Senior philanthropy manager jobs

Impatience Earth is a non-profit climate philanthropy consultancy founded in 2020 with a mission to educate, challenge and inspire wealth holders to take bolder funding decisions to address the climate emergency. Since 2020, our engagement with over 40 philanthropic foundations and businesses has supported them to make over £250m of new funding available for climate action, and we have already helped them make grants to over 200 different organisations.

Our work with corporates

We work closely with businesses* to develop and implement strategic grant-making funds, through their corporate foundation arm or internal budgets, that align with their mission and values, while making a tangible climate impact. 

Increasingly, our work with businesses has focused on agri-food businesses. In today’s world, they can no longer count on steady yields, consistent quality, or predictable sourcing from global supply regions. Climate volatility is no longer a distant risk; it’s an immediate operational threat. Businesses that fail to invest in climate resilience now will face higher costs in the long-term, for example through more frequent supply shortages and greater business disruption. Companies that depend on agricultural supply chains for their business survival should treat bold climate action as a strategic investment in managing financial risk and staying competitive.

Impatience Earth has already helped a number of companies to better understand where their biggest climate risks and opportunities lie in their value chain, and support them through a learning and strategy process, through to implementation of funding. Crucially, we’ve helped them to identify how and where to invest philanthropically to both build climate resilience within the business and demonstrate their leadership across the sector. In 2026, we want to expand this work and proactively engage agribusinesses who may benefit from our advisory support. 

The role

We acknowledge that most agribusinesses have their supply chains based in the Global South, and through our work with them, we would like to see them engage in forms of reparative finance that builds the climate resilience of farmers and communities in those regions.

We are seeking a dynamic, justice-driven, Regenerative Agriculture Lead to help agri-food businesses rethink how they invest in climate impact. In this role, you will engage senior executives, particularly in sustainability, procurement, supply chain, and corporate strategy, to shift from short-term, carbon-offsetting based approaches toward directly funding regenerative agriculture practices within their supplier networks, and working towards business transformation as a whole.

Your work will help agrifood businesses transition to more resilient, low-carbon, and nature-positive supply networks by unlocking capital that accelerates climate-smart and justice-centred practices on the ground.

Your initial focus and priority within the role would be in sales and business development, and once you’ve secured high value clients, you’ll also be supporting on delivery and advisory with those clients.

Key areas of focus

Strategic sales & business development

• Identify, engage, and nurture relationships with senior-level executives at companies with agriculture-linked supply chains and networks (e.g., food & beverage, apparel, beauty, consumer goods). Note that Impatience Earth has a partnership eligibility criteria that influences the types of organisations we work with.

• Lead consultative sales conversations with companies that rely on carbon offsetting, or are looking to reduce their sustainability budgets, highlighting the value of increasing investment in direct regenerative supply chain transformation as a tool for building long-term resilience.

• Build and engage a pipeline of corporate clients and guide prospects from initial interest to proposal development, and deal close.

• Represent Impatience Earth at conferences, industry events, and executive briefings.

Thought partnership & advisory

• Engage corporate leaders on the financial, environmental, and operational benefits of transitioning to, and increasing direct funding towards regenerative agriculture.

• Translate complex climate, carbon, and agricultural concepts into clear business cases and ROI narratives, and occasionally share knowledge and provide training for Impatience Earth colleagues to develop team knowledge.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to help companies design pathways to supply chain transformation that is good for the business and the climate

What we’re looking for:

• 5+ years of experience in business development, corporate sales, partnerships, sustainability advisory, supply chain solutions, or climate/ESG-related roles. We encourage applications from folks who have worked in sustainability or procurement teams within agribusinesses.

• A proven track record of selling into or advising agribusinesses, with a focus on sustainability, carbon markets, climate tech, or agriculture-related domains.

• Strong ability to engage C-suite and VP-level leaders with credibility and influence.

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to distill technical topics (carbon accounting, regenerative agriculture, climate finance) into compelling narratives.

• Comfortable navigating complex corporate structures, long sales cycles, and multi-stakeholder decision processes.

• Comfortable working in an evolving and early-stage organisation, with an entrepreneurial mindset: proactive, scrappy, and excited to build something new in a rapidly evolving market.

What’ll be nice to have:

• Knowledge of Scope 3 emissions, insetting, carbon markets, or B-corp and sustainability reporting frameworks (i.e. SBTI, TCFD, CSRD)

• Familiarity with agricultural supply chains, rural development, regenerative agriculture, or nature-based solutions.

