Funding development manager jobs in Cobham, surrey

Lightbox Gallery & Museum is entering an ambitious new phase as we prepare for our 20th anniversary in 2027. This role offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced and initiative-taking fundraiser to help shape the organisation’s future by developing new income streams and leading our anniversary campaign, Lightbox20.

You will take ownership of the campaign activity across the organisation - developing strategy, building relationships with donors and partners, and delivering income to agreed targets. At the same time, you will manage the practical detail that underpins successful fundraising, including stewardship and our CRM system.

Key priorities are developing and delivering the Big Give campaign this year, capital fundraising for the garden and our 20th anniversary Lightbox 20.  

This role will suit someone who thrives in a small organisation, understands the unique challenges and opportunity this brings and who is self-motivated to build an ambitious campaign from the ground up. The successful appointee will combine strategic thinking with direct delivery, collaborating closely with the Director and Trustees to secure the next chapter of Lightbox Gallery’s success.

We have an exciting opportunity for a passionate conservation professional to join the Trust and play a key role in the care and conservation of our outstanding churches, a fascinating and unique collection of highly listed historic buildings.

Overall job purpose

As a Conservation Projects Manager and a key member of the national Conservation team, you will work with experienced consultants and skilled craftspeople, with national and regional colleagues, volunteers, local partners and stakeholders to develop and manage a range of holistic, conservation and new use projects, from inception to completion, and providing professional advice and support to community led projects.  You will lead on capital, conservation and maintenance programmes in East Anglia and beyond as required.

You will have expertise and specialist knowledge in the field of historic building repair and conservation, and a proven track record of project management (client side) in the heritage sector. You might be a Building Surveyor, a Conservation Architect, an Estate Manager, or a Project Manager, in this continually varied and unique role you will be working on some of the most significant historic buildings in the country. As you’ll be working on projects across a large geographical area, it is essential you have a full driving licence.

We have recently published our TRUST values, which outline the behaviours and expectations that act as our foundations at CCT. We have attached the pack, outlining each value, which we will also be using as part of our shortlisting and interview process to find the right candidates that align with our values.

If you would like to apply for this role, please visit our recruitment portal to begin your application. You will be asked to submit a CV and a short supporting statement (max 2 sides A4) outlining why you’d like to apply and how you fulfil the person specification for this post, so you’ll need to refer to the job description.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 8am on Monday 27th April 2026.

The interviews will take place in London on Wednesday 6th May 2026. Please note that the interview date and location have been specifically chosen according to the availability of the panel.

Please note: As part of our recruitment process, we undertake candidate psychometric testing, you will receive an email following your application submission asking you to complete a series of activities.

All successful applicants will be subject to a basic DBS, credit check, references and right to work checks.

We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. Candidates who declare that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the job will be offered an interview.

If you have any queries about this role, or if you have a disability and wish to request a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to valid right to work in the UK being provided.

The Head of Public Fundraising will lead the design and delivery of a mass audience fundraising strategy for The Children’s Trust. Taking a supporter centred approach, the postholder will lead a team of individual giving and relationship fundraisers to generate income through the strategic and long-term engagement of new and existing supporters.

The role will include setting and delivering income and expenditure budgets across individual giving, legacy, events, community and partnerships income streams as well as evaluating new opportunities for voluntary income growth.

The postholder will play a key part within the Fundraising, Retail and Communications directorate and champion fundraising across the organisation.

This role is not open to sponsorship.

Staff benefits include shuttle bus, and more… Read more below.

