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Contract: 1-Year Fixed Term contract
Hours: Full-time (40hrs/weekly)
Reporting to: Academy Director
Location: Remote
Salary: £50,000 p/a + 3% pension contribution
Start date: September 2026
About us
Parallel is a small charitable initiative with big ambitions. Our mission is to increase the number and diversity of excellent young mathematicians. We are a Good Thinking project (registered Charity Number: 1147404).
Founded in 2023 by Simon Singh MBE and Dr Junaid Mubeen, our online Parallel Academy supports highly capable students to excel in maths, by providing them with structured programmes that develop their reasoning and problem-solving skills beyond the curriculum. We currently support more than 10,000 students through the Academy, around 1000 of whom receive highly targeted support through weekly, small-group online tutorials.
We are at an exciting phase in our journey, with plans to expand tutoring to 5000 students over the next four years. Our students are motivated and ambitious. Our maths programme takes place outside of school hours, yet students have an average attendance above 95%. All of our work takes place online and is subject to safeguarding and data protection policies that are reviewed periodically to reflect up-to-date best practice.
Parallel has built a reputation for excellence, both in terms of the expectations we set for students, and the quality of service they receive from us. Our work is underpinned by an inclusive ethos; every student who applies for the Academy is guaranteed a place on one of our programmes.
We work flexibly to both launch new initiatives and adapt our existing offerings. We pride ourselves on a creative approach to programme design and now face a familiar challenge of maintaining our quality and highly personalised approach as we scale up.
The purpose of this role
We are seeking an experienced Head of Operations to join and help lead our committed and energetic team. This role is pivotal to achieving Parallel’s growth ambitions while maintaining the quality of service we are renowned for. As a senior leader, you will be a lynch pin of our core team and will make a real difference to the life prospects of thousands of young students.
On a practical level, you will coordinate and drive our core programmes, with oversight and accountability for their smooth, day-to-day delivery. You will also line-manage two full-time administrators (this may increase as the team expands), overseeing and supporting their work across communications, data and operational delivery.
We have established several processes and tools for delivering our programme effectively and the ideal candidate will have a sharp eye for process improvement and opportunity. You will need to understand and consolidate our current best practices, but also identify ones that need to be adapted or enhanced as we look to scale up.
This role is offered initially as a fixed-term contract for 12 months, though we have every intention to extend the position longer term should the appointment prove successful.
A note on working hours
This is a fully-remote role. As part of your contracted hours you will be required to regularly do some work during evenings and weekends (approx 5-8 hours a week). You may occasionally need to step in at short notice, outside of standard working hours, to support and resolve urgent operational issues.
There will also be periods when there is a higher workload (e.g., during student admissions cycles), so you may be required to offer some flexibility in working longer - and then shorter - hours week to week. Time off in-lieu is provided for additional hours worked.
In general, you will have significant autonomy in how you structure your working week, provided you ensure that our core operational needs are covered within the whole team.
Key responsibilities
Working for Parallel is challenging and rewarding in equal parts. On a typical day you will be fielding queries from parents, managing the logistics of 200+ tutorials a week and ensuring tutors are fully supported. We are a dynamic team that readily adapts to new situations and relishes the challenge of working through problems together.
As part of your key responsibilities you will:
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Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of our Tutorial and Webinar Programmes, ensuring that sessions proceed as planned, and that any issues - from tutor cover needs to student absence requests - are swiftly and effectively addressed.
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Coordinate key aspects of our start and end-of-term administration, including payments, parent and student communications, website setup, spreadsheets and logistics.
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Oversee the admin team’s responsiveness to our high-volume shared inboxes, responding to the most sensitive student and parent queries and acting as a point of escalation where needed.
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Manage a small but growing admin team, providing regular guidance, support, and feedback.
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Play a key role in overseeing our student admissions cycles, from planning to testing, setup, delivery and communication of decisions.
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Make everyday operational decisions independently, exercising good judgement in when to bring issues to senior management.
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Work effectively with data (e.g. student learning data) - as managed through our central directories - and use it to guide decision-making and to support the effective running of our programmes.
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Review our policies on an ongoing basis, ensuring that we are complying with our safeguarding and data protection obligations at all times and that our policies are built for scale.
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Support with schools outreach initiatives.
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Develop and document key administrative procedures (an ever-evolving ‘Operations Handbook’) to ensure that we have reliability and stability across all programmes.