• Experience developing climate or sustainability strategies for large corporates.

How you’ll know you’re doing a good job

• You consistently build and advance a high-quality pipeline of corporate prospects.

• You help shift C-suite mindsets from funding short-term initiatives, carbon offset projects or reducing sustainability budgets to embracing direct, long-term regenerative supply chain investment.

• You close deals and create new partnerships that directly fund agricultural transitions and measurable climate outcomes.

• You become a go-to expert for companies exploring how to finance and scale regenerative agriculture.

Benefits

As part of this role, you will have a pro rata allowance of 25 days paid annual leave, individual coaching, a professional development budget and be part of a passionate team committed to advancing climate action. We have put in place, and continue to build, a range of measures to build an inclusive and welcoming work culture centred on wellbeing, and we hope we will receive applications from people from a range of backgrounds.

How To Apply:

We are not able to sponsor visas, nor are we able to have calls with candidates in advance of application.

We are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you have any access requirements or need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know so we can discuss how to support you.

• Stage 1: Submit your CV plus either a cover letter (1.5 pages max), or a short video, that includes details about your relevant experience for the role and why you think you’ll be a good fit. Please consider the Requirements for this role section when you write your cover letter/record your video, particularly points 2-5. Please submit documents in PDF format as we are unable to open MS Word files.

• Stage 2: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a short initial video call carried out on Zoom to discuss your experience and what excites you about the role. We will send all candidates the interview questions in advance. 

• Stage 3: You will be asked to complete a short assignment at a time that suits you. At this stage in the process, we will offer candidates a £50 stipend to cover the time invested in this exercise.

• Stage 4: As part of the final interview stage, you’ll be invited to a full interview, and we will be sending all candidates the interview questions in advance. At this stage in the process, we will offer candidates an additional £50 stipend to cover the time invested in preparing for the interview.

Who You Will Meet:

As part of the interview process, you will meet Aditi Shah (Co-CEO), and Vicky Murray (Associate). For more information, see our website, impatience.earth.

ShareAction is an independent charity and an expert on responsible investment. We work to build a world where the financial system serves our planet and its people. We set ambitious standards for how financial institutions, through their investment decisions, can protect our planet and its people and campaign for this approach to become the norm. We convene shareholders to collectively push companies to tackle the climate crisis, protect nature, improve workers’ rights and shape healthier societies. In the UK and EU, we advocate for financial regulation that has society’s best interests at its core. 

Position

The Head of Fundraising is responsible for leading our fundraising strategy and delivery. This role is key to securing resources that enable us to drive system change in the financial sector.

A typical week will see you:

• Leading fundraising across ShareAction, ensuring conversations are being had by the right colleagues, with the right funders, at the right times.
• Guiding prospecting and leading the creation of compelling funding bids for multi-year, high-value projects.
• Delivering exceptional donor relationship management, including timely reports and strategic engagement.
• Overseeing the growth of our major donors programme, building a committed donor base of Ultra High and High Net Worth individuals.
• Supporting and developing a high-performing fundraising team.

You’ll regularly engage with senior leaders, trustees and external stakeholders, forming strong relationships and using your expertise to secure funding that drives impact across our campaigns and projects.

What you’ll bring to the team

We want to hear from you if you:

• Have experience devising and delivering fundraising strategies across multiple geographies (UK, EU, US) from trusts and foundations.
• Can develop powerful cases for support and significant bid/application-writing experience for multi-year, six- and seven-figure projects and programmes.
• Are skilled at managing donor relationships and supporting a high-performing fundraising team.
• Possess strong communication skills and thrive under pressure.
• Understand charity law and best practice in fundraising.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of statutory fundraising in the UK/EU and US philanthropy.
• Experience fundraising for systems-change charities.
• Familiarity with capital markets or legacy fundraising.

We have a formal hybrid working policy in place. As this role involves meetings with London-based stakeholders, you’ll need to attend the office or meetings on average six times a month or more.

If this role sounds like something that would build on your current skill set and engage you, we’d love to hear from you!

What we will do for you

We are a fast-paced organisation that has grown substantially over the past few years. We recognise that our people work hard to advocate for responsible investment and drive meaningful engagement with those who have the power to create a brighter future. Every day, they bring their expertise, passion and persistence to build a world where the financial system serves our people and planet. We want to ensure we provide the right environment for our colleagues to thrive, and we are committed to improving our employee offer where possible.

