Executive support officer jobs in Southsea, portsmouth

At Solent Academies Trust, we know that when strong relationships are nurtured, people thrive, and when people thrive, so do the children and young people we serve.

We are a values‑driven organisation, proud to support pupils with Special Educational Needs in environments where connection, respect and belonging sit at the heart of every decision we make. At an exciting and pivotal point in our journey, we are seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to join our senior leadership team.

More than a finance role

This is not a traditional Director of Finance post.

Yes, you will bring strong financial acumen, strategic insight and professional rigour, but what matters most to us is how you lead. We are looking for a thoughtful, relational leader who builds trust with ease, communicates with clarity and warmth, and understands that behind every financial decision are real lives, families and communities.

Working closely with the Chief Finance and Operating Officer, you will play a central role in shaping the Trust’s future. You will lead and develop our finance function with integrity and credibility, guiding a sustainable financial strategy across our academies while navigating the complexities of high‑needs provision. Your work will directly support our ability to deliver outstanding care, education and inclusion for our pupils.

About you

We are particularly keen to hear from people who:

• Are motivated by purpose and driven to make a meaningful difference in young people’s lives
• Bring a collaborative, relational leadership style and build high‑trust, high‑performing teams
• Combine strategic financial expertise with the ability to see the bigger picture
• Lead with professional rigour, empathy and a sense of humour
• Are as comfortable working with people as they are with numbers

You may already be working in education, or you may be looking to bring your expertise from another sector. What matters most is your alignment with our values and your commitment to creating lasting impact.

Why join Solent Academies Trust?

Because here, your work genuinely matters.

You will be part of a compassionate, ambitious community that values difference, prioritises wellbeing and invests in its people. This is a place where your voice is heard, your contribution is recognised and your professional growth is actively supported.

We offer:

• A strong organisational culture rooted in relational practice, belonging and wellbeing
• High‑quality professional development and leadership support
• Local Government Pension Scheme (including a 17.9% employer contribution and 50/50 option)
• Life assurance and confidential wellbeing support services
• A dedicated wellbeing inset day
• Generous annual leave, increasing with service
• A range of additional employee benefits and recognition schemes

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership role where your financial expertise will shape not only an organisation, but the futures of the children and young people we serve.

To find out more about the role, we encourage informal and confidential conversations with our recruitment partners, Propelo. Please click the apply link to arrange a discussion via our dedicated recruitment website.

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, all applicants are required to complete the application form, which is also available on the same website.

Closing date: Wednesday 3rd June, noon
Interviews: Tuesday 23rd June

Solent Academies Trust has a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful applicants will be subject to relevant pre-employment checks, including references and enhanced DBS clearance.

Role Purpose

As Head of Creative & Content, you will shape and champion the creative vision of Child Bereavement UK. You’ll lead the development of a bold, purposeful content and creative strategy that brings our mission to life, ensuring every story, campaign and asset is high-quality, evidence-based, accessible and emotionally resonant across all channels.

You’ll set the creative direction and ensure everything we produce is consistently compelling, inclusive and impactful, delivering outstanding user experiences that truly connect with our audiences.

This role leads the full content lifecycle, from strategic planning and innovative production to governance and evaluation. You’ll drive creativity that supports income generation, strengthens service delivery and grows brand awareness, making sure our content doesn’t just inform, but inspires action and change.

Main Responsibilities

1. Leadership, Team Management & Administration

• Work alongside the Director of Marketing & Communications to lead the Marketing & Communications team, ensuring there is a clear direction of travel, an understanding of purpose and exemplary culture embedded to drive future success.
• Provide clear leadership and direct line management to the Brand Lead and Content Creator.
• Build a high-performing content function with strong planning, evaluation and cross-functional collaboration.
• Support and mentor a network of volunteer content creators.
• Champion innovation, best practice and a user-centred approach to content.
• Proactively formulate appropriate, strategic and creative responses and pitch new ideas for campaigns and activities.
• Oversee the content strategy for all level 1 output, and seasonal appeals and campaigns.
• Effectively manage expenditure across all content workstreams in line with agreed expenditure budgets.
• Ensure that the recording of permissions and consents is adhered to in line with our policies and procedures and in accordance with GDPR.
• Deputise for the Director of Marketing & Communications when required.

2. Creative and Content Strategy & Governance

• Set, implement and continuously evolve the organisation-wide content strategy, ensuring alignment with strategic aims and audience needs.
• Oversee content systems, processes, policies and tools to ensure consistency, quality, accessibility and compliance.
• Develop a sensitive and safe lived-experience content strategy, ensuring safeguarding standards are met and contributors are appropriately supported in partnership with service teams.
• Identify and pursue content collaboration opportunities to enhance reach, impact and brand visibility.
• Manage the content budget and ensure effective prioritisation and resourcing.

