Chief fundraising officer jobs

Rape Crisis Scotland (RCS) is Scotland’s leading organisation working to support survivors of sexual violence, transform attitudes, improve the justice response to sexual crime and, ultimately, to end sexual violence in all its forms.

RCS has a rare and exciting opportunity to appoint a new Chief Executive to take the charity forward into its next phase and to lead us into a sustainable future.  We are looking for a passionate and experienced leader who will create an inspiring and compelling vision for RCS and be an ambassador in promoting the work of RCS, raising awareness of sexual violence and influencing policy makers and the public alike.

For further information about the role, please see the Application Pack.

At RCS, we offer:

• A warm, welcoming and feminist organisational culture

• Access to internal and external training and development opportunities

• A generous employment package, including 43 days of leave (pro-rata)

• Flexible/hybrid working

• A commitment to employee wellbeing

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and especially welcome applications from women of colour and those under-represented in the workforce.

Prospectus is excited to be working exclusively with our cliemt to help them recruit for their new Group Director of Fundraising. The charity is a London-based human rights organisation providing specialist care, legal protection, and housing support to survivors of trafficking, torture, and extreme cruelty. Founded in 2005, it features a Model of Integrated Care and includes Asylum Aid, a subsidiary focused on legal representation for vulnerable asylum seekers.  

Group Director of Fundraising

£70,000 to £80,000 per annum   

Permanent  Contract - Hybrid (UK based) with regular attendance at their London office  

The Group Director of Fundraising is a senior organisational leader responsible for driving ambitious, sustainable income growth and strengthening the reputation and external influence of HBFG. The post holder will lead the long-term fundraising and fundraising communications strategy, ensuring alignment with the Group's strategy for impact, and acts as a senior external ambassador to high level stakeholders, donors, and partners. As a core member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and strategic partner to the CEO, the Group Director has organisational wide responsibility for income generation, external engagement and long-term sustainability. 

They are looking for a candidate with demonstrable senior leadership experience in fundraising, development or income generation in a charity or mission driven organisation. They are looking for someone with a demonstrable track record of securing substantial, sustainable income (six & seven figures) across multiple fundraising streams. They are looking for a candidate with demonstrable experience leading impactful fundraising communications and commissioning high quality publications. The ideal candidate will have experience working with Boards or governance bodies and reporting on strategic income performance through a period of change. 

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 adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Firas El Dib or Ryan Burdock at Prospectus.

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 for 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.

As a local grant maker, Young Camden Foundation's grants processes and operations are key to our success. This role will suit an adaptable and organised team player, who is up for a challenge and keen to learn. 

You will lead and develop YCF’s significant grant-giving programmes, organising and improving the grants process, keeping donors in the loop, and communicating the impact of the small grants programmes, and coordinating support from the team to ensure this work is well supported. In this role you will oversee both YCF’s small grants programmes to members, and also YCF’s delivery of the Holiday Activities & Food Programme, which together amount to around £900,000 per year in grants out to Camden’s youth sector.

You will lead on YCF’s operations, including clerking to the Board of Trustees, ensuring timely applications and reporting to funders, and overseeing all aspects of YCF’s operations. You will be supported by our Operations & Administrations Apprentice. You will support the CEO across YCF’s partnerships, cultivating our pipeline of funders, including Trusts & Foundations and corporate donors, and spotting and supporting opportunities wherever you can.  

As a natural team player working in a small team, you will spot opportunities to support  YCF’s membership (especially regarding grants) and the other functions of YCF’s work. As a place based organisation, you will ensure you are known in the local community, and amongst our key stakeholders, including grassroots VCS partners, Camden Council, and our key funders.

Along with the CEO and the Head of Membership & Impact, you will support YCF’s partnerships, including with business neighbours, spotting opportunities to amplify YCF’s work. In this important and dynamic role you will lead on both, working closely with the CEO to also support fundraising and partnerships.