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Help to shape and build on our ethos of high expectations, which translates into concrete policies regarding attendance, homework, participation and criteria for both admitting and removing students from our Tutorial Programme.
Role requirements
While there is no fixed template for working with Parallel, we consider the following requirements essential for this role:
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Proven leadership qualities, with the ability to act independently and decisively when the situation demands it.
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Experience managing small teams, including multiple direct reports.
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Managed operations at large scale - you have executed product/service delivery to thousands of end users.
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Excellent project management skills, with the ability to delegate tasks and to track processes and outcomes.
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Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to connect effectively with a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders.
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Proficiency in working with digital tools and software such as Google Sheets, Docs, Forms, Zoom and Trello (and able to learn new tools quickly and independently).
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Excellent with spreadsheets and data - you know your vlookups from your pivot tables.
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Nimble problem-solver who can think on your feet and approach complex situations with a flexible mindset.
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A ‘can-do’ attitude and strong team ethic - you are known as a supportive presence for your colleagues who will go above and beyond to make their lives easier.
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Demonstrable ability to work productively in a fully remote setup.
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A strong commitment to safeguarding, and the ability to maintain confidentiality and integrity related to all aspects of information disseminated within the organisation.
It is also desirable (though not essential) for you to have relevant experience in an education setting.
Please note that this role will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
How to apply
If this sounds like you, please submit your CV and cover letter via CharityJob, or get in touch with any questions.
Interviews will take place online after the closing date. As part of the selection process, shortlisted candidates will be required to complete tasks designed to assess relevant skills, including a data-based exercise.
To increase the number and diversity of excellent young mathematicians, by developing their problem-solving skills beyond the curriculum.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Training Trainer supports the Training Manager in the design and delivery of specialist, evidence-informed trainings programmes for professionals supporting bereaved children, young people and parents across health, social care, community, voluntary and private sectors.
Using trauma-informed, evidence-based content delivered through both digital platforms and in-person, the role ensures professionals have practical tools to identify, respond to, support and/or refer bereaved children, young people and parents.
Main Responsibilities
- Working collaboratively with the Training Manager, external facilitators and the team’s administrator to co-ordinate training requests responses.
- Working with the Training Manager and colleagues, support the design of training programmes tailored to the needs of the training delegates.
- Deliver the organisation’s professional training packages online and/or face-to-face as required.
- Work with the team to ensure efficient flow of processes and procedures.
- Research key areas in need of bereavement training packages.
- Be an ambassador for the need for bereavement continued professional development and training across all health, social care, community, voluntary and private sector professions.
- To form key relationships with individuals and organisations to promote off-the-shelf training as well as bespoke trainings.
- To work with the team to develop new training programmes and content.
- Work with the Marketing and Communications Team to promote training programmes.
- Collaborate with the team to develop and review feedback framework to evaluate the training.
- Use feedback to improve the current training offer and identify gaps.
Communication and Relationships
- Build and maintain effective relationships with health, social care, community, voluntary and private sector professionals across the UK.
- Act as an ambassador for key training programmes, promoting values of empathy, inclusion and best practice in bereavement support.
- Collaborate closely with the Training Manager, colleagues and the Training Administrator to co-ordinate training requests and ensure a seamless client experience.
- Engage with internal teams, including Marketing and Communications, to publicise training offers and strengthen audience reach.
- Work proactively to establish and nurture key relationships with external networks, commissioners, and organisations to increase awareness and uptake of training programmes.
- Communicate sensitively and confidently when delivery content that may evoke emotional responses, ensuring a safe and supportive training environment.
- Demonstrate and promote the organisation’s values and culture through all forms of communication, behaviours and professional relationships.
Knowledge, Training and Experience
- Strong presentation, facilitation and communication skills, adaptable to a variety of audiences.
- Contribute to the creation of bespoke training programmes or training sessions as well as to the development of new training packages.
- Develop and adapt training content for both in-person and digital delivery using a variety of digital platforms.
- Demonstrate a robust understanding of grief, loss, trauma, child development, and the psychological and social impact of bereavement on children, young people, and adults, including families.
- Demonstrate a high level of understanding of the organisation’s evidence-based tiered service model.
- Participate, and where appropriate, lead on training consultations to formulate an assessment of training needs.
- Use outcome measures and/or feedback tools to monitor progress, evaluate the impact of delivery, and reflect on own practice.
