National director jobs

Maudsley Charity funds work led by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, research teams at King’s College London, and partners in the voluntary and community sector to help build a more equitable and effective mental health care system in south London. We share what we learn to inform and inspire change across the UK.

We are a grant-making charity focused on advancing and accelerating positive change in mental health care. Our aim is to ensure that everyone who experiences mental illness can access the care that’s right for them.

While our roots are firmly in south London, we seek to amplify the knowledge and evidence generated through our programmes to influence practice nationally. We are a small but growing team (21 staff) with bold ambitions.

The role

Maudsley Charity is entering a new chapter of growth and renewal. We are strengthening our governance, welcoming new trustees, and establishing a Finance, Audit and Development Committee to underpin our ambitions. We are evolving our operating model to ensure we remain agile and effective as we scale our impact.

Following a period of interim leadership in this role, we are now seeking a permanent Director of Finance and Operations who will play a pivotal role in shaping this next phase.

This is a role of considerable breadth and strategic influence. The Director of Finance and Operations will lead our financial strategy, oversee our investment approach, including social and impact investing and manage our property portfolio. The role will also explore innovative funding models and commercial opportunities, ensuring we have the resources and resilience to deliver our mission. Alongside this, it will lead core operational functions; HR, IT, Facilities and drive digital transformation to strengthen our infrastructure for the future.

How to apply

To make an application, please click on the apply now button, with the following prepared:

• Your CV (no more than three sides).

• A supporting statement (no more than two sides) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.

Timeline

· Closing date - Friday 23rd January 2026

· Preliminary interviews - w/c 2nd February 2026

· First stage panel interviews - Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th February 2026

· Final panel interviews – w/c 9th March

Job Role

Reports to: National Director 

Budget responsibility: Yes 

Line management: 3 direct reports (Community Outreach Coordinator,Empty Spaces to Homes Programme Manager, Head of Construction & Delivery). Manage the relationship with the Upcycling Programme consultant.  

Post: Permanent 

Location: Home-based with frequent travel and some overnight  stays to internal and external events and project sites across England, Wales and Scotland.  All staff meetings are held in our ReStore, Romford.

About Habitat for Humanity Great Britain 

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the global Habitat for Humanity Federation fighting global poverty and homelessness. We believe that a decent home helps to permanently break the cycle of poverty and allows families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance. 

Job Purpose 

To support Habitat GB’s vision of a decent home for everyone, the organisation has recently completed a strategic review, resulting in a new National Strategy and an organisational restructure, to ensure the organisation is able to deliver the Strategy impactfully, efficiently and effectively. 

As a result, a new team has been formed, which will focus on developing and delivering high quality programmes in England, Wales and Scotland. The Director of Programme Delivery will be accountable for consolidating and supporting the new team to flourish. And for co-leading (with the Director of Retail) the development and performance of one out of two Strategic Goals, to: ‘Develop, pursue and share innovative solutions to increase access to decent, safe, affordable homes for communities across Great Britain’. 

Key responsibilities include the design, delivery and performance of Habitat GB’s domestic programmes and to support the effectiveness of a joined-up UK housing advocacy strategy. The Director of Programme Delivery will also act as an external representation on behalf of Habitat GB, working with the National Director, Housing Advocacy Manager and others on influencing & engagement opportunities, including the development of thought leadership to increase Habitat GB’s influence on policy & decision makers, increasing credibility with partners, communities and other collaborators. The role will also work collaboratively across Habitat GB and the Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) network, including working with the Fundraising & Partnerships team to support high quality partnerships and strategic relationships. 

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Programme Delivery works to ensure the impact, sustainability, diligence and productivity of the organisation, including engaging in organisational transformation, within the framework of a values-led approach to people and culture approach. 

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities: 

Strategic development and programme delivery: 

• Accountable for co-leadership (with the Director of Retail) of the strategic leadership, development and performance of Habitat GB’s Strategic Goal: ‘Develop, pursue and share innovative solutions to increase access to decent, safe, affordable homes for communities across Great Britain’. 

