National director jobs

Are you ready to shape the future of young people at a national scale?

Join Young Enterprise at a pivotal moment of change. As our Assistant Director of Partnerships and Delivery, you’ll play a leading role in strengthening how we work, how we partner, and how we deliver life-changing opportunities for young people across the UK, working across regions to maximise impact.

This is a senior, strategic role with real influence, combining vision, collaboration, and operational excellence to ensure Young Enterprise is set up for long-term impact.

Who We Are

We’re Young Enterprise, a national charity with a bold mission: to give every young person the skills, confidence, and mindset to thrive in a changing world of work.

For over 60 years, we’ve reached more than 7 million young people through hands-on enterprise and financial education programmes. From launching student businesses to building financial confidence, our work helps young people develop essential life skills like teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and resilience.

We’re a passionate, people-centred organisation made up of 90+ colleagues and 2,000+ volunteers, united by a belief that every young person, whatever their background, deserves a fair start in life.

Why Join Us?
We think Young Enterprise is a great place to work and we’re proud of our people-first culture. Here’s what you can expect:

• A friendly and supportive team where your voice is heard
• A strong commitment to diversity and inclusion—we want everyone to feel they belong
• Generous holiday allowance and flexible working
• Cycle-to-work scheme, life assurance, and NHS top-up plan
• Ongoing learning and mentoring opportunities
• A chance to directly impact the lives of young people every single day

About the Role

This is a senior, strategic role for a collaborative leader who enjoys turning insight into action. As Assistant Director of Partnerships and Delivery, you will:

• Work with the senior leadership team to design and embed a future-ready Target Operating Model (TOM) that supports high quality, impactful delivery across the UK.
• Lead Young Enterprise’s partnership and delivery activity during a key period of organisational change and renewal, helping to shape our future impact.
• Build strong, purposeful partnerships and delivery models that bring our Transforming Futures Strategy to life.
• Foster a strong “one team” culture across programmes, delivery, and volunteering.
• Champion safeguarding, inclusivity, and evidence-based practice across all areas of work.

You’ll Love This Role If You Are…

• a strategic systems-thinker who enjoys improving how organisations work and delivering impact at scale
• a collaborative and credible leader who brings people with them through change, building trust and momentum
• passionate about impact and using evidence to drive better outcomes for young people
• confident working with partners and stakeholders across sectors to create shared value
• values-led, with a strong commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and high-quality delivery
• motivated by mission, and excited by the opportunity to shape the future of a national charity at a pivotal moment

Key Responsibilities

• Lead partnership and delivery activity aligned to the Transforming Futures Strategy.
• Co-design and implement a future-focused Target Operating Model (TOM) that supports effective, high quality delivery.
• Build, grow and manage strategic relationships with schools, funders, and partners to maximise impact and reach.
• Represent Young Enterprise externally and support partnership growth across sectors.
• Ensure programmes are delivered to a consistently high standard, with safeguarding, inclusion and quality at the core.
• Use data, evidence and insight to drive performance, learning and continuous improvement.
• Connect national strategy with regional delivery, ensuring local insight informs planning and decision making.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive culture and support the development of high performing teams.
• Contribute actively to organisational leadership as a member of the senior leadership team.

 A few practical things

• This role will require regular travel across the UK and monthly travel to London for leadership meetings and events.

Keeping Young People Safe 

We are committed to keeping young people safe. All successful applicants will undergo an enhanced DBS check and receive ongoing safeguarding training.

At Young Enterprise, safeguarding is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All successful applicants will receive ongoing safeguarding training throughout their employment and be expected to uphold excellent safeguarding practice at all times.

How to Apply
If you’re ready to help shape the futures of young people, we want to hear from you!

Please send your CV and instead of a traditional cover letter, please send us a separate document answering the three questions below, up to 250 words per answer. Please note, applications without answers to the three questions will not be considered. Applications must be received by 23:30 on 4 February 2026.  

Interviews will be held in person at our London Office and shortlisted candidates will be invited to be interviewed either on 10 or 11 February 2026.

1. What are the top three strengths, skills, or experiences you bring to the Assistant Director of Partnerships and Delivery role?  

 2. If appointed, what would you most want to achieve within your first 12 months in the role, and why are these priorities important to you and to Young Enterprise? 

