Programme development director jobs

Help shape a future where fewer people die by suicide

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Samaritans is entering an exciting new chapter, focused on transforming how we deliver support to those in greatest need. As Assistant Director of Service Delivery (North), you’ll play a crucial leadership role in shaping our future direction, ensuring our services remain accessible, resilient, and able to make the biggest possible difference across the UK in our mission to reduce the number of lives lost to suicide.

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In this pivotal new role, you’ll work alongside our incredible team of Samaritans to implement transformational change within our service delivery structure - starting with our Yorkshire and Humberside Pathfinder region. You’ll help design and embed a sustainable, inclusive, and high-quality service delivery model and structure that ensures everyone who needs Samaritans’ support can access it safely, whenever and wherever they need it, because tomorrow is too late.

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We’re looking for someone who:

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• Brings expertise in leading complex organisational change with empathy and purpose.
• Is a collaborative and emotionally intelligent leader who can inspire, empower, and harness the contribution of our teams.
• Has experience in service design, operational leadership, and using data and evidence to drive improvement.
• Understands the importance of safeguarding, inclusion, and working with volunteers in sensitive environments.
• Has a positive approach and values human connection and collaboration.

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You’ll be a key driver of innovation and resilience within our service, helping ensure that Samaritans’ life-saving work continues to reach people in their moments of greatest need.

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If you’re motivated by impact, connection, and the opportunity to shape the future of our life saving listening support in the UK - we’d love to hear from you.

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Full outline of the role available in the Job description file attached.

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The contract terms:

• Permanent contract

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• £65,000 - £70,000 per annum with Benefits

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•  Our full time hours are 35 hours per week, but we are passionate about flexible working - talk to us about your preferences. Due to the nature of our work, occasional weekend working may be required with time off in lieu given.

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• Hybrid working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. This is a Home based Contract, linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office with a blend of home working and significant travel throughout the Region. The successful candidate should live within close proximity of the Region. Do get in touch with any queries about location prior to applying. Regional Map available.

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About Samaritans:

You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.

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For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochurevo. You can also visit our careers website to access this.

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We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans. 

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Criminal record check (DBS):

We take safeguarding seriously at Samaritans and follow safe recruitment practices. As this role has direct contact with children and adults at risk, this role will require an Enhanced DBS check with Adults and Children’s Barred Lists.

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At offer stage, as part of the conditional job offer, we will require the candidate to disclose in full, spent and unspent convictions by completing a declaration form. The declaration form will only be seen by those who need to see it as part of the recruitment process. 

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To Apply and help Samaritans make sure fewer people die by suicide, please complete the application questions and submit your CV with a brief supporting statement. We kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, or to generate interview answers. We want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths.

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Applications will close Sunday 23rd November.

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Interviews

All applicants will receive notification of the outcome of their application.

The selection process will be in two stages with virtual interviews taking place on the 4th and 5th December. Those taken through to the second stage, will be invited to attend an interview in person at our offices in Ewell on one of the 9th , 10th or 11th December 2025.

Unfortunately we may not be able to be as flexible as usual in offering an alternative date so please do hold these dates in your diary, if applying.

Libraries Connected is seeking a Research and Evaluation Manager to join our newly formed Policy, External Affairs, and Research Team. This is a unique opportunity to shape and deliver impactful research and evaluation across the public library sector.

You’ll lead internal research and data projects, provide in-house evaluation for programmes, and manage external research partnerships—including with academic institutions. Your work will directly inform advocacy, communications, and strategic decision-making.

We’re looking for someone with strong research and analytical skills, experience in managing complex data, and the ability to translate findings into accessible outputs. You’ll be collaborative, detail-oriented, and confident working independently across multiple projects.

Be part of something transformative.

Join Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) at a time of significant change and growth from our current base of c£4million.  We’re looking for a qualified, skilled, values-driven Director of Finance and Resources to join our leadership team.

With a new CEO, Senior Leadership Team and a bold and inspiring new vision, this is a pivotal moment for our organisation as we lay the foundations and transform in the run up to a new organisational strategy. 

We’re a specialist charity supporting survivors of sexual violence across twelve South London boroughs providing counselling, group therapy, advocacy, and prevention education, alongside training for professionals.