Main Purpose of the Role

Grants management:

· Grants management: You will direct and lead the YCF small grants programmes (including Small & Mighty Fund, Holiday Opportunities Fund and Heads Up Mental Health Fund, of around £150,000 p.a.), including leading on design and guidelines, engagement with YCF’s grants committee structures, and reporting back to Trustees and funders. You will lead on grants decisions processes and communications, as part of YCF’s membership offer. You will oversee all due diligence processes as part of YCF’s grant giving offer, and ensure smooth reporting cycles with grantees

· Strategic oversight of HAF: Strategic leadership of the Camden HAF programme, overseeing the HAF Programme Manager in the stewardship of this DfE programme, and retaining oversight of key deliverables, together with the Heads of Children’s Commissioning at Camden Council

Fundraising and reporting:

· Fundraising: You will maintain our pipeline of supporters, including of our grants rounds, and lead reporting for YCF’s grants and core funding to funders, supported by the team. You will ensure timely funding applications submissions Together with the Head of Membership & Impact, you will support the CEO in all fundraising for YCF and our programmes, including identifying funding and partnership opportunities, drafting bids and pitches, and so on.

· Reporting: You will oversee and deliver timely reporting across YCF’s funders. You will manage and be supported by the Operations Apprentice to ensure smooth and timely processes. You will ensure YCF’s monitoring and evaluation frameworks are fit for purpose. You will work with the rest of the team to ensure this function is properly and efficiently supported, and will proactively identify ways to more efficiently record and report on information to funders, including effective use of our CRM.

Operations and governance:

· Operational leadership: You will be responsible for YCF’s operational running as an organisation, ensuring our processes are smooth and fit for purpose. In practice, this may include supporting the CEO in operational and strategic planning, supporting budget oversight (and leading in the areas of grants). Supported by the Operations Apprentice, you will oversee YCF’s HR processes for onboarding, recruitment and so on.

· Governance: You will support YCF’s governance processes, due diligence and compliance, ensuring YCF is compliant with our charitable obligations, and ensure our policies are up to date and we are compliant with them.

· Board minute taking: You will take minutes of YCF’s Board meetings, and ensure actions are followed up with, and oversee the Operations Apprentice in the setting up of meetings and logistics. You will support the CEO and Chair with the preparation of papers, as needed.

Management and leadership

· Management: You will manage two important roles for YCF, modelling leadership at YCF, alongside the CEO and the Head of Membership & Impact

· Representing YCF: You will represent the organisation at a senior level at external events, including via speaking opportunities 

Please download the job specification for full details of this role, as well as our essential and desirable criteria, against which applications will be reviewed.

Location: Ideally London, but will consider other locations (There will be the expectation for 3 days in London per month and overseas travel)

1st stage interviews: 19th and 20th May (over MS Teams)

2nd stage interviews: 27th May (in London)

Step into one of the most exciting moments in The King's Trust’s history as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary and our most ambitious philanthropic campaign yet. As our new Head of Principal Giving, you’ll be front and centre of a bold national movement to unlock transformational investment for young people; today, tomorrow and for generations to come. This is your chance to support a £150m campaign and help shape and support our growing US philanthropic income stream, paving the way for long-term impact that lasts well beyond our golden year.

In this high-profile role, you’ll build powerful, strategic relationships with philanthropists, trusts, foundations and senior volunteers, inspiring 7 and 8-figure gifts that change lives on a national scale. You’ll bring creative energy, ambition and polished storytelling to every proposal and boardroom pitch, while working closely with colleagues across fundraising to identify, shape and secure the biggest opportunities. With a personal annual income target of £2m+, you’ll love the thrill of big conversations, bold ideas and raising sights as well as funds.

Joining us now means joining a milestone moment. You’ll help write the next chapter of The King’s Trust, building on 50 years of empowering young people and setting the foundation for the next 50. If you’re a confident relationship-builder, with experience in global fundraising, especially in the US, who thrives on vision, strategy and high-value philanthropy - this is your opportunity to make history with us.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Heads of Principal Giving? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives, and we couldn’t do this without the important work of our Heads of Principal Giving! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events, etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

Based at the heart of South Leeds, The Hunslet Club has been helping young people achieve their full potential for over 85 years. With a membership of 4000 young people and around 87,000 individual visits, we are one of the largest youth organisations in the country, dedicated to helping young people aged 18 months to 25 years. The club provides a safe space with diverse activities, including football, rugby, dance, boxing, gymnastics and youth clubs alongside alternative education, and vocational training.

Job TitlePhilanthropy Manager

Reporting to Chief Executive Officer

Location The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road, Leeds, LS10 1BP / Hybrid Working

Salary                          £40K - £50K depending on experience.

