Director of strategy and programmes jobs in Blandford forum, dorset

Main Role & Responsibilities

The post holder is required to provide strategic leadership and oversight of all programme activity, ensuring all activity is delivered and evaluated effectively and in alignment with organisational goals.  

The successful candidate will lead and develop programme teams and oversee engagement, planning and delivery, and monitor risk and opportunities. They will develop strong relationships representing the organisation externally, and ensure programmes demonstrate clear impact and meet quality standards.

Role Requirements

Duties will include but not be limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Direction

• Lead all programme activity and ensure alignment with organisational goals
• Translate vision and strategic goals into actionable programme, content and priorities
• Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and impact
• Contribute to wider organisational strategy and oversee the operationalisation of strategic goals
• Work closely with other heads of services to support strategic development

Programme Development & Design

• Oversee the development and evolution of programmes, content, and resources
• Ensure programmes are evidence-based, relevant, and high quality, aligning with quality standards, working closely with the insights team
• Lead needs assessments and stakeholder consultations to understand programme needs
• Embed inclusivity, accessibility, and best practice in all programme design

Programme Delivery & Operations

• Oversee the planning, implementation and delivery of all programmes
• Develop systems, processes, and timelines for consistent execution
• Manage programme budgets and resource allocation
• Identify and mitigate risks to delivery
• Identify opportunities for commercialisation of products and services

Performance, Monitoring & Impact Measurement

• Define KPIs and success metrics aligned to organisational outcomes
• Analyse data to assess programme effectiveness and impact
• Use insights to drive continuous improvement and strategic decisions
• Report on performance to senior leadership, funders, and stakeholders

Stakeholder & Partnership Management

· Build and maintain strong relationships with:

• • Partners and collaborators
  • Funders and commissioners
  • Community or beneficiary groups
• Represent the organisation externally at meetings, events, and networks
• Identify and develop strategic partnerships to enhance programme reach

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, manage, and develop the delivery leadership team
• Participate in strategic development and oversee work within delivery and impact portfolio
• Work closely with other heads of services to provide support to the SLT
• Set clear objectives, expectations, and performance standards
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture

Quality Assurance & Governance

• Ensure programmes meet quality standards and organisational policies
• Maintain compliance with relevant regulations and safeguarding requirements
• Oversee documentation, reporting, and accountability processes

Resource & Content Oversight

• Ensure the development of high-quality programme materials and resources
• Oversee content consistency, branding, and alignment with organisational values
• Ensure resources are accessible and effectively utilised

Financial Oversight

• Manage programme budgets and ensure cost-effective delivery
• Monitor expenditure and ensure alignment with funding requirements
• Support fundraising and contribute to funding proposals as required

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Work with Insight and Innovation team to stay informed of sector trends and best practices
• Encourage innovation in programme design and delivery
• Pilot and scale new approaches based on evidence and feedback

· Oversee development of all programmes and associated content and resources

Person Specification 

Essential

· Educated to degree level or have the equivalent experience

· A detailed understanding of education, Health and Social Care and family services and how to engage these sectors

· Confident leader with previous demonstrable experience in overseeing multiple programmes or portfolios with matrix management experience

· Proven track record of developing, delivering, and scaling programmes with measurable impact

· Experience working with a range of stakeholders, including partners, funders, and communities

· Experience managing budgets and resources effectively

· Experience of delivering regional and national programmes

· Strong understanding of programme design, delivery, and lifecycle management

· Understanding of partnership working and stakeholder engagement approaches

· Awareness of relevant policy, regulatory, and safeguarding requirements

· Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans

· Excellent planning, organisational, and project management skills

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex programmes simultaneously

· Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive continuous improvement

· Ability to define KPIs and measure programme success effectively

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships

· Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams through coaching and performance management

· Strong commitment to quality, impact, and continuous improvement

· Collaborative and inclusive leadership style

· High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism

· Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic and changing environment

· Passionate about the organisation’s mission and values

Desirable

· Experience of working in gambling harms prevention sector or another similar or related field

· Experience of operationalising strategic plans

· Experience in developing harm prevention programmes and or interventions

· Knowledge of sector trends, innovation, and best practice

· Leadership qualification

· An understanding of public health frameworks and approach to harm prevention

· An understanding of PSHE, PSE, Learning for Life and Work

Purpose of the role 

We are seeking a project coordinator to contribute research, project management and stakeholder management skills to support key projects advancing the consumer voice in the sustainability transition. This is a critical role in our team, and it comes with significant development opportunities. 

An initial focus will be supporting delivery of key workstreams in our Clean Energy Futures Programme, where our vision is for an affordable and accessible energy system in which all people can enjoy the benefits of increasingly clean, decentralised and interconnected energy. You can explore our past achievements in promoting consumer interest in clean energy on our website, here: Clean Energy Futures - Consumers International. 

The Research and Events Coordinator will work alongside the Strategy and Projects Leads for Clean Energy Futures to manage engagement with the communities of practice that feed into our Clean Energy Futures work. This includes the Member Taskforce on Energy and the Multi-stakeholder Expert Group, comprised of cross-sector experts from business, academia and government.

The Coordinator will also contribute to project delivery through research into energy policy and practice and report writing, as well as joining programme strategy discussions in a strongly collaborative and non-hierarchical environment. We also anticipate the Coordinator working closely with our Insights Lead to conduct desk research and stakeholder interviews to deliver insights components of Sustainability Programme workstreams. 

After an initial 6-month period focused on Clean Energy Futures, there will be opportunities for the Coordinator to broaden their remit to other projects and topics within the Sustainability Programme.

Reflecting this breadth and the opportunities to grow, the Coordinator will initially report into the Director of Sustainability, who will provide guidance and mentoring support.

The ideal candidate is a highly organised, proactive and energetic individual who can demonstrate their knowledge and professional interest in sustainability and an understanding of the importance of consumers in the transition. They should be comfortable working remotely in a busy and varied global environment and able to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing.Prior knowledge of the energy sector is useful but not a pre-requisite.

This role can be shaped to focus on variety of potential topics, capabilities and opportunities as we grow the team, depending on the needs of the organisation and skills and interests of the individual.

The role is open to candidates globally. 