If you’re ready to use your financial and strategic expertise to make a real impact for survivors, we’d love to hear from you

About the Role

As our Director of Finance and Resources, you’ll be a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, leading on:

• Strategic financial planning and advice for future growth and sustainability of the Charity
• Operational Financial Management, Reporting and Performance 
• Financial Accounts and Annual Reports
• Financial Control, Governance, Audit, and Compliance
• IT, Facilities, and Information Governance
• Management of teams and contracts in the Finance and Resources Directorate

You’ll work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees to support our strategic vision and ensure sound financial stewardship to deliver support for survivors now and into the future.  The position is offered on a flexible, hybrid and part time basis. 

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Professionally qualified (or equivalent) in finance management and accountancy
• Experienced and deeply knowledgeable in senior financial leadership and strategy development in the voluntary sector/an equivalent size charity 
• A skilled and experienced leader and manager of people, contracts and major service change projects
• Collaborative, analytical, and proactive in problem-solving
• Committed to feminist principles and to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Ideally also skilled in overseeing IT, building and premises management and information governance, with training and support available where required. 

As well as experienced Directors, this role would also suit an exceptional Head of Finance looking to step up into their first Director role.

What We Offer

• 27 days’ annual leave + 8 bank holidays (pro rata)
• 3 extra gifted days (pro rata) between 27–31 December
• NEST pension (3% employer / 5% employee)
• Life Assurance, Healthcare Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and Cycle-To-Work Scheme
• Supportive, feminist working culture

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining how you meet the person specification

The position is offered on a flexible basis.  The post is open to female applicants only as the role is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010. 

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we are particularly keen to receive applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the violence against women and girls movement.

No agencies please.  Unsolicited emails from agencies will not be responded to

Freshwater Habitats Trust is the UK’s leading charity for all freshwaters. We are an
evidence-based organisation that protects freshwater wildlife through practical and innovative nature conservation projects across England and Wales.

The Director, Central Team, will develop and oversee programmes across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, playing a key role in realising our vision of building the Freshwater Network.

As a member of the Senior Management Team the postholder will lead the Central Team and work across the following areas:

· Strategic development

· Leadership and management

· Fundraising

· Project delivery

· Partnership development

· Technical supervision

· Finance

This position requires a creative, dynamic and enthusiastic person who works well as part of a team whilst being self-motivated and ambitious. 

The Director will have the ability to think on their feet, steer the direction of the
programme teams and support them to achieve the long-term goals of the organisation.

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 Volunteer Coordinator we are looking for will enjoy this unique opportunity to grow and develop our current volunteer work into a thriving and sustainable programme. Our large Cadbury family home with five acres of beautiful grounds is a retreat centre for justice, reconciliation and peace and, as a result of this role, will become a fantastic space for volunteers to flourish while supporting the physical place, vision and work of the charity.

Our current volunteer work includes a small group of local individuals who meet for a monthly volunteer days to work on the grounds and maintenance, and who support our retreat and fundraising events. A relationship with BT has enabled us to begin to offer voluntary opportunities for their local staff and this area is ready to be developed. Volunteers of all faiths and none are invited, but not required, to participate in the rhythm of prayer at the house, and all have the opportunity to hear about the vision and work as part of their experience with us. To work with our bookings a development plan may look like a more regular midweek volunteer day, a regular Sunday volunteer day and a schedule of individual volunteering tasks to be undertaken when staff are onsite during the week.

This post is initially funded for one year. If the role proves fruitful The Greenhouse will seek grant funding to extend it; however, continuation beyond the first year cannot be guaranteed.

The Volunteer Coordinator is a new and developmental role within The Greenhouse at Barnes Close. It offers an engaging opportunity to join our staff team and build upon a small as-yet underdeveloped volunteer programme in a beautiful and rewarding place to work. They will also enjoy the oversight of a discerning and experienced Board of Trustees.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award exists to support young people to build life-long beliefs in themselves; supporting them to take on their own challenges, follow their passions, and discover talents they never knew they had. 
 

Young people today are navigating an unprecedented combination of challenges. Our ambition is to ensure that every young person has the chance to build the essential skills, confidence, and resilience needed to succeed in both life and work. Through our bold Youth Without Limits strategy, we are committed to making the Award accessible to all especially those from underrepresented communities. 
 

We are now seeking a Director for Wales to join our energetic and forward-thinking team. In this key leadership role, you will be instrumental in leading the delivery of DofE across Wales. The position combines operational leadership with strategic policy engagement, aligning our work with Welsh Government priorities and propelling our long-term growth strategy to broaden access and opportunity for young people.
 

