Deputy Director, UK Funding / Dirprwy Gyfarwyddwr, Ariannu’r DU

We are now seeking a proactive and purposeful leader, as our new Deputy Director, UK Funding,

This role is responsible for setting the vision and overseeing delivery for our UK-wide grant making portfolio which offers larger funding to organisations looking to scale impact and shift systems, benefitting communities across the UK. The postholder will have accountability for over £110 million in grant funding annually, and play a central role in ensuring public money is used responsibly, strategically, and with transformative impact.

This is a crucial leadership appointment – you will be part of the Funding Strategy, Innovation and UK directorate leadership team contributing to how we design, and deliver bold, community-led solutions to meet the challenges of our time, aligned with our equity-focused funding ambitions.

We are looking for an engaging candidates who can provide clear leadership to this vital brief months. You will be responsible for representing the Fund and to continue to develop excellent relationships with senior level external stakeholders as well as actively engaging with and building constructive relationships with senior level colleagues across the Senior Management Team and all Directorates.

Candidates will bring senior grant making experience, a strategic mindset, and a people-first leadership style to drive excellence in deliver, and embed equity and sustainability across all we do. Wherever you are, you will provide a clear vision, bring a systematic approach to delivery, and have the capability to build personal credibility quickly. You will have excellent interpersonal skills, show credibility at Board level, and demonstrate strategic judgement. Importantly, you will bring a collaborative approach in working with our talented and committed teams.

Occasional UK-wide travel is required in the role.

Interview Date: Interviews will be held online on 15th October 2025.

Location: UK-wide - We have a hybrid approach to working, work pattern and location will be agreed with the successful candidate. The role can be based at any of our UK offices, these are Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Newcastle and Newtown.

If you would like to find out more about the role, there will be an online information session on Wednesday 01 October 10.30-11.15. Please contact us to book a space or to ask any questions about the recruitment process.

On application, please upload your CV and align your supporting statement to the criteria below

Essential criteria

• Significant experience of specific funding knowledge across a broad range of funding products and from identification of need, development of offer through to awards and learning.
   
• Demonstrable experience of relationship-management both internally and externally.
   
• influencing and negotiating skills to develop and enhance relationships with senior stakeholders across sectors, and work with non-executive Boards and Committees.
   
• Proven people leadership with an ability to communicate purpose and direction, enabling and developing teams.
   
• Operational delivery experience - maintaining highest quality and consistent standards across teams, budget, financial controls, and external partnerships.
   
• Experience of embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into all aspects of work.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of identifying and building significant, multi-stakeholder partnerships.
   
• Experience of working in a UK-wide context

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion  

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.  

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.)