Operation director jobs in Bromley, greater london

About Us

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

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

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

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

About the role

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

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

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

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

About You

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

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

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

What You Can Expect to Be Doing

Function leadership

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

Develop operations and organisational systems

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

Financial management and sustainability

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

People management

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

Programme and contract management

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

Governance and organisational support

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

Cross-organisational leadership

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

Person Specification

Essential

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

Desirable

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

The application process

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

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

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

Timeline

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

Summary

• A senior leadership opportunity to shape the operational strength, financial sustainability, and future growth of a mission-led education partnership.
• Ideal for a commercially astute, values-driven leader with strong finance expertise and the confidence to lead operations, governance, and organisational development in a collaborative, community-focused environment.

Our Client

Tower Hamlets Education Partnership (THEP) is a locally rooted, values-led organisation supporting schools and education leaders across Tower Hamlets. The partnership brings schools together to improve outcomes for children through collaboration, innovation, and locally driven solutions.

The Role

This is a pivotal Executive Team role combining finance, operations, and business development, with responsibility to:

• Provide strategic financial leadership and long-term financial planning
• Lead and strengthen organisational operations and infrastructure
• Support income diversification, new services, and sustainable growth
• Act as a key advisor to the CEO, Board, and senior stakeholders

Main Duties

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and compliance across the organisation
• Drive long-term financial planning, scenario modelling, and sustainability
• Oversee core operational functions including HR, communications, events, IT, and administration
• Strengthen governance, systems, and processes to improve efficiency and impact
• Support business development, funding bids, and new partnerships through robust financial insight

The Successful Candidate

• A qualified accountant. Full member of ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent.
• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to balance financial rigour with organisational mission
• Confident leader with experience improving systems, processes, and team performance
• Excellent communicator able to translate complex financial information for non-financial audiences
• Ideally experienced in education, public sector, charity, or membership-based organisations and with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for Tower Hamlets’ children.

What’s on Offer?

• Salary: £73,266 - £78,090 per annum
• Location: Shoreditch, London (with flexible working)
• Benefits: 31 days annual leave plus bank holidays, local government pension scheme,
• Culture: Values-led, collaborative, community-focused organisation with high trust and autonomy
• Impact & Progression: Opportunity to shape the next phase of THEP’s growth, influence education outcomes locally, and work closely with schools, leaders, and partners

Application Process

Mackie Myers are leading on the recruitment of this role. The recruitment will be managed by our charity, finance recruitment specialist Felicity Akins.

All applicants will need to upload their CV to the job, posted on the Mackie Myers website. Mackie Myers will screen candidates through telephone and Teams calls. Mackie Myers will then conduct a longlisting and shortlisting exercise for the vacancy. All shortlisted candidates will be expected to come to the Mackie Myers office for a fae-to-face meeting.

Timelines

• Shortlisting 1st of June

• 1st stage interviews (Teams) 4th and 5th June

• 2nd stage interviews (in-person) 12th June 

If you have any specific questions regarding the role, feel free to reach out to Felicity from Mackie Myers - contact details are on the website or LinkedIn. 

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We believe that diverse teams drive innovation and success. That's why we're committed to promoting equality of opportunity and creating inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued and supported. We actively seek out talent from all backgrounds and strive to reflect the rich diversity of the global workforce in every role we recruit for.

The Associate Director (Governance, Operations and Finance) is a critical senior role at Tudor. The postholder will provide strategic and operational leadership across governance, finance, data protection, technology, HR compliance and organisational operations - ensuring our systems and processes actively enable, rather than constrain, our mission. 

The ideal person brings a justice-led lens to every aspect of their work: proactively exploring how compliance structures and governance frameworks can be redesigned to serve Tudor’s mission of devolving power and resourcing communities. We’re looking for someone who brings a collaborative, enabling style alongside a genuine drive to deliver - someone who knows when to act decisively and when to slow down and listen. 

The role leads a small, committed operations team and works closely with programme colleagues, external advisers and grant partners. You will sit on the Senior Leadership Team and act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and the Board.

Working alongside the other Finance Manager (job-share partner) and the Co-Director, this role is responsible for ensuring the charity’s finances are effectively managed and that financial records are accurate and up-to-date. The postholder will collaborate closely with their job-share counterpart; together, they will be jointly accountable for the smooth operation of the organisation’s financial systems, while maintaining clearly defined areas of responsibility.