 Key Responsibilities
 

Operational Leadership
 

• Lead and inspire the Wales Team and delivery network, fostering a high-performing, inclusive culture.
• Build strategic relationships across government, education, and voluntary sectors to champion accessibility and inclusion.
• Deliver KPIs aligned with Welsh Government priorities and DofE’s strategic goals.
• Ensure safeguarding and data protection compliance, placing young people’s safety at the heart of all activity.
• Oversee licensing, quality assurance, and support for delivery partners and volunteers.
• Manage financial operations and mitigate key risks.
• Collaborate with UK-wide Directors to ensure strategic alignment and share best practices.
• Drive cross-departmental collaboration across the DofE with a particular focus on collaborative working with Strategic Programmes, Quality and Compliance, External Affairs, and Fundraising teams.

Strategic Policy & Influencing
 

• Represent DofE in national forums and advisory groups to amplify our voice and impact.
• Align UK-wide strategy with relevant Welsh Government frameworks.
• Influence policy agendas in education, youth work, skills development, and inclusion.
• Strengthen relationships across youth and education sectors to enhance reach and sustainability.

Partnership Cultivation & Fundraising Support
 

• Partner with the central fundraising team to support donor engagement and initiatives.
• Cultivate relationships with Welsh donors, funders, and supporters.
• Provide strategic insight to inform fundraising and partnership development.

If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply.
 

The deadline for applying for this role is: 18th November - Midnight
 

1st  interviews will take place on: WC 1st December - to be held virtually 
 

2nd interviews will take place on: 12th December  - to be held in person at a  location in Wales.  (Venue will be confirmed at invitation)

N.B. additional interviews  may be required. 

About Sister System 

Founded in 2018, Sister System is a charitable organisation and an Open College Network (OCN) approved centre dedicated to empowering girls and young women aged 13-24 affected by the care system.

Our approach is co-designed with care-affected young women and girls to ensure that their lived experiences continue to drive meaningful change and shape our progression. Built on proven therapeutic models, our long-term mentoring, accredited qualifications, and leadership development programmes strengthen resilience, confidence, and essential life skills.

Our model seeks to break intergenerational cycles by equipping young women with the tools to thrive and lead change. Through a strong sense of community, peer networks, and trusted adult relationships, we create clear pathways into education, employment, and socio-economic stability, supporting a life free from abuse. 

Throughout her journey with Sister System, each girl participates in weekly one-to-one and group sessions focused on self-education and personal growth. These sessions explore the social and emotional transition to womanhood while building a supportive network of “sisters” who continue to empower one another during key life transitions. Our programmes are accessible to girls and young women at any stage of educational attainment, enabling all Sis-Stars to learn, grow, and thrive. 

Our strategy 

We are one year into our 2024-2027 strategy to set Sister System on a path to scale our reach and impact. We have bold ambitions to scale across London and beyond. We have been building our organisational resilience, the quality of our programmes and robust systems to collect data and measure our impact. We are looking for a new Director of Fundraising who can bring in income from multiple sources to support our sustainable growth. 

Director of Fundraising - role details 

Benefits 

• Annual Salary: £57,000 to £62,000 (3 to 5 days per week, pro rata as relevant) 

• Leave Entitlement: 25 days and 8 bank holidays (+ your birthday off + 1 additional day per year of service up to 5 days) 

• Training and Development (CPD): £1000 per year 

• Company Pension 

• Death in Service Insurance Cover 

• Well-being and Company Events 

• Health benefits package 

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive multi-year fundraising strategy that encompasses diverse income streams, working collaboratively with senior leadership to coordinate efforts and maintain an up-to-date fundraising pipeline.

• Steward high-value relationships with trusts, foundations, and corporate partners while leading grant applications and proposals for six-figure funding opportunities.

• Strategically position Sister System for statutory funding by identifying government contract opportunities and ensuring the organisation remains competitive for local authority and national funding programmes.

• Oversee critical systems and processes including financial reporting, grant management cycles, board reporting, and line management duties while serving as an external ambassador for the organisation 

• Line manage a small fundraising team 

Essential Skills, knowledge, and behaviours: 

• Proven track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies at a senior level. 

• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding income targets across multiple income streams. 

