on funding for complex programmes. 

Inclusion statement 

UK Community Foundations is committed to building an inclusive organisation and a diverse field. We welcome applications from people from minoritised ethnic communities, disabled people, people from lower socio-economic backgrounds and others who are underrepresented in the charity and philanthropy sector. 

Are you a talented Fundraising leader who believes every young person deserves the chance to reach their potential?

About the opportunity

This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious fundraising leader to make a visible and lasting impact on the lives of young people every day.

As Head of Fundraising at The Hive, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our income generation strategy, working collaboratively with a passionate team while enjoying a high degree of autonomy and influence.

Salary: £51,776 - £60,702 depending on experience
Location: Hybrid, but minimum 3 days on site in Birkenhead
Benefits: 5% employer pension; 33 days annual leave including bank holidays; access to OnSide's Talent Academy and network;

About The Hive

Based in Birkenhead, The Hive Youth Zone supports over 3,000 young people each year, with more than 900 visits every week.

Open for nine years and operating seven days a week we provide universal youth services, targeted support and a wide range of activities for young people.

Our members reflect the community we serve, with over 60% coming from some of the country's most deprived wards and more than 35% living with an additional need. The Hive is a vibrant, welcoming and energetic environment, with a fantastic team and a strong commitment to empowering young people to shape our services and their futures.

About You

We are looking for a strategic and hands-on fundraising leader who can inspire others while also delivering exceptional personal results.

You will bring a strong track record of securing significant income and building sustainable fundraising pipelines. In particular, we are keen to grow income from strategic partnerships, trusts and foundations and statutory contracts, so experience in these areas would be especially valuable.

When applying, please demonstrate:

• A strong track record of fundraising success, consistently achieving financial targets and growing unrestricted income.
• Personal experience securing six-figure gifts or partnerships through major donors or corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations or contracts.
• The ability to think and act strategically across multiple income streams, while remaining close to delivery and leading from the front.
• Experience of - or the curiosity and capability to - develop and deliver communications or stakeholder engagement strategies that strengthen supporter relationships and generate new fundraising opportunities.
• A strong understanding of the challenges facing young people and underserved communities, alongside a genuine commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

The Hive believes that diversity makes them stronger. They actively encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

If you are as excited by this unique opportunity as we are, you'll want to get in touch for further details on how to make your formal application.

To apply, please send a copy of your profile or CV in the first instance to Ellen Drummond at Charity People.

Deadline: 9am on Friday 19^th June

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

The Jesuits in Britain are a Catholic religious order, known not only for their faith tradition but also for their contributions to education, intellectual life, and social justice. Drawing on a tradition that combines scholarship, service, and spiritual reflection, Jesuits in Britain have established schools, universities, retreat centres, and charitable initiatives (including refugee support and action on climate change) that aim to promote learning, ethical leadership, and the common good. Jesuits in Britain are active in a range of charitable programmes, including supporting those experiencing poverty, discrimination or injustice, and caring for the planet.

While rooted in the Catholic tradition, Jesuits in Britain are inclusive and welcoming to people of all faiths and none through both their charitable initiatives and staff. The charity’s workforce reflects a diverse range of beliefs, backgrounds, and perspectives, and it values the contribution of everyone regardless of their religious affiliation.

Reporting into the Finance Director, the successful candidate will be responsible for the effective financial management, control, and statutory reporting of the organisation and its associated entities. This is a broad and hands-on role offering exposure to financial reporting, compliance, budgeting, systems oversight, and stakeholder engagement within a values-driven environment. Key responsibilities are as follows:

• Lead the preparation of annual statutory accounts, including year-end close procedures, consolidations, and audit adjustments.
• Act as the primary contact for external auditors, managing audit timelines and responding to queries.
• Prepare the annual organisational budget in collaboration with senior stakeholders.
• Produce quarterly management accounts and oversee reconciliations across different entities and departments.
• Manage the organisation’s accounting system and relationships with external system providers.
• Support accounting and reporting for externally-managed investment portfolios.
• Work closely with the Finance Director to support strategic and operational decision-making.

You will:

• Be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Have strong financial control experience, ideally within the charity or not-for-profit sector though applications from other sectors will be considered.
• Have experience preparing complex statutory accounts (ideally under the Charities SoRP / FRS 102) and managing external audits.
• Have an interest in working for an organisation with strong values relating to social justice, care and integrity.