Role

We are looking for a successful Philanthropy & Fundraising Manager with a proven track record in face-to-face major donor fundraising, or an individual with outstanding transferable skills and experience of working within the charity sector. The individual must thrive on building trusted relationships and be confident in securing significant philanthropic gifts by successfully securing complex, high-value partnerships over the line.

Management Supervision and Guidance

You will be responsible to the CEO for your daily tasks and duties, and ELT in any other matters.

Purpose
The Philanthropy Manager will create and drive The Hunslet Club’s fundraising strategy by cultivating and securing significant philanthropic support a new capital project to expand opportunities for young people across South Leeds. This role is central to building meaningful, long-term relationships with individual donors, trusts, foundations and partners, translating their passion for youth development into transformational investments that strengthen programmes, increase participation and create sustainable impact. The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with confident stewardship, ensuring that funding growth aligns with The Hunslet Club’s mission to help young people achieve their full potential.

Duties and responsibilities

The Philanthropy & Fundraising Manager will work on a full-time basis, or part-time on a pro-rata basis. The primary responsibility of the role is to secure £700,000 and above in philanthropic income over a 18 month period. This will be achieved through identifying, researching and cultivating individual donors, corporate supporters, trusts, foundations and strategic partners, using research tools and publicly available information to build and manage a strong portfolio of prospects, particularly those with an interest in supporting young people and communities.

To be successful, the postholder will develop an excellent understanding of The Hunslet Club, its mission and its inspirational youth and community work, and will help to develop and articulate a compelling case for support. The role will involve achieving a clearly defined set of Key Performance Indicators, providing high-quality stewardship to maximise donor retention, and maintaining, developing and leveraging existing relationships with current supporters. The postholder will work closely with colleagues across the organisation, including Executive/Senior Leadership and Trustees, to ensure effective involvement in fundraising activity where appropriate.

The successful candidate will organise suitable events and cultivation opportunities to build long-term relationships with potential supporters. Attendance at events, meetings and conferences will be required, with support from Executive/Senior Leadership and Trustees.

The successful candidate will also be expected to volunteer at a minimum of three cross-club community events per year and to carry out other reasonable duties as requested by the Executive Leadership Team.

Who we are and why we are needed

The Fore is creating a society that solves its own problems. Each year we provide funding and skills to the best grassroots charities and social enterprises in the UK and we are growing. 

Across the UK, talented people within communities are building practical solutions to our most complex challenges – from poverty and mental health to education, exclusion and sustainability. However, the vast majority of these solutions do not achieve their potential to drive wider change across society because of failures in how the funding system works. 

The Fore is the UK’s only venture philanthropy fund that has cracked the code in how to identify and distribute funding to turbocharge grassroots innovation and catalyse change. Since 2017, The Fore has been backing the best small charities and social enterprises with astonishing results. So far over 50% of local organisations supported eight years ago have gone on to influence policy, shape national conversations and change lives at scale.

Currently The Fore is funding around 50 of the best charities per year and supporting hundreds of others with skills. However, as an organisation we need to do more. We are looking to scale our impact through two routes. Firstly, by increasing our work backing the best charities and convening and educating donors, and secondly by leading change in the broader funding system.

The role

In the next phase of The Fore’s development, it is a priority for the CEO to be able to concentrate on building the external profile and influence of The Fore’s work. Therefore, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) will play a central role in leadership as the organisation develops. The role translates strategy into delivery, providing oversight across grant making, partnerships, people, and governance, and ensuring the organisation can deliver on its ambitions while managing risk and capacity. We’re a small, agile charity so you’ll work across both high-level direction and day-to-day organisational delivery. In the next eighteen months, the COO will have responsibility for designing and delivering on a number of key strategic priorities, such as:

• ensuring the continued excellence of the grant and skills support we provide to the charities and social enterprises we back
• building out and refining existing activities and processes to ensure exceptional relationship management for our growing number of corporate and private philanthropic partners
• working with the CEO to develop the Partnerships Team to set it up for scaling and to meet the needs of new partnership models
• incorporating the use of AI into our systems and processes to streamline operations wherever possible while safeguarding the personalised experience we pride ourselves on offering all our partners.