• Experience managing multiple income streams, including statutory income, individual, corporate, and grant fundraising 

• Strong leadership and people management skills with experience of developing high-performing teams 

• Excellent relationship-building skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders 

• Financial acumen, including budgeting, reporting, and performance analysis 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including bid writing and donor presentations 

• Strategic thinker with a proactive, innovative, and resilient approach 

Applications close 9am 17th November 2025 

Interviews will involve at least two stages; First stage interviews will be on or around 27th November; Second stage interviews will be on 10th/11th December 2025 

Assessment Centre: 10:00am - 3:00pm on 03/12 in our Glasgow Centre

Can you see yourself creating and nurturing a network of informed and engaged volunteers? Imagine being their main go-to for info and guidance on their volunteer journey. Can you connect with these awesome people and help them shine?

Are you excited about providing volunteers with consistently stellar service that inspires them to make a real difference in young people's lives, and are you ready to empower them for incredibly positive outcomes? Picture yourself leading and supporting a group of volunteers. You'll use our CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and your connections with fellow team members to link up with opportunities that support young people and our programmes. Can you make those connections click?

We're all about keeping things in tip-top shape, so can you dive into the details and keep things running smoothly, like accurately tracking, recording, and keeping tabs on volunteer activity? And can you encourage volunteers to do their part by keeping our systems up to scratch, ensuring we're always on the ball with core vetting and training requirements?

As well as the serious stuff, we're big on showing love to our volunteers! Our volunteers are exceptional individuals driven by a deep passion to ensure the success of the young people they mentor. You'll collaborate with volunteers from various backgrounds, each bringing a rich tapestry of skills to support a young person's journey. How about hosting some memory-making events and sharing reports that highlight their fantastic contributions? Are you game to give them the spotlight they deserve? Collaboration turns dreams into reality; you will work closely with colleagues, delivery partners, and external stakeholders to enhance volunteer opportunities and strengthen our volunteer network.

At The Trust, we're strong advocates for fostering an inclusive workplace, and it would be fantastic if you shared that passion too. We hope you’ll encourage positive action and change while supporting volunteers from all walks of life.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Youth Development Leads? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with every three in four moving into a positive outcome for either work, education or training. Youth Development Leads play a crucial role in supporting young people, no matter the young person's background or current circumstances, to fulfil their full potential. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Youth Development Leads! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Unless the location of the role is remote, the Youth Development Lead role requires a combination of office days and working from home. 
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• Cycle-to-Work Scheme
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

Are you a strategic, solutions-focused leader who is driven by justice, equality and committed to creating a fairer world for women and girls?

The JABBS Foundation for Women and Girls is looking for an exceptional Director of Operations to strengthen the organisation's operational backbone at a pivotal moment of growth. This is a senior, high-impact role in a small but mighty team - perfect for someone who thrives on building systems that unlock lasting change and who brings a genuine passion for continuous improvement.

Salary: £80k
Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week)
Location: Hybrid with 3 days per week in the Birmingham office and occasional national travel
Benefits: 25 days holiday (+bank) and generous employer pension contribution, plus learning and development budget

About the organisation
JABBS is dedicated to building a fairer, more just society for women and girls. Through strategic grant-making, partnerships and advocacy, the organisation addresses the root causes that draw women into the criminal justice system - from poverty and abuse to health inequalities. Their approach is grounded in collaboration, fostering lasting relationships with those driving change across policy, practice, and communities.

The Foundation is entering an exciting new phase of work as it strengthens its operations, expands national partnerships and accelerates its impact across policy, practice and communities. Joining JABBS means becoming part of a values-led team influencing long-term reform in the women's centre sector, early help models and the wider criminal justice system.

About the role
As Director of Operations, you will be the senior operational lead for the organisation, working closely with the CEO and programme leads to deliver strategic, reliable and high-quality operations.

You'll oversee the full suite of operational functions and strengthen infrastructure - from governance and grant-making processes to HR, finance, IT, risk and compliance - ensuring that robust, values-driven operations underpin everything JABBS does.

In this role you can expect to:
* Lead and deliver the Foundation's multi-year operational workplan
* Translate strategy into effective, measurable operational delivery
* Ensure strong governance, including board papers and risk management
* Oversee budgeting, financial processes, grant-making systems and compliance
* Lead HR and people operations, including recruitment and workforce planning
* Strengthen and maintain policies, systems, and supplier/office management

This role will suit someone who loves switching between big-picture thinking and rolling up their sleeves - you must be confident and energised by both.

About you
You are an experienced operational leader who is: strategic, collaborative, pragmatic and exceptionally organised.