Role Requirements

• Develop, implement and monitor a fundraising strategy across all public fundraising areas aligned to the voluntary income strategy.
• Working with the Director of Fundraising and Communications, set income and expenditure budgets, agreeing activities and initiatives to deliver these budgets ensuring. cost control regular forecasting and taking corrective action to achieve budgets. 
• Establishing and monitoring KPIs and quality standards for the Public Fundraising team 
• Review and build on The Children’s Trust supporter journey, ensuring that all supporter relationships are strengthened and that donors are engaged on many levels.
• Review and revise The Children’s Trust case for support, working with the Head of High Value Philanthropy to develop appeals and/or products relevant for different audiences.
• Using a donor centred approach, explore opportunities to maximise income growth and long-term relationship development.
• Work with Senior Events and Partnerships Manager and Senior Individual Giving Manager to strengthen relationships and cross-team working within the Public Fundraising team with a view to maximising supporter engagement and fundraising opportunities. 
• Lead the team to create a supporter-focussed plan to refine assumptions around product offerings and audience needs. 
• Using CRM principles, work with senior managers to optimise acquisition planning, and channels and campaigns within agreed budgets.
• Build and strengthen internal relationships across the organisation to co-produce fundraising propositions and ensure that budget relieving, organisational priorities are at the centre of all fundraising relationships.
• Work with Heads across the Fundraising, Retail and Communications Directorate to manage relationships, scope of work and overall budgets when commissioning external data analytics, creative and media agencies. 

Interview Date:

1st Stage - w/c 27th April 2026

2nd Stage - w/c 4th May 2026

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY – ‘How to Apply’

Terms and Conditions

PLEASE NOTE: The Children's Trust Application Form MUST be completed and submitted, for your application to be considered. As part of the shortlisting process, gaps in employment will be examined and further explored during the interview process. 

Strictly no agencies, please.

As we often receive high levels of applicants for our roles, we regret that we will only be able to contact those applicants who are shortlisted for interviews. Therefore, if you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, please assume you have not been shortlisted for an interview on this occasion.

About Us

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with acquired brain injury, providing expert rehabilitation, education, therapy, and care at our national specialist centre in Tadworth, and to children and their families across the UK, via our Brain Injury Community Service.

Boasting a beautiful 24-acre site in Surrey, we are located just outside of London, close to the M25 (accessible via Junction 8, A217 to Tadworth) and easily accessible via National Rail, by way of: Clapham Junction, Sutton, and Epsom.

Staff Benefits

The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits, including our staff flexible benefits platform, on-site nursery, free eye tests, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, time out days for those experiencing menopause symptoms and time off for gender reassignment.

We also offer additional annual leave days for those with long service, with entitlements ranging from 35 to 41 days (including bank holidays) depending on your length of service.

Other benefits include free on-site parking; a staff shuttle service from Epsom and Sutton train stations to Tadworth Court, subsidised cafeteria, on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability), the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable), Teacher’s pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme, and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Rehabilitation of Offenders

Many roles at The Children’s Trust are exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020) and as such, are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.  Successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which will disclose all unspent convictions and adult cautions and any spent convictions or adult cautions that would not be protected.  The exceptions to this are our retail roles within The Children’s Trust shops, which are subject to Basic DBS checks which will disclose unspent convictions or adult cautions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To help us achieve our ambition to give children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability the opportunity to live the best life possible, we want to accurately reflect the UK’s diverse population. We want equity, diversity, and inclusion to be at the heart of everything we do, and our people, services, and culture to reflect the diverse needs of all. Through our diversity and inclusion strategy, we have made a commitment to increase the diversity of our charity and create an inclusive culture. We have networks across the organisation working to ensure that these aims are met - including an LGBTQIA2S+ group, Ethnic Diversity Group, and Spark – our broad EDI group. Read more about our EDI work here. We welcome applications from all who share our ambition regardless of background. We will strive to ensure that any reasonable adjustments are made in respect of interview and working arrangements.

Online Searches

In accordance with statutory safeguarding and child protection guidance, online searches will be conducted for shortlisted candidates before interview. The online searches will be conducted by a person who is independent of the interview and selection process and will focus on relevant information returned via searches of the candidate’s name (and variations thereof). Social media searches will be limited to professional platforms such as LinkedIn. Any concerns relating to suitability for work with children and young people will be forwarded to the interview panel, for discussion during the interview.

Head of Fundraising (Part-Time, 3 days/week)

Hybrid – Vauxhall, London | £47,342 (pro rata)

1-year FTC | Start ASAP

Join the UK’s leading personal safety charity and play a pivotal role in protecting lives.