Key responsibilities

Grant making and programme delivery

• Provides strategic oversight of the grant-making model, ensuring alignment with The Fore’s overall mission and priorities
• Acts as a senior advisor and escalation point for the Programme Team on complex decisions and delivery challenges
• Ensures that operational delivery reflects agreed strategy, including any shifts in focus, criteria, or approach

Partnerships and income

• Provides strategic oversight of funder relationships and income streams, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and capacity
• Supports colleagues to shape high-quality proposals, renewals, and reporting
• Ensures the organisation delivers on all funding commitments, maintaining credibility and trust with funders
• Ensures that The Fore’s external messaging and positioning are clear, compelling and aligned with partner priorities
• Acts as a senior escalation point for complex funder relationships or delivery challenges
• Supports the ongoing development of The Fore’s Pro Bono (skilled volunteering) offer, ensuring it delivers meaningful value to charities while remaining a compelling and well-structured proposition for corporate partners
• Leads the commercialisation and rollout of the Fore Index (a tool that allows organisations to put a £ value on their impact), securing partners and funding to support its expansion beyond The Fore’s portfolio

Impact, data and systems

• Holds responsibility for the organisation’s impact framework, ensuring it is credible, proportionate, and aligned with strategic priorities
• Ensures data and insight are used effectively to inform decision-making, reporting, and external positioning
• Ensures that insight and impact are translated into clear, compelling external communications to support The Fore’s positioning and influence

People and internal operations

• Holds responsibility for the effective functioning and integration of programme delivery and partnerships activity, ensuring teams are well supported and operating efficiently
• Leads and manages core operational staff, including the Head of Programmes and Impact, Partnerships and Programme Managers, and Partnerships and Programme Officers
• Manages performance, wellbeing, and retention, fostering a high-performing and sustainable team culture
• Works closely with the CEO and trustees to support the development and delivery of strategic initiatives, ensuring these are operationally viable and effectively implemented
• Holds oversight responsibility for The Fore’s physical office space and equipment, managing lease and facilities contracts
• Oversees IT and systems, managing contracts for IT support, Salesforce, and other platforms

Governance, compliance, risk and finance

• Oversees the organisation’s financial management, risk management, and operational governance, ensuring robust and proportionate processes are in place
• Working with the external finance team, provides oversight of budgeting and financial performance, ensuring alignment between income, grant commitments, and operational capacity
• Contributes to the development of board and committee papers, leading on operational, financial, and risk-related content to ensure clear reporting
• Ensures appropriate compliance and governance frameworks are in place across grants, partnerships, and operations (including charity insurance, policies, health and safety, safeguarding, GDPR and cyber security)

Experience and attributes

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior operations or programme oversight role
• Track record of translating strategy into operational plans and delivery
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
• Track record of developing and sustaining excellent relationships with stakeholders
• Exceptional people management skills
• Strong prioritisation skills and highly organised
• Demonstrable self-starter with excellent follow-through
• Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment with the ability to move between board-level thinking and day-to-day execution
• Takes pride in fostering a friendly, inclusive and productive working environment, with a positive and approachable style

Key details​

• Annual leave: 25 days leave, rising by 1 day for each year of service up to a total of 30 days, plus bank holidays and an additional 4 days during our Christmas closure.
• Location: Our office is based at Vox Studios in Vauxhall, London. We have a hybrid working pattern (three days in the office and two days at home).
• Reports to: CEO

CEO

• Salary for FTE: £62,000 - £75,000 dependant on experience
• 38 hours a week over 5 days (flexibility for right candidate)
• Home-based with travel for events and meetings

Reporting into the Board of Trustees, we are seeking an inspirational CEO for the PDA Society, who can lead with humility and curiosity, empowering and supporting our staff along the journey. They will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the charity and its staff and volunteers, and will oversee the development of our training products, research and support services, whilst ensuring sustainable growth in impact and income.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a trusted enterprise within the PDA community with a strong mission and a committed, values driven team. The successful candidate will be passionate about improving the lives of PDAers and their families. You will be energetic, creative and bring new ideas for enhancing the charity’s reputation, through nurturing existing relationships and developing new ones to achieve the charities goals. Our ideal candidate will have lived experience of autism, PDA or other neurodivergence although this is not essential.