We'd love to hear from you if you have:
* A proven track record of designing and delivering robust operational systems
* Significant operation leadership experience at a senior level
* Strong financial literacy and experience managing budgets and audit processes
* A track record of overseeing or designing grant-making or funding operations
* Hands-on HR/people operations experience
* Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills
* Confidence working with trustees, partners and senior leaders
* A meticulous eye for detail and a proactive, problem-solving approach
* Authentic commitment to gender equality and JABBS' mission

We'd also love to see your alignment with JABBS' values: Justice-Centred, Integrity-Driven, Curious, Collaborative, Relational and Determined.

In return, you'll join a supportive, values-led team and play a central role in shaping the next chapter of JABBS' impact.

How to apply
If this opportunity excites you, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your CV in the first instance. If your experience aligns with what we're looking for, we'll be in touch with more information about the structured application process.

Send your CV to Ellen Drummond at Charity People to start the conversation.

Deadline: 9am on Friday 5th December
First stage: w/c 12th January
Second stage: w/c 19th January

Charity People is a forward-thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We match charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background. We do this because we believe greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we support.

Cambridge Science Centre (CSC) sits at the heart of a vibrant network of philanthropists, educators, community groups, visionary businesses and local government bodies across East Anglia. With over a decade of trusted STEM engagement behind us, a dedicated expert team and a loyal network of long-term supporters, CSC is uniquely positioned to drive lasting
change in communities across the region.

This role builds on that strong foundation. You will deepen existing relationships, identify and shape new opportunities, and help secure CSC’s long-term financial sustainability through innovative, high-impact partnerships.

As the primary contact for partnership development, you will play a central role in shaping and funding our multi-year programmes, while also leading on high-value, short-term opportunities connected to our Cambridge Science Park site and outreach hubs such as Inspire Wisbech. Your work will balance immediate income generation with the cultivation of long-term strategic
relationships that advance CSC’s mission and regional impact.

We are looking for a Finance Business Partner Programmes (Job Share) to join our busy Finance Team in Brooke UK. The role is for 3 days per week and reports to the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis.  You will share the role with another Finance Business Partner to drive financial process improvement in our Country Programmes in Ethiopia, Senegal, Nicaragua, India, Pakistan and Kenya, as well as the UK Programmes Department. This is an exciting time to join Brooke as we are about to embark on planning our new multi-year strategy.

You will be responsible for:

• Supporting Country Programmes and UK Programmes Department in the effective management of financial resources, with timely financial reporting
• Leading on communication and coordination of financial planning, forecasting and budgeting processes for Country Programmes and UK Programmes Department
• Providing the Director of Programmes with analysis of financial performance of Country Programmes and UK Programmes Department

Criteria

In order to excel in this post you will need:

• A professional accounting qualification, or qualified by experience
• Extensive experience of managing budgeting and forecasting processes
• Proven experience of using SUN financial system or similar
• Knowledge and experience of donor fund management
• Business partnering experience including skills to analyse, interpret and report financial data

At Brooke, we celebrate diversity and the creative new ideas it brings. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds, in particular global majority candidates, candidates from a social mobility background, disabled and neuro-diverse candidates, and candidates under 25 as these groups are currently under-represented at Brooke.

We are aware that studies have shown that women and global majority candidates are less likely to apply for a role if they feel they do not meet the full criteria of the job description. If you feel you meet the majority of the criteria, we would love to hear from you.

We offer a variety of flexible working options to best support our staff and to ensure our working practices are as inclusive as possible.

We would love to hear from you. 

Interview dates: 1st round, 21st November 2025

Head of strategic research development
 

Location: Contracted to our Peterborough office with the flexibility for hybrid working
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 depending on experience
Benefits: We want all our employees to feel valued and engaged and are committed to offering a positive working culture along with a good work-life balance. As well as ensuring we pay our employees fairly, we offer the following benefits: Flexible working, Generous annual leave, Private Medical Insurance, including dental and optical, Pension Scheme, Sick Pay, Death in Service, Employee Assistance Programme, Bike Loan Scheme, Cycle2Work Scheme, Eyecare, Discount Portal
 
Closing date: Wednesday 3 December 2025

Telephone interviews will be held week commencing 8 December 2025

Interviews will be held week commencing 15 December 2025

No agencies please
 
Be a part of an energetic and vibrant team who are driven by the desire to improve the lives of people living with kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease.