Key Responsibilities 

Key responsibilities of the role include the following:  

• Project Coordination: Support the implementation of Sustainability Programme projects, with an initial focus on Clean Energy Futures. This will include managing project plans and tracking timelines for project deliverables, as well as engaging project partners to keep them updated on project progress. 

• Research support: Support the Clean Energy Futures Strategy and Project Leads in conducting research and gathering examples and insights from our global network of stakeholders to inform the development of our analysis, reports and proposals. Support the Insights Lead with consumer insights research and stakeholder interviews. 

• Community coordination and meeting organisation: Support organisation of in-person and online stakeholder workshops or meetings including supporting the development of agendas, invite lists and online and in-person logistical arrangements where needed. This may include project related meetings and representation at other events and high-level global moments such as COP31. 

• Communications support: Draft, provide input to, and disseminate communications (e.g. meeting minutes, research reports, topic briefings) to project stakeholders, ensuring accurate, timely and appropriate communications. 

• Strategic inputs: Contribute your thoughts and ideas to development and delivery of the clean energy futures and wider sustainability work programmes and strategy as needed. 

The overall work of Consumers International: 

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to support the implementation of the Strategic and Business Plans.

• Contribute as needed to team meetings and other Consumers International-wide communication and outreach. 

• Embody the culture and values of Consumers International and help us deliver on those. 

Ready to define what “good” looks like and make it real across our services?

Hft has turned a corner. After navigating a period of significant financial and operational challenge, we have delivered a major turnaround, reducing a £17 million deficit, stabilising our workforce, and restoring confidence across every level of the organisation.

Now, with a new and focused Executive Team working closely with our Senior Leadership Teams, clear governance, and a collective understanding of the need to embed sustainable improvement across all areas of the organisation, we are moving from recovery to transformation.

The Opportunity

You will lead the development and delivery of an integrated, organisation-wide approach to quality, safety, safeguarding and great practice. Your focus will be on ensuring people are supported to live safe, meaningful and aspirational lives. This role brings together quality assurance, safeguarding, safety and practice into a clear and consistent approach across a complex, national organisation.

You will drive and oversee quality, safety and governance systems that support them. You will maintain clear oversight of performance, risk and compliance, and provide assurance, insight and challenge to the Executive Team and the Board. You will ensure regulatory compliance, safeguarding, and health and safety systems are robust, responsive, and consistently upheld, but, importantly, rooted in the understanding that all of this is to make sure that the people supported have great lives.

Working closely with operational leaders, you will identify underperformance and support improvement. You will use data, audits, incidents, and feedback to generate insights and drive continuous improvement. You will also help shape a shared understanding of what great practice looks like across services.

If you have senior leadership experience across quality, safety, safeguarding and practice within a learning disability charity or social care provider, we would love to hear from you. Please refer to the candidate brief attachment for full details of the role.

Please note: This role is a Home-based position (travel 3 times per month to Bristol/other locations)

What you will bring to succeed in this role

Essential

• Senior leadership experience across quality, safety, safeguarding and practice within a large learning disability charity or social care provider
• Accountable experience of leading operational health and safety within a multi-site, CQC regulated care environment
• Ability to lead and develop high-performing teams
• Experience of providing clear assurance and reporting on health and safety performance, risks and compliance to senior leadership and/or Board
• Communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work across organisational boundaries
• Experience embedding co-production and lived experience into organisational approaches
• Highly developed analytical skills and ability to use data to drive decisions
• Confident in leading change, improvement and cultural development

Selection Process

We will be shortlisting applications on an ongoing basis. If your application is shortlisted, we will invite you to a pre-screening interview with a member of the senior hiring team. If you are successful at this stage, the final assessment process will include a competency-based interview, a presentation, and the opportunity to meet with key stakeholders to get to know the team and Hft.

As part of our recruitment process, we are proud to include the voices of people with learning disabilities. You will meet them throughout the process, and they will play a key role in the final stages of selection. Their perspective shapes how we lead, listen and make decisions at Hft.

We anticipate the following timelines:

• Closing date: 9 June 2026
• Pre-screening interviews: 12, 15 or 16 June 2026
• Final assessment: 30 June 2026

We may close this role early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are committed to recruiting people from diverse backgrounds and believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce helps us better support the people we work with to live their best lives. If there is anything we can do to support you to do your best during the application and selection process, please contact our recruitment team at Hft.

Help shape the future of a national charity making a difference across the UK 

At Volunteering Matters, we believe stronger communities start with people. Every day, we bring people together through volunteering to reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing and create lasting social change in communities across the UK. 

As we deliver an ambitious new five-year strategy, we are looking for an exceptional Director of Financial Assurance with significant senior finance leadership experience to help shape our future sustainability, strengthen financial resilience and provide the strategic insight that enables confident, impactful decision-making. 

This is a rare opportunity to take on a senior leadership role with genuine influence across a national charity at a pivotal point in its journey. 

A strategic leadership role with real impact 

This new role is about providing the organisation with a clear, forward-looking financial picture, strengthening financial assurance, improving forecasting and helping ensure long-term sustainability in an increasingly complex funding environment. 

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board and Finance & Audit Committee, you will play a central role in helping the organisation navigate growth, investment, risk and opportunity. 

This role line manages the Finance Manager, ensuring strong operational finance while maintaining clear separation between operational delivery and independent oversight. 

Most importantly, you will be excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of a national charity that creates real impact in communities every day.   A

Why join Volunteering Matters? 

This is an opportunity to join an organisation with a clear social purpose, ambitious plans and a culture built around flexibility, inclusion and collaboration. 

We offer: 

• Flexible home-based working across the UK

• A senior leadership role with genuine strategic influence

• The chance to shape organisational sustainability and future growth

• A supportive and values-led culture

• Meaningful work that positively impacts communities across the UK

Our Values  

Everything we do is guided by our values: 

Empowering | Inclusive | Compassionate | Positive | Straightforward 

Disability Confident 

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. 

 Diversity & Inclusion   

Volunteering Matters welcomes all applicants and are keen to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from disabled, LGBT and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, along with candidates with any protected characteristics and from disadvantaged groups.   

Benefits   

Our employee benefits reflect our culture which is built on an approach of full flexibility with accountability, and designed to let you make your most positive contribution; we offer: 

• Flexible Working by Default (re hours & place of work)  

• Unlimited Annual Leave  

• Employee Pension scheme  

• Life Assurance  

• Cycle to Work Scheme  

• Season Ticket Loan  

• Employee Assistance Programme  

• Enhanced sick and family leave.   