Suzy Lamplugh Trust is looking for a strategic and relationship-driven Head of Fundraising to lead our income generation across trusts, foundations and statutory funders. This role is perfect for someone who wants autonomy, impact, and the chance to shape sustainable growth for a mission-driven organisation.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and deliver our fundraising strategy
• Build a strong pipeline of trusts, foundations & statutory funders
• Craft compelling bids
• Lead excellent stewardship and funder relationships
• Work across teams to align opportunities and organisational needs

What We’re Looking For

• Proven fundraising success, including significant grants
• Strong writing and relationship-building skills
• Experience managing fundraising pipelines and reporting
• Highly organised, collaborative and mission-aligned

Why Join Us?

Your work directly supports victims of stalking, advances national safety initiatives, and influences policy that protects millions.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining how you meet the essential criteria.

The Mason Foundation is a national charity supporting neurodivergent young people into meaningful employment through our Propel mentorship programme. We work across England and Scotland, partnering with schools, colleges, community youth settings and employers to champion neuroinclusion and create opportunities for young people to thrive.

75% of our staff are neurodivergent, and we're proud to create an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can succeed.

The Opportunity

We are at an exciting growth phase with ambitions to scale nationally. To achieve this, we need to capture and share the positive impact we have on people's lives.

As the Impact and Fundraising Manager, you will work hands on with our delivery team to design data collection systems that feel manageable and purposeful, not burdensome. You understand that different people think, process, and work in different ways, so you will create multiple methods for collecting the same data to suit different styles.

You take a methodical approach to understanding what data we need to showcase impact, then build the frameworks and provide the practical support to make collection happen across multiple methods. You empower the team to grow their confidence in impact measurement through training, clear guidance, and being there alongside them.

You will translate the data we collect into compelling, heartfelt stories that position The Mason Foundation as best practice. You will engage with traditional media and sector publications to showcase our work and support the COO with fundraising by providing the impact evidence that inspires funders and commissioners to collaborate with us.

What We're Looking For

• Methodical approach to collecting data across multiple different methods, understanding what needs to be collected to showcase impact without being burdensome

• Hands on experience supporting frontline teams with data and impact collection, building their confidence and skills

• Ability to design multiple ways of collecting a uniform dataset, recognizing different thinking, processing, and working styles

• Strong storyteller who can make data heartfelt and human whilst maintaining evidence-based rigour

• Experience with traditional media engagement (press releases, media relations) and writing for sector publications

• Understanding of neuroinclusion, community development, or social impact landscapes

• Experience working with CRM systems and ability to lead exploration of accessible data tools

• Empathetic, supportive, highly organised, and self-motivated with ability to work part time hours efficiently in a remote environment

Why Join Us

In return, you get to work for an ambitious, values driven charity making a real difference in the lives of neurodivergent young people. You will have the flexibility of remote working with a flexible working pattern, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata), opportunities to shape our impact story and professional development, and the chance to be part of a neuroinclusive workplace culture where everyone's contributions matter.

AHF is seeking to appoint 3.5 FTE new Grants Officers to help deliver our core grants and advisory programme across England. These roles have been created following the recent announcement of significant new investment, which will support the expansion of the Heritage Revival Fund through to March 2029. This investment will enable AHF, in partnership with DCMS and Historic England, to provide grants to hundreds of communities across England, helping them bring neglected historic buildings back into use.

The postholders will be responsible for assessing and managing a caseload of projects within a defined area of England, joining an existing team of Grants Officers. They will advise and guide projects through each stage of the project lifecycle, from early viability through to capital works. They will ensure that grants, where offered, are allocated and monitored in accordance with programme criteria and priorities and will work closely with external partners to support shared objectives.

We are looking for candidates with strong experience in grant-making and project management, who can work collaboratively as part of a remote team and who can demonstrate a clear interest in AHF’s mission to promote the conservation and sustainable re‑use of historic buildings for the benefit of communities across the UK. Applicants must also have strong numerical and written skills and confidence using common IT and office systems.