3. Content Creation, Management & Delivery

• Lead delivery of high-quality cross-channel content, including copy, editorial, design and audio-visual assets.
• Develop and provide creative direction for content-led campaigns.
• Grow and manage a library of level 1 and evergreen content.
• Identify new and emerging content opportunities appropriate content opportunities using market insight and analytics to continuously develop Child Bereavement UK’s content position.
• Create, assign, commission and manage a diverse range of evergreen and project specific multimedia content including but not limited to video, audio, design and copy.
• Maintain a robust content production schedule to support organisational priorities.
• Quality-assure and ensure all content meets visual identity, user experience, accessibility, safeguarding and GDPR requirements.
• Support colleagues with interviewing service-users, professionals, staff and supporters and producing high-quality case studies for use across channels including the Impact Report, website, publications, social media and fundraising materials.
• Support and guide colleagues with basic content production duties as needed.

4. Brand & Information standards

• Provide line management and leadership to the Brand Lead to oversee brand (design, editorial and audio-visual) standards across all key external communications.
• Support the Brand Lead to identify and steward brand opportunities and collaborations.

5. Insight, Evaluation & Reporting

• Lead ongoing insight and research activities to assess content effectiveness and identify gaps or opportunities.
• Monitor and analyse content reach, performance and effectiveness producing regular reports for senior leadership.
• Adopt test-and-learn approaches (e.g., A/B testing and insight sharing) to drive continuous improvement.

6. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with the Directors of Marketing & Communications, Services & Service Transformation, and Income Generation to deliver strategic content needs.
• Partner with bereavement services, income generation and participation teams to identify and maximise high-value content opportunities.
• Collaborate with brand and marketing colleagues to deliver projects aligned to the marketing strategy and comms plans.
• Liaise with creative agencies, media partners and freelance suppliers.
• Foster strong cross-charity relationships to ensure coherent messaging and shared learning.

All Staff

• Contribute to the vision and mission of Child Bereavement UK; whilst embedding the values into your daily work activities.
• Promote equality of opportunity and diversity in accordance with Child Bereavement UK policy.
• Contribute to the overall success of the charity’s fundraising needs by providing case studies, attending events and adding value to the experience of our supporters as required.
• Contribute to the brand and reach of the charity by working alongside our Marketing & Communications Team when relevant press opportunities arise or when required for social media and online content (including the use of photography).
• Work to objectives, targets and work plans agreed with your line manager.
• Undertake specific projects and other ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager, fulfilling any deadlines, reviews and reporting procedures required.
• Take an active part in the Quarterly review process and participate in training agreed with your line manager.
• Recognise and champion the lived experience of children and young people with bereavement within your work.
• Ensure the health and safety of all colleagues, volunteers and visitors in accordance with Child Bereavement UK policy.

Person Specification

Essential

Experience & Knowledge

• Proven experience developing and delivering an organisation-wide content strategy.
• Experience leading a content or editorial function in a complex organisation (charity, health, social care or similar desirable).
• Proficient in graphic design and video editing skills (e.g. Canva, Adobe, CapCut).
• Strong track record for producing and overseeing high-quality written, digital, graphic and audiovisual content.
• Experience commissioning and managing agencies, freelancers and creative partners.
• Demonstrable experience creating or stewarding sensitive or lived-experience content, including safeguarding, trauma-informed practice and GDPR compliance.
• Experience of embedding and adhering to content governance and policy.
• Experience managing a team of content specialists and/or volunteers.
• Experience working collaboratively across multiple directorates and with subject matter experts.
• Experience using insight, analytics, testing and research to evaluate content performance and inform decision-making.
• Strong project management experience, managing multiple concurrent content projects and deadlines.
• Strong understanding of accessibility, UX principles, brand management and content governance.

Skills

• Excellent copywriting, editing and storytelling skills across multiple formats and for diverse audiences.
• Skilled in producing high-quality video and audio content, including hands-on skills in filming, recording and editing.
• Ability to translate complex or clinical information into clear, engaging content. Ability to set strategic direction and translate it into actionable plans and workflows.
• Strong ability to prioritise, allocate resources and manage competing demands.
• Ability to balance creative ambition with commercial or organisational objectives.
• Skilled in coaching, mentoring and motivating individuals and teams.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret data, identify insights and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to editorial quality.

Attributes & Values

• Compassion, emotional intelligence and ability to work respectfully with bereaved children, young people and families.
• Collaborative, approachable, and able to build trust across teams.
• Creative, innovative and proactive, with a solutions-focused, self-starter mindset.
• Highly organised, resilient and able to work independently in a remote environment.
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and ethical storytelling, including amplifying lived experience safely and respectfully.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and development opportunities.
• Willingness to be flexible work to meet organisational need.
• Ability to undertake periodic UK travel and represent the charity at meetings and events.