 3. Why does leading the delivery and partnerships at Young Enterprise matter to you personally? How does your motivation and approach align with our transforming Futures Strategy and our values of unlocking potential, one team, enterprising and resilient, and creating great impact? 

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While these can be a helpful resource, we want to hear about your personal skills, experiences and insights that highlight your unique strengths and perspective in your own words.

Full details can be found in the Job Description.

At YE we are passionate and committed to keeping your data safe and secure.  Full details can be found in the YE People’s Privacy Notice.

Join us – and help us give every young person the chance to thrive. Apply today!

The Programme Director, Media and Communications leads on the design, development and implementation of communication strategies and plans to advance Humane World for Animals UK’s strategic priorities with regard to campaigns, brand-building and fundraising. The role creates, implements and measures the success of a comprehensive communications programme that will aim to significantly enhance the organisation’s image and position within the UK animal protection space.

If you are results-oriented, organised and creative and have strong proven experience as a media and communications professional then we would like to hear from you.

Key areas of responsibility

1. Develop and execute communications strategies for Humane World for Animals UK’s key campaigns and fundraising requirements.

2. Measure and track communications impact, reach and effectiveness, reporting against agreed targets.

3. Manage, maintain and grow productive relationships with a range of journalists with a goal of securing prominent national media coverage.

4. Oversee the organisation’s social media channels to promote campaigns, support fundraising and engage meaningfully with UK supporters and political stakeholders.

5. Serve as chief content reviewer to ensure communications materials adhere to policy, factual accuracy and visual brand guidelines.

6. Lead on designing reputational risk management mitigation strategies.

7. Implement UK specific brand strategies with the aim of increasing and measuring brand awareness in the UK market.

8. Lead on celebrity recruitment and stewardship.

9. Manage sourcing and contracting relationships with communications / PR agencies and databases to ensure consistently high-quality and value for money communications outputs.

10. Manage the communications and media budget, including regular reporting.

About you

Our successful candidate will be confident, creative and positive with a proven track in media and communications roles at a senior level. A proactive self-starter, you will have demonstrable experience of managing and developing strong, focused and ambitious teams, and a solution-focused approach to overcoming obstacles. You will have experience of building high quality media and communication strategies and plans and delivering these in a fast-paced environment. You will have ambition and drive for creating positive change for animal welfare; a willingness to constantly learn and develop the most impactful, cost-effective communications for our target audiences; and your work will be solidly underpinned by regular evaluation of progress and impact with a view to further improving strategies.

We are searching for an experienced media and communications professional to make a difference and be part of our successful and friendly team. If that’s you, please get in touch!

Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Ipswich, IP1 1UQ

Diocesan Director of Education

£75k-£79k per annum

Full-time – 35 hours per week

Permanent appointment from September 2026

Our mission is to support the 87 Church of England schools throughout Suffolk. As a diocese, we work closely with our schools which, together, educate 14,000 pupils. We are looking for an experienced education professional with successful senior leadership experience to lead our team from September, following the retirement of the current postholder. Based in Ipswich, but with travel throughout Suffolk, this post is both rewarding and varied and involves:

· Providing a range of support, training and advice to Headteachers and Governors

· Leading a small and highly effective team

· Leading the work of the Diocesan Board of Education, developing policy as the national education landscape changes

· Promoting education in Suffolk and representing the diocese as the lead on education

· Working across the diocese more widely as a senior member of diocesan staff

· Working with the Department for Education and local authority on a range of school issues

· Working as part of a strong and supportive network of national and regional Directors of Education and with the Church of England’s National Society for Education on policy development and issues

If you love schools and can demonstrate the following criteria we would love to hear from you:

· Successful experience as a senior leader in education

· Collaborative leadership and management skills

· The ability to think strategically and solve problems creatively

· A deep commitment to Church of England schools

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Closing date: 9th February 2026 at 5pm

Interview date: 2nd March 2026

About MediCinema

MediCinema is a UK-registered charity dedicated to providing cinema experiences inside hospitals to support the emotional, physical and mental health of NHS patients, their families, and carers. For 25 years, we have brought the power of cinema to hospitals, and in recognition of our impact, MediCinema was honoured with BAFTA’s Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards.