• Lifestyle Discount Scheme   

We are also open to discussing job share applications.   

 GDPR Statement   

If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to six months.  We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.       

Policy on AI-Generated Applications  

Applications are accepted on trust, and we expect all submissions to reflect the applicant’s own words, experiences, and motivations. While tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may support the application process, applications should not be generated wholly by AI.   

Interested? 

Please send an updated, complete CV and cover letter via the Charity Job Apply button above. In your application clearly state which role you are applying for. In the cover letter please demonstrate how you would fulfil the role requirements, what previous relevant achievements you have (both in life and at work), what skills & experience you can offer, and what you believe you can contribute to Volunteering Matters.   

Right to Work in the UK 
Please note that while we hold a license to sponsor employees on a skilled worker visa, the number of applications we can make each year is very limited. Unfortunately, this role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship, therefore, you must already have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position. 

Salary: £94,851 plus benefits (Our pay philosophy ensures consistency across locations and salaries. The starting salary for this opportunity plus benefits depends on location of the candidate).

The role:

We are delighted to be recruiting for a visionary, mission-driven leader to join Mary’s Meals International (MMI) as Executive Director. In this new role, you will be reporting to our Board of Trustees, through our Board Chair, and working in collaboration with our President & Founder of Mary’s Meals. As Executive Director, you will provide inspirational strategic and operational leadership of MMI, ensuring delivery of its key responsibilities within the global strategic plan. 

Leading with humility, clarity and courage, you will champion faithful adherence to the vision, mission and values of Mary’s Meals, as we strive to grow our global movement and reach the next child waiting for Mary’s Meals.

As Executive Director, you will:

• Lead MMI in delivering its objectives across the three strategic pillars: Feed, Grow and Strengthen. 
• Oversee the coordination and implementation of global strategy. 
• Provide inspirational leadership to MMI and the MMI Executive Leadership Team.
• Strengthen organisational systems, governance and development. 
• Foster strong collaboration across the global network. 
• Work closely with the Board, President and Founder and MMI teams to support sustainable growth across Affiliate organisations. 

About you:

You are an inspiring, effective and authentic leader with significant experience at executive or CEO level, in a complex organisation, ideally with an international footprint. Experience in an international non-profit, charity or social impact organisation would be advantageous, though not essential. Strong preference will be given to candidates with a deep understanding of our work gained through prior engagement with our mission. 

You will also bring: 

• Proven ability to inspire and lead senior teams, while cultivating a strong organisational culture. 
• Demonstrated success in developing and delivering strategy to drive growth, innovation and organisational strengthening. 
• Highly developed communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiences.
• Proven experience of leading transformational change, while maintaining stability and mission focus. 
• A deep personal commitment to the vision, mission and values of Mary’s Meals. 

About us:

We are a global movement supported by people from all walks of life, united by one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. As an organisation, named after Mary the mother of Jesus and shaped by Christian values, we feel that the way we do things is as important as the result and we welcome all who wish to play their part in our important work. We continue to change the lives of over 3 million children who today will receive Mary’s Meals.

We are a values-driven organisation - we believe in the innate goodness of people, respect the dignity of every human being and family life and believe in good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In line with our values, we are fully committed to a culture of safeguarding, we are committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work and we expect all the Mary's Meals family to share this commitment and work in the best interest of the communities we serve. Our safe recruitment practices ensure that only those that are committed to our high standards join our movement.

We believe in the innate goodness and dignity of every person. In line with this, Mary’s Meals is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. All applicants will be considered fairly and on merit, without discrimination of any kind.  

We are happy for you to work remotely and flexibly, in a way that best supports your work-life balance. We have an office in Glasgow for those who would like to work from here occasionally or on a regular basis. Some travel to Glasgow, other locations across the UK and to countries where Mary’s Meals operates will be required.

Our Benefits:

• 34 days annual leave (pro-rated for part time working patterns) including bank holidays, increasing by 1 day each completed calendar year, to a maximum of 39 days (+ option to buy another week)
• Flexible working
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life assurance
• Pension

Additional Information:

Salary advertised is for UK based candidates, our salary philosophy ensures consistency across locations where Mary’s Meals operates, please visit our website for more information about salaries in other locations.

To apply:

If you are inspired to join our movement and our vision, mission and values resonate with you, we would love to hear from you. Please click Apply and include your CV and a succinct covering letter, of no more than one A4 page, highlighting your motivations, suitability and outlining your participation in our mission.

Closing date for applications is Monday 22nd June 2026

About Us

The Early Education and Childcare Coalition unites the voices of parents, children, providers, early years professionals and the wider business community, working together for investment and reform of early education and childcare in England.

We believe that we all benefit from a well-functioning early education system and we all have a role to play in ensuring it works for children, parents and the economy.

We are backed by some of the most high-profile campaign and research organisations in the UK. Our members span providers, parent groups, trade unions, the business community and NGOs. Together, we use our collective voice and research to build public and political support for change.

This is an exciting time to join the Coalition. We have experienced significant growth in recent years and, with early years firmly on the political agenda, we expect this to continue.

About the role

• Hours: 30 hours per week (this can be worked over 4 or 5 days). We will consider other working patterns with a minimum of 3.5 days per week worked over 4.
• Duration: Two-year contract, renewed subject to funding
• Location: Home-working, can be based anywhere in the country
• Salary: c. £53,820 per annum FTE (£43,056 pro-rata for 4 days)

We are a remote team, with most colleagues based outside London. This role will support the whole organisation and requires occasional in-person meetings such as in-person team planning days which you will be expected to travel to.

We work flexibly and understand the realities of balancing work with caring commitments. We trust you to manage your time, but expect most hours to be worked within core office hours. To support effective remote working, all staff work on Thursdays.

This is a senior, cross-cutting leadership role sitting at the heart of the organisation. You will lead on operations, finance, HR and organisational systems, while working closely with the Executive Director and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the Board to ensure the Coalition is sustainable, well-run, and set up for growth and impact.

About You

You are an experienced operations leader with a strong track record of building and running effective organisational systems, ideally within a charity, social impact or policy environment.