Desirable

• Experience working within the charity/third sector, particularly in bereavement, mental health or social care.
• Understanding of bereavement and the needs of bereaved children, young people and parents.
• Previous experience in a Head of Content or similar leadership role.
• Experience of leading in-house and external creative teams.
• Background in storytelling, editorial or publishing environments.
• Experience of delivering large-scale content programmes across multiple channels.
• Familiarity with CRM systems such as Salesforce.
• Experience managing or supporting lived-experience contributors, ambassadors or volunteers.
• Knowledge of digital marketing principles (e.g., SEO, user journeys, content optimisation.
• Active engagement with creative or content industry networks

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 27th May 2026 at midnight

First Stage Screening Interviews – on-going

You may be asked to attend a 10-minute Screening Interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the vacancy, to assess your suitability for the role. During the interview, you will be asked two skills-based questions.

Second Stage Interviews – Friday 5th June

If you are progressed to a second stage interview, you will be invited to attend a 1-hour formal interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the role. It is our policy to share the role-specific interview questions with applicants ahead of the interview, to aid their preparation. You may also be asked to complete an interview task, which will also be shared with you in advance.

Great opportunity to lead and support our charity's team through the next phase of development to drive One Medicine forward. 

Job Purpose

To lead the operational delivery of Humanimal Trust’s charitable aims and strategic objectives, as set by the Board of Trustees, ensuring that plans are translated into clear priorities, well-managed programmes and effective day-to-day operations. The postholder will line manage the operational team, oversee the finances and the fundraising activities, and maintain strong governance and compliance within Charity Commission requirements, at all times representing the Trust’s One Medicine purpose with professionalism and integrity.

Dimensions

· Line management responsibility for the operational team

· Budget responsibility: manage agreed operational budgets and monitor expenditure against plan

· Oversee delivery of the annual business plan and operational work programme

· Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, supporters, partners and suppliers

· Oversee the fundraising activities

Main Responsibilities and Role

· Provide visible operational leadership for Humanimal Trust, championing One Medicine and role-modelling the Trust’s values

· Translate Board-approved strategy into clear operational priorities, delivery plans and measurable outcomes

· Line-manage the operational team: allocate work, set objectives, provide coaching, and manage performance and wellbeing

· Maintain and improve operational policies, procedures and controls in line with charity regulation, GDPR/data protection and recognised good practice

· Ensure effective delivery of core operational functions (administration, supporter care, governance support, data management and supplier coordination)

· Protect the Trust’s reputation by maintaining high standards of quality, confidentiality, safeguarding and risk management

· Monitor progress against the operational plan, tracking risks, issues and dependencies and reporting regularly to the Chair/Trustees

· Lead on team resourcing and capability: recruitment planning (where applicable), induction, training and continuous improvement

· Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to support good governance, prepare papers, and ensure actions and decisions are implemented

· Attend and present at Board meetings

Finance

· Manage day-to-day financial processes for the Trust, ensuring appropriate approvals, controls and timely processing

· Oversee expense claims and supplier payments in line with policy; ensure accurate records are maintained for audit and reporting

· Track and report on income/expenditure and operational costs, highlighting variances and supporting budget planning with Trustees and finance support (where in place)

· Maintain a clear audit trail for key financial decisions, contracts and delegated approvals

Planning and Organising

· Develop and implement operational plans that translate Trustee priorities into clear workstreams, milestones and accountabilities

· Plan, organise and prioritise team workload and resources to deliver objectives, balancing immediate operational needs with longer-term planning

· Maintain and review the organisational risk register, escalating issues and ensuring proportionate mitigations are in place

· Maintain and review the Trust’s policies and guidance documents

· Monitor and report delivery, performance and compliance (e.g., quarterly/annually as agreed), supporting effective governance and continuous improvement

Decision Making

· Make operational decisions to deliver the Trust’s agreed plans within delegated authority, escalating strategic or high-risk matters to the Chair/Trustees

· Lead and line-manage the operational team, including recruitment planning (where applicable), workload allocation and resource deployment

· Liaise with external partners, supporters, volunteers, suppliers and professional advisers to support delivery and maintain effective relationships

· Liaise with the Chair of Trustees and the Trustees on a regular basis.

· Evaluate and improve processes, systems and ways of working to enhance quality, efficiency, supporter experience and internal control

· Identify learning and development needs for the team and support continuous improvement and professional development

· Manage operational capacity and prioritisation, ensuring resources are aligned to the Trust’s delivery commitments

· Approve expenditure, contracts and commitments within delegated authority and in line with policy

Internal and External Relationships

Internal

· Chair of Trustees and Board of Trustees (including sub-committees), providing timely updates, papers and delivery reporting

· Operational team and volunteers, providing leadership, coordination and support

External

Supporters, donors, partner organisations, volunteers, suppliers and professional advisers (e.g., finance, HR, legal), acting as an operational point of contact as required

Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Style Required

Essential

· Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience), with strong digital/IT capability (MS Office and CRM/databases) and a clear understanding of GDPR/data protection.