Currently, we are pleased to offer:

• A commitment to flexible working: over 60% of our employees have some sort of flexible working arrangement in place.
• Hybrid working: we are committed to supporting our staff to work in a way that suits their lifestyle and meets the requirements of their role.
• Internal promotion and development opportunities: we offer a range of ways to improve your skills and focus on what you love, including promotion, secondment, or sideways development opportunities. For some levels of roles, we also offer direct progression.
• The opportunity to help make a difference: we tackle some of the world’s biggest social and environmental challenges. We offer opportunities for you to develop your skills and experience in a friendly, flexible and supportive working environment.
• A unionised work environment: our staff have the opportunity to join the union and are supported by our recognised union, Unite. We regularly consult and negotiate with our employees on workplace matters ranging from working conditions to pay.
• Regular in-person meetings, including all-staff away days, retreats and directorate strategy days to create connected teams.
• 8% non-contributory pension invested with NEST and their green funds.
• A health care plan with Bupa.
• An employee assistance programme: advice and support, lifestyle discounts and short-term counselling.
• Death in service cover of 3x salary.
• 25 days’ annual leave (increasing with length of service) plus office closure at the end of the year, ensuring everyone gets time to switch off together.
• Enhanced family leave pay: up to 18 weeks paid at 90% for either parent.
• Enhanced sick pay starting at 5 weeks’ full pay from day 1.
• Season ticket loan and cycle-to-work scheme.

ShareAction values and respects all differences in people (seen and unseen) and welcomes applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries. We are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities, and we are working hard to provide an environment where all can bring their authentic selves to work. We know that some people won’t apply for a role unless they meet all the requirements listed in the job description. If this is the case for you, but you think you would excel in this role, we want to hear from you!

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 9.00 am on Monday, 19th January 2026.
First interviews: On the mornings of Wednesday, 28th and Thursday, 29th January 2026 (online).
Second interviews: On the morning of Wednesday, 4th February 2026 (in person at our London office).

To be considered for this post, you must be legally eligible to work in the UK; unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship.

Are you a creative and curious relationship builder with an interest in science and technology, and its ability to change the world?

University of Oxford’s world-leading Mathematical Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Development team is looking for their next aspiring fundraising professional, offering the chance to learn, grow and hone their skills in the role of Development Officer.

 Offering an exceptional salary and benefits package along with unrivalled opportunities for professional development, this is a unique early-career opportunity for a driven individual with fundraising, marketing or transferable relationship skills looking for a stimulating and nurturing learning environment.

About the role:

From climate science and robotics, to drug discovery and surveying and conserving tropical rainforests, Oxford scientists are at the forefront of international research and their work has global impact. You’ll join the country’s most successful higher education Development team working closely with academics and researchers with an international reputation for excellence.

You will help to raise funds for cutting-edge, innovative and life-changing research, scholarships, access and outreach, and a number of key capital projects.

You’ll also develop your skills and experience across a range of income streams: regular giving, stewardship, legacies and major gifts, including gaining experience facilitating gifts up to six figures.

About you:

You’ll already have some fundraising, business development, alumni relations, or marketing experience. We’re looking for you to be able to positively and confidently engage and build rapport, both in conversation and writing.

You’re naturally curious and keen to learn more about the potential for scientific developments impact world issues, and change people’s lives.

We’d also love to see you demonstrate the following skills and qualities:
Think strategically and tactically about the relations between potential donors and fundraising goals.

· Be creative in producing materials, with an understanding of how to articulate projects for donors.

· Able to manage, prioritise and adapt to a diverse workload, meet deadlines, and work calmly under pressure.

In return for your passion and commitment, you’ll receive a generous salary and benefits package, joining a supportive team that will encourage and nurture you to thrive. 

What we offer:

Your happiness and wellbeing at work matters to us, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:

· Flexible hybrid working

· An excellent contributory pension scheme

· 38 days annual leave

· Membership to CASE

· Training and development opportunities

· A comprehensive range of childcare services

· Family leave schemes

· Cycle loan scheme

· Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

· Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

 Application process

 · Click the link to ‘Apply’ and follow the on-screen instructions on our Application portal.

· Applications must include of a CV and a letter of application, in your own words (in PDF format), outlining your motivations to apply for this role, your relevant experience and how you meet the criteria of the person specification.