• Responsible for overseeing and ensuring the high-quality design, delivery and performance monitoring of programmes under this strategic goal, including Habitat GB’s flagship Empty Spaces to Homes programme which aims to provide solutions to Great Britain’s critical affordable housing need through the conversion of empty commercial and retail properties into homes and through researching, advocating and collaborating in coalition with others to foster a wider uptake of the Empty Spaces to Homes approach. 

• Working in collaboration with other teams, responsible for the delivery and performance of other GB-based programmes and the development of new strategic initiatives. 

• Source and manage contractors/consultants to work on individual projects in line with our procurement and finance policies. Be responsible for effective contract management including quality assurance of their work and ensuring value for money. Proactively work with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure the organisation prioritises and delivers successfully across the 5 Strategic Enablers, including: taking proactive leadership to deliver high quality programmes and projects; increasing capacity and capability for Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning; technical and thought leadership; increasing visibility and leadership of our mission in GB; ensuring we are a thriving organisation; and championing One Habitat approaches. 

• Maintain awareness of the relevant trends to inform organisational and team strategic planning. Create and maintain a learning culture which identifies opportunities to innovate and adapt. 

• Engage with HFHI and the wider sector to inspire, innovate and influence the development of Habitat GB partnerships and programmes. 

• Ensure programmes are accessible, inclusive, and culturally sensitive to provide the best possible support to target communities. 

External representation and strategic partnerships development: 

• Represent Habitat GB in Great Britain and, where required, internationally. Work closely with the National Director and others on influencing & engagement opportunities, including the development of thought leadership to increase Habitat GB’s influence on policy & decision makers, increasing credibility with partners, communities and other collaborators. 

• Work collaboratively with the Fundraising & Partnerships team to support or lead high quality partnerships and strategic relationships. 

• Work closely with other teams to ensure the development of high-quality proposals, propositions and reports which leverage opportunities across institutional and non- institutional prospects and contribute to our credibility as a trusted and impactful organisation. 

• Be proactive in responding to external challenges as well as opportunities to raise the profile and impact of Habitat GB. 

• Ensure the organisation, its mission, strategic aims, services and products are consistently presented positively to relevant stakeholders. Act as an advocate for the organisation. Promote and enhance the charity’s position externally and develop and maintain good relations and effective networks with relevant stakeholders 

Performance management, reporting and monitoring: 

• Set quality standards and meaningful KPIs to encourage ownership and accountability with direct reports, team, and contractors and effectively monitor progress towards agreed targets. 

• Work with the Senior Leadership Team to oversee the active management of the National Strategy through the co-development of a new Performance Framework for the organisation, ensuring it is robust, strategically aligned, and balances prioritisation and focus with innovation and adaptability. Represent relevant areas of performance in governance forums, including Board level. 

• Work closely with the Director of Finance, Operations & Compliance to track performance, and contribute to high quality reporting, income forecasting and budget management. 

Leadership and management: 

• Lead a high performing and ambitious team, inspired to implement and grow the strategy and with a core focus on positive impact for Habitat GB’s community and strategic partners. 

• Develop, lead and focus the Programme Delivery Team, its budget, activities and performance, to ensure the delivery against funding and impact targets. 

• Manage, motivate and develop team members. Ensure regular 1-2-1s are held, set individual objectives, encourage a culture of giving and receiving feedback, where kindness and ambition support the progression of people and plans. 

• Role model our values in line with Habitat GB’s inclusive approach to people and culture. 

Organisational Leadership: 

• Support the National Director in delivering Habitat GB’s strategy and vision, acting as a collaborative and supportive member of a shared leadership team. 

• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, provide oversight of organisational priorities, productivity, performance, risk and due diligence. 

• Be an active leader across the organisation, collaborating effectively with teams, and contributing fully to organisational wide initiatives and opportunities. 

• Co-create ways of working to enable an adaptive, collaborative and high performing organisational team. 

• Deputise for the National Director when required and represent Habitat GB in external meetings and forums. 

Person profile: 

• Expert knowledge of programme and project design, delivery and monitoring. It would be helpful (but not essential) if this was in a thematic area related to Habitat GB’s vision and mission of ‘working in partnership to create housing solutions, and break down the barriers to decent, safe and affordable homes for all - in Great Britain and around the world’. 