You are equally comfortable developing strategy and rolling up your sleeves to deliver. You bring strong financial and organisational management skills, and are motivated by enabling high-impact teams to thrive.

You have experience working at senior leadership level and are confident operating across a small, fast-paced organisation where priorities can shift quickly. You are a systems thinker who can spot gaps, create structure, and improve how things work.

What You Can Expect to Be Doing

Function leadership

• Work as part of the Senior Leadership Team
• Contribute to organisational strategy, planning and growth
• Support organisational decision-making, balancing operational, financial and strategic priorities

Develop operations and organisational systems

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the organisation, ensuring efficient and effective operations
• Develop and implement systems, processes and policies to support a scaling organisation
• Take ownership of organisational infrastructure (e.g. CRM, internal systems, workflows)
• Improve internal coordination, planning and ways of working across functions

Financial management and sustainability

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including reporting, invoicing and payments
• Support organisational financial planning, forecasting and scenario modelling
• Work with external accountants/bookkeepers and ensure strong financial controls
• Support the Executive Director and Board on financial governance and decision-making

People management

• Ensure the organisation has robust HR systems in place, ensuring they reflect changes in legislation, support staff wellbeing and development and foster an inclusive and positive culture
• Lead recruitment, onboarding and staff contracts
• Support performance management, team development and organisational culture

Programme and contract management

• Oversee operational delivery of programmes and projects
• Manage funder agreements and contracts, ensuring compliance and reporting
• Support programme leads with planning, delivery tracking and coordination
• Strengthen systems for delivery and accountability

Governance and organisational support

• Support effective governance, including Board coordination and reporting
• Ensure strong administration of meetings, papers and decision-making processes
• Strengthen alignment between governance, strategy and operations

Cross-organisational leadership

• Act as a central coordination point across policy, campaigns, research and communications
• Support other heads of function to deliver effectively through strong operational systems
• Identify and address organisational capacity gaps, particularly in admin, finance and infrastructure

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience of working at senior leadership level
• Strong experience in operations and financial management
• Experience establishing or improving systems and organisational infrastructure
• Experience of HR processes and people management
• Experience supporting governance and working with senior stakeholders
• Ability to operate effectively in a small, fast-paced and growing organisation
• Strong organisational, problem-solving and communication skills

Desirable

• Experience in a charity, coalition, membership or policy organisation
• Experience supporting organisational growth or scaling
• Experience managing CRMs or digital systems
• While not essential, we would welcome applications from candidate who have either a HR or a financial qualification i.e. CIPD qualified or AAT qualification or similar level of experience and knowledg

The application process

Please apply with a CV and cover letter (no more than two pages) by the listed closing date. No agencies please. We recognise that the use of AI technologies can be useful in reducing the work that goes into job-hunting, however, we kindly request that you use your cover letter to evidence that you have understood the requirements of the role and provide examples of how you can meet the criteria.

The EECC is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We use anonymous recruiting during the application process and we use positive action under section 159 of the Equality Act in relation to disability or race. This means that if we have two candidates of equal merit in our process, we will seek to take forward the disabled or Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidate in order to diversify our staff team.

We regret that our small team does not have capacity to respond to unsuccessful applicants individually.

Timeline

• Closing date: 23:30, Thursday 11th June
• Notified for interview by: Tuesday 16th June
• Interviews: We expect this to be a two-stage interview process with first interviews held on either 24th or 25th June and second stage interviews arranged an agreed time.

At United for Global Mental Health, we are working towards a world where mental health support is accessible to everyone, everywhere – free from stigma and without restriction.

We are a small but highly influential organisation of around 20 passionate, diverse and expert individuals, and have a culture of creating the space and opportunities for them to lead their areas of expertise. Our strength lies in collaboration, internally and externally, and in our ability to turn insight into action. Kindness is our unofficial ethos.

The CEO is responsible for the overall leadership, management and performance of UnitedGMH. Reporting to the boards of UnitedGMH and the American Friends of United for Global Mental Health (AFUGMH), the CEO will set strategic direction, oversee delivery, and act as the organisation’s primary ambassador.

Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership

• Lead in conjunction with the organisation’s senior staff the refinement and delivery of our global organisational strategy 2027-2030.
• Guide the organisation through periods of change, including strategy refresh and transformation.
• Draw on sector insight to ensure UnitedGMH remains at the forefront of global mental health advocacy.

Governance & Board Relationship

• Work closely with the boards of UnitedGMH and AFUGMH to ensure effective governance and decision-making.
• Oversee the preparation and sign-off of board papers; present regularly to the boards. 
• Identify, recommend and support the recruitment of new members of both boards. 
• Advise the boards on significant strategic decisions, including potential partnerships and organisational change.

Organisational Leadership

• Lead, support and inspire a high-performing and global team of approximately 20 staff.
• Where needed, oversee and support the delivery of multiple projects and programmes aligned with strategic priorities, in conjunction with the project leads.
• Foster a collaborative, kind, inclusive and values-driven culture that walks the talk on mental health.

External Engagement & Influence

• Represent the organisation with external partners, funders, policymakers and the wider sector. 
• Build and manage relationships with key donors.
• Strengthen and expand strategic partnerships globally.
• Champion the organisation’s mission and influence key stakeholders in different regions across the world.
• Act as the organisation’s global spokesperson and support staff in building their profile as spokespeople for the organisation.

Finance & Organisational Planning

• Identify and agree organisational objectives, develop strategic and operational plans, and lead their implementation with a high level of autonomy, while reporting to the boards. 
• Oversee organisational planning, budgeting, prioritisation and resource allocation to ensure delivery against strategic goals. 
• Ensure the organisation has sufficient and sustainable funding to deliver against agreed budgets and strategic priorities. 
• Maintain strong financial oversight and accountability, ensuring the organisation operates within budget and delivers across all agreed objectives. 
• Monitor organisational performance against agreed deliverables, evaluating outcomes and adjusting plans where necessary to mitigate risk or adverse consequences. 
• Ensure robust financial management, operational planning, and effective use of organisational resources across multiple programmes and projects. 
• Bring together and oversee complex, cross-organisational initiatives, ensuring projects are delivered effectively and on time. 
• Delegate effectively through senior leadership and management structures, maintaining a medium- and long-term strategic focus. 