We build and run fully accessible cinemas within hospitals, screening the latest films at no cost to patients or the NHS. Our services help reduce isolation, stress, and anxiety, enhancing emotional and mental wellbeing while fostering resilience. We support patients of all ages, including dedicated paediatric screenings at several sites.

We have an ambitious goal to establish a MediCinema in every NHS region across the UK, and rely on long-term partnerships with NHS Trusts, Hospital Charities and the corporate sector to sustain and expand our services.

The Role

Reporting to the CEO, this new senior leadership role is central to ensuring MediCinema’s financial sustainability, operational excellence, and people-centred culture. The Director will lead the charity’s finance, HR, and business operational functions, ensuring robust systems, compliance, and strategic alignment with our mission.

This is a hands-on role for a values-driven leader who thrives in a collaborative, purpose-led environment and is passionate about improving patient experiences through innovative service delivery.

This role will be managing external HR and IT consultants and supported by a part time (1 day per week) assistant.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

· Participate in strategic and business planning processes, supporting the CEO and trustees to develop the strategic plan

· Serve as a key member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) contributing to the strategic direction and day to day management of the organisation.

Finance

· Lead the finance function, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, management accounts, and statutory reporting.

· Ensure robust financial controls and compliance with regulatory requirements.

· Manage cashflow, reserves, and risk, supporting strategic financial planning.

· Lead on financial reporting to the Board and relevant committees.

· Oversee payroll, pensions, and financial administration.

· Managing the annual audit process and liaising with auditors

· Liaising with tax specialists on VAT, corporation tax and other matters as required.

· Liaising with the Treasurer on all key financial matters on a quarterly basis

Business Operations

· Ensure efficient delivery of office services and a safe, well-maintained working environment.

· Lead on the IT systems and digital strategy ensuring platforms are secure and support business needs

· Work with the external IT consultant to maintain and evolve the infrastructure, systems and processes in place to align with business needs and industry regulation

· Keep abreast of changes and updates to Data Protection legislation and ensure that staff receive regular training on Data Protection and Cyber security

· Manage contracts, suppliers, and internal processes to ensure value and efficiency.

· Support the commissioning of new MediCinema sites, including project planning and stakeholder engagement.

· Lead on the annual insurance renewal process

HR and People Development

· Lead on strategic workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, and talent retention.

· Embed inclusive HR policies and practices aligned with MediCinema’s values.

· Provide support and evolve processes to strengthen employee relations, performance management, and wellbeing.

· Support line managers in developing high-performing, motivated teams.

· Ensure compliance with employment law and HR best practice.

· Work with the external HR consultant on HR admin,including due diligence, onboarding and recruitment.

Governance and Compliance

· Maintain up-to-date policies and procedures across finance, HR, and operations.

· Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and safeguarding requirements.

· Support the CEO and Board with governance processes, reporting, and policy development.

The Person

Experience and Background

We are seeking a strategic leader with experience across finance, operations, and HR — ideally within the UK charity or public health sector. You may have worked in healthcare, education, or social impact organisations, and bring a strong understanding of compliance, governance, and people leadership. Candidates with a relevant background in SMEs may be considered, but will need to demonstrate a commitment to quickly developing the specialist knowledge required by charity regulations and an aptitude for operating within the third sector.

You will be comfortable working in a hands-on, collaborative environment, with a deep respect for MediCinema’s mission and values.

Skills and Qualifications

· Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or AAT)

· Strong understanding of HR, IT, risk management, and governance in small teams

· Proven experience managing budgets, audits, and accounts (Quickbooks experience ideal)

· Excellent project management and strategic planning skills

· Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to lead and mentor others

· A proactive, organised, and solutions-focused approach

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter telling us about your suitability for this role, why it appeals to you and what makes you a strong candidate (no longer than one side of A4). Please note applications will be anonymised.

Closing date for applications: Midday, Friday 30th January 2026 with a view to holding first round interviews in mid February.

We are an equal opportunities employer and an accredited Living Wage Foundation employer.

NACE is a national education charity focused on evidence-informed school improvement and provision for more able learners, and a challenge for all approach to the wider quality of education for all learners. 

We are looking for a Chief Executive to strengthen our voice, grow our membership community, increase demand for NACE resources and services and deepen our impact across the sector.

The Opportunity

As CEO you will be the strategic lead and public face of NACE, building partnerships, amplifying our influence in national conversations, and ensuring our offer continues to deliver clear value for members. 