- Adhere to legislation and statutory guidance related to Safeguarding Children and Young People and Safeguarding Adults at all times.
- Participate actively in clinical supervision and reflective practice to ensure safe, ethical, and effective delivery.
- Contribute to the development and sharing of knowledge within the team by supporting training, mentoring, and peer learning opportunities.
Analytical and Judgement Skills
- Assess training needs through consultation, feedback and sector research to inform targeted content development with the support of the Training Manager.
- Evaluate participants’ feedback systematically to review the quality, relevance and impact of training’ identify areas for improvement and gaps in provision.
- Exercise sound judgement when responding to sensitive disclosures or emotionally charged discussions during training, ensuring appropriate support and signposting.
- Apply analytical thinking to review emerging issues in bereavement, end of life, palliative care, mental health and wellbeing, to guide future training design.
- Recognise and manage situations that involve ambiguity, uncertainty, or emotional intensity, drawing on supervision and established frameworks for professional support.
- Apply a trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate lens to training development and delivery, ensuring sensitivity to cultural, social, and contextual factors influencing grief.
- Ensure accurate, timely, and meaningful data recording and reporting to inform service evaluation, and organisational performance monitoring.
Planning and organisational skills
- Prepare thoroughly for assigned training sessions, ensuring all materials, technology and resources are ready in advance.
- Deliver training sessions to time and quality standards, managing transitions between content, activities and Q&A smoothly.
- Deliver a suite of training packages online and/or face-to-face as required, adapting content to meet specific delegate needs as needed.
- Contribute to the design and maintenance of robust systems and workflows that support the smooth flow of processes from enquiry to evaluation.
- Research new areas of bereavement training need and contribute ideas for the development of new programmes and resources.
- Collaborate with colleagues to maintain and refine the evaluation and feedback framework, drawing on insights to drive continuous improvement and suggesting improvements to the training offer.
- Manage time effectively across multiple projects and priorities, working flexibly to delivery high quality outcomes within deadlines.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation in accordance with confidentiality, data protection, and statutory requirements.
- Demonstrate self-awareness and reflective capacity, using supervision and peer support to sustain personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness.
- Provide cover and support for team members when needed.
Qualifications & Training
Essential
· Relevant professional qualification in working in education, training or learning
· Evidence of ongoing professional development and commitment to continuous learning
· Training in bereavement, grief and trauma informed practice
Experience
Essential
· At least three years’ recent experience (in the past six years) of delivering training to professionals
· Experience of facilitating group work
· Experience of planning and designing training programmes
· Experience of liaising with and working alongside organisations that support children, young people and/or adults
· Experience of working with vulnerable communities
· Experience of delivering training using a digital platform
· Demonstrable experience of safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and an ability to practise in a way that promotes this
· Experience of working collaboratively with multi-agency professionals
Desirable
· Experience of working within a bereavement, palliative care of mental health setting
· Experienced in using outcome measures to evaluate practice
Person Specification
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of bereavement, grief, loss, trauma, and their psychological and developmental impact on children, young people, parents and families
- Knowledge of current research, theories, national frameworks, and NICE guidance related to bereavement and children’s mental health
- Empathetic, compassionate approach
- Proven ability to design, deliver and adapt bereavement training effectively through digital platforms, maintaining engagement, safety and impact
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with stakeholders while maintaining professional boundaries at all times
- Consulting mindset with the ability to quickly assimilate information and to translate this into potential solutions and ways of working
- Awareness of safeguarding legislation, policies, and procedures
- Understanding of information governance, confidentiality, and data protection requirements
- Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion within practice
- Emotional maturity, stability and resilience with a strong commitment to self-care and the ability to seek support and guidance when difficulties arise in the course of work
Benefits
- 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata if applicable) with increase for long service.
- TOIL for our hours work.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Company sick pay.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Life assurance.
- Training loans.
- Enhanced family friendly policies.
Recruitment Timetable
Application deadline: 16th June 2026 at midnight
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.
For further details on the interview process, please refer to our recruitment pack.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Lead a national charity at a pivotal moment of change and make a life‑changing impact for individuals and families affected by rare craniofacial conditions.
Headlines Craniofacial Support is a UK-based charity providing information, advice and support to individuals and families affected by craniosynostosis and other rare craniofacial conditions. The charity works closely with professional partners, including the 5 NHS Designated Specialist Craniofacial Units across the UK.