Important Information

• Salary of £70,000 - £80,000 DOE
• Hybrid working arrangements, with an expectation of at least 40% office attendance (central London).
• Candidates of all beliefs or none are encouraged to apply. More important than personal faith is an understanding of, and respect for, the mission and values of the organisation as a Catholic charity.

Ivy Rock Partners are managing the recruitment of this position exclusively on behalf of Jesuits in Britain. For all enquiries, please contact Holly Arrowsmith at Ivy Rock Partners for further details.

Are you an experienced fundraising professional looking to make a meaningful impact? Join the University of Oxford as a Development Executive (Medical Sciences) and help advance life-changing medical research within our globally renowned institution.

Location: Oxford - hybrid working may be an option

Salary: Grade 7: £39,424 - £47,779 per annum with possible extension to £51,983 - plus as Oxford University Weighting of £1,500 per year (pro rata).

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires", the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

The Medical Sciences Division is one of the world’s leading centres for biomedical research, recognised internationally for the quality and breadth of its work across the medical research spectrum - from genes and molecules to populations and big data. With the honour of 12 Nobel Laureates over its long and distinguished history, the Division is consistently at the forefront of innovative and lifesaving science.

Researchers across the Division are dedicated to understanding disease, improving diagnosis, and developing more effective treatments and prevention strategies. The Division is particularly focused on major global health challenges, including cancer, infectious diseases such as malaria, pandemic preparedness, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal conditions, and neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
• Membership to CASE and access to training and development opportunities

About the Role

The Medical Sciences Development team works collaboratively with colleagues across the Division and the wider Development and Alumni Engagement team to secure philanthropic support for research priorities across Oxford’s medical sciences community.

As Development Executive, you will manage a portfolio of more than 100 major gift prospects and develop meaningful relationships with donors, academics, and colleagues across the University. You will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of supporting research projects through gifts typically ranging from £100,000 to £500,000 over time.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to high-profile fundraising initiatives that support world-leading medical research. You will also work closely with the Head of Development - Medical Sciences to help deliver fundraising priorities across a diverse and impactful portfolio.

About You

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience of major gift fundraising, including securing gifts at the £50,000 level or above.
• The ability to identify and engage prospective donors and develop relationships.
• Strong strategic and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• An interest in medical sciences, higher education, and the mission of the University of Oxford.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Thursday 11 June 2026.

Interviews will take place on Monday 22 June 2026 and will be held face-to-face.

The Head of Communications, Campaigns and Awareness will be the driving force behind Neuroendocrine Cancer UK’s voice, visibility and influence. Leading our communications and engagement strategy, this role will shape how we connect with patients, supporters, healthcare professionals and the wider public - building powerful campaigns, growing awareness, and ensuring our message cuts through where it matters most.

At the heart of the organisation, you’ll bring energy, creativity and strategic direction to everything from national awareness activity to day-to-day storytelling. You’ll champion a clear, compelling narrative for NCUK, ensuring all communications are insight-led, mission-driven, and always centred around the experiences of patients and families affected by neuroendocrine cancer.

We’re looking for an ambitious, ideas-driven communications leader who thrives in a fast-moving environment and loves making things happen. A natural relationship-builder and confident self-starter, you’ll spot opportunities, inspire collaboration across teams, and turn complex messages into bold, engaging content and campaigns that deliver real impact.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the profile and future voice of a growing charity with big ambitions. One day you might be leading a major awareness campaign or securing media opportunities; the next, creating compelling digital content, supporting fundraising activity, or influencing strategic direction at senior level.

If you’re a creative thinker, a brilliant communicator, and someone who wants their work to genuinely change lives, we’d love to hear from you.

Application deadline: 12 noon on Monday 15th June 2026

Provisional interview date: 30th June and 1st July 2026

Job title: Performance Reporting Officer
Area of work: Programme Management Office (PMO), Regeneration, Portfolio Delivery
Contract type: Permanent
Employment type: Full-time
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000
Location: East London (Hybrid 2 days on-site per week)
Closing Date: Wednesday 10th June 2026

Overview
This is an exclusiveopportunity with a publicly backed regeneration organisation deliveringlarge-scale housing, capital, and infrastructure programmes.

Sitting within acentral PMO function, this role is focused on supporting the operationaldelivery of programmes, working closely with senior leadership and a ProgrammeManager to ensure projects are effectively coordinated, governed, and deliveredfrom inception through to completion.

You will play a key role in connecting strategy to delivery, helping to ensure that programmes run smoothly day-to-day, with clear oversight of progress, risks, contracts, and key activities across the portfolio.
This is a hands-onrole, ideal for someone who understands how a PMO operates and is comfortablesupporting both the structured and administrative elements that underpinsuccessful programme delivery.

