Communication executive jobs

Do you have demonstrable experience of new business development? Have you personally secured six figure partnerships in previous roles?
We're recruiting a New Partnerships Manager to be responsible for proactively identifying, prospecting, and cultivating leads in key sectors to secure new 5-6 figure, multi-year corporate partnerships with local and national businesses.

What does this role do?
As New Partnerships Manager, you'll:

• develop a prospect pipeline to raise a personal income target which contributes to an overall team target,
• support the Senior New Partnerships Manager in the identification and cultivation of new corporate partnerships, accessing a range of income streams and budget holders,
• support senior team members in attending meetings with potential corporate partners, including preparing relevant briefs in advance,
• prepare relevant and creative applications and proposals for pitches for potential corporate partners,
• work closely with the Corporate Partnerships Team to ensure the transition between new business and account management is seamless for both Dogs Trust and the new partner.

First stage interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled for 16th and 17th March 2026, and will take place on Teams. Please note, this role is based at our London office, with office attendance at least one day per week and sometimes at short notice.

Could this be you?
To be successful in this role you'll have demonstrable experience of new business development, ideally in a charity setting, with a track record of securing six-figure partnerships. You'll be organised, articulate and credible, with a real appreciation of different budget holders within companies who may be interested in supporting Dogs Trust, and an understanding of different types of corporate partnerships. In addition, you'll have demonstrable experience of senior stakeholder management and negotiation skills, and you'll have the ability to write clearly and concisely, and to tailor written style to the needs of different audiences.

About Dogs Trust
We love dogs. That’s why we do whatever we can to make sure every four-legged friend gets the love they deserve. We’ll never put a healthy dog down, so our work is focused on helping dogs in need, supporting owners every step of the walk, and creating a better world for dogs in the future. It’s what we’ve been doing since 1891 and how we’ve grown to become the UK’s leading dog charity, helping 12,000 loyal friends find their forever homes every year.

To apply for this position please click the APPLY NOW button. Our application process requires you submit a personal statement explaining your interest and suitability for the role.
 
Dogs are incredibly diverse, much like the humans that love them! At Dogs Trust we value diversity, and we're committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce helps us to achieve our mission. Our colleague networks give our people a voice, acting as vehicles for real and meaningful change within Dogs Trust. We truly want to see every candidate shine throughout the entire job application process, interview stages, and during their time with us. If there's anything on your mind or any adjustments you may need, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way.

First Give

First Give is a national charity that partners with secondary schools to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to drive change. Through our structured programmes, students explore social issues, connect with charities, and take tangible steps to improve their community.

Empowering and equipping young people to meaningfully contribute to their community is a first step to addressing many of the challenges we face at this time of social disconnection and division. Our vision is of a more generous society where everyone is willing and able to give their time, money and skills to the causes they care about.

Corporate Parnterships Manager

We are seeking a self-motivated and driven Corporate Partnerships Manager to lead on growing and stewarding First Give’s portfolio of high-value funders. This role will focus on developing corporate partnerships and will also support our Campaign Board and major donor activity.

First Give is a small charity, with a growing fundraising team and big ambitions. You will therefore be someone who thrives in a start-up environment, brings new ideas to the table and is comfortable setting up new systems and processes. You will play a pivotal role in shaping First Give’s income growth, working closely with our Head of Philanthropy and the Director. This role will also support key engagement activities, including hosting donors at student-led Final events and facilitating employee volunteering at schools.

This is an exciting opportunity for a confident fundraiser and communicator looking for the next step in their career. Someone who thrives on strategy, storytelling, and social impact.

Contract: Full-time, 35 hours per week. Permanent.

Salary: £40K (+£2K London weighting if applicable)

Location: The successful candidate will be expected to work from our London office or attend in-person meetings and host donors at school Final events for two days per week on average. The remainder of the week can typically be worked remotely, with flexibility as required.

Reporting to: Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships

The students we work with come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and so do we.  We want to foster a diverse and inclusive culture, to empower our teams to achieve our vision drawing on the broadest possible range of experiences. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates from minoritised groups currently underrepresented on our executive team, particularly black and minority ethnic and disabled candidates.

Please download the candidate pack for more details, and don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like a chat about the role or any reasonable adjustments we can make before applying: contact details provided in the candidate pack.