Closing date for applications: Midnight on 22nd April 2026

Interviews with Trustees:  April / May 2026

Are you an outstanding leader, fundraiser and a natural networker? Do you want to help local communities to take practical action to make a difference to UK seas and shores? 

Sea-Changers is looking for a motivated leader to make a step change at a key point in the organisation’s journey. Sea-Changers’ vision is a future where the UK’s seas and shores are clean and healthy and marine species and habitats are protected. Our grants seek to support communities of Sea-Changers – people who care about the seas and want to take practical action to make a difference. Through our grants we enable diverse, grassroots and community-led marine conservation across the UK.

Doubling our income to over £300,000 in 2025 has catalysed Sea-Changers to move from a volunteer-led charity to a sustainable organisation with a dedicated staff team. To enable this, we are seeking to appoint our first Executive Director. This new role will work alongside the Co-Founders and our Board of Trustees and lead the transition from a volunteer-led operation to a staff-led organisation.

As a driven individual, you will build on our success — strengthen partnerships, expand our impact, and help more communities to protect the ocean. Supported by a strong group of volunteers and an impressive Board, the Executive Director will be comfortable working at both a strategic and operation level, and ‘hands on’. By the end of 2027 it is our expectation you will take full responsibility for the strategic leadership and overall operational delivery of Sea-Changers.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for the right individual. It is a chance to build on our success to date, to forge new partnerships with our funders, to motivate and inspire our inspiring volunteer team and to engage with our wide community of applicants. Through Sea-Changers, the Executive Director has the rare chance to deliver a lasting legacy for UK marine conservation.

Strategic leadership, increasing organisational income and managing a motivated team of volunteers are essential aspects to the role. A passion for the marine environment is key, as is a working understanding of UK marine policy. We want someone who passionately advocates for Sea-Changers, who can communicate confidently and credibly at all levels. You will champion our oceans and galvanise others. 

New Forest Disability Information Service provides a range of information, advice and practical support services to people affected by disability across the New Forest and surrounding areas.

Our team currently comprises: CEO, Operations Manager, 6 Welfare Advisors, Administrator and circa 20 Volunteers who staff our shop and provide first line information and support. All paid staff are part time.

In looking to a more secure and sustainable future, these roles are now being complemented by a marketing manager and this fundraising post.

With the exception of proceeds from our shop, our work is entirely supported by grants and service contracts.

Current significant grant funders are:

· National Lottery Community Fund

· Access to Justice Foundation

· Lloyds Foundation

We also have a rolling annual service level agreement with New Forest District Council for the provision of specific services.

Despite not having a dedicated fundraising function, we have a positive track record of securing such funding and have strong foundations on which to build.

In order to sustain and develop our service offer, we now need to adopt a focused approach to fundraising to both maintain effective relationships with existing funders and to diversify our income streams.

With the support of Lloyds Foundation we have recently benefitted from the contribution of a fundraising consultant. This has included an analysis of our position/needs and the production of a fundraising strategy. It has also included the provision of various tools and templates including an Excel-based CRM should this be required.

With room for some amendment from the successful candidate, this strategy needs to be converted into a SMART work plan and be implemented.

Priority tasks for the first six months would include:

· Engaging with our consultant to finalise the strategy

· Producing a work plan

· Create and secure agreement re our ‘case for support’

· Identify prospect Trusts and Foundations

· Write and submit a volume of applications to be agreed with the CEO

Our broad performance expectations are to secure a 2:1 return on investment in year one rising to a minimum 4:1 return by end of year three.

We anticipate this being a two or three day/week role and are open to discussion as to this being a freelance or employed position.

Worcester Students' Union 

Chief Executive Officer 

Salary: £62,000 - £64,000 per annum 

Working Pattern: Full-time

Location: Worcester

Contract: Permanent 

Atkinson HR is pleased to be supporting Worcester Students' Union in the recruitment of their next Chief Executive Officer. 

Worcester Students' Union (WSU) exists to represent, support, and enrich the lives of students at the University of Worcester. As a charity, everything they do is guided by a commitment to members, ensuring they have a voice, access to outstanding services, and a community they are proud to be part of. 

This is a genuinely exciting moment for the organisation. WSU has a fantastic opportunity to reshape its strategy and culture, supported by a dedicated and talented staff and officer team, and is determined to deepen its reach across a diverse student body, strengthen partnerships, and build on the energy and momentum that defines life at Worcester. 