What you will do?
Programme coordination & delivery support

• Support the end-to-end lifecycle of regeneration and capital programmes, from early planning through to delivery.
• Work closely with a Programme Manager to ensure effective coordination across projects and workstreams.
• Help maintain oversight of programme timelines, milestones, and key deliverables.

PMO operations & governance

• Support the day-to-day running of PMO processes, ensuring consistency and strong governance.
• Assist with programme reporting, tracking risks, issues, and overall performance.
• Contribute to maintaining programme controls, documentation, and audit trails.

Contracts, procurement & controls

• Support the management of contracts across the programme, including maintaining and improving contract registers.
• Assist in developing and tracking procurement forward plans.
• Manage purchase orders and support coordination with commercial, finance, and procurement teams.

Stakeholder coordination & administration

• Organise and coordinate meetings with senior managers and stakeholders.
• Prepare materials, updates, and supporting documentation for governance forums.
• Act as a central point of coordination to ensure smooth communication across teams.

Continuous improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve PMO processes and ways of working.
• Support the implementation of more efficient and structured approaches to programme delivery.

About you
We are looking for apractical and proactive PMO or project professional who is comfortable workingacross both the operational and administrative aspects of programme delivery.
You will alsodemonstrate:

• Experience in a PMO, programme, or project support role, ideally within a public sector or regeneration environment.
• Strong understanding of programme lifecycle delivery, from inception through to completion.
• Experience supporting governance, reporting, and programme controls.
• Exposure to contracts, procurement processes, or working alongside commercial teams.
• Confidence working in structured environments such as local government or similar organisations.
• A hands-on approach, with willingness to take ownership of administrative and coordination tasks.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Experience and capability over formal qualifications, this role values practical experience above academic background.

Why join?

• Exclusive opportunity to join a high-profile regeneration organisation delivering programmes of real scale and impact.
• A broad, operational PMO role with direct exposure to senior leadership and programme decision-making.
• The chance to work closely with an experienced Programme Manager and develop your capability.
• Strong scope for progression as the PMO function continues to evolve and expand.
• A collaborative environment where your contribution will directly support the successful delivery of major projects.

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Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Organisation: Happy Days
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Location: Calderdale

Role Purpose

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic and operational leadership across all frontline services, accommodation provision, organisational infrastructure, and compliance functions within the charity.

The COO is responsible for ensuring safe, trauma-informed, financially sustainable, and outcomes-focused delivery for individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, health exclusion, addiction, and crisis.

The role leads operations across the charity’s accommodation portfolio, including winter shelter provision, general needs accommodation, supported accommodation, and intensively supported housing. The COO also oversees the operational platform of the charity’s support programmes, including a community café, community supermarket, crisis drop-in provision, and integrated health clinics.

Working collaboratively with the CEO, Board, statutory agencies, housing provider partners, and wider stakeholders, the COO plays a key leadership role in shaping organisational strategy, strengthening operational systems, embedding trauma-informed practice, and developing innovative models of support that improve long-term outcomes for individuals experiencing multiple disadvantage.

The COO provides executive oversight of, operational risk, health and safety, HR, operational systems, and service compliance, ensuring the organisation maintains robust standards of governance, accountability, and person-centred care across all services.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Provide executive operational leadership across services and organisational functions
• Lead the delivery, development, and continuous operational improvement of:
  • Supported and temporary accommodation services (68+ properties)
  • Crisis and drop-in provision
  • Food programme and social supermarket
  • Winter shelter provision
• Translate organisational strategy into effective operational delivery plans
• Drive organisational improvement, innovation, and sustainable service growth
• Lead operational responses to emerging community need, organisational risk, and system pressures
• Support strategic planning, organisational development, and long-term sustainability
• Lead operational capital development initiatives across the organisation

Housing, Property & Supported Accommodation Executive Oversight of:

• Operational management, legal compliance, health and safety, quality assurance across all accommodation services
• Lead strategic partnerships with housing providers
• Manage delegated housing arrangements and supported housing pathways
• Maximise occupancy, sustainment, and positive move-on outcomes
• Oversee property-related risk management, maintenance coordination, and accommodation standards
• Lead the transformation and redevelopment of The Gathering Place, including partnership working with architects, infrastructure planning, and service design
• Oversee operational development planning for the Bramwell Booth building to support future service delivery and organisational growth