Reporting into the director of research development and partnerships, the head of strategic research development leads the development and delivery of Kidney Research UK’s research strategy in our priority and emerging research areas, working closely with our research and health system-facing teams.

The role is responsible for horizon scanning and translating strategic priorities into deliverable research funding initiatives, mobilising multi-partner collaborations that accelerate progress from concept to delivery.

The post-holder will also provide line management for the research programme managers, offering direction, guidance and professional development to ensure coherent delivery across research themes and initiatives.

As a senior member of the team, the post-holder will deputise for the director of research development and partnerships as required, representing the charity with senior stakeholders, making timely decisions, and ensuring strategic continuity across portfolios.

You will have experience in research strategy, development, funding or portfolio management within the health, biomedical or life sciences sector. You’ll combine strategic insight into how research is funded and evaluated with the ability to lead and inspire others, fostering professional growth and wellbeing.

You will be a strategic thinker, confident and assertive, able to make sound decisions, delegate effectively and keep processes moving at pace. Strong communication skills (written, verbal and interpersonal) will enable you to work well across teams, build productive relationships with colleagues, and to influence and liaise effectively with external stakeholders.

If you are interested in the position, please complete the online application form and submit together with your CV.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone and encourage applications from all sections of the community.

About Kidney Research UK:

Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease and for more than 60 years the research, we fund has been making an impact. But kidney disease is increasing as are the factors contributing to it, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, making our work more essential than ever.

At Kidney Research UK we work with clinicians and scientists across the UK, funding and facilitating research into all areas of kidney disease. We collaborate with partners across the public, private and third sectors to prevent kidney disease and drive innovation to transform treatments.

Over the last ten years we have invested more than £71 million into research. We lobby governments and decision makers to change policy and practice to ensure that the estimated 7.2 million people living with all stages of kidney disease in the UK have access to the most effective care and treatment, and to make kidney disease a priority.

Most importantly, we also work closely with patients, ensuring their voice is heard and is at the centre of everything we do, from deciding which research to invest in to how we plan our priorities and our work across the charity.

Those patient contributions are vital, always helping us and our partners to understand what life is like with kidney disease, always ensuring we see the patient behind the treatment and always reminding us that behind every statistic and every number is a person – the patients and the carers who inspire our mission and push us forward to make a difference and change the future of kidney disease.

You may also have experience in the following: Strategic Research Development, Research Strategy Lead, Health Research Leadership, Biomedical Research, Life Sciences Research, Research Portfolio Management, Research Funding Initiatives, Research Strategy Development, Multi-partner Collaboration, Project/Programme Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Decision-making & Strategic Planning, Funding Evaluation, Policy & Research Translation, Line Management, Team Leadership, Senior Stakeholder Liaison, Charity, Charities, Third Sector, Not for Profit, NFP, etc.
 
REF-225 057

The main focus of the role is to secure income for large-scale capital investment at Stanley Arts; alongside developing and maintaining relationships with statutory funders and trusts who maysupport programming and core running costs of the
building. Funding bodies will include Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other voluntary sources, predominantly trusts and foundations.

The Development Manager will play a central role in securing income for Stanley Arts through two key areas:

1) Overseeing fundraising across trusts, foundations, statutory funders, corporate partners, and individual donors to support programming and core running costs.

2) Developing and delivering a major fundraising campaign to raise funds for a large-scale capital investment in Stanley Art’s future.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Development Manager will help shape the organisation’s strategic direction and ensure fundraising is embedded across the organisation. They will lead on individual giving and donor development, alongside capital, trust, and foundation fundraising.

Reporting to the Artistic Director/CEO, the Development Manager will line-manage and collaborate with the freelance Fundraiser, and work closely with the General Manager and Data & Insights Officer to ensure effective bid writing, relationship management, and reporting.

Experience & Knowledge
- Minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in a fundraising/development role, preferably 
within arts, heritage, or cultural organisations.
- Experience of individual giving programmes, including donor cultivation, 
stewardship, and retention.
- Proven track record of successful major funding applications to trusts, foundations, 
statutory bodies, and corporate funders.
- Knowledge of fundraising regulations, best practice, and ethical standards.
- Understanding of the role of fundraising in supporting organisational growth.

- Passion for arts, heritage, or cultural sectors.
- High levels of integrity and professionalism.
- Strong organisational skills, ability to prioritise competing tasks and meet deadlines
- Commitment to access, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Commitment to environmental sustainability