About the Role 

As CEO, you'll provide overall leadership and management of WSU, taking responsibility for delivering its charitable objectives and ensuring excellent services for students. You will develop a sustainable, strategically focused organisation that is ready to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead. 

Working in close partnership with elected student leaders and the Board of Trustees, you will bring professional expertise to support governance, operational delivery, and long-term planning. You will lead a committed staff team, model the values of the organisation, and ensure that WSU continues to grow in reach, relevance, and impact across the student community. 

About You 

WSU are looking for a strategic and inspirational leader with significant senior leadership experience in a complex organisation, and a demonstrable track record of developing and delivering successful organisational strategy. You'll be financially and commercially astute, able to interpret data to inform sound decisions, and experienced in working constructively with Boards and senior external stakeholders. Experience within the higher education, students' union, charity, or membership sectors is desirable, though not essential. 

You'll be an empowering and energetic leader, someone who builds inclusive, high-performing teams, encourages creativity, and is willing to engage with operational delivery as well as strategic direction. You'll bring the ability to balance challenge and support, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability across the organisation. 

Above all, WSU are looking for someone with a genuine commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a real passion for working in a democratic, student-led environment. You'll believe in the importance of student voice, be able to communicate a compelling shared vision to a wide range of stakeholders, and demonstrate a lasting commitment to WSU's charitable objectives and long-term development. 

How to Apply 

Please click 'Apply' to be redirected to the Atkinson HR website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply. 

For an informal conversation about the role and application process, please contact Atkinson HR via. the information in the candidate pack. 

Key Dates 

Closing date: Midday, Tuesday 5th May 2026 

Longlist Interviews (Remote): Tuesday 26th May 2026 

Final Stage Interviews (In-person, Worcester): Monday 1st June 2026 

We are looking for a strategic, values-driven and collaborative Charity Director/CEO to lead DS Achieve (a small charity) through its next stage, building on strong foundations to ensure long-term sustainability and meaningful impact for the families we support.

This is a rewarding opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of a small community-focused charity supporting children and young people with Down Syndrome. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership, guide the development of the organisation, and support a committed team to deliver high-quality services for families across Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.

Please see the attached Role Profile for details.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate and driven team where your work will make a real and measurable impact. In this role you’ll play a key part in making a measurable difference, building strong relationships, and contributing to the organisation’s wider goals.

You’ll be trusted to take ownership of your work, collaborate with a range of audiences and bring fresh ideas that help us grow and improve. We’re looking for someone who is motivated, value‑driven and eager to develop their skills in a supportive, forward‑thinking environment where initiative is encouraged and success is celebrated.

Key Responsibilities:

Community Fundraising & Income Generation

• Proactively develop, manage and grow a portfolio of community supporters, groups, schools, businesses and individuals across the London region
• Work with the Senior Community Fundraising Manager to identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities, taking a creative and proactive approach to growing income and engagement
• Support and motivate fundraisers to achieve their goals, providing excellent stewardship and a positive supporter experience
• Work towards agreed income and activity targets, monitoring progress and adapting plans as needed

Relationship Building & Engagement

• Build strong, long-term relationships with new and existing supporters, acting as a passionate ambassador for the charity
• Develop trusted relationships with our families, support them with their fundraising, and signpost them to other ways they can support the charity
• Build strong, effective working relationships with House teams across London, working closely together to ensure families’ best interests are at the heart of what we do and to maximise opportunities for income and engagement
• Build effective working relationships with the House teams across London
• Represent Ronald McDonald House Charities UK at events, meetings and fundraising activities across London, delivering presentations and ensuring we maximise PR opportunities
• Deliver clear, compelling messages about the charity’s impact, inspiring supporters to get involved

Working with others

• Interact with families supported by the charity in a sensitive, compassionate and appropriate manner, respecting confidentiality as needed
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Engagement, Family Services, and other teams to maximise impact
• Contribute ideas, insight and learning to support continuous improvement across the Engagement Directorate

Planning, Events & Administration

• Manage budgets and resources effectively, ensuring fundraising activity is well planned and cost-effective
• Maintain accurate records on the CRM database, including supporter interactions, income and activity reporting
• Produce regular reports on activity, income and KPIs against targets