We are seeking to fill three FTE positions and one 0.5 FTE position to cover the Midlands, East of England, Yorkshire & Humberside and North East England so we are particularly keen to hear from applicants in these areas. All roles will be home-based.

Head of Operations

Suzy Lamplugh Trust

Hybrid (40% office-based)
Full-time (35 hours)

Permanent
£46,200
Start: ASAP

Lead and shape services supporting victims of stalking and abuse

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust is seeking a Head of Operations to provide strategic leadership across our services, ensuring they are safe, effective, compliant, and sustainable.

This is a senior leadership role, responsible for overseeing service performance, infrastructure, and delivery at an organisational level. You will play a key role in shaping strategy, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring our services meet the needs of victims and funders alike.

About the role

You will:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across all services, ensuring high-quality and compliant delivery
• Lead on organisational performance, including KPIs, quality standards, and reporting frameworks
• Oversee contract and grant delivery, ensuring all obligations and compliance requirements are met
• Hold senior relationships with commissioners, funders, and external stakeholders
• Lead service development, mobilisation of new contracts, and organisational change
• Ensure effective systems, infrastructure, and processes are in place to support delivery
• Provide leadership across safeguarding, risk, and organisational compliance
• Work as part of the Senior Management Team to shape and deliver organisational strategy

This role focuses on service infrastructure, performance, and strategic oversight, rather than direct frontline management

About you

You will be an experienced senior leader with a strong track record in operational and strategic service delivery within a safeguarding or related environment.

You will have:

• Significant experience leading multiple frontline services within a safeguarding or VAWG-related sector
• Experience operating at senior leadership level, contributing to organisational strategy
• Strong experience of performance management, KPIs, and quality assurance frameworks
• Experience managing statutory contracts or grant-funded services
• Proven ability to lead organisational change, service mobilisation, or transformation
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, compliance, and information governance
• Experience working with commissioners and senior external stakeholders

Desirable:

• Experience within stalking, domestic abuse, or VAWG services
• Experience in a charity or commissioned service environment
• Experience in organisational restructuring, service redesign, or systems implementation

Why join us

• Lead and shape services that support victims of stalking and abuse
• Join a collaborative and mission-driven senior leadership team
• Play a critical role in organisational strategy, growth and impact

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria detailed within the person specification.

Applications will not be considered without a supporting statement

Additional information

• This is a senior leadership role reporting to the CEO

We are the national body for careers education in England, delivering support to schools and colleges to deliver modern, 21st century careers education. 

The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) is a great place to work. We operate within a fast-paced and collaborative environment. We are brought together by one thing: our passion to ensure young people get the best possible start in life and are supported to find their best next step. 

Do you want to be part of a mission-driven team focused on transforming young people’s lives? If so, we’d love to hear from you! 

Role summary

Essential criteria: 

• Background in corporate relationship management/account management - able to build relationships at all levels and sell propositions to organisations.   

• Experience in developing resources to support employers to deliver quality outreach with young people.   

• Demonstrable experience of operationalising national strategy into projects and programmes, ideally across multiple locations.   

• Significant experience of managing multiple clients/stakeholders and projects to time and budget, managing risk, and maintaining a high-quality service level.   

• A demonstrable understanding of the current careers’ education and early careers landscapes.   

Desirable criteria: 

• Expertise in supporting employers to engage with specialists education settings, especially Alternative Provision.  

For further information about the role, and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: Monday 13th April 2026 (Midnight).

Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert early should we receive suitable applications.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion        

At the Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) we are committed to fostering a culture of belonging. We know that engagement at work relies on feeling included and valued. Inclusion is both a choice and a practice, for us as an organisation and for individuals within our team. We aim to drive inclusion through every aspect of our work and we understand that diverse teams are essential for innovative careers education and are central to our mission and impact. CEC values the visible and invisible qualities that makes each member of our team who they are. We are a disability confident employer and if you need any help or support through the application process, please contact the HR team and details can be found on our website.

Is this position right for you?
We’re seeking a Fundraising Officer to support the growth of all our programmes, services, and campaigns. Primarily working on a new area of trusts and foundations fundraising, including researching prospects. You will be responsible for making grant applications and updating funders, as well as providing overall support to the wider fundraising team at Humanists UK.