• Proven track record of developing and leading innovative programme or project delivery strategies, community-development or partnership strategies which deliver ambitious targets. 

• Experience of working in a similar organisation, collaborating across teams and operating in a highly effective way across a diverse, networked structure. 

• Significant and successful experience in senior management roles, encompassing strategic management and team leadership. 

• Strong understanding and experience of complex organisational change projects, including the ability to support new teams to develop and thrive. 

• Strong budget and financial management skills. 

Skills and competencies: 

• You have excellent interpersonal, influencing and networking skills and can communicate with impact across diverse audiences. 

• You are a strategic, analytical and entrepreneurial thinker who is focussed on increasing impact in line with Habitat GB’s mission and a clear vision for how strategy translates into delivery 

• You are resilient, able to lead positively in a role which carries significant responsibility and requires you to prioritise effectively across multiple areas of work, problem solve and demonstrate strong organisational and planning skills. 

• You are a values-led leader, who demonstrates integrity, respect for others and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Strong leadership skills and commitment to the highest levels of integrity, honesty, openness and good governance with the capacity to inspire and motivate others 

• You are an experienced manager, able to lead and inspire others, offering kind and constructive support to others enabling them to improve their impact and performance. 

• You are confident and able to work across different and competing priorities 

• Business planning acumen, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Excellent negotiation skills. 

The role and responsibilities will be carried out in a way which reflects: 

• Habitat GB’s commitment to safeguarding children in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy. 

• A commitment to Habitat GB’s vision, mission, values and approach. 

• A commitment to effective management of risk, by operating within the Charity’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and controls and by carrying out the risk management and assurance responsibilities of the role as set out in relevant Policy and Procedures. 

• If this sounds like it could be a good match for you, please take a look at the Candidate Pack here.

  Please note: this role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK.

  Start your Habitat journey here…

  We want the recruitment process to give you the opportunity to shine, to share your skills and experience as clearly as possible, and for you to find out more about Habitat GB in return. You are welcome to get in touch and arrange an informal chat with Henrietta Blackmore (please see website>vacancies for this email address) before submitting an application.

  To apply for the role, please send us your CV and a supporting statement (max two sides of A4) telling us about the skills and experience you would bring to the role and your motivation for applying.

  Send by email referencing the job title in the subject line to our recruitment email > website>vacancies

  The deadline for applications is Sunday 4th January 2026 (at 11:59 pm).

  Habitat for Humanity requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguard our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work.  Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of our code of conduct. The employment of this position will be subject to a satisfactory reference check and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

  At Habitat for Humanity GB, we aim to build, develop and retain a talented workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills and experiences. We welcome and actively encourage applications from anyone who feels they’d be a good fit for our organisation, regardless of race, religion, colour, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity or any other protected characteristics.

  We’d prefer to hear directly from applicants – we won’t be working with third party recruiters on this role. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join The National Brain Appeal, a highly ambitious neurological charity with an outstanding track record. We have raised significant funds to transform research and care for people living with neurological conditions – from dementia and brain tumours to motor neurone disease and epilepsy.

Building on the success of our recent appeals, this role will play a pivotal part in expanding our major gifts fundraising and delivering a step-change in the impact of our work. We are seeking a highly experienced philanthropy and partnerships professional with a proven track record in generating major gifts up to figures, who will lead the creation of a new Development Board and work closely with senior supporters, clinicians and researchers to grow and deepen our networks.

The Director of Strategy is a key player in our leadership team, helping to shape the business and strategic direction of the NT. You will be the primary support for the Executive Director and Co-CEO and will also work closely with the Director and Co-CEO and wider Executive Committee to connect across the organisation to keep all areas aligned.

Your role will predominantly be working to define, plan and execute/monitor our strategic and business goals, involving competing stakeholders (internal/external), multiple divisions and senior figures. You will work at the heart of the NT, facilitating excellent communication and strategic alignment and collaboration on business planning between departments and their directors. You will lead planning Board and senior leadership agendas to ensure discussion is centred around governance and strategy alongside driving business goals forward.