Future Commissioning Policy and Public Affairs Lead

Contract: Permanent
Salary: £60,000 per annum plus pension
Location: Hybrid – home-based, with regular travel to meetings and team days in London and Sheffield

About the Role

Funded by ten prime providers, this is a senior policy and public affairs role leading a high-profile campaign on behalf of the employment support sector. The postholder will ensure that decision makers, policy makers, and commissioners clearly understand:

• The value and contribution of large employment support organisations as prime contract holders
• The strengths and impact of the prime provider model
• What is required to deliver effective future employment support programmes

The role will be managed by the CEO of ERSA, with the CEO reporting into a dedicated campaign working group.

This workstream will strengthen and add capacity to existing work being led by the ERSA CEO on future commissioning. It will enable ERSA to further and more effectively represent the interests of the employment support sector and the prime provider model across future national and devolved commissioning activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a coordinated policy and public affairs campaign
• Research, analyse, and interpret policy and commissioning developments relevant to employment support
• Produce high-quality reports, briefings, consultation responses, and policy submissions
• Build and maintain credibility with senior stakeholders, including policy makers, commissioners, and sector leaders
• Represent ERSA externally with confidence, authority, and credibility
• Work collaboratively with the ERSA CEO, campaign working group, and wider sector stakeholders

Person Specification

The successful candidate will be:

• An experienced policy professional
• Knowledgeable about the employment support sector and commissioning landscape
• Highly skilled in policy research and analysis
• An excellent writer, able to produce clear, persuasive, and evidence-based policy documents
• A confident and authoritative communicator, able to represent ERSA with gravitas

Reporting Line

The postholder will be part of the ERSA team and will report directly to the ERSA CEO.

Funders In Good is looking for a Programme Officer to join our programmes team and help deliver initiatives that support and grow social ventures.

Funders In Good provides capacity-building support, including training, diagnostics, tailored grants, and strategic support, to help social ventures enhance their growth and impact. By 2035, our goal is to help build 10 best-in-class community organisations serving Islam and Muslims in the UK. We back ventures and leaders who are contributing to our vision of a society in which commitment to God is flourishing.

As a Programme Officer, you will work closely with the existing team to develop and deliver high-quality interventions. You will support key areas of work within our programme framework, contribute to the delivery of ongoing projects, and assist in other important areas of the organisation, such as our Funder Community and core operations.

We are looking for an organised, experienced, and confident Programme Officer who is committed to our vision.

To apply for the role, please submit your CV and prepare a supporting statement (maximum 200 words per question), answering the following questions:

1. What resonates with you about Funders In Good’s God-centred mission and long-term approach?

2. How you would plan, deliver, and evaluate a cohort-based capacity-building programme.

3. How you would handle a disengaged venture leader while managing competing programme priorities.

Please read the Job Description for full details or to arrange an informal chat with the team. Please note the applicant should be UK based, as the role will require travel to London.

A fantastic opportunity for a senior finance professional who wants to work in a charity where the employees are as important as delivering the mission. This role might appeal to an established accountant or auditor who would like to learn more about managing operations such as IT, human resources, charity governance and transformation management. There is scope for this role to grow with you over the next few years.

In 2026, we will be introducing a new version of our CRM system and we’d like to migrate from Sage Line 50 to Xero. We’re looking for someone who’s enthusiastic about embracing and managing changes to our systems.

You’ll bring energy and enthusiasm to the team, ensuring financial functions are carried out efficiently, effectively, accurately and in a timely way. You will be supported by a knowledgeable and experienced team. You'll focus on managing and improving financial processes, ensuring that the Leadership Group have up-to-date and accurate records for reporting to the Board, preparing the accounts for audit each year and improving processes.

Ready to step into a national leadership role - and make an immediate impact?

Centre for Mental Health is seeking a highly experienced policy leader for a 6–9 month interim role at the heart of our organisation. We need someone who can operate confidently at senior level from day one.

You will:

• Lead and direct our national policy and campaigning work

• Translate robust research into influential, high-impact policy proposals

• Represent the Centre with ministers, parliamentarians and senior stakeholders

• Provide strategic oversight to the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition

• Contribute as a full member of our leadership team

We’re looking for someone with significant experience in a policy environment, deep knowledge of mental health and public policy, and a strong track record of producing influential analysis and building high-level relationships. You’ll be politically astute, credible in national debates, and committed to tackling inequality and promoting antiracism.

This is a great opportunity for an established mental health policy professional to take on a visible, strategic interim leadership role, shaping national conversations and advancing mental health equality at pace.

Please note that interviews will be held in person at our London office on Thursday 19th March 2026.

If you have the experience and confidence, with a readiness to deliver on the Centre's vision of mental health equality for all, we’d love to hear from you.