Are you an early-career fundraiser with some experience of working in the trusts and foundations sector, either for a charity or as a funder? Are you looking for your next big move and a new role that you can really get your teeth into? Do you want to grow your skillset while taking ownership of exciting projects? If so, this could be the role for you.

What you'll be doing

You'll be part of the Advancing Humanism Directorate. You'll work with our Head of Fundraising, Jess, as well as working closely with our Director of Advancing Humanism, Liam, and other members of the Communications and Marketing team.

The fundraising team is responsible for income generation including donors, campaigns, grants, and exploring new ways we can sustain and grow our fundraising. This includes planning and leading giving campaigns; donor and funder stewardship (working with the Chief Executive’s Office); developing and maintaining an income pipeline; and identifying new opportunities to diversify our income streams.

Key Tasks & Activities

Implementing and further developing Humanists UK’s grants, trusts, and foundations fundraising strategy, with key tasks including:

• Researching new funding prospects

• Maintaining and growing our funding pipeline.

• Supporting colleagues across the organisation to develop, bid for, and report on appropriate projects for funding

• Writing clear and compelling funding bids, proposals, and appeals, and produce timely, high-quality reports for funders

• Maintaining accurate records of applications, reporting schedules, project milestones, and grant income using the charity’s CRM system.

• Working with the finance team to make sure grants are administered efficiently and all income is accurately recorded

• Monitoring progress against targets, providing regular updates and income reports to the Head of Fundraising

• Supporting continuous improvement by maintaining effective systems for tracking and evaluating trust fundraising activity

• Keeping informed about developments and sector trends in fundraising

As a successful candidate

You will have strong organisational skills and be confident managing a varied workload, balancing application and reporting deadlines with funder stewardship and pipeline development needs.

You will also be a proactive and supportive team player and a self-starter. We are a small team who manage our own work, but value coming together to share ideas, support one another, and take creative risks.

Creative Land Trust secures permanent affordable workspace in London for artists and creatives. We connect property developers, government authorities and studio providers forging valuable new collaborations, facilitating placemaking and actively participating in the development of policy in both the property and arts sectors.

Founded by the Mayor of London with expertise from Outset Contemporary Art Fund, and additional funding from Arts Council England and Bloomberg Philanthropies, we use our extensive knowledge of how the property and arts sectors interact to provide a way for donors, developers and investors to contribute to arts and culture at a systemic, infrastructure level.

We measure our impact in terms of community interaction, social benefit, wellbeing and employment; engaging expert studio providers for day-to-day management.

We are actively seeking funding from new donors and long-term partnerships with property owners that will lead to more stable space for arts and culture, improving the opportunities for creative practises to thrive and for communities to become more connected. In return we contribute to place making and community cohesion.

We are a small team with big ambitions seeking an experienced and motivated finance director who will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and other members of the team to ensure that the Creative Land Trust works efficiently and effectively, making the best use of all its assets. The post holder will manage and have responsibility for the oversight of financial systems, reporting and analysis, as well as acting as Company Secretary and leading the delivery of good governance. This is a senior role and the post holder will have influence at trustee and team levels.

Steel Warriors was established in 2017 to rethink how knife crime is tackled by turning a symbol of violence into one of strength and resilience. We transform the lives of marginalised young people by recycling knives seized by the police into outdoor calisthenics gyms and create positive change in communities. We provide classes at our five outdoor gyms across – Lambeth, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Haringey and Enfield – and deliver programmes in schools (including pupil referral units), youth and sport clubs, and in Brixton Prison. Our coach mentors deliver high quality, inclusive calisthenics sessions alongside mentoring and employability sessions

The Head of Programmes and Safeguarding role combines strategic leadership with strong operational oversight. The postholder is responsible for leading the design, development and scaling of high-quality services, supporting their team to perform effectively, and ensuring that programmes deliver meaningful outcomes for participants. They will work closely with colleagues, delivery partners, funders, young people and board members to drive programme development aligned with the organisation’s strategy, theory of change and ultimate goal of young people being safer, healthier and feeling more connected and positive about the future. The role requires an exceptional organiser and team leader able to manage a range of priorities, coordinate people and systems effectively, and maintain high standards across delivery areas.