Only applications received before 12.00 noon on 14 January 2026 can be considered.

Interviews are currently scheduled to take place 22 January 2026, in person in Oxford.

Development and Alumni Engagement is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

Shape the Future of a World-Renowned Institution.

Director of Development
Employer: King’s College, Cambridge
Salary: Starting salary in the region of £90,000 – £100,000 with scope to go beyond for a leading professional with outstanding experience and track record.
Location: Cambridge, UK

King’s College, Cambridge is embarking on the next chapter of its long and influential history and is seeking a Director of Development who can imagine, articulate and drive a bold philanthropic vision for the College.

For more than five centuries, King’s has been a place where ideas, discovery and creativity flourish. Its Chapel stands as one of Europe’s great architectural achievements; its Choir is recognised globally; its students and scholars have shaped culture, science and society. The College is now looking for a development leader who can help secure the resources that will enable it to thrive for generations to come.

Joining King’s at a moment of real momentum, you will build on the achievements of the recent £100 million campaign and design the next strategic phase of fundraising. This will include championing initiatives that broaden access, strengthen support for students, enhance academic excellence, and protect the unique historic fabric of the College.

You will have substantial experience in securing major gifts, a confident and motivating leadership style, and experience of cultivating deep, lasting relationships. A key member of the leadership team, you will work closely with a vibrant global community of alumni and build new partnerships with individuals and organisations who share King’s commitment to excellence, inclusivity, innovation and positive societal impact.

King’s is a place that encourages independent thought, creativity and meaningful contribution to society. Among our alumni are Nobel laureates, world-changing scholars, and trailblazers. Central to our mission is ensuring that exceptional students, whatever their background, can flourish.

As Director of Development, you will be elected to a Fellowship of the College, joining a vibrant, diverse and dynamic community. This position offers more than professional advancement - it represents a rare opportunity to make a lasting contribution to an institution whose commitment to education and innovation has shaped the world for over five centuries.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 1 February.

First round interviews are expected to be held the week of 23 February with second round interviews the week of 2 March 2026.

Interested?

Please familiarise yourself with the attached Candidate Pack.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter.

King’s College, Cambridge is partnering with Constellate Global Talent on this search. No agencies please.

We are proud to be supporting the leading independent grant making foundation in the west Midlands and Warwickshire, in their search for a Chief Operating Officer.

They nurture philanthropy, connecting people who care with incredible causes that matter. They help unlock the resources to tackle local issues, and support people and communities to thrive across the region.

They are recruiting for a new position, a Chief Operating Officer, to support the CEO, having overall accountability for the organisation’s operations. The COO will play a pivotal role in implementing their strategy, aimed at improving operational efficiency and diversifying income streams.

Chief Operating Officer 

£60,000-£65,000 + benefits  

Hybrid working, 2 days in the office in Coventry

The COO will ensure that ways of working are as effective as possible, enabling the team to meet their ambitions and modernise their internal operations and governance, freeing up capacity for the CEO to build strong relationships with donors and partners working with communities.

Key responsibilities include: 

• Play a central role as a member of the executive team in the overall leadership, strategic direction and governance of the Foundation. 
• Work with the whole team to implement the organisational strategy and business plan.

• Lead on the development of the grant making strategy, ensuring processes are efficient, compliant and deliver an outstanding experience for applicants and donors.
• Oversee the day-to-day operational management of the Foundation, ensuring systems, policies and processes are appropriate and effective.

• Oversee fundholder relationships, demonstrating value and impact whilst overseeing performance against programme delivery commitments.

• Oversee research, insight and impact inputs and ensure effective horizon scanning for emerging trends and technologies.

• Oversee HR and marketing strategies to strengthen the culture and visibility.

As COO, you will have a strong commitment to the mission and values of the foundation, with a passion for making a difference to the lives of people in the West Midlands and Warwickshire. You will need Senior management experience within a nonprofit, charitable or comparable grant-making organisation, evidenced by successful strategic planning and execution.

How to Apply 

To apply for the role, please upload your CV together with a supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) onto the Prospectus website via the link below.  
  
Please ensure that you have included a telephone number, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the recruitment timetable.  
  
If you wish to apply using an alternative format, please contact Prospectus.  
If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please contact our retained partners. 
  
At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record, are not part of any application you make, and that the consultants never see individual responses to the questionnaire. 