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most

At Home-Start Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow, we believe that childhood can’t wait. We’re a vibrant, community-rooted charity supporting families through the critical early years of parenting. Our volunteers and staff work side-by-side with families, offering emotional and practical support, building confidence, and creating lasting connections.

We are now seeking Finance Officer to join our passionate team and play a pivotal role managing our finance function and supporting governance and administration of the charity.

About the Role

This is a unique opportunity to manage the finances of a thriving charity, whilst also working closely with the Board of Trustees and the Senior Management Team to support governance and operational administration, and ensuring the charity is enabled to run seamlessly and deliver impactful support to local families.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day to day finances of the charity
• Provide timely and accurate management reporting, and preparation of year end accounts
• Produce financial information and data analysis for reports to funders and funding applications, as required
• Service the Board of Trustees and AGM in consultation with the CEO, and maintain Trustee records.
• Ensure Charity Commission and Companies House filings are up to date
• Ensure all operational policies are updated and reviewed on a rolling basis by the Board of Trustees
• IT & equipment management – maintaining fixed asset register and equipment logs, and managing the relationship with external IT support and software licenses
• Support the Operations manager with management of the office space, including ensuring accuracy of bills & meter readings, and managing the relationship with key suppliers eg EDF and our landlord

What You’ll Bring

• Full or part qualified or working towards a relevant accountancy qualification
• Experience of using a digital accounts package for bookkeeping (Quickbooks desirable)
• Experience of producing management accounts, budgets and financial information, and preparing draft financial accounts 
• Experience of servicing a Board level committee including minute taking, preparing agendas, papers and minutes. 
• Good written and verbal communication skills 
• Highly numerate with excellent analytical skills 
• Excellent attention to detail & accuracy in reporting detailed financial information 
• Strong planning and organisational skills with ability to prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines
• Team player - ability to work flexibly as part of a small multi-disciplinary team and on own initiative
• A genuine interest in the needs of children and families and delivering responsive family support that makes a difference to families’ lives.

Why Join Us?

• A flexible, hybrid working model co-designed with our team
• A supportive, inclusive, and values-driven culture
• A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of local families
• Excellent pension and generous annual leave

An exciting opportunity to join the Rank Foundation team in London or Penrith as Head of Impact, Partnerships & Place.

The Head of Impact, Partnerships & Place is a senior leadership role responsible for driving collaboration & partnerships and ensuring measurable social impact. This position combines strategic vision with operational excellence to advance the Foundation’s mission. Our mission is rooted in trust, respect, and a belief in the collective power to drive positive change.

The creation of the Head of Impact, Partnerships and Place marks a pivotal moment in our journey. It signals our ambition to deepen how we understand, evidence and learn from our impact, and to use that learning to continually strengthen what we do. The role will ensure our place-based work is shaped by insight, collaboration and long-term thinking, so that communities have the best possible opportunities to thrive. By building strong partnerships with funders and collaborators, this role will help us grow and scale our work in ways that are purposeful and sustainable.

Please download the Recruitment Pack for the full description of the post and further information. 

Key Responsibilities

Impact Measurement

o Design and oversee frameworks for monitoring and evaluating strategic outcomes.

o Prepare and present impact reports to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability.

o Support the wider staff team in gathering data to inform and underpin the Impact Framework.

 Partnerships Development

o Build and maintain partnerships with RankNet members, other funders, government, and community organisations.

o Negotiate and manage collaborative projects to maximise reach and effectiveness.

 Place-based Programmes 

o Lead the place-based programmes (currently Plymouth and Sunderland) and design frameworks for monitoring and evaluating strategic outcomes. 

o Collaborate with other funders and partners to achieve shared goals. 

o Represent the Foundation at local, regional, and national events that focus on place-based work. 

Community Engagement

o Develop and implement strategies to strengthen relationships with RankNet members, partners, and funders.

Strategic Leadership

o Contribute to organisational strategy, identify emerging trends and opportunities for social impact.

o Translate organisational strategy into clear, measurable objectives, ensuring alignment across teams and programmes.

o Manage strategic risk in relation to funders and partnerships, reputation and delivery, ensuring ethical, inclusive and sustainable practice.

 Advocacy and Representation

o Serve as the public face of the Foundation at funder and partnership events.

o Advocate for causes aligned with the Foundation’s mission.

If you would like to apply, please state the role you are applying for and send your CV together with a supporting statement no longer than 2 sides of A4 that clearly demonstrates how you meet the knowledge, skills, and experience requirements of the role to recruitment@rankfoundation. com 

To assist us in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, we would be grateful if you could complete our EDI Form.