Safeguarding Operational Platform

• Lead organisational safeguarding strategy and systems
• Ensure SOP’s are in place to enable staff to respond effectively to complex needs including:
  • addiction
  • mental ill-health and physical health needs
  • dual diagnosis
  • homelessness
  • domestic abuse
  • offending histories
  • health exclusion
• Oversee serious incidents, risk management, and quality assurance processes
• Promote reflective practice, professional accountability, and safe service delivery
• Lead continuous safeguarding improvement and organisational assurance processes
• Support the organisation’s progression towards recognised safeguarding quality and excellence standards

Health Inclusion & Community Services

• Support development of innovative approaches addressing homelessness, substance use, poverty, and social exclusion
• Contribute to wider system responses focused on prevention, health equity, and community resilience

Corporate Governance, Compliance & Organisational Infrastructure

• Provide executive oversight of organisational governance, operational compliance, and corporate infrastructure
• Lead organisational responsibility for:
  • Human Resources
  • Health & Safety
  • Insurance and organisational risk
  • Operational systems and digital infrastructure
• Ensure robust organisational policies, procedures, and assurance frameworks are developed, implemented, and maintained
• Oversee compliance with employment legislation, health & safety standards, and contractual obligations
• Lead organisational risk management processes, incident oversight, and business continuity planning
• Ensure effective management of organisational insurance provision, liability protection, and risk mitigation
• Support governance reporting, operational assurance, and organisational accountability
• Develop quarterly Trustee and governance reporting packs in conjunction with Heads of Department and the CEO

Systems Development & Digital Transformation

• Lead the development and implementation of operational systems, reporting frameworks, and service infrastructure
• Design and embed systems that improve operational efficiency, safeguarding oversight, housing management, and service coordination
• Use data, insight, and performance analysis to improve outcomes and organisational effectiveness
• Support digital transformation, service modernisation, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop monitoring, evaluation, and impact reporting systems to support organisational learning and strategic decision-making

Leadership, Workforce & Organisational Culture

• Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and values-led organisational culture
• Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, retention, supervision, and staff development
• Promote staff wellbeing, reflective practice, and psychologically safe leadership
• Provide leadership oversight and strategic direction for volunteer services and volunteer programme development
• Support the organisation’s progression towards recognised volunteer quality standards, including the VSI Volunteer Excellence Award

Partnerships, Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Represent the organisation within strategic partnerships and multi-agency forums
• Work collaboratively with commissioners, funders, housing providers, and community partners

Financial Oversight & Sustainability

• Budget development and financial planning in conjunction with the CEO and Finance Team
• Support organisational sustainability through efficient service delivery
• Monitor operational performance, quality standards, and service outcomes
• Ensure effective governance, accountability, and operational compliance across all services

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant senior leadership experience within homelessness, housing, health, social care, community, or voluntary sector services
• Extensive operational leadership experience across complex, multi-service environments
• Experience leading services supporting individuals with multiple disadvantage and complex needs
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and organisational risk management
• Experience managing accommodation-based and community support services
• Experience overseeing HR, compliance, governance, and organisational systems
• Experience leading quality assurance, risk, and compliance frameworks
• Strong partnership and stakeholder engagement skills across statutory and voluntary sectors
• Experience managing operational budgets, compliance frameworks, and performance systems

Desirable

• Experience working within homelessness, substance use, or health inclusion services
• Experience working within housing such as a registered housing provider
• Understanding of public health approaches and health inequalities
• Knowledge of housing legislation, supported housing models, and safeguarding frameworks
• Experience with digital transformation, systems implementation, and organisational modernisation

Key Attributes

• Values-driven and strongly committed to social justice and health equity
• Strategic thinker with strong operational leadership capability
• Calm, resilient, and decisive in complex and high-pressure environments
• Compassionate and emotionally intelligent leader
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence across systems and sectors
• Innovative, solutions-focused, and collaborative
• Committed to continuous improvement, accountability, and inclusive leadership

About the Investment team

The Investment team is responsible for selecting portfolio partners, managing our charity investments and supporting our portfolio partners to improve and scale their impact. 

The Investment team also leads the Impetus Leadership Academy, a leadership development programme to support talent from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK youth sector to progress into senior leadership roles. 

The team is made up of 18 people, including former teachers, charity chief executives, charity impact leads, management consultants, social investment portfolio managers and impact consultants.   