You will lead and/or support the execution and evaluation of various business development and significant commercial opportunities as the organisation works to diversify its income streams and looks increasingly to international markets for commercial partnerships and creative exchange.

This role line manages the Directors’ Office and works closely with other Directors across the NT to inform strategic communications, in particular the Directors of People and Culture, Communications and the Policy team.

The successful candidates will have the following:  

• Excellent communicator and effective collaborator with demonstrable experience of working in a strategic and project-based role, with exposure to Board and governance activity in a large organisation
• Experience of coaching and motivating teams with demonstrable experience of line managing and leading teams
• Excellent process-creation skills, with the ability to work with autonomy and flexibility, to safeguard sensitive and confidential information, and prioritise accordingly
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build effective relationships, with the ability to influence up, down, and across in a positive manner using tact and diplomacy
• Highly developed written and oral communication skills to deliver Executive-level briefs as required

If that sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Thursday 15th January 2026 at 12 noon

This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.

As Director of Policy & Research, you will:

• Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
• Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
• Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
• Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
• Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
• Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
• Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
• Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
• Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
• Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:

• Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
• Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
• Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
• Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
• Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and visionary thinker.
• Collaborative and inclusive leader.
• Politically astute and intellectually curious.
• Practical, focused, and reliable.
• Committed to personal and professional development.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• 3% pension contribution
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.

Job overview

In this dynamic role, you'll provide strategic and operational leadership to grow our income streams to £2 million annually and beyond, while maintaining low costs and embedding innovation through AI-driven insights, digital fundraising, and creative projects.

Oversee governance, financial management, grants, lotteries, major donor stewardship, marketing, and a high-performing team, ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies and delivering measurable social value. If you're a visionary leader with a passion for NHS charities, proven fundraising expertise, and the agility to handle hands-on operations—from event planning to risk management—apply now to drive meaningful change and represent us on national stages.

Flexible working with office presence required frequent travel between sites essential.

We kindly request that applicants submit a one-page cover letter along with a curriculum vitae (CV) not exceeding two pages in length when applying. 

Main duties of the job

The Charity Director is responsible for driving the purpose and impact of Frimley Health Charity (FHC), ensuring the charity delivers meaningful benefits to patients, staff, and the wider community. The role combines strategic leadership with active operational involvement, across income growth and translating the charity’s vision into practical initiatives and improvements. The postholder will develop and implement a plan to deliver on the newly agreed FHC strategy to grow income streams, maximise impact, and maintain low operating costs, while also engaging directly in day-to-day operations to ensure the charity runs smoothly and efficiently.

In addition to strategic planning, the Charity Director undertakes hands-on tasks such as financial management, data analysis, market research, process improvement, and reporting to the Charitable Funds Committee and Trust Board. The role involves leading a small, high-performing team, supporting staff in their day-to-day work, and maintaining a culture of collaboration and accountability. The postholder also engages directly with patients, staff, donors, and community partners, and oversees marketing, communications, creative projects, and wellbeing initiatives, ensuring that all activities align to the charity’s purpose. The charity aims to generate an income of £2 million per annum and there is an expectation of the postholder to grow the charity over the coming years.

St Wilfrid’s Centre is one of the most significant expressions of social action in the Catholic Diocese of Hallam — a place of welcome, dignity and hope for adults who are vulnerable, isolated or at risk of homelessness. For over 30 years, the Centre has offered daily support, practical help, community and opportunities for rebuilding confidence and connection.

We are now seeking a values-led Director to lead the Centre into its next chapter of renewal. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape a respected diocesan service as it evolves towards a clearer strategic purpose, stronger partnerships, greater sustainability and an impact-led culture.

About the role

The Director will:

• Provide visible, compassionate and strategic leadership.
• Lead service development and cultural change, embedding trauma-informed and inclusive practice.
• Strengthen governance, safeguarding, operational excellence and staff wellbeing.
• Build strong relationships with Sheffield City Council, health partners, universities, VCSEF - voluntary, community, social enterprise and faith organisations and local parishes.
• Oversee the Centre’s transformation into a renewed model (community hub or hybrid model shaped by local needs).
• Support long-term financial sustainability through partnership-building and fundraising.