Fundraising & External Income Generation

• Lead and support organisational fundraising strategy to secure sustainable and diversified income streams. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, donors, strategic partners and philanthropic stakeholders. 
• Successfully secure and oversee fundraising contributions to meet a target set annually with the boards. 
• Work with the boards and senior leadership team to identify new funding opportunities and strengthen long-term financial sustainability. 
• Ensure fundraising activities align with the organisation’s mission, values and strategic priorities. 
• Represent the organisation externally to enhance visibility, influence and support for UnitedGMH’s work globally. 

Risk, Compliance & Accountability

• Ensure strong organisational governance, compliance and risk management. 
• Proactively identify and escalate policy breaches or serious incidents. 
• Oversee finance, HR and operations functions in accordance with UK employment policies, and UK and US charity regulations.
• Act as the primary point of accountability to the boards and relevant regulatory bodies (including the Charity Commission and US authorities). 
• Take responsibility for organisational risks, decisions and outcomes.

Our Dream CEO

As a team, we came together to discuss what qualities we are hoping for in a new CEO and leader. We’d love applications from candidates who see themselves in the team’s descriptions below.

Our dream CEO…

• shows kindness towards all partners regardless of seniority, institution or country.

• continues to uphold and protect the organisational transparency the team values.

• is a heart- and mind-led fundraiser – treating donors like people and not merely a source of income.

• provides space for team members to lead in their areas, but also supports / acts as a sounding board when needed.

• knows how to strategically place mental health in uncommon spaces.

• is happy to be approached by, and communicate with, team members from all seniority levels across the team.

• is someone who understands what it is to manage a remote organisation, and is interested in making UnitedGMH the best workplace it can be.

• is someone who can think a few steps ahead, identify trends, and interpret these for what this means for the organisation.

• has a solid understanding of, and proven experience in, managing the ´backbone´ functions of an organisation (budgeting, risk management, governance etc).

• has an understanding of UN systems, global health and international development.

• appreciates and champions the value that lived experience and people from the global majority bring to the mental health advocacy space.

Please download and review the Job Pack for full details of the role. 

Unfortunately, we are not able to recruit team members in the following countries/regions: Afghanistan, Belarus, Central African Republic, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Myanmar (Burma), North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine (specifically the occupied regions of Crimea, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhya), Venezuela, Yemen, and Zimbabwe.

For non-UK candidates: Please note that you would be hired via Deel as an Employer of Record.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit your cover letter, outlining how you meet the responsibilities and candidate profile, and a CV, via the Charity Job site. Please note, we can only accept applications via Charity Job.

Interviews:

Interviews will take place remotely. There will be 2 interview rounds, and candidates shortlisted for the second interview will be invited to meet members of our wider team.

Join SmellTaste and lead the development of the charity’s involvement in research, shaping how lived experience of those affected by smell and taste impairment is integrated in research projects. As Research Development and Engagement Manager, you will lead engagement with researchers, our patient community, and external partners to develop and support new research collaborations. This includes leading the Public and Patient Involvement activity for a 12-month National Institute of Health Research-funded Programme Development Grant, the ICAST Programme: Improving Care for patients with Smell & Taste Disorders, and undertaking planning work for the prospective Programme Grant which is expected to follow this.

This post is funded for 2 days (15 hours) per week for an initial 12-month period, with the potential for the contract to be extended and for it to become a full-time role subject to further funding being secured. 

You will be joining a small, friendly and ambitious team that will support your professional development as part of the charity’s ongoing growth.

If you are passionate about making a difference to an underserved patient community and want to be part of a pioneering and collaborative organisation that values and empowers the people it represents then we would love to hear from you. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Application instructions: 

Please apply by providing both a CV and a covering letter which clearly states how you meet all the points in the Personal Specification.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the SmellTaste contribution to a 12-month National Institute of Health Research-funded Programme Development Grant, led by Prof Carl Philpott at the University of East Anglia (the ICAST Programme: Improving Care for patients with Smell & Taste Disorders).  
• Develop a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) strategy for the above project, including evaluation of impact and dissemination
• Manage a PPI panel for the NIHR project, organise PPIE meetings and ensure participants and panel members are remunerated for activity.
• Develop a detailed, costed delivery plan for the national survey element of the planned Programme Grant which is expected to follow on from the Programme Development Grant, including marketing and publicity, recruitment and dissemination.
• Work with the charity’s CEO and honorary Director of Research and Medical Affairs to develop a research strategy for the charity that aligns with the research priorities identified in the James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership for Smell and Taste Disorders.
• Work with the charity’s CEO, honorary Director of Research and Medical Affairs and external researchers to identify opportunities for new collaborative research opportunities.
• Develop funding applications for research projects.
• Oversee all of the charity’s collaborative research activity, including PPIE activity.
• Evaluate and report on the impact of research projects, ensuring inclusivity and ethical standards.

Personal specification

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in biological sciences or a related field
• Experience leading or supporting public and patient involvement and engagement initiatives in research
• Experience leading or supporting involvement in research
• Experience of writing grant applications
• Ability to communicate and interpret complex scientific research clearly
• Experience working with diverse and underrepresented communities
• Confident relationship builder with researchers and other external stakeholders
• Excellent organisational skills, including strong project management skills

Hours: Part-time, 15 hours per week

Salary: £40,000, pro-rata

Holiday allowance: 25 days pro-rata, plus bank holidays

Location: Home working. Some travel will be required to attend in-person meetings and events

Interviews expected to be held during the week commencing 22nd June.

This is an exciting new opportunity to shape the future of technology and digital capability across five South West charities. We are seeking an exceptional Regional Chief Technology Officer who is motivated by both challenge and purpose; someone who can harness technology to make a tangible difference to how our faith-based charities support church communities.

Working across Bath & Wells, Bristol, Exeter, Salisbury and Truro, this role offers a rare platform to influence at scale. The successful candidate will lead a region-wide programme of digital transformation and process optimisation, helping modernise systems, strengthen cyber resilience and unlock efficiencies that release resources for mission and ministry.

This is not technology for its own sake. We are looking for someone who combines strategic insight with practical delivery; a leader who can translate complex technical possibilities into real-world improvements for staff, clergy and volunteers. You will play a key role in shaping the responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, while ensuring strong governance, security and compliance.