The National League Trust is a registered charity and is one of a group of community focused organisations that are linked to professional football.  As a critical partner of the National League, the Trust supports the development of community projects at football clubs who are members of the competition.  

We are looking for someone who can lead the Trust, with a vision to use knowledge, influence and funding to improve the lives of those who benefit from the work of the organisations the Trust supports. This will involve change and shaping the Trust so that it is guaranteed a successful future.

As our new Head of Trust, you will lead a resilient, dedicated small team with a clear strategic focus on impact, innovation, strengthening standards and improving visibility. You will be guided by our values which include working with trust and accountability, learning, sharing what works and collaboration.  You will shape our direction, embed our strategic framework, strengthen relationships and ensure robust governance. 

We are looking for a strategic, relational and operational leader to take the Trust forward in its development over the next five years.  This includes:

• developing and delivering our strategy
• overseeing grant funding operations
• working to increase our unrestricted income
• raising the Trust’s profile
• growth of activity and impact.  

Critical to the role is building and sustaining strong relationships with key stakeholders in all sectors: including potential funders and other third sector bodies.

You do not need to have a background in football for this role. Your skills and experience can be obtained in any sector.

As Helpline Care Navigator (HCN), you will act as the first point of contact for individuals, families and health professionals across the North and North East region.

You will deliver compassionate, person-centred support and clear, practical information via telephone and email, ensuring people affected by PSP & CBD feel heard, informed and supported at every stage of their journey. Alongside direct support, you will actively engage with health and social care professionals, neurology clinics and wider partners to strengthen local awareness of PSP & CBD and enhance referral pathways across the region.

This is a key role in maintaining continuity, quality and momentum within our Helpline service during a period of maternity leave and you will be reporting to the Helpline and Support Services Manager.

Hours of Work & Annual Leave

• 35 hours per week -  this may include working some unsociable hours, including evenings and weekends.
• 28 days plus bank holidays. Pro-rated for part time role.

The main office is in Milton Keynes, and we have a hybrid working policy with most staff spending one day a week in the office and the remainder working from home. There is flexibility in the arrangements that need to be agreed upon with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities

• To be ‘first point of call’ for people with PSP & CBD and their families living in North and Northeast region including, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria, North Yorkshire, Tyne & Wear & Northumberland. Providing people with support and information over the phone and via email.
• To raise awareness of PSP & CBD across all health and social care disciplines in the region by engaging with HSCP’s and neurology clinics.
• To provide accurate information in all aspects of PSP & CBD in response to enquiries and signpost onto other organisations where appropriate.
• Ensure a maximum response to all helpline calls, emails and enquires.
• To keep clear and accurate records and statistics of enquires received and actions taken.
• To carry out a maximum number of proactive calls to people affected by PSP & CBD within the region as directed by the Helpline Manager.
• Develop and maintain the existing database of key health and social care professionals and regional services.
• Attend outreach events to build the profile of PSPA services amongst health and social care professionals.
• Work with the Director of Policy and Influencing to identify ways in which services and care can be improved for families affected by PSP & CBD in the region.
• To signpost to PSPA Support Groups and services.
• Liaise with external services to signpost to local support.
• Take an active part in the delivery and planning of information and support events, which may include the possibility of overnight stays and weekends.
• Liaise with the fundraising team to signpost to fundraising activities.
• Liaise with the Volunteer Coordinator to maintain and build volunteering in the region.
• To attend and contribute constructively to team and other meetings as required.
• To ensure the implementation of policies, procedures and quality standards as defined by PSPA.
• Contribute to the development of literature and articles for PSPA Matters.
• To undertake any other tasks, by agreement as required, in support of the work of PSPA.

The duties may be changed and/or varied to meet changing circumstances at the discretion of the CEO and Board of Trustees.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Experience in delivering helpline and/or information and support services
• Excellent listening and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to listen actively understanding different points of view
• Ability to keep accurate records
• Willingness to undertake training and continuing personal development
• Experience of and sensitivity to communicating with audiences from a range of backgrounds
• Strong IT skills, with experience in MS Office products and customer relationship management software
• Flexible and reliable attitude and the ability to self-organise and to work without direct supervision
• Good communication skills, both oral and written and excellent telephone manner
• Ability to manage difficulty questions, emotions and situations in a calm and confident way.

Desirable Criteria:

• Knowledge of PSP & CBD or other neurodegenerative diseases and/or experience of working in the NHS
• An understanding of Safeguarding and an ability to follow relevant policies and procedures
• Knowledge of healthcare or social care systems.