This role has a primary focus on the operational delivery of finance functions, including day-to-day processing and book-keeping related to income. It will ensure robust financial controls, accurate record-keeping, and efficient financial processes, supporting Women for Refugee Women to operate effectively and maintain strong financial discipline. 

Location: Old Street, London (Hybrid) * Please note that we are based in a women-only building. 

Accountable to: Co-Director 

Salary and hours: £44,289 - £49,339 pro rata (dependent on experience), 21 hours per week, plus benefits 

Length of contract: Permanent 

Purpose of the role: Working alongside the other Finance Manager (job-share partner) and the Co-Director, this role is responsible for ensuring the charity’s finances are effectively managed and that financial records are accurate and up-to-date. The postholder will collaborate closely with their job-share counterpart; together, they will be jointly accountable for the smooth operation of the organisation’s financial systems, while maintaining clearly defined areas of responsibility.

This role has a primary focus on the operational delivery of finance functions, including day-to-day processing and book-keeping related to income. It will ensure robust financial controls, accurate record-keeping, and efficient financial processes, supporting Women for Refugee Women to operate effectively and maintain strong financial discipline. 

Key responsibilities

Finance Administration 

• Together with the Finance Manager (Strategic) and the Co-Director, ensure that the charity’s finances are well managed and accounts are kept up to date. 

• Maintain overall responsibility for accounts receivable, and support the Finance Manager (Strategic) with accounts payable.

• Working together with the Finance Manager (Strategic), ensure all income and expenditure is entered onto the electronic book-keeping system (currently Quickbooks) accurately and in a timely manner, and assigned to relevant funds in accordance with funders’ requirements and restrictions.

• Ensure all donation details are correctly entered into the Donorfy fundraising database. 

• Ensure imported data in the accounting systems reconciles accurately with recorded transactions, and produce bank reconciliations as needed. 

Finance Management 

• Implement and monitor day-to-day financial controls, ensuring all processes meet audit and internal control standards. Ensure proper document storage, coding and audit trails for all transactions. 

• Support the Finance Manager (Strategic) in reviewing and updating operational finance procedures and ensuring organisation-wide compliance. 

• Working closely with the Finance Manager (Strategic) and the Co-Director, support improvements to finance systems and workflows. 

• Act as a bank signatory where appropriate.

Income Management 

• Ensure that all grants and other income due to the charity are received and managed in line with funder conditions and restrictions. 

• Issue and track invoices to ensure all income owed to the charity is collected promptly. 

• Ensure all cheques / cash income received is deposited into the current account in a timely manner. 

• Support fundraising and individual giving colleagues by providing accurate, timely financial information on a weekly basis to strengthen donor stewardship and reporting. 

• Maintain accurate records of gift aid declarations made. Prepare and submit regular Gift Aid claims to maximise eligible income. 

• Maintain accurate records of gift-in-kind and pro bono donations, organisational assets and restricted funds. 

• Ensure all income is recorded consistently across both the financial system and the fundraising database, working closely with the Individual Giving Manager to ensure alignment and information flow. 

Operational Reporting & Support 

• Provide financial administration support across the organisation, including for delivery teams and fundraising colleagues. 

• Work closely with the Finance Manager (Strategic) to ensure accurate information flows between operational processing and financial planning/reporting. 

• Provide responsive support to staff, helping them navigate finance processes confidently and consistently. 

• Support the Finance Manager (Strategic) to prepare quarterly financial updates and Management accounts, as well as annual financial statements. 

• Support the Finance Manager (Strategic) and Co-Director with payroll, pension reports and human resources management when required. 

• Attend the quarterly Finance & HR committee meetings and contribute to preparing papers as needed. 

General 

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the post.

• Support wider organisational activities as needed, including on occasion in the evenings or at weekends. 

• Meet regularly for line management, supervision and appraisal with the Co-Director. 

• Identify own training needs and undertake relevant training and development, approved by the Co-Director. 

Prospectus is delighted to be supporting our client with the recruitment of an Operations and Grants Officer.

The organisation is a leading nonprofit consultancy that helps mission‑driven organisations scale their social and environmental impact. Working globally, they partner with charities, social enterprises and funders to design and implement effective strategies that enable proven solutions to grow sustainably and reach many more people. Through consultancy, training and structured programmes, our client supports organisations to strengthen their models, build the systems and capabilities needed for scale, and create long‑lasting change.