Please note that, whilst the role will be primarily home-based, the post-holder will be required to travel regularly across the Southwest region, with an onsite presence in each organisation at least once per month.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop, articulate, and implement a shared digital transformation and technology strategy that is directly aligned with the overarching mission and strategic goals of the five dioceses.
• Act as the principal technology advisor to the Diocesan Secretaries and their senior leadership teams.

Process Mapping & Optimisation:

• Lead a comprehensive, collaborative review of key administrative and operational processes within the Diocesan Boards of Finance (DBFs) and in parishes where appropriate.
• Use process mapping techniques to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement, and then design and implement optimised workflows.

AI & Responsible Innovation:

• Actively research, evaluate, pilot, and implement appropriate AI and automation tools to enhance efficiency, support fundraising, and improve service delivery.
• Ensure all innovation is undertaken responsibly, ethically, and with a clear focus on tangible benefits.

Stakeholder Management & Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders across all five dioceses, including clergy, staff, and volunteers.
• Foster a culture of digital literacy and champion the benefits of change in a clear, accessible, and empathetic manner.

Project & Change Management:

• Oversee the full lifecycle of technology and process improvement projects, from initial conception and business case development through to delivery, user training, and final handover.
• Employ robust project management methodologies to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Qualifications, Training & Experience:

• Proven and extensive senior technology leadership experience (e.g., CTO, Head of IT, Director of Digital Transformation) with clear evidence of strategic impact.
• Relevant degree (or equivalent) in a technology-related discipline, with appropriate professional certifications in technology, architecture, project or change management, and membership of a relevant professional body.
• Strong track record in business process mapping, analysis and re-engineering delivering measurable efficiency gains.
• Practical experience evaluating, procuring and implementing modern technology solutions, including cloud platforms (e.g., Microsoft 365), CRM systems and data analytics tools.
• Experience in the charity, non-profit or similarly complex, values-driven sector is highly desirable. Demonstrable experience of, or well-informed and practical interest in, the responsible and ethical application of AI and automation in an organisational context.
• Significant experience in technology strategy, budget management, vendor negotiation and delivery of complex, multi-stakeholder programmes.

Competencies & Behavioural requirements:

• Exceptional communicator and translator: Able to convey complex technical concepts in clear, accessible language and influence a wide range of non-technical stakeholders with confidence.
• Strategic yet pragmatic thinker: Sees the big picture and aligns technology with organisational priorities, while remaining hands-on and focused on practical, value adding solutions.
• Collaborative and emotionally intelligent leader: Builds trust and consensus across diverse stakeholders and cultures, leading change with empathy, credibility and sensitivity.
• Resilient and delivery-focused: Proactive and self-motivated, with the drive and discipline to deliver complex, multi-year programmes and achieve measurable outcomes.
• Culturally astute and values-aware: Demonstrates understanding of, and respect for, the Church of England’s context, governance and ethos, navigating the environment with diplomacy and good judgement.

Our benefits include:

• Generous company pension
• A comprehensive health & wellbeing programme, inlcuding an Employee Assistance Programme 
• Paid volunteering & study leave allowace
• Company events
• Home working

Today, 12 children and young people will be diagnosed with cancer. We’ll stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.  ​

• Directorate: Innovation, Policy & Systems Change
• Reporting into: Associate Director of Research, Learning and Systems Change
• Colleagues reporting into role: No direct reports at present. However, coaching and managing of volunteers and/or consultants is expected. 
• Location: You can be home-based anywhere in the UK, with travel for meetings. You can also choose to work from our Bristol or London offices.
• Closing date: Monday 8 June at 12 midday
• Interview dates: Monday 15 June and Tuesday 16 June (please tell us in your application if you cannot attend interview on one of these days)

Change lives in a life-changing career

When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.

The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. And that impact can be felt by entire family. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer.

We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise well-being. And we stop at nothing to make their voices heard and their unique needs understood, so they can get the right care and support at the right time.

About the role

We’re looking for a Head of Research & Evidence to join our ambitious Research, Learning & Systems Change Team. 

Young Lives vs Cancer has a strong and growing commitment to changing the system for children and young people with cancer, and their loved ones. Our North Star vision and Time is Now Strategy focus on influencing how the wider system works – from services and policy to practice on the ground – so that families get the support they need.

The Head of Research and Evidence sits in the Research, Learning & Systems Change team, within our Innovation, Policy & Systems Change Directorate. The role is responsible for ensuring our work is grounded in strong, credible and useful evidence, and that learning is actively used to shape decisions, practice and change across the system.

This is a leadership role within a small but ambitious team. You will set direction and provide thought leadership, but you will also be hands on – designing, commissioning, managing and using research alongside colleagues and partners.

Building trusted relationships and using evidence to influence thinking and action are central. You will work with colleagues, children and young people, families, and partner organisations (such as the North Star Cancer Collective) to learn, strengthen credibility and create change.

This role is subject to a Criminal Record Check. In the event of a successful application, a Basic Criminal Record Check will be completed. A previous conviction is not necessarily a barrier to employment. We encourage qualified applicants to apply, and we will consider each case individually.

What will I be doing?

No two days are the same at Young Lives vs Cancer. So, summarising your ‘day to day’ isn’t easy. You’ll work as part of a strong internal team, collaborating closely with colleagues across the organisation and with key external partners to generate, use and apply evidence that supports learning, influence and system change. Here are some of the main things you’ll be doing, but you’ll find more details in the job description and pack:

• You’ll be setting the direction for research and learning, leading a clear and purposeful research programme focused on the psychosocial experiences of children and young people with cancer. You’ll ensure research is high‑quality, ethical and impactful, including commissioning work with partners and contributing to research funding bids.

• You’ll be understanding needs and experiences to grow a strong, credible evidence base, building and using robust evidence on need, inequality, impact and progress to inform strategy, services, policy and system change. You’ll ensure children, young people and families meaningfully shape research and that insight is shared in clear, practical ways.

• You’ll be providing system insight and leadership, analysing how the system works, identifying trends and pressures, and using evidence to guide where change is most needed. You’ll build trusted relationships across the voluntary sector, NHS and research community, sharing learning and strengthening our credibility and influence.

• You’ll be turning learning into action and influence, helping teams apply research to real‑world practice and supporting testing, learning and improvement over time. You’ll put feedback and learning loops in place and assess how research‑informed change is affecting practice and outcomes.