Recruitment Timetable 

Deadline for applications: Sunday 8th Feb (midnight) 

Interviews with Prospectus: 24th Feb – 2nd March

First stage interviews with the foundation: 17th and 19th March

Second stage with the foundation: 24th March

Head of Fundraising
Salary: £51,818 - £60,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week. Flexibility in working pattern, in agreement with line manager
Based: Any BBOWT Office with travel to other sites as required. Hybrid working available

The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust has a vision for “more nature everywhere, for everyone”. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. This includes you being comfortable bringing your whole self to work, and us co-working with the diverse communities we serve to ensure we are meeting everyone’s needs.

We’re looking for a Head of Fundraising who cares deeply about helping nature recover – and who values working in an environment where wellbeing, collaboration and balance matter just as much as results.

In this role, you’ll guide and nurture our fundraising programme across philanthropy, membership, trusts, grants and business partnerships. You’ll be part of a supportive leadership team that’s committed to sustainable growth, shared learning and creating the conditions for people and nature to thrive together.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading with purpose – helping secure the income that enables our vital work, with a focus on long-term sustainability rather than short-term pressure.
• Shaping a fundraising strategy that reflects our values and supports meaningful connections with our supporters.
• Supporting and developing a motivated team, championing wellbeing, professional growth and a healthy, collaborative working environment.
• Exploring values-led campaigns and new opportunities that feel authentic to our mission and respectful of supporters.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to Directors and Trustees, helping embed a positive fundraising culture across the organisation.

For all your hard work you can expect a great rewards package in return. In addition to being part of a friendly, skilled and knowledgeable team, passionate about making a difference, when you work for us, you’ll also receive

• Generous annual leave entitlement with paid birthday leave, balance days, urgent personal business leave and generous occupational sick pay
• Flexible working to achieve work-life balance
• Wellbeing initiatives including 14 qualified Mental Health First Aiders, YuLife benefit package - access to immediate and confidential help for any work, health, or life matters; 3x life assurance, online GP access, discounts and trade YuCoin points for gift cards
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and family-friendly policies
• Salary exchange pension with generous employer contribution
• Learning & Development Programme for all
• Membership to BBOWT’s, and The Wildlife Trusts’, Staff Network Groups for social interaction, peer support, mentoring and personal development

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience raising income in a charity or membership-based setting
• Demonstrable track record of successfully leading more than one fundraising income stream in a membership-focused organisation
• Confidence in growing high-performing teams and great at building relationships
• Brings empathy, positivity, and a collaborative leadership style

The closing time and date for applications is 11.59pm on Wednesday 28th January 2026.

Stage 1 interviews will take place the afternoon Wednesday 4th February 2026, second stage interviews likely to be 9th or 11th February 2026.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We want our people to be as diverse as nature, so we particularly encourage applications from people who are underserved within the communities in which we operate. This includes people from visible ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities (including those who are neurodivergent), the LGBTQ+ community, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and younger people. We are committed to creating an organisation that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.

BBOWT values diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We want every candidate to have the best chance of success as part of this process. In order to do this, we know that some candidates will need reasonable adjustments. You will be able to contact BBOWT Recruitment Team if there are any reasonable adjustments we can provide during the recruitment process, including completing your application.

No agencies please.

Location:  Hybrid working - Part London office-based and part home working. The post holder will work a minimum of one day a week in the office. 

Salary: £31,800 per annum 

Hours: 35 hours per week 

Closing date: Tuesday 13 January 2026 at 10.00am 

Interview date: Wednesday 21 January 2026 

This is a 6-month fixed-term maternity cover. 

Who we are looking for 

Breakthrough T1D is the UK’s leading type 1 diabetes charity, dedicated to funding research, advocating for change, and supporting the T1D community. A year into our exciting rebrand from JDRF to Breakthrough T1D, we’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Corporate Partnerships Officer to help us build on this momentum. 

An experienced corporate fundraiser or business to business sales professional, you will have generated income from partnerships before in similar roles. You will be target focused and able to use a wide range of corporate and commercial products to secure, retain, develop and grow long term income generating partnerships. You will be ever-curious, always seeking to improve your skills and adopt new approaches. 