About you

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Strong senior leadership experience in social care, homelessness, health, community or related sectors.
• A track record of managing teams, leading change and improving outcomes for vulnerable adults.
• Understanding of safeguarding, risk and quality service delivery.
• Strategic insight, emotional intelligence and resilience.
• A commitment to — and sympathy with — Catholic social teaching, coupled with a strong belief in inclusive services for all.

“St Wilfrid’s Centre is a treasured part of our family and a vital support for the most vulnerable in our community. We seek a Director who will lead with integrity, vision and compassion; someone who will strengthen the Centre’s mission and help secure its future for generations to come.”
— Bishop Ralph Heskett, Bishop of Hallam and Chair of Trustees

The Assistant to the Director of People and Culture will play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of the Director’s schedule, supporting strategic project delivery, and coordinating the department’s business planning cycle.

The successful candidates will have the following:  

• Experience of managing multiple priorities using organisational and time management skills.
• Experience of preparing clear communications and documents and the processing of messages and information.
• Experience supporting project delivery and business planning processes.
• Proactive and solution-oriented, with a flexible approach to changing priorities.
• Experience of working collaboratively as part of a team

If that sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Friday 16th January 2026 at 12 noon

Are you up for a new and exciting challenge, leading one of the most effective and nimble NGOs in the transport and environment sectors in England and Wales?

Transport Action Network (TAN) is seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable CEO to lead its remote team of six.

Since it was set up in 2019, TAN has established itself as a thought leader on planning and transport matters, while providing hands-on support and advice to local communities seeking better transport solutions. It has successfully challenged government decisions and helped local communities fight off damaging road schemes. Some examples include schames that would have harmed Stonehenge World Heritage Site, South Downs National Park and Rimrose Valley Country Park in Liverpool.

TAN is currently supporting the Queensbury Tunnel Society, trying to stop the government blocking up an old railway tunnel so that it can be repurposed for a new greenway. It is also opposing the Lower Thames Crossing 'smart' motorway.

Fancy, getting involved and making a difference?

We look forward to hearing from you.

Deadline for returning completed applications is 23:59 (GMT), Sunday 1st February, 2026

First interviews: 27th February and 4/5th March

This role manages the BSI’s Clinical Immunology Professional Network, and drives partnerships to secure funding and support. You will also lead the BSI’s work on vaccines, aiming to accelerate the development and deployment of effective and affordable vaccines that deliver patient benefit.

This is a highly visible role requiring extensive engagement with partner organisations including the NHS, charities, funders, government bodies and industry, alongside a strong understanding of the relevant policy landscape. Acting as a primary interface with clinical and research communities, funders and other key stakeholders, you will also secure external funding to support project delivery. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential to build strong relationships and successfully deliver projects both within and beyond the BSI.

This is an excellent opportunity to join an ambitious and innovative science and health membership organisation, delivering impactful projects, and building important partnerships in the dynamic field of clinical research.

The Deputy Director Talent, Development and Inclusion will lead the development and delivery of all people development, ED&I, inclusive recruitment, and career development initiatives across the National Theatre. This role is central to embedding a culture of learning, equity, and opportunity, ensuring that the NT is a place where everyone can thrive and grow.

The postholder will work across the NT to build inclusive systems, develop talent pipelines, and drive cultural change aligned with the NT’s values and social purpose, ensuring the policy framework is in place to support these intentions. They will work closely with the Deputy Director People Operations and Employee Relations to deliver the People and Culture strategic plan.

The successful candidates will have the following:  

• Experience of presenting ideas that convey meaning to build positive relationships to influence change.
• A thorough understanding of and experience of the practical application of inclusive best practices and organisational development.
• Proven leadership in organisational development and EDI in complex organisations
• Extensive in-depth knowledge of ED&I issues in society and the arts.
• A working understanding of inclusive recruitment frameworks and legal considerations

If that sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Friday 16th January 2026 at 12 noon

Employer: Community Rail Network 

Salary: £43k-£51.5k pa, full time 

Location: Home based / flexible or Huddersfield 

We are seeking a dynamic director of policy and communications, to lead and develop our increasingly impactful external affairs activity. You’ll be sharing community insights and evidence with policy and decision-makers at national and devolved level, supporting a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable transport and mobility, while overseeing high-quality, inspiring member communications and thought-leadership, drawing on grassroots experiences.  
  