This role is available on a permanent and full-time basis. The salary is £32,000 per annum. This is a hybrid role where you will attend the Southwark office in London two days a week.

As the Operations and Grants Officer, you report to the Director of Finance and Operations and provide administrative support across the organisation. You will schedule meetings, manage calendars, coordinate travel, maintain software subscriptions, and support the Board of Trustees and Leadership Team. You will help plan and deliver key events, while working with external suppliers to ensure smooth delivery within budget. You will support with recruitment and onboarding processes. You will also manage key project documentation, maintain accurate filing, and update data using Salesforce CRM.

You will also support with grants administration, including gathering and checking due‑diligence materials, preparing approval packs, tracking deadlines, maintaining grant documentation, and contributing to the ongoing improvement of grant making systems and processes.

To be successful within this role, you will be a proactive individual, with strong organisational and time management abilities. You will have experience in managing administrative processes. You will have experience managing calendars, inboxes and scheduling. You will have proficiency in coordinating events and logistics. You will have excellent attention to detail for maintaining accurate records and managing workflows. You will have confidence using digital tools and systems and a willingness to learn new systems quickly. You will be a strong communicator who has experience liaising with a variety of stakeholders.

Experience working in the charity sector and/or in grant-making administration is desirable but not essential. Other desirable experience includes: familiarity with office management processes and procedures, experience using Salesforce or a similar CRM system, and experience in supporting the design and implementation of new processes and procedures.
 
To apply, please submit:

• Your CV, outlining your relevant experience and skills.
• A separate document responding to the three application questions below. Please answer each question clearly and concisely, using specific examples from your experience.

Application questions:

1. Tell us about a time when you were responsible for coordinating a significant event or meeting. Describe what the situation was, what steps you took to manage the process, and anything you would do differently next time. Think about how you managed any competing priorities or logistical complications.
2. Tell us about a period when you were simultaneously managing administrative responsibilities across several different projects or teams. How did you prioritise, and can you give a specific example of a moment when you had to make a difficult call about what to focus on?
3. Give an example of a time you managed a process involving important information that required input from multiple people. How did you track progress, ensure nothing fell through the cracks and approach communication with stakeholders?

Please note, it is a 250 word limit per answer.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact George Cook at Prospectus.

Interim - 2-3 Months

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced interim finance leader to join a highly respected international charity, providing steady leadership while a permanent appointment is recruited.

This short-term assignment will focus on maintaining strong business-as-usual operations across finance and business support, ensuring continuity, stability, and visible leadership across the organisation. The successful candidate will work closely with the senior leadership team and trustees, supporting governance, operational delivery, and financial oversight during this interim period.

The remit covers finance, HR, governance, IT, and operational support, requiring someone comfortable operating in a broad and hands-on leadership role within a collaborative environment. You will oversee a small team, support audit and committee processes, maintain strong financial controls, oversee payroll and banking approvals, and ensure the organisation continues to operate effectively during this transition period.

This role would suit a qualified accountant who enjoys supporting purpose-led organisations and can quickly build credibility with stakeholders while providing calm, pragmatic leadership. Candidates with previous international NGO or wider charity sector experience would be particularly well suited to this assignment.

Key requirements:
• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)
• Strong experience leading finance operations within complex organisations
• Comfortable operating both strategically and hands-on
• Experience supporting audits, governance, and board reporting
• Ability to provide stability and leadership through change
• Strong stakeholder management and team leadership skills
• Previous NGO, international development, or wider charity sector experience would be highly advantageous
 

The role is expected to commence around 22nd June and will likely run for approximately 2–3 months while the permanent recruitment process is completed.

Hybrid working is available, with an expectation of office presence two days per week in Central London.

If interested do apply or contact Rosemary Pini for more details

Forest Farm Peace Garden is a small East London charity offering ecotherapy and community gardening to support people’s mental health and wellbeing.

We are looking for a strategic, hands‑on Director (21 hours per week) to lead our next chapter, working closely with a committed staff team, trustees and volunteers.

As Director you will hold overall responsibility for the charity’s vision, strategy and day‑to‑day operations, ensuring our programmes run safely, sustainably and in line with our values. You will lead on fundraising and finance, including developing and delivering a fundraising strategy, managing budgets and reporting to funders and the Board of Trustees.

You will line‑manage our Ecotherapy Worker, Gardener, and three sessional staff, nurture a positive, inclusive culture, and make sure staff and volunteers are supported to do their best work. Building relationships with local mental health services, community organisations and partners will be central to the role, helping us reach people who can benefit most from time in the garden.