The team is led by a Portfolio Director who sits on the Senior Management Team. The Portfolio Director has 5 direct reports: a Deputy Portfolio Director, three Sector Leads (who lead our work in school engagement, school attainment and employment sectors) and an Impact Lead. Sector Leads line manage 6 Investment Directors between them. Investment Directors line manage Investment Managers (currently 7). Investment Directors and Investment Managers tend to primarily focus on a sector but might have mixed portfolios, depending on need, experience and interest. 

The Investment team has a good track record of role progression. All four Leads and a number of our Investment Directors were promoted from within the team. 

About this role

We believe that all young people deserve to succeed in school and in work, whatever their background. As we enter a challenging time with rising inflation and a likely recession, our work feels more vital than ever before. The role of Investment Director presents an exciting opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the charities portfolio partners we serve, the team itself and the whole of Impetus.   

We support a portfolio of 23 high potential charity and non-profit partners in the youth sector, helping them deliver benchmark-beating employment and education outcomes for young people, and to grow. 

We believe the strength of our approach resides in three things: 

​

• ​Building deep, trust-based, sustainable relationships with charity leaders by, investing time, kindness, integrity and honesty.
• ​Providing our charities multi-year, unrestricted funding to help them become sector-leading organisations and scale their impact.
• ​Offering tailored advice to charity leaders’ most pressing and strategic questions, including their mission, programme design, performance management, growth planning, and financial resilience.

Working with our portfolio partners is a privilege. The leaders we support are incredibly talented, passionate and keen for external advice, and the issues we work through with them are stimulating and stretching. Our senior management relationships are some of the most fulfilling relationships many of us have had in our careers, while the growth and impact performance of our partners are testament to charities’ commitment to disadvantaged young people and the influence we have on their development. 

Charities and funders often comment on the quality of our people. Our team is analytical and data driven; we are deeply relational, low-ego and collaborative. We actively invest in our colleagues holding regular training and community of practice sessions, and use skills-based assessments to tailor development. 

As an organisation we seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work and actively challenge our assumptions to better deliver change. Over the past two years we have taken action to help reduce racial inequality in the youth sector. In 2021 we launched our Connect Fund to support diverse leaders and their robust solutions to the entrenched employment gap faced by young people from ethnic minority backgrounds compared with their white peers. We have also built a highly regarded Leadership Academy for emerging youth sector leaders from ethnic minority backgrounds, with generous funding from State Street Foundation. 

If you are looking for a role combining strategic thinking, analytical insight and influencing emerging leaders, as well as the opportunity to work with a supportive team to transform young lives, I hope you will apply to work with us. 

I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sebastien Ergas 
Portfolio Director 

​Key responsibilities
Finding high potential charities and non-profit partners for our portfolio 

• Identifying potential charitable organisations for investment.
• Leading and delivering in-depth due diligence process within the scope of a grant round, to assess and build partnership foundations with potential partners – covering leadership and governance, and their impact, scale, and partnership potential.
• Modelling from first contact of origination, our approach to engaged and trust-based investment management support.
• Developing and presenting high quality investment propositions to our Investment Committee.

Managing partnerships with portfolio partners​

• ​Managing relationships with partner Chairs and CEOs. 
• Agreeing Service Funding Agreements, including appropriate annual investment milestones to allow for a clear assessment of re-investment potential at end of phase. 
• Regularly monitoring and assessing partner progress / risks against milestones and making evidence-based recommendations on progression or exit to Leads, Portfolio Director and the Investment Committee.
• Escalating key risks on performance, leadership and safeguarding.   
• Conducting annual partnership reviews with Sector Leads and partner CEOs.
• Working with Impetus finance colleagues to ensure timely distribution of grant payments, in line with Service Funding Agreements.  

Supporting portfolio partners  ​

• ​Providing high quality advisory support to CEOs and senior colleagues on key strategic topics, using a mix of at least monthly one-to-one meetings and group facilitation to: 

• clarify theory of change
• ​define long term ambition
• ​develop growth strategy 
• ​achieve a step change in the delivery and performance management of outcomes 
• ​strengthen leadership (individual and collective) and governance capabilities
• ​develop path to scale
• ​build financial resilience

• ​Scoping and project managing pro bono capacity-building projects (in addition to providing direct management support). Ensure projects are delivered to a high standard and contribute to charity progression.
• Identifying engagement opportunities for our donors and supporters with portfolio partners that are aligned with the partner’s activities and do not distract or undermine their core work.
• Collaborating with the Impetus Philanthropy team to support the development of additional funding opportunities for portfolio partners, enhancing their ability to deliver impact at scale.
• Effectively leveraging the support of investment managers to advance the objectives developed for each portfolio partner that is managed by an Investment Director.