The Sickle Cell Society is looking for a Programme Manager to join the team to oversee operations of the North West region Sickle Cell Children and Young Person’s mentoring programme. The Peer Mentoring programme aims to improve the health and wellbeing of young people with Sickle Cell Disorders (SCD).The North West Programme Manager will be overseeing the success and delivery of the aims and objectives of the peer mentoring programme across Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield.

Location: London Diocesan House, Causton Street with flexibility to work from other areas

Hours: 24 hours per week (can be spread over 3 or 4 days)

Salary: £22, 264  (FTE £32,468)

Closing date: 17 April 2026
Interview date: 30 April 2026 (in-person)

The Diocese of London is looking to appoint a Ministry Administrator to support the Area Director of Ministry and the wider Stepney Area team.

Job Summary

This is a key role for someone with strong administrative skills, good judgement and a heart for supporting the work of the Church. The postholder will help provide the careful, dependable and confidential support needed for clergy discernment, development and training across the Stepney Area. The job description describes the role as providing comprehensive executive and operational support, requiring a high level of organisation, discretion, confidentiality and attention to detail.

This is an opportunity to make a valuable contribution behind the scenes to the life and ministry of the Diocese. The successful candidate will help to ensure that important processes are carried out smoothly, professionally and with care.

Job responsibilities

This is an opportunity to make a valuable contribution behind the scenes to the life and ministry of the Diocese. The successful candidate will help to ensure that important processes are carried out smoothly, professionally and with care. This includes:

• Supporting the Area Director of Ministry with day-to-day administration, communications and diary management

• Coordinating aspects of the ordination discernment process and maintaining accurate confidential records

• Liaising with clergy, candidates and other colleagues in a professional and welcoming way

• Supporting clergy development processes, training events and meetings

• Helping maintain well organised digital systems and administrative workflows

The role also includes support for records and data management, clergy development administration, occasional financial administration and event coordination.

Person Specification

• Highly organised and attentive to detail
• Able to handle confidential information with care and accuracy
• Proactive, dependable and able to work with initiative
• A thoughtful and professional communicator
• Confident using Microsoft 365 and other digital systems
• Willing to work flexibly when needed
• In sympathy with the Christian faith and, ideally, familiar with the life and structures of the Church of England, or willing to grow in that understanding

· Right to work in the UK

· The person will not require a basic DBS check

Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full details on Person Specification.

About the London Diocesan Fund

The London Diocesan Fund (LDF) is the employment body that serves and supports the Diocese of London and Church of England. 

The Church of England in London is growing, vibrant and at the heart of communities throughout the capital. At the London Diocesan Fund, we seek to do everything we can to support this mission and growth, using our resources to help our parishes and chaplains to serve over 4 million people.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community.

We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.

Safeguarding

The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Benefits of working with us

The LDF offers a supportive working environment, opportunity for career development and the following financial benefits:

• Competitive remuneration package
• 27 annual leave days to rise to 30 after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays
• 15% employer pension contribution and salary sacrifice available
• Death in service benefit x3 of basic gross salary
• Enhanced maternity leave of six months full pay, after 12 months of employment
• Season ticket loans for public transport
• Access to Benenden Health Insurance
• EAP counselling through Health Assured
• Up to £100 for eye test and contribution to spectacles
• Two additional paid days for community volunteering

To apply:

Submit your application and CV online via Pathways. Please refer to the person specification and JD when you’re answering the application questions.

For more details, please see the full Job Description and Person Specification or visit the LDF Careers Page.

Who we are and why we are needed

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

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

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

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

The role

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

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

Key responsibilities

Grant making and programme delivery

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

Partnerships and income

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

Impact, data and systems

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

People and internal operations

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

Governance, compliance, risk and finance

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

Experience and attributes

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

Key details​

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