This role would suit someone who enjoys combining strategic thinking with practical delivery in a small organisation, and who is confident working independently while collaborating closely with others. If you care about mental health, social justice and nature connection, and want to help a much‑loved local project thrive, we would love to hear from you.

EACS is an established voluntary sector provider of 1:1 low-cost counselling and psychotherapy to people living in Ealing.EACS serves a very diverse local population whose mental health needs often fall outside of NHS talking therapy; or where people may want a different space from the statutory services.We often support people who bring complex histories, needing more in-depth support over a longer period.

The role: Part-time Director

We are recruiting a Director to lead and oversee the strategic, operational, financial, stakeholder and personnel functions of EACS, who would enjoy a hands-on role working with a small part-time staff team, supporting a medium-sized organisation.

The role requires a broad skillset and brings a balance of engaging with internal day-to-day functions; and external collaboration borne out of a thorough grasp of all aspects of service-delivery and the culture of EACS.An understanding of the voluntary sector is important.

The role will bring a particular focus on long-term sustainability, financial resilience and increasing our visibility and reach, while continuing to maintain operational excellence and high-quality, compassionate service-delivery.

You will be joining a hard-working, collaborative staff team that has flourished within a supportive, non-hierarchical structure but where lines of responsibility are clear.

Key components of the role:

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction while maintaining a strong operational ‘grip’
• Lead on income generation, securing key funding for long term financial stability 
• Strong relationship-building skills, leading with integrity, emotional intelligence and sound judgement
• Engage with mental health commissioners and represent EACS in meetings / collaborations with key partners in the public and voluntary sectors, and the wider community 
• Sound understanding of governance, safeguarding and organisational risk 
• Excellent report-writing skills with data and financial acumen; communicate well.

Who we are looking for:

Our ideal candidate will have a strong interest and experience working in mental health; and current or previous management experience within the charity sector or other mission-driven organisation. 

Those with a background in the commercial sector who would value the opportunity to work within the voluntary sector, and who can demonstrate they have the skillset, qualities, attitude and values which underpin the role are also very welcome to apply.A qualified psychotherapist or counsellor would be highly desirable but is not essential.

If you are a thoughtful, values-led leader and are motivated by the opportunity to lead an organisation where the work is both professional and deeply human, we would love to hear from you.

Location: Routinely office-based at EACS, Montpelier Avenue, W5 2XP with some flexibility 

Reports to: Chair of Management Committee

Employment: Permanent

Holiday: EACS office is normally closed for 2 weeks during: Christmas/New Year; Easter; late August/ early September; and May bank holidays. There is some flexibility in these timings. A further 3 weeks per annum can be taken during term time. 

Further Information about the Role and the Application process:

Please refer to the candidate pack for full details. If you wish to apply, in the first instance please provide your current CV & supporting statement, outlining why you are interested in applying for the post of Director of EACS at this time; and also outline how you meet the requirements of the Person Specification with reference to your Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Values demonstrated in your working life.

Please address your application to: The Chair of the Management Committee

This is a pivotal role at National Numeracy, helping to ensure our people, systems and processes enable the
successful delivery of our mission to improve numeracy across the UK.

As a key member of the operations function, you will work closely with the Operations & Impact Director to
strengthen organisational effectiveness, support colleagues across the organisation and help drive
continuous improvement in the way we work.

During this maternity cover period, a particular focus will be supporting the ongoing development and
adoption of our CRM and operational systems, ensuring they provide robust information, efficient processes
and an excellent user experience. You will also play a central role in maintaining effective governance,
supporting our people practices and helping to foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing organisational
culture.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys improving systems, enabling others to do their best work and
helping mission-driven organisations operate effectively and sustainably.

The postholder will also provide line management and support to one team member, helping to ensure their
development, wellbeing and contribution to organisational objectives.

The role is a maternity leave cover with an ideal start date in August 2026 and an anticipated end date of
31st July 2027. It would be suitable for either 4 or 5 days per week.

Join Kingston Hospital as our new Director to lead a well-established NHS charity and drive forward both fundraising income and impact for Kingston & Richmond NHS Foundation Trust.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Friday 26th June.