Support to Impetus

• Developing expertise about “what works” in the sector through cultivation and use of expert input and engagement as well as investigation into key research and evaluative literature.
• Contributing insights and learning from portfolio work to inform Impetus’ strategy, model and delivery, providing evidence based recommendations to senior colleagues
• Contributing to internal priorities and working groups, bringing expertise and insight from portfolio work (e.g. team strategy discussions, digital improvement initiatives, or equity, diversity, and inclusion).
• Contribute towards Impetus’ public affairs and philanthropy objectives through input into case studies, research and policy campaigns, donor reports and fundraising events.
• Sharing the learning from our work across the team, across the organisation and externally working within Impetus strategy and agreed forums.
• Engaging in Impetus pro bono, communications, and advocacy events, and engage portfolio partners appropriately in these events. 
• Line-manage and support one or more Investment Managers, setting clear objectives and providing coaching, feedback and development opportunities to enable them to deliver high quality work and achieve their individual, project and team goals
• Embedding inclusive and equitable practices in portfolio work, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered and barriers to participation are identified and addressed

​Person specification

Essential​

• A commitment to Impetus’ mission. 
• ​Senior level responsibility and a strong track record of building trust-based relationships with senior stakeholders, advising them on key strategic decisions, and challenging them in a respectful and collaborative manner. 
• ​A talent for strategic thinking around complex issues. 
• ​Strong financial acumen and analytical skills. 
• Understanding of impact measurement and evaluation fundamentals. 
• ​Resilience, tenacity and initiative. 
• ​Ability to adapt personal style to different leadership contexts, working inclusively and effectively with diverse leaders and organisations.
• ​Growth mind-set to seek out and act on feedback and a commitment to continuous learning and development. 
• ​Proven ability to work independently, and to exercise good judgment. 
• ​Strong planning and time management skills. 
• ​Experience contributing expertise to team or organisational priorities, including sharing learning and supporting others’ development. 
• ​Interest in partnering closely with charities that are doing what it takes to get better. 
• ​A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable​

• Experience in the non-profit (charity or social enterprise) sector, through work, as a pro-bono volunteer or Trustee capacity.
• ​Experience in consulting, investment management, senior charity management, or other in-depth grant making and advisory work. 
• ​Knowledge and expertise in UK education or youth employability sectors. 
• ​Board experience in private, public or third sector. 
• ​Understanding of or experience with commissioning impact evaluations. 

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.​

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:  ​

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school  

• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths 

• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment  ​

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.​

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life. ​

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.​

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.​

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

​

Our Values​

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.​

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.​

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.​

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.​

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.​

​Our employee benefits ​

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.​

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button at the top of the page. ​

You will need to:​

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form)
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.​

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.​

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.​

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.​

The deadline for applications is 2026, Sunday 21st June 2026, 11:59pm.​

Interviews:​

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 29th June 2026.​

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 6th July 2026.​

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.​

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

We are seeking a Director of Operations to join ERA at a pivotal moment of growth. This is a senior, strategic hire  who will shape how ERA is structured, scaled, and sustained over the long term. In 2026, we are scaling to run two summer fellowships: an ERA:AI fellowship and an AIxBiosecurity fellowship, alongside at least two major conferences and a pipeline of new domain-specific programmes. We want to streamline our operations to match this scale.

Working closely with the Executive Director and Programme Director, you will take ownership of ERA's operational effectiveness, compliance, financial strategy, and team development. You will be the person who translates ERA's ambitious programme vision into the systems, structures, and culture that make it possible and who ensures that as we grow from a small core team to an organisation of 15–20+ people, we do not lose what makes us effective. This includes managing the visa and compliance infrastructure that underpins ERA's international fellowship model.

This is a high-trust, high-autonomy role. You will have real scope to shape the organisation's trajectory, building systems that stick, managing risk proactively, mentoring a growing operations team, and acting as a senior counsel to ERA's leadership. You will also be ERA's operational interface with our Board, including preparing materials, ensuring regulatory compliance, and flagging strategic risks.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Strategy & Scaling

• Set the strategic direction for ERA's operations function, ensuring it evolves alongside organisational growth

• Translate ERA's programme and organisational strategy into coherent operational frameworks and execution plans

• Lead ERA through its next phase of growth, from a small, generalist team to a larger, more structured organisation of 15–20+ staff managing the cultural and structural change this requires

• Design and implement systems, workflows, and processes that scale: robust, clear, and built to last beyond any individual