What do I need? 

Diverse perspectives and unique skill sets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet the criteria and person specification fully. Your potential is what matters most to us, and we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment to help you develop.

The key skills we’re looking for in this role are:

• Experience leading and delivering research, including setting direction, choosing methods, commissioning or carrying out research, analysing data, and ensuring high quality and ethical practice.

• Strong research and analytical skills, with confidence working with both qualitative and quantitative data and evidence, and turning insight into practical action.

• Experience using evidence to support change, such as shaping strategy, influencing policy, improving services or supporting system change.

• Experience working across organisations, building trusted relationships with colleagues, partners, and where appropriate, children, young people and families.

• Ability to communicate complex research clearly and accessibly to different audiences, in writing and in conversation.

• A collaborative way of working, with strong people skills, curiosity and a learning mindset, and a clear commitment to equity, inclusion and anti‑oppressive practice.

What will I gain?

For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:

• Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
• Well-being, Thinking & Growth Days: four days a year to to step back from the day-to-day and focus on your own learning and development
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Great family/caring leave entitlements
• Enhanced pension
• Access to our employee savings scheme

To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.

We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value AI adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to tell us about your skills and experiences in your own voice.

Accessibility

We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.

To hear more about this role, please sign up to one of our informal drop in sessions taking place at 12:30pm on Tuesday 26th May and 17:30pm on Monday 01st June.

#ShowTheSalary #NonGraduatesWelcome

We are looking for an experienced Salesforce Administrator to expand capacity and play a key role in the next phase of our organisation-wide Salesforce rollout. Having successfully implemented Salesforce for donor management, we are now expanding the platform to support our international field operations. 

Working as part of our International Salesforce team, you will configure a brand‑new Salesforce NPC platform, integrate it with our existing NPSP donor system, and provide day‑to‑day support to users across 18 countries. You’ll be a Salesforce product champion - triaging support tickets, delivering configuration changes, supporting testing, and helping drive continuous improvement across the organisation. 

This is a highly collaborative role, working closely with our Salesforce Developer & Product Owner, Project Manager, and stakeholders around the world. Occasional travel to our London office and internationally may be required. 

About you 

You are a certified Salesforce Administrator with strong experience building and configuring Salesforce from scratch. You’re a confident communicator, an excellent problem solver, and comfortable supporting and training users in an international environment. Experience with NPSP and / or NPC is required. You must be a fluent English speaker with the right to work in one of the following countries: UK, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Romania or Ukraine. 

About us 

Mission Without Borders is an international Christian organisation working with poor and marginalised families and children across Eastern Europe. We support communities through practical, emotional, and sustainable development initiatives - serving people regardless of religion or ethnic background. 

Rewards and benefits 

• Up to 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays 

• Pension scheme 

• Flexible working, with occasional travel 

Help develop a new international Salesforce platform, transforming the lives of families, children, and communities in Eastern Europe. Working with 18 countries, this is a real opportunity to make a difference. 

Supporter Engagement & Fundraising Communications Manager — Go Beyond £35,000–£37,000 | Fully Remote | Permanent | Full-time

Go Beyond has given over 21,000 vulnerable children life-changing residential breaks since 1994. Young carers who spend their days looking after parents. Children living in poverty for whom a school holiday means hunger, not adventure. Children who've been bullied or bereaved and need a week away from their ordinary life.

The charity is entirely self-funded. £1.8 million a year, every penny raised by supporters. No government money. Which means the work this fundraising team does is directly and specifically what makes those breaks possible.

This is the role that sits at the heart of that.

What makes this moment unusual:

Go Beyond's flagship campaign, Ice Cream Moments, launches this summer — backed by Louis Theroux, James Acaster, David Gower and Jenny Agutter. The trustees want to go viral. A legacy programme is built and ready to launch. An alumni programme connecting with 21,000+ former beneficiaries is research-complete and waiting for someone to open the door. And a loyal supporter base of 200–300 regular givers — many of whom have been giving for over a decade — is generating £90,000 a year with almost no stewardship behind it.

Sara, the Director of Fundraising, describes what's needed like this: "Think of this as your own company. Think of this income stream as your domain — you could make it something amazing."

What the role involves:

The Supporter Engagement & Fundraising Communications Manager will own the supporter communications function end to end. This is a project management and strategy role — not an execution role. The doing sits with two direct reports and a network of freelancers. Your job is to build the plan, manage the team, deliver the campaigns and make sure the data tells you what's working.

In practice that means:

• Building and managing proper supporter journeys for regular givers, challenge event runners and Ice Cream Moments donors
• Project managing the full campaigns calendar — four annual appeals, Ice Cream Moments, challenge events, and a growing digital communications programme
• Developing and implementing a data strategy, setting up income dashboards and overseeing the CRM
• Launching the legacy programme and, in time, the alumni programme
• Managing two direct reports: a Digital Marketing Officer and a Data & Admin / Challenge Events Officer
• Writing an 18-month strategy with proper pipelines and income forecasts

What we're looking for:

This is not a pure fundraiser role or a pure marketing role. It's a hybrid — and the right person will see that as a feature, not a confusion.

• A track record of owning campaigns end to end — not being part of them, owning them. Specific examples, with dates, outputs and results
• Genuine data literacy — comfortable in a CRM, able to run queries, understand segmentation. Not expert-level, but curious enough that you're never caught out
• Financial awareness — you ask what the target is before anything else. You work backwards from an income number
• Hands-on as well as strategic — you can delegate and direct, but you can also do
• Strong project management — multiple workstreams, freelancers, deadlines you can't move

Charity sector experience is welcome but not essential. Commercial direct marketing, agency-side or individual giving backgrounds are all genuinely considered.

What Go Beyond offers:

• £35,000–£37,000 with annual pay review benchmarked to sector
• Fully remote — with the option to use Go Beyond's centres in Cornwall and Derbyshire
• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Flexible working pattern that can include an early finish on Friday
• Management training through the British Growth Fund's six-week programme
• A collaborative, supportive team culture in a genuinely mission-driven organisation

This role will suit you if:

You're energised by building rather than maintaining. You want to own a function, not just a job title. You think in income as well as engagement. And you want to be part of something where the work — the campaigns, the supporter journeys, the data — is directly connected to a child getting a break they wouldn't otherwise have had.