For more information about this role, please visit our website.

Benefits

• Pension Scheme
• Employment Assistance Programme

Join Us as our Operations Coordinator 

BeSpace is a small but growing Christian charity with a big vision to see a future where every child has space to develop personal tools to pray, reflect and grow spiritually throughout their lives, helping churches, schools and communities to flourish.

We have seen incredible impact through developing prayer and reflections spaces in schools across Oxfordshire. Since 2010, over 65,000 children have experienced prayer and reflection spaces led by local churches, trained and resourced by us. Currently 60 schools a year have one. Now, we’re building on this momentum to reach over 115 schools in the next three years and are preparing to grow nationally with developing contemplative retreats for schools.

About the Role

We are looking for an Operations Coordinator to cover adoption leave, likely for one year. This is a vital role in keeping BeSpace running smoothly and enabling our small but growing team to thrive. You will also, where needed, play a hands-on role in supporting churches and schools in our work. 

In this role, you will:

• Take responsibility for key operational processes including recruitment, HR, and volunteer management systems — not only maintaining them effectively but actively seeking ways to innovate and strengthen them, with guidance and support from senior leaders. 
• Manage finance administration, including donations, CRM (Beacon), and Gift Aid claims.
• Project manage BeSpace events and provide admin support to the team.
• Develop and maintain systems for impact tracking, GDPR compliance, and volunteer management.
• Provide communications and social media support.
• Where needed, support on-the-ground delivery of retreats and prayer and reflection spaces in schools.
• This role would suit someone with strong organisational and administrative skills, a passion for children’s spiritual development, and a willingness to get stuck into a wide variety of tasks.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Exceptionally organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Confident using IT systems and willing to learn how to use a CRM (Beacon).
• Able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Flexible, adaptable, and willing to work occasional evenings/weekends.
• Personally committed to BeSpace’s vision, with a strong Christian faith and a desire to see children flourish spiritually.

Experience in HR, finance, events, or charity administration would be an advantage, but we’re open to applicants with transferable skills.

Role Details

• Position: Operations Coordinator
• Location: Hybrid, travel required for in person team days 3 - 6 times a year and approximately 1 day a week into Oxford.
• Hours of work: PT 4 days a week. (28 hours) Flexible for the right candidate.
• Salary: £22,000 – £25,000 (pro rata) depending on experience. 
• Start Date: Monday 11th May 2026 

Why work for BeSpace?

We are intentional about developing an excellent team culture and an environment through which you will thrive, grow and succeed in your role. 

Your benefits include: 

·Generous annual leave – 25 days (pus bank holidays) per year, pro rata

·Additional time off between Christmas and New Year.

 Financial oversight, planning, and reporting

Review all financial transactions related to the ADB project on a monthly basis and ensure that they are correct including cost recovery, co-financing, bank balances, and coding.

Ensure the ADB project is up to date in the Grant Management Tracker, Co-financing Tracker and Cost Recovery forecast.

Prepare financial information for internal reporting, including contributions to quarterly CEO reports, monthly dashboards, and co-finance updates.

Prepare all ADB project donor financial reports and ensure consistency with internal data.

Prepare and submit other donor financial reports as required.
•
Monitor project and portfolio spending, flagging significant under & overspends in a timely manner to the Programme Finance Manager and Programmes & Partnerships team.

 Financial controls, compliance, and audit

Lead financial planning and monitoring for the ADB project, ensuring alignment with ADB compliance requirements and AKF(UK) internal controls.

Support the design and implementation of quality controls, manuals, checklists, and tools to ensure compliance with donor requirements (ADB and others).
•
Oversee compliance with donor and AKF(UK) rules on procurement, accounting, and project expenditure, supported by reporting, engagement with the field, and spot checks.

Maintain internal tools (including AIMS) to track active ADB grants as well as other grants, ensuring data on secured funding, cost recovery, and cash balances remains up to date.

Prepare for and support donor and statutory audits, with particular responsibility for the ADB project while also contributing to audits of other grants.

Maintain an up-to-date audit and disallowance tracker for the ADB project, while supporting the Programme Finance Manager in tracking audit issues across all grants.

Troubleshoot donor compliance or procurement queries, with emphasis on ADB but extending to other donor portfolios where needed.

Act as a resource person for ADB donor compliance within AKF(UK), while sharing knowledge and lessons learned more widely across the grants portfolio.

Support wider Programme Finance team capacity-building efforts, drawing on insights from ADB donor requirements and practices.