• Identify structural bottlenecks and scaling risks proactively, resolving them before they become crises

• Strengthen coordination between the operations, programmes, and research teams to ensure internal systems support high-quality external work

Financial Oversight

• Provide senior oversight of ERA's financial strategy, working closely with the (future) Finance Lead on multi-year planning, scenario modelling, and budgeting aligned with ERA's fundraising and growth plans

• Oversee financial reporting, controls, and compliance, maintaining standards appropriate to ERA's scale and funder expectations

• Manage stipend and reimbursement processing, grant financial reporting, and audit-readiness

• Integrate financial planning into organisational design and capacity decisions

Board Relations & Governance

• Prepare materials for Board meetings, ensuring ERA's leadership has clear, accurate information on operational and financial performance

• Ensure ERA meets all relevant legal and regulatory obligations — including charity law, data protection, employment law, and visa compliance

• Flag operational risks, resource constraints, and structural issues that require Board-level decisions

• Support ERA in developing governance structures appropriate to its growing scale and complexity

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead, develop, and performance-manage ERA's operations team, building functional depth as the organisation grows

• Mentor junior operations staff, supporting their professional growth and expanding their capacity over time

• Help set the tone for ERA's culture and values as the organisation scales — modelling integrity, focus, and care for colleagues

• Coordinate across the senior team, acting as a thought partner and source of counsel for the Executive Director and leadership

Compliance, Risk & HR

• Oversee HR operations including employment contracts, visa and right-to-work compliance, onboarding, and staff policies

• Manage ERA's sponsor licence obligations, maintaining compliance with UKVI requirements and overseeing visa applications for a high volume of international fellows and staff -  a core and recurring operational responsibility given ERA's programme model

• Develop and maintain ERA's risk management frameworks, ensuring risks are identified, owned, and mitigated

• Ensure adherence to all relevant legal, regulatory, and institutional policies across ERA's operations

About You

We are looking for a senior operational leader who combines strategic clarity with a genuine bias for execution. You might be a strong fit if you:

• Have significant experience in operational leadership ideally at director level or equivalent, with responsibility for overall organisational performance across multiple functions

• Have led organisations or teams through periods of significant growth and change including managing the transition from a small, informal team to a structured, scalable organisation

• Think in systems you design processes and structures that work without you, and you take satisfaction in building infrastructure that outlasts any individual

• Are a proactive problem-solver you anticipate issues before they arise, move quickly when they do, and stay calm under pressure

• Have experience managing upwards including working with or preparing materials for a Board of Directors, and flagging risks at the right level of the organisation

• Are a strong people manager and mentor you invest in your team's development, hold people to high standards with care, and build culture through example

• Are excited by ERA's mission, you understand why mitigating catastrophic risks from frontier AI matters and want to build an organisation capable of doing it well

Essential

• Demonstrated experience in a senior operational or director-level role, with broad responsibility across multiple functions

• Financial literacy and oversight experience, including familiarity with budgeting, reporting, and financial controls

• Experience managing compliance across employment law, data protection, and/or charity 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills able to work effectively with technical researchers, programme teams, and external stakeholders

• Experience managing and mentoring a team

Desirable

• Track record of leading organisational change and scaling operations through periods of growth

• Experience working with a Board of Directors or governance body

• Background in nonprofit, research, or academic environments

• Familiarity with UK employment law and compliance requirements including visa sponsorship management

• Understanding of AI safety, governance, or a related field

Location & Working Arrangements

This role is based in Cambridge, UK. We encourage and expect in-person presence, particularly during ERA's fellowship periods and conferences. Outside of these periods, we offer flexibility around hybrid working.

In exceptional cases, we may consider candidates based overseas, provided they are able to be present in Cambridge during programme delivery.

ERA is able to support visa applications for this role. Eligibility for sponsorship will depend on individual circumstances and the applicable route; we encourage candidates to discuss this with us early in the process.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience 

• Professional development budget of £5,000

• Productivity budget of £2,000 

• Employer pension contribution of 10%

• Four weeks of PTO recommended per year

• Private health insurance including dental and vision

• Flexible and hybrid working outside of programme periods

• A mission-driven, tight-knit team working on one of the most important challenges of our time

• The start date is flexible, and we may be willing to wait for an extended period of time for the best candidate, though we’d prefer successful candidates to start as soon as possible after receiving an offer.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage early applications. Our process typically includes:

• Initial application (CV + short questions)

• Screening call

• Interviews with ERA team

• Paid work trial (two days, remote/in-person) and reference checks

• Employment offer

We recognise that this is a demanding process. We offer compensated work trials, and we will work with candidates to accommodate scheduling constraints.

