Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The COO will translate BLiM's mission and strategy and ensure its well-run, properly resourced, with its ambitious day-to-day delivery. You will free the CEO to focus on strategic leadership and external influence by owning operations, people management, financial oversight and internal systems.
The COO will be a senior leader who shapes organisational culture, makes operational decisions, manages complex stakeholder relationships and drives the performance of a passionate, high-commitment team. You will be the person the organisation looks to when it needs clarity, stability and momentum.
The COO joins at a moment of leadership transition following the departure of BLiM's co-founder and Director of Operations.
Why Join Us:
Black Lives in Music (BLiM) is a not-for-profit dedicated to advancing racial equity across the UK music industry. We amplify the voices of Black artists, music professionals and communities; drive systemic change; and hold the industry accountable for meaningful progress. Through research, advocacy, programming and strategic partnerships, BLiM creates the conditions for Black talent to thrive.
BLiM has published ground-breaking research including the Being Black in the UK Music Industry report, produced the UK's first Black classical music festival in Classically Black, influenced government policy on live music licensing, and built a network of over 100 partner organisations across the four nations. BLiM is now entering a new phase of its development, with a strengthened leadership team, a Target Operating Model designed to carry the organisation beyond its founding era, and an ambition to become the UK's most influential voice for racial equity in music.
Person Specification
Essential
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Significant experience in a senior operational leadership role, ideally as a COO, Head of Operations or Director of Operations in a charity, social enterprise or purpose-driven organisation.
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Demonstrable track record of building and improving operational infrastructure: systems, processes, policies and ways of working that make organisations more effective and resilient.
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Proven people management experience, including line management of senior staff, performance development, recruitment and team culture-building.
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Strong financial literacy, including experience of budget management, grant compliance, financial reporting and working with a board finance function.
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Experience of leading or supporting governance processes, including board reporting, risk management and compliance.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex operational information into clear, accessible reports and presentations for senior stakeholders.
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A genuine, demonstrable commitment to racial equity and an understanding of the specific systemic barriers faced by Black professionals, artists and communities.
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The emotional intelligence and interpersonal skill to lead with care, build trust quickly and navigate complex relationships under pressure.
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The resilience and adaptability to thrive in a small, fast-paced, mission-driven organisation where the work is varied, the stakes are high and no day is the same.
Desirable
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Experience of working in or with the music industry, creative industries or arts and culture sector.
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Familiarity with Arts Council England funding frameworks, charity law and the regulatory environment for non-profit organisations.
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Experience of implementing or managing a CRM system, project management platform or other operational technology.
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Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) frameworks and how to embed inclusive practice into operational systems and culture.
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Experience of leading an organisation through a period of significant change, transition or growth.
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An existing network within the UK music sector, creative industries or racial equity and social justice space.
At BLiM, we're interviewing on a rolling basis, so we'd encourage you to apply sooner rather than later!
To be considered for a first interview, please include a Cover Letter with your application. This initial conversation will be relaxed and informal, and we'll take you through the full interview process together so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
To drive transformational, systemic change across the UK music sector, ensuring every person regardless of background.
Thank you!
At Buttle UK, we believe poverty and crisis should never define a child’s future.
For more than 70 years, Buttle UK has supported children and young people across the UK facing poverty, trauma and complex challenges. Now with an ambitious new 2025–2030 strategy, they are entering an exciting new chapter, growing their impact, amplifying their voice and investing in the partnerships that will help change children’s lives for the long term.
This is a rare opportunity to join the organisation at a pivotal moment as their new Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships.
Working closely with the Director of Fundraising & Communications, you’ll lead high-value fundraising across major donors, trusts and foundations and corporate partnership, shaping the future of income generation at Buttle UK while leading and inspiring a talented team.
If you’re someone who combines strategic thinking with exceptional relationship-building and you’re motivated by creating meaningful change for children and young people, we’d love to hear from you.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll lead the development and delivery of ambitious fundraising strategies designed to drive sustainable income growth and deepen supporter engagement.
You’ll personally manage a portfolio of high-value supporters and partners, cultivating transformational relationships with high-net-worth individuals, trusts, foundations and corporate organisations.
Alongside this, you’ll:
- Lead and develop a team of four fundraisers
- Build innovative stewardship and cultivation journeys
- Identify and secure new strategic partnerships
- Develop fundraising systems, pipelines and KPIs
- Work closely with senior leadership to shape organisational strategy
- Champion collaborative, values-led fundraising
- Help embed co-production and safeguarding within fundraising activity
This is a role for someone who enjoys balancing strategy with hands-on relationship management and who thrives in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.
What we’re looking for
We know great candidates don’t always tick every box, and we’d still encourage you to apply if this role excites you.
That said, we’re particularly keen to hear from people who bring:
- Significant experience managing high-value fundraising relationships
- A proven track record of securing six and seven-figure gifts
- Experience across major donors, trusts/foundations and/or corporate partnerships
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing high-performing teams
- Excellent communication and influencing abilities
- Strategic thinking alongside strong operational delivery
- A collaborative and compassionate approach
- A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people experiencing poverty
Why join Buttle UK?
This is an organisation that genuinely lives its values: child-focused, empathetic, responsive, collaborative and accountable.
You’ll be joining a team deeply committed to creating equitable opportunities for children and young people while also creating a supportive, inclusive and flexible working environment for staff.
Benefits include:
- Hybrid working
- 25 days annual leave plus Christmas closure and bank holidays
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and sick pay
- Employer pension contribution
- Employee assistance programme
- Life assurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Strong commitment to learning and development
Accessibility & Inclusion
Accessibility matters deeply to both Buttle UK and Valued Recruitment.
We’re committed to creating an inclusive and supportive recruitment process and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.
If you need any adjustments or support at any stage of the application process, please let us know, no request is too big or too small.
Interested?
Buttle UK is partnering exclusively with Valued Recruitment for this search.
To apply, please send your CV along with a covering letter (maximum two pages) outlining:
- why this role interests you
- what you would bring to Buttle UK
Key dates
- Closing date: 9am, Monday 22 June
- First interviews: Monday 29 June and Tuesday 30 June
- Second stage interviews (London): Monday 6 July
Recruitment Agency
1 - 5
An ethical recruitment consultancy shaking up the not-for-profit sector. Recruiting without compromise and representing talent unapologetically.
Thank you!
We are looking for a motivated and creative individual to join our Charity Team at an exciting time of growth and ambition. If you have a talent for writing compelling cases for support and a passion for turning ideas into funded projects, this is a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference to patients, families and staff across our hospitals.
This role sits at the heart of our income generation activity, securing vital funding from trusts, foundations and corporate partners. You will play a key role in delivering high-profile projects and campaigns, contributing to major fundraising appeals and helping to grow our brand-new Impact Fund, which is set to transform services across the Trust.
There is real scope to shape this role, build meaningful relationships, and see the direct impact of your work in improving healthcare environments and outcomes.
This is a full-time position, with flexible hybrid working available following successful completion of probation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.