You’ll work closely with a skilled central team and associates, and with a supportive Executive Board, to realise an ambitious growth plan while safeguarding quality and financial sustainability.

Flexible and portfolio working will be welcomed.

What you’ll lead

Profile & influence:

Position NACE as a recognised and authoritative voice in school improvement for more able learners. Through “challenge for all” strategies in curriculum and pedagogy, by securing speaking opportunities, thought-leadership pieces and strategic policy roundtables; build trusted relationships across MATs, system leaders and sector bodies.

Membership growth:

Deliver a clear value proposition and growth strategy that increases recruitment and retention, secures long-term sustainability, and nurtures a strong sense of community among members.

Partnerships & income:

Develop productive alliances (education, charity and commercial) and responsible income streams (e.g., sponsorships, funded programmes) aligned to mission. 

Team & operations:

Lead and develop the central team and wider associate network; delegate effectively so you can focus on growth, profile and stakeholder engagement; ensure robust budgeting and prudent stewardship. 

What you’ll bring

Sector and system understanding, with credibility to engage senior decision makers and an ability to translate evidence into compelling practice.

Proven ability and track record in scaling reach, membership or audiences through clear propositions, effective marketing/ communications and partnership building.

Excellent communication skills, to include clear, accessible writing and confident presenting for diverse audiences.

Inclusive, collaborative leadership where you develop people, build cohesive teams and work well with trustees; bring sound financial judgement and understand sustainable business models. 

What success looks like in year one

Noticeable uplift in membership recruitment and retention, underpinned by a clear value proposition and data-informed improvements to the offer.

Increased national visibility and demand for resources and services through regular sector platforms, strategic partnerships and stronger recognition of NACE’s contribution to school improvement.

A confident, motivated team with clear roles and delegated operational leadership, enabling you to concentrate on external growth and influence.

Please see the full Job description attached

Our commitment to inclusion

We are committed to fair, inclusive and bias-aware recruitment. If you need adjustments at any stage, or the information in a different format, please let us know. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and career paths; selection is based on evidence against the criteria in the person specification.

NACE is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. Consequently, Board members are simultaneously Trustees of the charity and directors of the company. The Memorandum and Articles of Association are the primary governing documents of the charitable company.

Opportunity to lead the development of a small but vital York charity in its 25th year

Older Citizens Advocacy York - Support and advocacy for over 50s in York

Here at OCAY we are very proud of what we do

• 520 people supported in the last year
• Provide assistance with benefits, finance, health, complaints and more
• Help people to navigate bureaucracy, financial hardship and communication barriers
• Empower individuals to have their voices heard and access the right information

Our current director is taking the next step in her career and we are commencing the search for a new director. The role is full-time at 37 hours per week (also open to part-time at 30 hours minimum). This is a hybrid role with home working and an expectation of at least 2-3 days a week in our office at the Priory Street Centre, York.

Why join OCAY?

• Financially sustainable charity with funding secured until 2029 and exciting funded projects and partnerships in the pipeline
• Highly regarded organisation with an active and visible local presence
• Established relationships with partners, funders and the public sector
• A talented, ambitious team
• Committed to building on our income generation strategy and service development

Main responsibilities

• Be at the heart of the charity’s strategic development over the next 3 years, driving exciting initiatives and growth.
• Lead and co-ordinate all aspects of OCAY’s services, ensuring a high quality of provision for its clients and maintaining a continuous improvement focus.
• Develop and broaden excellent relationships and work collaboratively with volunteers, funders, partners and Trustees.
• Build and maintain a sustainable financial basis for OCAY’s future development.
• Take the lead in writing and submitting fund raising bids and submissions. • Managing a small but highly effective staff team while recruiting, expanding and supporting local volunteers to deliver personalised one-to-one support.

About OCAY

OCAY is a niche charity founded in 2001 offering people over 50 in the York area, advocacy and practical support to access services and benefits. Our dedicated, knowledgeable and compassionate volunteers and staff provide prompt, personalised one-to-one support.

Help protect the green spaces that matter to every community — forever

Parks, playgrounds, sports fields and green spaces are essential to our physical and mental wellbeing, to thriving communities, and to a healthier planet. Yet too many of these spaces are under threat.