About us 

Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.

Community rail is made up of 76 community-based partnership organisations, and c.1,300 station friends volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.

Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in different locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support our members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in developing our team and helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.

About this role 

This role is crucial for us, our members and their communities, especially at the current time, with our need to seize on the opportunities of rail reform and devolution, promote wider use of sustainable transport, and bring communities together. You will spearhead our external affairs strategy and plans, building political relationships, influencing decision-making and raising awareness of community rail and its insights, while ensuring effective communications with our members and helping them to have a voice locally and regionally. You’ll be striving to put community rail at the forefront of a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable mobility.

As a member of our senior leadership team, reporting to and working closely with our chief executive, you will manage a passionate team of four, ensuring collaboration with our other teams, partners and funders, and drawing on members’ insights.

 
Main responsibilities 

• Lead the review, development and delivery of our communications, policy and insights strategy, working to position the community rail movement effectively, use its insights to influence policy change, and ensure our members are well-informed and have a voice; 

• Further strengthen our advisory and influencing work with national, devolved and regional government, transport bodies, parliamentarians and other decision-makers, especially around rail reform, transport devolution and integrated, inclusive, sustainable transport; 

• Ensure we’re engaging effectively with policy developments and opportunities, taking forward a programme of relationship-building, and identifying and engaging in relevant consultations, events and speaking opportunities, enabling community rail’s insights and experiences to be shared; 

• Collaborate with partners in rail, government and the third sector to feed in our expertise on community engagement with rail, amplify our campaigns, and build opportunities for joined-up communications and policy work;

• Continually develop and disseminate our evidence base and insights on the social, environmental and economic value community rail delivers, and opportunities to create greater benefits for communities from rail and transport; 

• Oversee high-quality, coherent and inspiring communications with our members and partners, promoting our work, and sharing news, opportunities, and good practice across the movement; 

• Manage production of high-quality resources, case studies and reports that our members can use to enhance their impact and which showcase community rail’s impact; 

• Lead and develop our media relations and awareness-raising PR, championing community rail and its messages on sustainable, inclusive travel and communities at national and regional level, while supporting members on local PR; 

• Develop our online presence and reach, making full use of our website, social media, our Scenic Rail Britain campaign, and partners’ channels to celebrate and position community rail and grow its reach and impact; 

• Oversee a calendar of creative and impactful campaigns that involve and empower our members, creating PR and engagement opportunities, including Community Rail Week;

• Play a key role in collective leadership, strategic focus and organisational development as a member of our senior leadership team, including through internal communications and cross-team working, annual planning, funder liaison and reporting, upholding our strategies and policies, and pursuing opportunities for continuous improvement. 

 
Skills and competencies 

1. Strong leadership and management skills, including experience managing, developing and drawing on a multi-faceted team delivering complex campaigns or projects, and budget management; 
2. Excellent communication and external leadership skills; articulate, assertive, and with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels; 
3. An understanding of public affairs, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, and a demonstrable ability to identify influencing opportunities, deliver thought-leadership, and engage with policy-makers, including sharing community insights; 
4. Politically astute, with awareness of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a good grasp of the importance of public transport sustainable travel, and community-led action, to these agendas; 
5. Understanding of political processes and experience of engaging with policy and decision-making, ideally at national, devolved and local levels; 
6. Sound knowledge of communication and marketing methods and channels, and ability to oversee messaging and targeting of public and professional audiences, and to align content across multiple channels; 
7. A demonstrable ability to think analytically and draw on statistical and qualitative research to construct robust, evidence-based arguments; 
8. Experience of working with the media and achieving coverage at national, regional and local level; 
9. Experience working collaboratively with partners and ideally funders to deliver communications and policy activity and forming professional networks; 
10. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while dealing with competing priorities, and to support team members to do so; 
11. IT literate with a good working knowledge of Office, the internet and social media; 
12. Appropriate qualifications and professional development demonstrating knowledge and skills in line with the above, and a commitment to ongoing learning and development.