Grant financial management

In close consultation with the programmes & partnerships team:

Maintain accurate financial records and grant codes for the ADB project, while supporting the set-up and management of other grants as needed.
Ensure timely submission of cash requests and sub-grant agreements, in compliance with both ADB and AKF(UK) standards, and support the same across the wider portfolio.

Review budgets for ADB and other donor concepts/proposals, ensuring inclusion of AKF(UK) costs, compliance with donor requirements, and consistency with narratives.

Support the in-country project management unit (PMU) to ensure that the project is robustly managed and proactively support the resolution of challenges as they arise.

Provide training and reference materials for implementing partners and field staff on ADB-specific donor regulations, procurement, and reporting, while contributing to broader finance training across the organisation.

Provide technical support and guidance to implementing partners and country units, with particular focus on ADB compliance but also assisting with other donor requirements as needed.

Conduct monitoring visits and spot checks on the ADB project and participate in risk monitoring across the wider portfolio.

Collaborate with the assigned Senior Partnerships Manager to align financial management with programme delivery.
Carry out any other duties as assigned by the Programme Finance Manager or the Head of Finance and Operations.
The role will involve travel to countries in which we operate grants, particularly Afghanistan (security situation dependent). Normally this could be 1-2 trips per year.

Qualifications

CCAB qualified accountant (desirable).
5.2 Experience

3 years relevant experience in financial accounting and financial reporting

Experience of designing and managing effective administrative systems and procedures

Experience of managing finances for large-scale, complex donor-funded projects. Experience of working with multilateral development banks (ADB, World Bank, AfDB, etc.) is highly desirable.

Experience of budgeting, forecasting and cash-flow management

Experience working in international organisations or donor agencies, including field-level implementation, is highly desirable.
5.3 Skills

Good interpersonal, customer care and liaison skills with a wide range of stakeholders

First rate oral and written communication skills

Ability to work under pressure and to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines.

Ability to problem solve, working with both internal and external stakeholders to deliver results.
•
Ability to work in a multi-institution network within a multi-cultural environment.

Fluent in oral and written English

Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel

Excellent numeracy, financial analysis, and financial presentation skills

Ability to synthesise complex operational and financial details for reporting and presentation.

 Knowledge

Knowledge of ADB donor requirements and compliance frameworks.

Broad understanding and experience of development issues and organisations

Understanding of and appreciation for ADKN’s goals, values and ethics

Knowledge of charity accounting

Attributes

Committed to international development, improving the quality of life, and promoting pluralism through civil society.

Demonstrates equity, transparency, and integrity with high personal and organisational ethical standards; is fair, honest, and trustworthy with respect for confidentiality; inspires and builds trust and respect.

Respectful of diversity; sensitive toward others, open and understanding toward other people’s cultures, values, autonomy, and faiths; demonstrates compassion and empathy; is courteous to others with respect for their background, religion, gender, and age particularly when on international visits to the countries in which we operate.

Committed to acting ethically and upholding safeguarding standards towards all staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries of the organisation.

Behaviours

Communicates clearly and concisely, individually and across a broad scope of stakeholders and communities; expresses complex ideas and concepts in simple terms; listens to the views of others; changes communication styles to meet individual and audience needs; encourages dialogue and effective communication by others.

Builds, maintains, and deepens constructive and effective relationships with stakeholders, changes approach to achieve desired results if required.

Has a customer focused approach, is flexible and always puts the good of others at the centre of decision making; optimises the culture of volunteerism and respect for others and is dedicated to AKF’s purpose and fulfilling the mission.

Is a supportive team player, collaborates creating a culture of knowledge sharing and team learning. Is proactive in teamwork.

Inspires self and others to greater performance, professional standards and results; likes to get things done; accepts new challenges and opportunities to enable self-reliance and achievement of full potential; gives and receives timely balanced feedback.

Acknowledges creativity; adapts established methods for new uses; is focused on improving systems and processes; open to change; analyses, synthesises and challenges conventional thinking.

Enterprising attitude that is quick to search out alternative solutions to needs or problems; creates and participates in communities of practice to establish networks of problem solving and organisational learning.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Internal Relationships

AKF(UK) colleagues

External Relationships

Partner finance teams

Donor finance teams

FURTHER DETAILS

The role will be contracted on a fixed-term basis, for three years.

As well as a rewarding role with a global international development organisation, you’ll get access to a wide range of enhanced benefits including but not limited to flexible hybrid working, enhanced leave entitlement and access to several health and wellbeing programmes and benefits.