Experience required 

You’ll have previous experience of: 

• working in fundraising or experience of working in an income generating position in a client facing role 

• developing relationships with key clients and individuals 

• managing multiple client accounts in a commercial and/or charity setting and maximising income from these through proactive stewardship 

• researching and developing new business opportunities 

• the development and delivery of compelling proposals, presentations and pitches 

About Breakthrough T1D 

Breakthrough T1D is the world’s leading charitable research funder into type 1 diabetes, improving lives until we find the cure. We are dedicated to our 400,000 strong type 1 community in the UK and work closely with our international affiliates across the world, including the US, Canada and Australia. 

You will find a vibrant atmosphere and spirited team at Breakthrough T1D, always striving to make a difference to people living with type 1. 

Employee benefits 

As an employer we offer: 

• Hybrid working arrangements 

• Flexible working and will consider compressed hours 

• Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays for full-time staff with leave increasing after three and five years’ service 

• Health cash plan that allows you to claim for some treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment 

• Season ticket and cycle loan 

• Pension scheme 

• Family-friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave at enhanced rates 

• Personalised training to suit your career aspirations and professional development 

Breakthrough T1D is an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age. 

At Breakthrough T1D we do understand that AI (Artificial Intelligence platforms like ChatGPT) can be a useful tool for candidates to assist in applying for our roles. We ask that applicants do ensure their authentic voice is present, and we look forward to seeing examples of your specific experience. 

This is an exciting opportunity to steer Asylum Aid at an important time in its 30-year existence. As Executive Director you will be responsible for delivering on our strategy for impact. You will oversee our work to increase access to expert, trauma-informed legal representation to those in the asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems and lead our policy and strategic legal work to achieve systemic change that contributes towards our vision.

You will line manage the Director of Legal Casework to oversee the provision of supportive and enabling leadership to Asylum Aid caseworkers so that they can continue to deliver high quality expert advice in complex cases, while being supported in their professional development and wellbeing. You will also manage and develop the work of our welfare advice team within the Westminster Advice Services Partnership and beyond, and work collaboratively with colleagues in the sector to build capacity and increase our impact. 

The ideal candidate, who may be legally qualified, will have experience of leadership in the charity/NGO sector and a sound understanding of the asylum, human rights and trafficking processes in the UK and the legal frameworks which govern the protection of refugees, survivors of trafficking and stateless people, and of the role of law in achieving system change.

We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about providing supportive and inclusive leadership to our expert team. You will be committed to our objectives and to the role which expert legal representation plays in enabling people in need of protection in the UK to obtain it.

As is the nature of this sector, the role may be exposed to a high volume of traumatic and distressing material and, whilst they will be supported by the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and surrounding team, the candidate should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of good self-care principles in an intense work environment and dissemination of those principles to junior members of the team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and strategy

·Be responsible, with the support of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO, for the development, implementation and monitoring of Asylum Aid’s organisational strategy

·Provide leadership and strategic direction at Asylum Aid in accordance with its aims and objectives, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework

·Act as external spokesperson for Asylum Aid, maintaining and strengthening Asylum Aid’s position as a leader in the refugee rights, statelessness and legal aid sectors;

·Work collaboratively with others in the sector to promote and strengthen Asylum Aid’s work, identify and establish potential partnerships, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework;

·Work collaboratively with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and Executive Leadership team to drive the implementation of the Group strategic framework;

·Ensure that all reporting and monitoring requirements are met to support fundraising, contract compliance and monitoring strategic impact;

·Support the cross collaboration of the Asylum Aid team with the Helen Bamber Foundation team and play an active part in the management of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group.

Governance  

·Act as the Data Protection Supervisor with responsibility for data protection and cyber security within Asylum Aid

·Together with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and designated safeguarding leads, be responsible for child and adult safeguarding within Asylum Aid

·In collaboration with the Director of Legal Casework, ensure compliance by Asylum Aid with all legal and regulatory obligations, including the Legal Aid Agency contract, the Immigration Advice Authority and Solicitors Regulation Authority;

·Lead on the preparation and presentation of quarterly reports on Asylum Aid’s activities, strategy and risks to the Asylum Aid Board, the Finance and Fundraising Committee and the People and Governance Committee;

·Lead on the preparation of the Trustees’ annual report and ensure that monitoring and evaluation systems are adequate to enable reporting on Asylum Aid’s activities and impact.