Who we are

Kingston Hospital Charity is the dedicated charity for Kingston & Richmond NHS Foundation Trust. Working closely with clinicians and teams across Kingston Hospital and local community services, we raise and steward charitable funds to enhance care and the experience of patients and their loved ones—above and beyond what NHS funding alone can provide. Our support helps create welcoming, healing environments, invest in innovation and technology, and strengthen staff wellbeing and development so that exceptional care can be delivered every day. Relaunched in 2017, the charity brings together grateful patients and families, community groups, businesses, trusts and philanthropists who want to make a tangible difference for local healthcare.

About the role

The Charity Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for Kingston Hospital Charity. Reporting to the Board, the postholder will lead the charity’s growth, profile and impact, ensuring charitable income is maximised to enhance patient care, staff wellbeing and innovation beyond core NHS funding. There is a real focus on securing major gifts to successfully deliver trust strategic priorities and other funding opportunities as well as expanding the charities’ reach and impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Setting and delivering the charity’s long-term vision and strategy
• Leading income generation across fundraising, partnerships, philanthropy and grant funding
• Building strong relationships with clinicians, NHS trust leadership, donors and community stakeholders
• Ensuring excellent governance, financial stewardship and regulatory compliance
• Leading and developing a high-performing charity team
• Acting as a senior ambassador and advocate for the charity locally and regionally

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a senior fundraising leader to lead a small but ambitious charity team and drive income growth. You will need:

• Senior leadership experience in charities, fundraising or a relevant sector
• A strong track record of income growth and strategic development
• Experience in building relationships with high-net-worth individuals
• Outstanding stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
• Credibility operating at the Board and executive level
• Commercial acumen combined with a strong values-led approach
• Passion for improving healthcare outcomes and patient experience

This role offers a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of a well-established NHS charity and make a tangible difference to local health services.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Friday 26th June.

For further information about the role and to register your interest, please visit the Peridot Partners page and contact our advising consultants.

The Director of Audiences role is a new role at Freelands Foundation, and the successful candidate will be first in post. They will be joining us at a time of growth and opportunity, as we start planning for a major building refurbishment to re-open as a “centre for visual art education” with the needs of our audiences embedded into our plans and designs. All this while still delivering programmes and awarding grants that create positive change across our sector, including our flagship £1.5m Freelands Awards and our expanding Freelands Studio Fellowships with UK universities.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Audiences is responsible for one of the three core pillars of the Foundation. Alongside the Director of Programmes and the Director of Finance and Operations, they form the organisational leadership team who are responsible for delivering the Foundation's mission.

The Director of Audiences will lead the cohesive development and delivery of all Freelands Foundation's audience-facing work, delegating and managing delivery where appropriate, and ensuring that our audiences are identified and served in ways that meet our strategic objectives and align with our values.

They will lead the Audiences department that currently comprises the Head of Digital, Graphic Designer and Digital Content & Communications Coordinator.

Closing date: 12pm (noon) Tuesday, 30 Jun 2026

What you’ll be doing: 

• Managing the organisation’s financial responsibilities, working to tight deadlines, and a varied workload across different areas of responsibility, particularly in relation to financial reporting. As well as ensuring that financial processes are accurate, up to date and compliant with statutory requirements

• Taking a proactive approach to maintaining efficient office systems and operations, ensuring that orders are processed and providing support for the general up-keep of the office equipment 

• Contributing to project delivery by supporting the team with a range of ongoing administrative and organisational tasks, which requires flexibility and able to manage a varied workload across different areas of responsibility.

What we’re looking for: 

• We are looking for someone with a strong level of experience in managing the financial operations of a small organisation, ensuring that systems and processes are both robust and efficient. This includes experience of financial forecasting, reconciliations and, where appropriate, introducing or improving financial systems. 

• The postholder must be able to communicate financial information clearly to a range of stakeholders with differing levels of financial understanding, both verbally and through written reports or presentations relating to the organisation’s finances and funded projects. 

• Strong organisational and administrative skills are essential. The role requires the ability to manage different aspects of project support, general administration and office management, while keeping the wider team informed of progress on outstanding tasks. 

If this role is of interest, please refer to the full job description and person specification for further details. 

The Deputy Director (Operations & Finance) is a new position in the organisation that will lead the day-to-day running of the organisation, bringing together operations, HR, governance, finance oversight and property management under clear, reliable leadership. Working closely with the Director and deputising in their absence, you will line-manage teams across finance, buildings, studios and administration, and act as Company Secretary to the Board of Trustees.