Person Specification:

Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrable experience of achieving or exceeding six figure targets in a relationship‑led fundraising role
• Experience of working in a customer-facing, supporter-facing or community-facing role, building and managing positive relationships with a diverse range of people and groups
• Experience of developing and delivering plans and budgets, monitoring progress and reporting against objectives and financial targets
• Experience of using a database or CRM system to carry out day-to-day administrative and reporting duties
• Experience of organising events, campaigns or community activities
• Experience of working independently while contributing effectively as part of a wider team.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the confidence to positively persuade, motivate and inspire a wide range of audiences and stakeholders
• Confident in setting up, attending and following up meetings to secure engagement and support
• Confident in creating and delivering presentations in a range of settings
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and confidence using a CRM database
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities within agreed budgets and timeframes
• Self-starter, with a can-do attitude and the ability to manage own workload
• A collaborative, kind and adaptable approach when working with colleagues, supporters, volunteers and families
• Able to interact with families in a sensitive, compassionate and appropriate manner, recognising the emotional context of their experiences
• Willingness and ability to work outside of normal working hour (evenings and weekends) travel across the wider UK as required

Head of Legal and Compliance

Contract type: Permanent, Full Time – 35 hours per week

Location: London, UK

UK hybrid working – a minimum of 40 % of working time is spent face-to-face (London office, external meetings or travel). 60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person.

Salary: Salary: £71,481 per year with excellent benefits.

We offer competitive, market-aligned starting salaries. While most roles are offered at the advertised starting salary, we may adjust this in exceptional cases depending on a candidate’s experience, skills, and potential.

Change starts with water. Change starts with you.

Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.

About WaterAid

We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.

About the team

The Head of Legal & Compliance sits within the Finance, Technology, Strategic Planning, Legal & Compliance Directorate and reports directly to the Executive Director of Finance, Technology, Strategic Planning, Legal & Compliance. You will manage Data Protection Manager, Fundraising Compliance Manager, Legal Counsel, Governance Officer.

About the role

As our WaterAid UK Head of Legal & Compliance, you will lead the Legal, Data Protection and Fundraising Compliance team in providing advice, support and challenge to ensure WaterAid complies with all applicable regulations and legislation

and follows best practise. You will work closely with Trustees and Directors Team to drive sustainable change.

In this role, you will:

• Provide sound legal support and specialist advice to all levels of the organisation for contracts between WaterAid UK and third parties (including commercial contracts, contracts for services including consultancy contracts, fundraising contracts, donor/grant agreements and agreements with implementing partners, as well as media Intellectual Property and IT agreements).
• Prepare, negotiate and advise on commercial and legal matters relating to complex matters.
• Support the organisation to review contracts, to recognise and respond to risk, especially in relation to restricted income funding contracts.
• Lead and manage the main point of contact for all legal queries across WaterAid, referring to external advice only when necessary.
• Champion WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding.

Requirements

To be successful, you will need:

• A qualified solicitor (English law) with significate post-qualification experience.
• A combination of commercial and contract law and practice experience. Legal experience gained in–house and private practice environment, including in international organisations, the charity sector experience is preferred but not essential.
• Proactive approach to identifying legal risks and providing pragmatic and balanced solutions, manage expectations; maintain confidentiality at all times and display high ethical standards.
• Ability to build credibility quickly and communicate effectively across different cultures and business needs with good written communication skills, able to convey information clearly and accurately.

Closing date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on Monday 4th May. Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 11th May and week commencing 18th May.

Shortlisting will be scheduled on a rolling basis, and the role may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found. Therefore, we encourage you to apply at an early stage.

How to apply: Click Apply to upload your CV only and Cover Letter.

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?

At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.

Pre-employment screening

To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Benefits

• 36 days’ holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays)
• Option to buy an extra 5 days’ annual leave
• Employer pension contribution up to 10 %
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Season ticket loan
• Free annual eye tests
• ‘Give as you Earn’ charitable giving scheme
• Enhanced parental leave (maternity, adoption/surrogacy, shared parental and paternity)
• Sabbaticals
• One paid volunteer day each year

As part of our annual leave policy, all employees receive three additional days of annual leave on top of their standard allocation of 25 days. These days are designated to cover the period when our UK office closes between Christmas and New Year, allowing all UK WaterAiders to take a well-deserved break.