Management and Supervision 

·Responsible for line management of the Director of Legal Casework and Welfare Advice service coordinator, and other team supervisors as required;

·Together with the Group Director of People, responsible for Human Resources and implementation of the People Strategy within Asylum Aid, including development and implementation of HR policies and procedures;

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors, drive the effective management and supervision of the Asylum Aid team and ensure that they comply with relevant professional standards and accreditation;

·Foster a supportive and inclusive team culture at Asylum Aid in which each member feels valued and supported to develop professionally and to perform to the best of their ability;

·Ensure the team’s well-being and that self-care practices are established and work in tandem with the Director of Legal Casework and supervisors to ensure trauma-informed ways of working.

Policy & Strategic Legal Work

·Together with the Group Director of Policy, identify policy priorities and coordinate the preparation of evidence and briefings drawing on Asylum Aid’s experience and expertise to influence system change;

·Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with sector colleagues to support joint strategic engagement including policy advocacy and strategic legal work;

·Work closely with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors to drive changes in the UK asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems through strategic legal work.

Finance & Fundraising

·Work closely with the CEO and the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Finance Team to set and manage budget(s) and general financial matters for Asylum Aid

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and the Group Finance Team, establish systems for monitoring legal aid Work In Progress and billing, and securing casework income including legal aid, and inter partes income from judicial review cases;

·Work closely with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Fundraising and Communications Team to secure funding for Asylum Aid from a range of sources including trusts and foundations, corporate philanthropy and major donors;

·Ensure that Legal Aid and other income is maximised, and targets are achieved.                                   

Other duties

·Manage the recruitment and supervision of volunteers where necessary in collaboration with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Volunteers Coordinator;

·Support the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Facilities team to ensure the smooth running of the office and that the facilities meet the needs of Asylum Aid;

·Work outside normal office hours as required and travel in order to carry out the responsibilities of the post.

·To undertake any task that may be requested from time to time that may be consistent with the nature and scope of this post.

Essential Experience, Skills and Knowledge

•Experience of running a small to medium sized charity/legal NGO and/or legal department within the NGO sector (or other equivalent senior management role);

•Demonstrable experience of managing and leading a successful team and the ability to manage a growing team with mixed roles from team supervisors to administrative support staff, working co-operatively with colleagues to maintain transparency and effective working relationships within the team;

•Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds

•Strong understanding of good governance including legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities;

•Ability to work with a range of stakeholders from trustees to external partners;

•Experience of leading and/or participating in organisational strategic planning;

·Experience of legal policy work within the human rights field and /or of strategic litigation, whether as an NGO claimant or legal representative;

•Experience of managing diverse funding sources and setting and implementing budgets;

•Experience of working in a service delivery partnership with other organisations;

•Experience of fundraising, especially grants from trusts and foundations;

•Sound working knowledge of the law and policy as it relates to immigration,  asylum, human rights and modern slavery/trafficking;

•Demonstrable understanding of the asylum and human rights sector in the UK;

•An understanding of the barriers migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers face regarding access to legal advice, reasons why they may become destitute and why this makes it more difficult to access advice and support; and

•The passion for working empathetically and supportively with migrants, refugees, stateless people and asylum seekers.

Desirable Experience

·Experience of managing the delivery of frontline casework with people in the asylum or trafficking systems

·Experience of tendering for and delivering publicly funded contracts e.g. LAA or local authority funding;

·Working knowledge of Legal Aid Agency contracts, including the delivery of casework and billing under a legal aid contract in the immigration and asylum category and/or the public law category;

How to apply 

The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 10am on Monday 26th January 2026.

The website form will ask you to:

1.Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.

2.Upload your current CV

3.Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional, and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.

For an informal conversation about the post before applying, please contact Alison Pickup, the current Executive Director.

Selection Process

We will invite candidates to an initial online interview on Tuesday 10th or Wednesday 11th February, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interviews at our office in Old Street on Tuesday 24th or Wednesday 25th February.

We offer a guaranteed initial interview for refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration, provided that they provide some evidence of relevant experience or skills in relation to the essential criteria.

We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.

Eligibility

Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).

Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.

Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our approach to our clients, our volunteers and our staff, and we are an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer.

We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates because we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in.

We genuinely welcome and encourage applications from candidates from a range of backgrounds, especially people of colour, people with disabilities, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration or trauma and of the housing and welfare system, who are under-represented in our organisation.

We recognise and value the role of lived experience in meeting the needs of our clients and acknowledge the under-representation of people with lived experience of forced migration and statelessness in the advice sector. We value experience gained overseas as well as in the UK.

We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network and access other information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.

Please complete the form on their website to request support and they will confirm if they can match you with a mentor to support your application.