Craniosynostosis is a condition where two or more of the plates in the skull fuse prematurely, requiring medical support from a young age. Around 350 children are born with craniosynostosis each year in the UK.
Established by group of parents in 1993, Headlines now has over 2,500 members. Within our charity offer we send out regular newsletters and an annual magazine, Headline News. We also support families to connect through events such as an annual Family Weekend, conferences and Days Out, and provide information through our helpline and access to psychological support. We have private social media groups and specific groups within our membership who meet regularly including Cranio Dads, Young Persons Network and a Teens Group.
After 8 successful years, our current Director will be retiring in 2026 and we are now seeking an enthusiastic, inspirational and proactive individual to take up the reins.This is a rare opportunity to lead a well-established, respected national charity at an important moment of transition.
Strategic priorities for us, moving forward, include increasing our fundraising activities to ensure sustainability of the charity alongside the smooth running of our core activities in providing support, facilitating research and raising awareness.
Key responsibilities
The Executive Director will hold day-to-day responsibilities, working closely with the Chair and Trustee Board to provide effective leadership and operational management of the charity. Specifically, they will:
- Act as an ambassador for the charity, liaising with members, health professionals and with wider community and provide day-to-day management of Headlines staff and activities, setting objectives in line with the operational plan.
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding, data protection and other legal, statutory and regulatory requirements and responsibilities.
- Work on behalf of and with the Trustees to deliver the charity’s mission, goals, operational plans and long-term strategy, and act as a positive leader and role model, managing and motivating Headlines staff,
- Ensure effective financial management of Headlines working closely with trustees and the treasurer to ensure financial security and appropriate allocation of funds.
- Manage and enhance the event programme to meet charity objectives, including identifying and meeting members’ priorities and raising awareness of craniofacial conditions.
- Develop opportunities for collaborative working and partnerships with other organisations for the benefit of people with craniosynostosis and rare craniofacial conditions. This also includes work overseas, predominantly in Europe with our medical and charity partners.
- Oversee communications and marketing activities to raise the profile of Headlines, its work and the needs of its members.
- Identify opportunities for growth, developing projects and keeping policies relevant, to enhance and expand the work of Headlines.
- Be responsible for generating funds through innovative and cost-effective fundraising activities and grant applications to maintain the long-term success of the charity.
Person specification
Essential criteria
- An understanding of the importance of the charity’s values and priorities.
- Evidence of inclusive, innovative and proactive leadership, with demonstrable experience of fundraising and income generation.
- Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills with experience organising events and activities.
- Experience of successfully managing budgets and developing new and sustainable funding streams.
- Excellent organisational, presentation and communication skills and the ability to write reports for public consumption and for statutory obligations.
- A high level of digital literacy skills with an understanding of online technology and the application of social media.
- Proven track record in managing, leading and motivating staff and volunteers.
- Willingness to operate a hybrid model of working with most work taking place from home, working remotely with stakeholders and across the UK/ internationally for specific events.
- Experience of working within the charity sector, ideally at a management level and/or within financial management of the charitable sector, with sound knowledge of the relevant legal requirements and regulations applicable to a charitable organisation.
Desirable criteria
- Experience of working effectively with a Chair and Board of Trustees.
- Experience of working for a health-related organisation.
- An awareness of the principles of inclusivity, accessibility or experience of working with individuals with visible differences.
- Degree or equivalent.
- Experience of commissioning research and liaising with research bodies.
Other information
Headlines hosts events and fundraising activities throughout the whole of the UK. All Headlines staff are expected to work flexibly to support those activities as required, e.g. attendance at Annual Family Weekend, conferences, member events, supporter receptions and other related scientific meetings and conferences. This may occasionally require travel and overnight stays. In addition, all staff are expected to be self-servicing in terms of administration and basic digital skills. Please note that the list of duties is not exhaustive and additional responsibilities might occasionally arise and the workload can vary across the year
Applicants need to submit the following:
• CV outlining your employment history and any relevant academic, professional or other
qualifications.
• Name and addresses of two referees, with at least one coming from your most recent employer.
• A supporting document demonstrating how you meet the essential and/or desirable criteria set out in the person
specification, and why you are interested in working for Headlines.
Shortlist interviews will take place online via videocall, with successful candidates progressing to an in-person interview in London, on a date to be confirmed.
Closing date for applications: Saturday 20th June at midnight
Headlines is the leading UK charity supporting people with craniosynostosis and other rare craniofacial conditions.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