These days are automatically scheduled and cannot be changed or moved. Annual leave is accrued based on your start date. If sufficient leave has not been accrued by the time of the closure, the 3 days will be taken as unpaid leave or pro-rated, depending on your circumstances.

Our People Promise

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.

Safeguarding

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).

Together, we’ll change the world through water.

Join us and be part of the change!

Lead a Grassroots Organisation Powering Community Change in South London

Chief Executive - Loughborough Junction Action Group (LJAG)

Location: Community-embedded, Lambeth (with flexibility)
Salary: £60,000 full-time equivalent (pro-rata for part-time)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 4 days per week

About Loughborough Junction Action Group

Loughborough Junction Action Group (LJAG) is a deeply rooted, community-led charity working to improve lives in one of Lambeth's most diverse and unequal neighbourhoods. Since its inception in 2012, LJAG has grown from a volunteer-led grassroots group into a trusted local organisation delivering impactful projects across play, food, environment, employability and community connection.

LJAG exists to empower and unite local people through bold social action. The work is grounded in participation, lived experience and inclusion - ensuring that those most affected by inequality are central to shaping solutions. With an annual income of c.£600k, a committed staff team, and strong local partnerships, LJAG punches well above its weight and plays a vital role in the social fabric of Loughborough Junction.

The organisation is now entering a pivotal new phase. Core systems and structures have recently been stabilised, and the Board is seeking its first permanent Chief Executive to help embed this transition, reconnect people and projects, and lead LJAG confidently into its next chapter.

What You Can Look Forward To

As Chief Executive, you will shape the future of a grassroots organisation with deep local trust and ambitious social purpose.

You will:

• Lead LJAG through its next stage of organisational maturity, embedding new systems while safeguarding culture, warmth and humanity
• Set a clear, optimistic strategic direction that reconnects teams, strengthens collaboration and builds shared purpose
• Champion community empowerment and equity, ensuring LJAG remains rooted in lived experience and local voice
• Strengthen financial sustainability, diversifying income and building confidence with funders, partners and commissioners
• Build and nurture a healthy, inclusive organisational culture, where people feel safe, valued and supported to do their best work

Why This Role Matters

• LJAG is a trusted, visible force in a neighbourhood facing deep structural inequality
• The organisation has reached a critical transition point - this role shapes what comes next
• You will lead with real proximity to community
• The Board is committed, reflective and supportive
• Your leadership will have tangible, everyday impact on people's lives

About You

LJAG is seeking a CEO who leads with clarity and humanity. This role requires emotional intelligence, presence and trust-building alongside strategic and operational capability.

Skills and Experience

• Senior leadership experience, ideally as a CEO or in a comparable role within a charity, community organisation or values-led environment
• A strong track record of leading change, embedding new ways of working alongside trustees and staff.
• Confidence operating at Board level and managing governance relationships
• Sound operational knowledge, including safeguarding, people management, compliance and systems development
• Experience of fundraising and income diversification (grants, partnerships, trading or commissioning)
• Ability to communicate impact clearly and compellingly to funders, partners and stakeholders

Sector background is less important than values alignment, judgement and transferable leadership skill.

Personal Attributes

• Emotionally intelligent - and self-aware
• Approachable and visible across our projects and sites,
• Grounded and authentic
• Clear and confident, able to set boundaries, delegate and make decisions
• Resilient and adaptable, comfortable holding complexity and navigating challenge
• Deep commitment to equity, inclusion and community-led practice

Recruitment Timeline

To ensure fairness, transparency and equitable access to information, LJAG will host a candidate Q&A webinar in place of individual informal conversations with the Chair or Trustees. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Tuesday 21st April 2026 and we will send you a link.

Application Deadline: 5pm Wednesday 6th May
First Interviews: w/c 18th May
Final Interviews: w/c 25th May

How to Apply

Charity People Ltd is acting as recruitment adviser to Loughborough Junction Action Group on this appointment. To apply, please submit a CV and supporting statement (or alternative format) to Senior Appointments at Charity People and request a candidate pack in the first instance.

For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala at Charity People

We are committed to making this process inclusive and welcoming. If you require any adjustments or would like to apply in a different format, please let us know so we can support you fully.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.

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.