· Proven experience in an operational leadership/management role, delivering organisational plans, improving processes and achieving measurable outcomes.

· Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with Trustees, colleagues, volunteers and external stakeholders.

· Strong people management skills, supporting staff through change, setting clear expectations and creating an inclusive, high-performing team culture.

· Demonstrable experience working in or with a charity/not-for-profit, with a good understanding of governance, compliance and supporter-facing operations (experience in human health, animal health or science an advantage).

· Strong judgement and analytical skills, able to manage competing priorities, budgets and risks and to deliver reliably in a small-organisation environment.

Desirable

· Understanding of the UK charity regulatory environment and good governance practice.

· Experience working with Boards/Trustees, including preparing papers, reporting on delivery and supporting effective decision-making.

· Knowledge and experience of fundraising operations and supporter care.

· Demonstrable understanding of, and commitment to, One Medicine.

Job Context and Special Features

This role is a key senior management position within Humanimal Trust, with responsibility for ensuring that strategy is translated into effective delivery, that the operational team is supported to perform at its best, and that the Trust operates with strong governance, compliance and financial control.

This is a one-year fixed term appointment for a 28-hour (3.5 day) working week, starting at the earliest opportunity.  The role is home-based in the UK, with occasional travel to other locations in the country.

About the role

The Programme Director role is an exciting new opportunity to lead the recently established Southern VCSE Collaborative (SVC), enabling it to deliver contracts collaboratively across the voluntary and community sector and at scale. The role will be employed technically by Southampton Voluntary Services but fully seconded into SVC.

SVC is a newly established, system-backed partnership bringing together five charities – No Limits, Solent Mind, Southampton Voluntary Services (SVS), Citizens Advice Southampton and Social Care in Action (SCiA).

SVC does not directly deliver services; instead, it works through a network of VCSE partners to deliver high-quality, community-based provision. SVC currently holds a £2.8m per annum contract (6 years with the option to extend for a further 4 years) delivered through 15 providers and has ambitious plans to grow its reach and impact across Southampton, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

We are seeking an experienced Programme Director to provide strategic and operational leadership at this critical stage of development. This is a senior system leadership role, combining partnership-building, programme development and disciplined oversight of performance, finance and governance. As a new role, we are open to exploring the precise make up hours. The role is advertised as 0.8FTE, but other options can be suggested to deliver the required responsibilities. 

You will:

• Act as the senior representative and “face” of SVC with commissioners, statutory partners and the VCSE

• Lead system, partnership and programme development across Southampton, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

• Position SVC as a trusted system partner and secure new programmes and contracts

• Oversee delivery across multiple VCSE partners, ensuring strong performance, quality assurance and continuous improvement

• Manage contract performance, including KPIs, financial oversight and risk

• Support the Board of Directors with governance, strategy and organisational development, including fulfilling Company Secretary responsibilities

About you

You will bring:

• Significant experience working with commissioners and the voluntary sector in complex, multi-partner environments

• A strong track record of leading programmes or contracts involving multiple delivery partners

• Financial and performance management credibility, with the ability to oversee budgets, risk and value for money

• Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills

• The ability to operate effectively in ambiguity and shape emerging models

• A values-driven, collaborative leadership style, with the confidence to both support and challenge partners

You will have a recognised programme or transformation qualification, or equivalent senior-level experience leading complex programmes.

We are open to flexible delivery models within the set budget and welcome candidates to propose how they would structure the role.

About Southampton Voluntary Services (SVS)

Southampton Voluntary Services (SVS) is the umbrella body for local voluntary and community groups working in Southampton. They provide a wide range of services including specialist support, advice and training to their membership. They also provide and promote information to individuals and organisations on volunteering in the city.

Please note this role is employed by Southampton Voluntary Services (SVS) which means you will get the following benefits:

• 25 days' holiday (pro-rata) increasing to 30 after five years
• 5% employer contribution pension with Aviva

Hours: 30 hours per week.

Location: Multiple partnerships and sub-contractors across the local VCSE Sector.

Closing date: Monday 25 May 2026 (11.59pm).

Interview date: The first stage of interview will be a 30 minute MS Teams call on 3 and 4 June. If you are successful you will then be invited to a second stage interview which will be face to face on 12 June 2026.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS - You will be asked about gaps in your employment at interview and you will need to provide proof of your right to work in the UK before you start your employment.

Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor this role as we do not hold a sponsorship licence. Any offer for this role will be subject to a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and receiving your references.

We welcome people from all the communities we work in to apply. Offers are made based on merit.

Please submit your application as early as possible, as we may close this advert before the advertised closing date.