Fields in Trust exists to change that. For over 100 years, we have worked to legally protect the UK’s green spaces so they can never be lost to development. Following our centenary year and the launch of a bold new five-year strategy, we are now focused on growing our impact, strengthening our organisation, and securing our long-term future.

The opportunity

We are seeking a values-driven Director of Finance and Resources to join our Senior Leadership Team at a pivotal moment for the charity.

This part-time role is about far more than numbers. It is an opportunity to use your financial leadership to safeguard green spaces for generations to come — ensuring Fields in Trust has the resilience, systems and governance needed to deliver lasting impact.

You will play a central role in shaping our financial strategy as we diversify income, develop new commercial opportunities, and continue to evolve as an organisation. Alongside finance, you will also provide strategic oversight of our resources, including IT, HR, facilities and risk.

What you’ll do

• Shape and lead a long-term financial strategy that supports our mission and ambitions
• Provide clear, insightful financial analysis and forecasting to inform strategic decisions
• Work closely with trustees and the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee to ensure strong governance, transparency and accountability
• Strengthen and develop the finance function (currently outsourced), embedding robust systems, controls and reporting
• Support the growth of new income streams through financial modelling and commercial insight
• Oversee budgeting, statutory accounts, audit and compliance
• Ensure our IT systems, data and digital infrastructure are secure, effective and fit for the future
• Provide strategic oversight of HR processes, payroll, pensions, facilities, health and safety and business continuity
• Be a key part of the SLT and play a critical role in shaping wider strategy and direction
• Provide clear communication and in-depth support as the key interface between finance and the rest of the organisation

Who we’re looking for

You will be an experienced senior finance leader who combines strong technical expertise with a deep sense of purpose. You might come from the charity, public or private sector, but you will share our commitment to protecting green spaces and public benefit.

You will bring:

• Strategic financial leadership experience at senior level
• A strong understanding of governance, risk and working with boards or trustees
• Experience supporting organisations through change or growth
• A collaborative, inclusive and pragmatic leadership style
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery in a part-time role

Most importantly, you will be motivated by our mission and excited by the opportunity to make a lasting difference.

Recruitment timeline

Application deadline: Sunday 8th February, midnight

Shortlisting:w/c 16th February

First stage interviews: w/c 23rd February

Second stage interviews: w/c 2nd March

How to apply

To apply, please send your CV and a supporting statement (no more than two pages) to via the link.

If you’d like an informal conversation about the role, please contact our exclusive partner, Bryony Thomas via the Allen Lane agency website.
 

About Mesothelioma UK

Mesothelioma UK is a national charity dedicated to supporting anyone affected by mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer caused primarily by asbestos exposure. Our mission is to help people live better and longer, champion equitable access to improved treatments, advance research, and amplify the voices of those living with mesothelioma. We are proud to provide specialist nursing, information, research, and advocacy services across the UK.

The Opportunity

As our founder and current CEO steps down, we are seeking a visionary and values-driven Chief Executive to lead Mesothelioma UK into its next chapter. This is a pivotal moment for the charity, offering the chance to build on our strong foundations and drive forward our ambitious strategy to improve outcomes for all those affected by mesothelioma.

About the Role

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive will:

• Inspire and lead a high-performing team, including our unique NHS-based nursing network.
• Develop and deliver organisational strategy and operational plans.
• Ensure robust financial management and income generation.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders including the NHS, donors, partners, and research teams.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity, raising our national and international profile.
• Uphold our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

About You

We are looking for an exceptional leader who brings:

• Proven experience at CEO, Director, or equivalent senior level in a non-profit or health sector environment.
• A track record in leadership, strategic planning, financial management, governance and fundraising.
• Strong people management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Passion for our mission and values, with high ethical standards and integrity.
• The ability to inspire, motivate, and unite staff, volunteers, and partners.

What We Offer

• Salary circa £75,000 (negotiable, dependent on experience)
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Health Cash Plan & Employee Assistance Programme
• Flexible working arrangements
• The chance to make a profound difference to people’s lives

Job Purpose

Are you a strategic HR professional passionate about people, culture, and inclusion? Centre 404 is seeking an experienced HR Business Partner to join our Central People and Culture team and support the Director of People in delivering Centre 404’s People Strategy and sector workforce priorities. The role focuses on embedding workforce planning, building management capability, and strengthening cultural development, ensuring the organisation is well placed to meet the challenges of the Adult Social Care Workforce Strategy and the new national pay deal.