The Role:

This is a pivotal moment for Dialogue Earth. As news organisations continue to retreat from climate coverage and the funding landscape for independent journalism becomes more challenging, we are looking for a Director of Development who can help us strengthen existing funder relationships, build new partnerships and shape our funding strategy for the years ahead.

You will work closely with the CEO, senior colleagues, and trustees to develop a clear funding strategy, identify new opportunities, lead high-quality proposals and ensure funders understand the value and impact of Dialogue Earth’s work.

The Director of Development will be a key member of the senior management team, and share responsibility for delivering Dialogue Earth’s mission. 

What we are looking for:

Essential

• Commitment to our mission – the search for shared global solutions to climate change and the environmental crisis. 

• Dedication to our values of openness, dialogue, ecological and informational integrity, and justice. 

• Significant senior leadership experience in partnerships, philanthropy or income development, with a strong and demonstrable track record of securing and growing funding from a range of sources. 

• You will possess both strategic insight and hands-on experience, be networked across the charitable funding sector, and combine commercial thinking with a deep understanding of the NGO and fundraising landscape.

• Strategic judgement and strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, analyse complex information and influence a range of stakeholders.

• A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to navigate complex funding landscapes and deliver against ambitious targets.

Main responsibilities: 

• Develop and execute a clear income growth strategy with defined targets, milestones, and measurable outcomes.

• Oversee the development of an updated funding pipeline.

• Lead and develop Dialogue Earth’s small focused fundraising team with clear objectives and accountability.

• Lead on Dialogue Earth’s engagement with existing and potential funders.

• Ensure funding reports are prepared and delivered on time.

• Lead on the submission of funding proposals, ensuring they are in line with editorial priorities and budgeted appropriately.

• Provide strategic oversight of key income generating events, ensuring they are leveraged effectively to cultivate and secure high value support.

• Support Trustees to act as effective ambassadors and introducers.

• Contribute actively to the senior management team, ensuring fundraising is embedded within wider organisational strategy and decision making.

Essential experience, knowledge and skills: 

• Proven track record of securing significant funding commitments.

• Experience of creating an organisational fundraising strategy and enacting a strategic plan

• Experience building and converting a strong major donor pipeline, including multi-year commitments.

• Demonstrated ability to lead high value partnership or funding conversations and personally secure significant commitments.

• Experience setting and delivering against ambitious income growth targets.

• Experience of leading and developing a small team 

• Experience of contributing as part of a senior management team, with the ability to help shape organisational strategy 

• A natural relationship builder, able to establish trust quickly and sustain long term partnerships with high value supporters.

• Comfortable with accountability and transparent performance measurement.

• Self-aware, pragmatic, and calm under pressure.

• Demonstrates alignment with the values of Dialogue Earth and a commitment to collaborative, high-performance working.

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION
Join one of the UK's largest and most impactful charities - an organisation delivering life-changing services across communities nationwide. With a long history of social mission, they operate at scale across community development, education, homelessness and support services.

THE ROLE
You will lead the provision of full management accounting support for a portfolio of key business areas, offering financial insight, analysis and proactive business partnering. Working closely with a Mission Management Accountant, you will help operational leaders understand performance, make informed decisions and plan effectively.

Key responsibilities include:
* Delivering management accounts, forecasts, variance analysis and commentary.
* Supporting budget holders with budgeting, planning and monthly monitoring.
* Providing financial advice, insights and training to non-finance stakeholders.
* Preparing journals, accruals, prepayments and month-end schedules.
* Supporting staffing/establishment analysis and headcount monitoring.
* Assisting income streams through invoice management.
* Producing financial modelling and strategic planning reports.
* Preparing year-end schedules and handling audit queries.

ABOUT YOU
* Significant experience in management accounting, budgeting and financial analysis within a large complex organisation.
* Fully qualified accountant - such as ACCA, ACA.
* Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
* Ability to run full month-end independently.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Organised, proactive and solutions-focused.

Desirable experience: charity accounting, VAT/Gift Aid, KPI development, strong excel ability.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
* Hybrid working: two days per week in the London office.
* 35-hour working week with a strong work-life balance.
* Pension: Matched pension contribution
* On-site café with discounts.
* Minimum 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure.

Please apply now for the opportunity to work with a large, purpose-led charity making a real difference across communities every day.

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