Auditors

We are currently seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Housing to lead our supported housing services nationally and help shape the next stage of our growth.

As Director of Housing, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across all of Life’s supported housing services. This is a key role within the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for ensuring our housing provision is high‑quality, compliant, safe and truly centred around the needs of our clients.

You will lead our national Housing Strategy, drive service improvement, ensure regulatory compliance, support organisational growth, and champion a culture of compassion, accountability and high performance.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Develop and deliver a national Housing Strategy aligned to Life’s vision and mission.
• Identify housing development and expansion opportunities, including partnerships with local authorities and commissioners.
• Support organisational business planning and future growth.

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Ensure full compliance with housing legislation and regulatory requirements including the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, HHSRS, safeguarding and Health & Safety.
• Lead regulatory audits, inspections and risk management.
• Provide assurance on compliance and viability to the CEO and Trustees.

Service Quality & Client Experience

• Embed a client-centred, compassionate approach aligned with Housing Ombudsman principles.
• Oversee effective complaints management, learning reviews and client feedback systems.
• Ensure properties and services meet high standards of safety, warmth and comfort.

Operational Leadership

• Lead housing management, income recovery, voids, repairs and maintenance, compliance and tenancy sustainment.
• Ensure effective escalation of tenancy breaches and safeguarding practices.
• Work closely with Life’s Helpline services around referral and allocations.

Financial & Asset Management

• Oversee rental income, arrears, void control and financial performance.
• Manage contracts, grants and local authority funding.
• Ensure major works, planned maintenance and statutory compliance are delivered effectively.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead and support Housing Managers, support teams and frontline workers.
• Foster a positive culture of accountability, inclusion and high standards.
• Support staff development and performance.

Partnership Management

• Build strong relationships with local authorities, property professionals, contractors, funders and other key partners.
• Represent Life at external forums and sector networks.

About you:

Essential

• CIH Level 5 (or equivalent) qualification
• Senior leadership experience in supported housing, social housing, or homelessness services
• Strong knowledge of housing law, tenancy management and regulatory compliance
• Understanding of Housing Ombudsman standards and consumer regulations
• Experience in strategic planning, service development and organisational growth
• Budget management and financial performance experience
• Experience with property maintenance, asset management and compliance
• Strong safeguarding knowledge
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
• UK driving licence and access to a car

Desirable

• Experience supporting vulnerable women or family services
• Charity/third sector leadership experience
• Experience securing funding or development partnerships

About Life: 

Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish. 

Our services include:  

• Supported housing and community support   
• Counselling and skilled listening   
• Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies  

Our values :

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values: 

• Humanity – All people are special and equal 
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you 
• Community – We’re better together 
• Charity – Doing good for one another 
• Common good – Building a better world 

Information about the role: 

For further information, please see the attached job description. 

Salary: £45,750 per annum

Hours: 32 hours per week

Location: Home based with extensive travel across the South of England

Benefits:  

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:  

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours) 
• Birthday Leave  (applicable after 1 years service)
• Additional annual leave for long term service  
• Company Pension Scheme  
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge 

Safeguarding and Equality: 

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.   

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.  

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.  

The Opportunity 

The Finance and Operations Manager will provide financial expertise and support the Head of Finance & Operations (HFO) to deliver high quality financial management in budgeting, forecasting, and monthly reporting.

The role will also support the HFO in the organisation's operations functions, ensuring that legal and operational governance is delivered on time and to a high standard, that SMF is is compliant in Health & Safety (H&S), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), insurance and other operational matters. The role holder will provide support leadership on the organisation's IT function and deliver training to all teams in matters concerning finance and operations. 

Location: We operate a hybrid model of work i.e. a combination of in-person and remote, with flexible days in the office depending on business need and your preferences. We would typically expect in-office attendance an average of one day per week.

When in the office you will be based in one of our regional offices (either Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Manchester or Newcastle – depending on preference and accessibility). This is where you will usually attend in-person events, training sessions etc. though some travel, to other offices and other locations, will occasionally be expected.

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: We are looking for the right candidate and while we envisage this being a full-time role (37.5 hours per week) we are open to flexible working arrangements such as part-time, compressed hours, flexitime and job-shares. 