About Us

Centre 404 is a vibrant north London based charity committed to empowering people with learning disabilities and their families. We champion inclusion, choice, and wellbeing, and we’re proud to be driving sector-leading change in social care.

Key Priorities

• Deliver a management development programme with measurable impact
• Provide workforce analytics to inform strategic decisions and reduce agency spend
• Coach managers to resolve employee relations issues proactively
• Drive improvements in staff engagement, inclusion, and fair treatment
• Lead on Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives and quality benchmarking
• Embed co-production principles across HR processes

What We’re Looking For

• CIPD Level 7 (or working towards) or equivalent
• Proven experience in workforce planning, leadership development, and cultural change
• Strong coaching, influencing, and analytical skills
• Commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and the rights of people with learning disabilities
• Knowledge of CQC/Ofsted frameworks and sector reforms is a plus

 Why Join Us?

At Centre 404, you’ll be part of a values-driven organisation that prioritises people. We offer a collaborative environment, meaningful work, and the opportunity to make a real difference.

Centre 404 is dedicated to staff development and supervision and we will provide a detailed induction and on-going training and support. All offers of employment are subject to a DBS check, proof of eligibility to work in the UK and satisfactory references covering a five year period.

Centre 404 is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Charity ref number 299889

The Operations Director is a  senior leadership role at St Stephen’s, helping turn vision and strategy into effective day-to-day delivery. A highly relational role, combining strong operational leadership with collaboration, trust-building and a genuine care for people. The person we are looking for will lead across people, finance, systems, buildings and operations helping the church respond to the Holy Spirit and deliver our mission well.

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

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

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

The Organisation

Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity supporting low-income families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people.

We help thousands of families every year with essential grants, services and practical support. But we do much more than that. We champion families’ voices, challenge inequality and help shape the conversation on disability, childhood illness and disadvantage. 

The Role 

This is an exciting opportunity to shape how Family Fund connects with people across the UK. As a newly created role, it offers real scope to define and develop the function, while playing a central role in strengthening the organisation’s voice and influence.

We are looking for a bold, creative Group Director of External Affairs to join our Senior Leadership Team. At a time when families need us more than ever, you will raise Family Fund’s national profile and influence, positioning the organisation as a trusted, evidence led voice on childhood disability, serious illness and the broader challenges facing low-income families. You will build and sustain strong relationships with policymakers, funders, and the public ensuring the organisation secures the visibility, support, and resources needed to drive lasting change for the families we serve.

You will lead an energetic, specialist team spanning communications, media, public affairs, partnerships and research, bringing these areas together through a joined up external engagement strategy that delivers real impact.

Some key responsibilities include:

• Lead our communications, media, public affairs, partnerships and research teams
• Raise Family Fund’s profile as a trusted national voice 
• Build strong relationships with policymakers, media, funders and partners 
• Help drive real change for families through influence and insight

Who we’re looking for 

We are looking for an experienced leader who loves the power of communication, influence and connection.

Key attributes will include:

• Senior experience in external affairs, communications or public affairs 
• A strong track record of influencing policy and engaging senior stakeholders 
• Experience leading teams and working at senior level 
• A warm, confident communication style and great relationship skills 
• A real passion for Family Fund’s mission and social justice

This is an exciting, high impact role with the chance to make a genuine difference to families across the UK. 

Candidate Briefing Pack

For comprehensive information about Family Fund, the role responsibilities and the person we are looking for, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply for this fantastic opportunity, please provide the following with your application:

• An up-to-date CV
• A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, outlining your experience, motivations and suitability for the role.

All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Russam. All applications should be uploaded via the Russam website.

If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter - Managing Partner, Charities at Russam.

Closing date for applications: Monday 2nd February 2026
Initial interviews with Russam: 17th and 18th February 2026
Interviews with Family Fund: 4th, 5th and 6th March 2026

Flexibility will be provided if needed - do let us know as soon as possible if you are unavailable on these dates.

We commit to inclusion, equality and diversity and we welcome applications from all parts of the community. Family Fund is a Disability Confident Leader. We will invite to interview all disabled applicants who meet the requirements for the role. If you have a disability, and are happy to let us know, please highlight this in your covering letter. We have also signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and we welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.