Other information

As you will be home-based, we are flexible about your location. However, you will be expected to travel to in-person full team meetings quarterly (usually in West Yorkshire), and you will need to bring your team together (currently all West Yorkshire based) with similar regularity in between. Attendance at in-person events and meetings is also important. We therefore welcome applications from those with decent public transport links, not too far from a railway station, to enable journeys to be made sustainably.   

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months.   

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.  

At TLG, we’re passionate about building an exceptional staff team that’s committed to making a real difference in the lives of struggling children across the UK. We’re always on the lookout for great people to journey with us towards our vision, and we’re excited to offer a unique opportunity for a motivated and passionate individual to join our team as Finance Manager.

The Finance Manager will take responsibility for the charity’s day-to-day financial operations, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate and timely reporting, and providing clear financial insight to support strategic decision-making. This is a key leadership role within the finance team, working closely with the Director of Finance to maintain the organisation’s financial health and compliance.

As a qualified accountant, the postholder will lead a professional finance function that delivers expertise across budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. They will oversee financial systems and processes, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to regulatory requirements. The Finance Manager will play a critical role in safeguarding the organisation’s financial sustainability and supporting its mission-driven growth.

Beyond core financial management, the Finance Manager will play a pivotal role in wider organisational development, including supporting TLG’s commercial subsidiaries: Hope Park Business Centres and Hope Park Workspaces (Salford Quays). This includes providing financial oversight, analysis, and advice to enable these ventures to thrive and generate income that supports the charity’s work.

TLG is a Christian charity and, as a team, we want to bring our faith to the work we do; as such, we are recruiting an individual with a strong and vibrant Christian faith. We would welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds to enable us to better reflect the needs of the communities we serve.

Hours: Part-time (0.8 FTE, 30 hours)

Closing Date: Thursday 29th January

Initial Interviews: Friday 6th February – Online

Final Interviews: Friday 13th February – at our National Support Centre in West Yorkshire

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to drive the growth of our philanthropy programme as we deliver our most ambitious strategy yet including a new £200m Global Cancer Appeal for a major development in Chelsea. You’ll lead and motivate a high-performing team, while also managing a personal portfolio and securing large value gifts. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference for people affected by cancer, working alongside passionate colleagues and dedicated supporters.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the Philanthropy strategy and drive growth across all high‑value income streams
• Identify, cultivate and solicit major supporters to secure high value donations aligned to agreed targets, including the £200m Global Cancer Appeal.
• Recruit and work with Appeal Board members, senior volunteers and trustees to progress prospects and secure transformational gifts.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior clinical leaders, to shape compelling fundraising priorities and packages.
• Work with the Head of Philanthropy & Special Events and the Head of Trusts, Stewardship and Philanthropy Communications to lead, motivate and inspire our high-performing teams
• Contribute to charity‑wide leadership, governance and risk management; deputise for the Associate Director as appropriate.

About you

You bring a well‑established, highly successful career in high‑value philanthropy, with:

• A proven record of securing seven‑figure and above gifts, and developed expertise in high‑value acquisition and relationship management.
• Experience in identifying, recruiting and managing senior volunteers, and working credibly with donors, board members, VIPs and ambassadors.
• Strategic leadership of senior fundraisers and teams, driving performance, culture and process change.
• Significant budget accountability (c.£1m+), high numeracy and the ability to interpret financial reports and KPIs.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills; confident handling complex, sensitive and confidential information.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, embedding inclusive practice across fundraising.

What we offer:

• Hybrid working between home and Chelsea with occasional travel to Sutton.
• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm
• 27 days annual leave rising with length of service
• Up to 6% employer contributions subject to matched contribution from you (increasing with length of service)
• Training, support and development opportunities
• Access to the blue light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities
• Access to subsidised staff restaurants, on-site yoga and wellbeing classes, staff choir and much more
• Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes

Inclusion Matters

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you.