Occasional/frequent evening or weekend work may be required, for which time off in lieu (TOIL) will be given. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Finance:

• Oversee the day-to-day financial management and cash flow of the Social Mobility Foundation (SMF) working closely with the HFO, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Operations team. 
• Ensure that our accounting software is consistently up to date with the correct information.
• Work with the HFO on management information to enable the SMT and trustees to monitor progress and performance, make effective decisions and plan for the future.
• Financial information to support income development including budgets, income tracking and analysis and funder reports.
• Support the development of the annual organisational budget with the HFO, in liaison with the CEO and management team and provide support in developing departmental / project budgets as relevant.
• Manage how the organisation applies and reports on VAT. 
• Alongside our appointed accountants prepare Year End accounts, end of project accounts, and work with the appointed accountants to ensure the Accounts are completed, approved, and filed on time.
• Manage and improve our financial systems and procedures, streamlining internal processes to ensure they are effective and safeguard the finances of the organisation.
• Devise and implement effective and efficient procedures, including the introduction of a purchase order system and a new ethical procurement policy.
• Maintain the payroll function of the organisation and be the lead point of contact with our external payroll provider. 
• Conduct reviews and evaluations for cost-reduction opportunities.

2. Operations:

• Support the Data Protection Officer (the HFO) for the organisation, in liaising with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) appropriately, ensure that all staff and volunteers are aware of and trained in the relevant Data Protection policy and procedures, and ensure that the organisation meets its Data Protection requirements.
• Support the HFO in overseeing operational matters such as insurance, H&S, buildings maintenance and asset register; work closely with the management team to ensure awareness, compliance, and procedures that are effective and efficient for staff and volunteers. Where appropriate, escalate concerns and issues to HFO.

3. Strategic Responsibilities:

• Work closely with management and trustees to provide and develop financial and operational expertise; contribute appropriately to the development and management of organisational strategies, service proposals and development of the organisation.
• Lead on the appropriate understanding and training at each level of the organisation on how operational and financial systems work and support their role.
• Ensure that financial and operational policies and procedures meet the highest standards, reflect the charity’s ethos effectively and support the organisation’s strategic development; champion inclusivity (including Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)) and sustainability (in the widest sense).

4. Line Management

• Day-to-day people management
• Outline outcomes to be achieved, considering individual skills, capabilities, and workload to ensure a balanced distribution of work
• Review work outputs, monitor and quality assure work
• Manage and report on performance; deliver performance reviews
• Identify training and development needs; employ a coaching approach, and clarify opportunities for skill enhancement and career growth
• Recruit and induct new team members  
• Reasonably support well-being: provide a supportive work environment, and address any issues that may impact the well-being and morale of your reports

See attached job description for more detail on the key responsibilities in the role

Person Specification:

We need someone who will demonstrate our organisational skills-based competencies - as listed below: 

1.  Leadership
2.  Communication
3.  Adaptability
4.  Professionalism 
5.  Decision-making

Technical knowledge, understanding and experience required:

Essential:

• Part/fully qualified as an Accountant, or equivalent relevant experience
• Significant experience of working in a finance role in an organisation with a turnover of £1m or more  
• Hands on experience of maintaining a financial software package 
• Experience of working with financial systems to prepare financial reports and management accounts
• Experience in managing the operational aspects of an organisation, including risk assessments, GDPR etc.  
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of bookkeeping and general financial and accounting principles  
• Numerate and able to use an accounting software package  
• IT Literate, including experience of Microsoft Office software and excellent skills in using Excel and Word  

Desirable:

• Experience of working in a finance role for a charity
• Experience of Accounts IQ accounting package
• Experience of preparing finance reports relating to project grants/restricted funding from a range of donors 
• Knowledge of charity accounting and the Charities SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) 
• Knowledge of Salesforce CRM

See attached job description for more detail on the person specification

Ways of working:

• Most of our work is office based, but you will spend a lot of time collaborating with other teams and clients via email, telephone and other communications channels such as Teams or Zoom. 
• Some travel will be required as part of this role to other offices and locations, as needed for events, work placements and meetings. 

Benefits

• 36/37 days' annual leave (England & Wales and Scotland respectively - includes bank and public holidays), with 3 of these days reserved for the annual end of year office closure.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• 5% Salary sacrifice pension scheme with enhanced matching employer contributions
• Employee Assistance Programme available to staff and their family
• Flexible work options such as hybrid working, flexitime, part-time
• Regular staff team building and business planning “away days”

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this role, please head over to our website by 23:59, Sunday 22nd February and answer the following questions:

1) Why would you like to work at the Social Mobility Foundation? (250 words max.)

2) What makes you a suitable candidate for this role, including specific examples from your experience and skills? (500 words max.)

3) Tell us about a time when you managed an important relationship with a corporate partner, client or external stakeholder. What was your role in maintaining the relationship, and what did you learn about effective account management from the experience? (500 words max.)