This role is being recruited exclusively through Raise + Recruit, an independent executive search adviser specialising in the charity sector. All enquiries are handled in complete confidence — including from your current employer.

To find out more or to express interest, contact John Austin. No lengthy application process at this stage — a conversation is all it takes.

Full candidate brief: https://go-beyond-roan.vercel.app/

About the Giving Directorate and Net Zero Carbon Programme
The Church of England ministers to every community in England, and our mission and ministry is sustained and expanded through a culture of generous giving.

The Giving Directorate plays a vital role in equipping dioceses, parishes, and clergy with the tools and confidence to encourage generosity. Through strategic leadership, innovative resources, and collaborative partnerships, we aim to inspire giving that enables the Church to flourish in every community. We lead major funded projects that strengthen giving across the Church, ensuring that generosity is central to mission and ministry.

The Giving Directorate has four teams: Innovation & Insight (leading on innovations, the parish share project, data analysis and marketing); Parish Giving Scheme (giving mechanisms and technology); NZC Fundraising (including policy, philanthropy and gifts in wills) and Learning & Development (delivering training, mentoring, and equipping clergy and diocesan giving advisors, national and regional conferences, and developing online learning resources for parishes).
You will sit within the Net Zero Carbon Fundraising team which leads the strategy to coordinate and support the plans being developed by our dioceses, churches, cathedrals, schools, and departments to secure the significant additional funding needed to decarbonise the Church of England.

What you'll be doing
Legacies have historically played a transformative role for the Church of England - sustaining parish ministry, helping deliver the 30,000+ community projects run by parishes every year, conserving historic buildings and enabling important work for the future, including Net Zero Carbon projects. There is significant untapped potential for legacy giving to make an even bigger difference to our work, but awareness is uneven, and local church leaders often lack the training and resources to talk confidently about gifts in wills.

As the Gifts in Wills Manager, you will lead an ambitious new legacy programme to significantly expand the support and resources available for all parts of the Church of England to effectively encourage legacy giving. This will include creating new legacy giving resources that can be used by parishes, cathedrals and Dioceses as well as new training for local parish volunteers, clergy and senior leaders.

Gifts in wills have the potential for significantly enhancing the work of the church in caring for God's creation, being the culmination of a person's lifetime of commitment and care for the church and God's creation. The role will include specifically looking to develop NZC cases for support as a way to encourage gifts in wills, through linking the ongoing and perpetual care of God's creation with the long term impact of gifts in wills.
Through your work you will create a culture shift where legacy giving is demystified to become a natural part of Christian discipleship. The increased number and generosity of legacy gifts pledged and received will make a long-lasting impact on the financial ability of parishes, cathedrals, and dioceses to fund their ministry and social impact in the communities they serve.

Key Relationships: Head of Net Zero Carbon Fundraising, Deputy Director (Learning and Development), Regional Giving Advisors, Head of Resources & Insights, Diocesan Giving Advisors, NCIs Legal Team, Farewill, Christian Aid.

This is a fixed-term contract role for three years, and interviews will take place on 08 June 2026.

What does it take to lead the national voice for special schools at a time of real change?

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – National Association of Special Schools (NASS)

National – home-based, with regular travel across England and Wales, particularly London

£90,000–£110,000 per annum

Full-time, permanent.

About NASS 

The National Association of Special Schools (NASS) is the membership association for special schools in England and Wales. We bring together independent special schools, non-maintained special schools, special academies, maintained special schools and multi-academy trusts with specialist provision.

We exist to inform, support and represent our members, helping specialist schools improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND and secure the place of specialist provision within the wider education system. NASS is known for being accessible, responsive and personal, combining national influence with practical support that members value as timely, human and trustworthy.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. In February this year, the Department for Education published a major white paper on SEND reform which will require NASS to both influence national policy on behalf of our members and children and young people, as well as support them to navigate the changes. Our new CEO will need to review our strategy while building on our strong platform and momentum to further deepen our influence and strengthen our internal capacity.

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Lead NASS through a period of policy and structural change, ensuring the organisation remains clear on purpose, responsive to members and influential in the SEND landscape.
• Governance & Finance: Work closely with the Board of Trustees to provide strong governance, prudent financial stewardship, robust risk management and clear strategic oversight.
• Operational Leadership: Provide confident leadership to a small, remote team, strengthening collaboration, accountability, resilience and a positive, high-trust culture.
• Income Generation: Oversee budgeting, planning and reporting while developing thoughtful opportunities to diversify income through membership, partnerships, events and related activity.
• Community & Partnerships: Build and sustain trusted relationships with government, parliament, regulators, sector bodies and member schools, ensuring NASS remains relevant and well connected.
• Member Services: Protect and enhance the practical offer to members, from briefings and special interest groups to conferences, webinars, training and peer-to-peer learning.
• Brand & Profile: Act as a credible public ambassador for NASS, helping to modernise communications and broaden the organisation’s voice beyond a founder-shaped model.
• Future Growth: Shape a distributed leadership profile and support a more varied, accessible and engaging approach to membership, advocacy and communications.
• A seasoned senior leader with experience in a charity, membership body, education or public sector setting, and a clear track record of leading through change.
• A strong strategic thinker, able to absorb complex information quickly and translate it into clear, practical direction.
• A confident communicator with the gravitas to represent NASS with members, staff, trustees, MPs, peers, media and national partners.
• A politically astute relationship-builder, comfortable navigating a complex and fast-moving external environment.
• Experienced in governance, with a sound understanding of working with boards or trustees and supporting effective decision-making.
• Numerate and commercially minded, with experience of budgets, financial planning, income generation or partnership development.
• Credible, approachable and resilient, with the emotional intelligence to lead well in a high-profile, remote and sometimes uncertain context.
• Direct SEND experience would be a significant advantage, alongside understanding of specialist education or similarly complex stakeholder environments.

Why NASS?

• This is a chance to lead a respected, member-led organisation with a strong national reputation and a clear public purpose.
• You will help shape the future of specialist education at a time when SEND reform is high on the agenda.
• NASS has a loyal, experienced and collegiate remote staff team, supported by an active Board of Trustees.
• The organisation offers a genuinely influential platform, with strong connections across the sector and with government.

Application

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 8th June 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.