Beyond keeping the organisation running well, you will play a central role in what comes next including delivery of our 3–5-year strategic business plan, securing a permanent home for the charity, developing Not Another Art School as a scaled income stream, and supporting our pathway toward Arts Council England NPO status.

This is a hands-on, generalist leadership role. You will need to be equally comfortable reviewing a lease, running a Board meeting, troubleshooting an IT system and supporting a member of staff sometimes all in the same week.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead governance and compliance acting as Company Secretary, coordinating Board activity, managing statutory filings, and overseeing health & safety, GDPR, and HR frameworks
• Oversee day-to-day operations across studios, galleries, offices, and project spacesLead on all HR processes recruitment, contracts, appraisals, and staff support for a team of ten
• Manage financial oversight alongside the Finance Manager: budgets, cash flow, management accounts, year-end, and funder reporting
• Develop and manage property relationships lease negotiations, landlord liaison, new site acquisition in line with agreed strategy
• Support fundraising applications and funder compliance, and contribute to building diversified income across earned revenue, trusts & foundations, and public funding
• Drive delivery of the strategic business plan, including NAAS development and ACE Illuminate audience data preparation

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

You don't need to come from the arts sector, but you do need to be operationally excellent, values-driven, and genuinely excited by what TBFAF is becoming. We are looking for someone with strong experience running operations in a small organisation, solid understanding of governance and finance, confidence managing teams, and the breadth to hold a wide remit without dropping the ball.Experience in property or facilities management, HR management, and familiarity with fundraising applications are all desirable, alongside arts, charity, or cultural sector experience and experience working with Boards of Trustees.

Director of Finance & Services
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time. (We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and part time working).
Location: South Kensington, London SW7
Salary: Circa £100,000+ per annum FTE

About Us

The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography and geographers. It is also a charity and a membership organisation. The Society was founded in 1830 and has been one of the most active of the learned societies ever since. It was pivotal in establishing geography as a teaching and research discipline in British universities and continues to play a key role in geographical and environmental education.

The Society is a leading world centre for geographical learning – supporting education, teaching, research, professional practice and scientific expeditions, as well as promoting public understanding and enjoyment of geography and providing advice to policymakers.

The Society offers professional accreditation to members through Chartered Geographer status.

About You and the Role

As the Society approaches its 200th anniversary in 2030, with ambitious associated goals, ensuring that we continue to have the best possible leadership team in place has never been more relevant.

With the approaching retirement of our current Director of Finance & Services, we are looking for an exceptional, entrepreneurial senior leader with proven ability to balance strategic and operational impact.

Whilst an executive level financial background is a given, we are additionally seeking an individual who has led other functions and developed the professionals within them. This role leads a diverse team of 10, spanning: Finance, Facilities & Estates, IT & Database Administration, and HR. It also holds additional responsibility for: Safeguarding, Data Protection, Risk Management, Pensions, Company Secretarial, Insurance & Legal.

We have exciting plans for our building, at the heart of London’s Exhibition Road Cultural Quarter, optimizing and developing this space as a gathering point of global significance and influence for people intent on making a positive difference to the world. Accordingly, we are particularly interested in individuals who bring with them strong programme management skills and experience of managing heritage estate projects operationally, in partnership with external consultants.

The successful candidate will drive and deliver effective and efficient financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, reporting, controls, operations, and management, whilst continuing to improve the Society’s processes and systems.

Salary and Benefits

This is a permanent post. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and part time working. This is looked at on a case-by-case basis, balancing the Society’s needs with the successful candidate’s other commitments, to support a good work-life balance. The salary range for this post is c£100,000+ (FTE) per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. The post is based in Kensington, London.

There are a range of benefits at the Society which include the following:

• 35-hour working week with core working hours between 10.00am and 4.00pm.
• Flexible working arrangements are available with a mix of office based and home working.
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus public bank holidays.
• Society closure between Christmas and New Year, in addition to the basic annual leave allowance.
• Pension scheme - 3% employee, 7.5% employer.
• Group Life Assurance at four-times basic annual salary.
• Corporate eye care vouchers.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Free 24-hour Employee Assistance helpline with available counselling support.

Applications must be received by 5.30pm 12 June 2026.
It is anticipated that interviews will take place week commencing 29 June 2026.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

The Society aims to be an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applicants from those traditionally underrepresented in the geographical discipline.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. The Society is unable to offer work visa sponsorships.

No agencies please.