Programme director jobs in birmingham, west midlands

Senior Philanthropy Manager 

Welcome to Population Matters

We are an environmental charity, and we believe all populations matter. We are all interconnected and all species rely on each other, yet no one is talking about the impact the growing human population is having on the planet. 

Our vision is of a world in which our human population lives fairly and sustainably with nature and each other. Our mission is to address the negative consequences of ever more people using ever more of the planet’s resources and to inspire and engage with others to find, share and promote ways to make our vision a reality as quickly as possible.

We conduct evidence-based research, build networks of powerful advocates, work with global partners, and support female leadership and male allyship to ensure that our population can co-exist in harmony with nature and prosper on a healthy planet.

Are you passionate about our cause?

We have just entered a new five-year strategy period and are looking for a Senior Philanthropy Manager with the experience, gravitas and growth-mindset to deliver our objectives. This is a new role, giving you the opportunity to shape the philanthropy programme and develop donor-centric experiences, proposals and feedback.

How to apply

Please apply by sending a CV (no more than three A4 pages) and covering letter (no more than two A4 pages), addressing the Job Description and, in particular, the Person Specification.

The deadline for applications is midday on Wednesday 26th November. We will inform successful first round candidates by 5pm on Friday 28th November and we will hold first interviews on Thursday 4th December via Teams. We will hold second interviews in person, in London, on Monday 15th December.

Please refer to the attached EDI statement for further information.

Note: We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may withdraw this job advert before the published expiry date.

#Senior Philanthropy Manager #Philanthropy Manager #Philanthropy #Philanthropy Management #Philanthropy Strategy #Philanthropy Planning

Head of Programmes is a key role with significant scope to grow as the charity evolves. You’ll lead on the day-to-day delivery of our programmes, including our largest single programme, Maths Circles: a small-group-based maths enrichment programme engaging talented young mathematicians nationwide. You will coordinate a large community of volunteers as well as our in-house team of part-time and freelance staff to deliver an excellent experience for students, parents, tutors and partners.

You will need to be genuinely enthusiastic about using our CRM and Google Sheets to track progress and excited about martialling the charity’s data to communicate clearly with colleagues, partners and trustees. You will take ownership of programme reporting and KPIs, using insights to identify and implement delivery improvements and demonstrate impact.

You will communicate regularly with our diverse community – including speaking directly to young people and parents to resolve issues, recruiting and training education professionals and meeting with partners to organise and manage projects. Beyond programme delivery, you’ll play a crucial part in fundraising, communications, recruitment and planning and will occasionally deputise for the Foundation Director in representing the charity externally.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, delivery and continuous improvement of programme operations
• Drive impact by setting, monitoring and reporting on KPIs (e.g. attendance, retention, satisfaction) whilst sharing insights with partners and funders
• Coordinate and support a team of part-time staff, freelancers and delivery contractors
• Lead communications with parents, students, tutors and external partners
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (training provided)
• Support fundraising, charity development and strategic planning
• Support recruitment and onboarding of staff, volunteers and collaborators
• Contribute to newsletters, social media, and other communications content 

You should apply if:

• You’re motivated to make a difference in the education sector
• You’re excited to work flexibly as a senior member of a small, growing team
• You’re a “builder” with the energy and impetus to make things happen

Essential criteria:

• Genuine enthusiasm using spreadsheets and other tools to track and demonstrate progress
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with diverse audiences (young people, schools, partners, funders, etc.)
• Experience in education, youth work or the charity sector
• Experience building and managing projects independently
• Belief in the power of education to transform lives
• Right to live and work in the UK

Desirable criteria:

• Knowledge of safeguarding practice
• Experience in programme monitoring and evaluation
• Experience in fundraising or business development

Safeguarding

Tutorfair Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its staff, volunteers and the young people we support. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to provide two satisfactory references and complete an Enhanced DBS check.

You will be instrumental in the quality and impactful implementation, delivery and retention of our sites. You will oversee the delivery of exceptional outcomes in support of the charity's mission. You will work as part of a Regional/Country team to deliver outstanding programmes across your geography, establishing and leading partnerships throughout the life of a programme.    

Regular travel throughout your geographical location will be required, with occasional travel to other areas of the UK, NI and Iberia.  Please stipulate which role you are applying for (North of England or Nationwide).

 In addition, occasional international travel may be required, for example to the annual conference in the United States.  

You will report to either Regional/Country Lead within the Delivery & Partnerships team or the Associate Director of Business Development (depending on the scope of your role). 

• We will conduct selection in the w/c Nov 17th – with a multi-stage process taking place that week

Key Responsibilities  

· You will be accountable for the retention and outcomes of your portfolio of programmes.  

· You will work closely with colleagues in both the Delivery & Partnership team and the Quality & Impact team to pursue quality delivery of programmes that adheres to model fidelity.  

· You will hold partners and stakeholders to account for their key responsibilities in the delivery of quality programmes.  

Our work is needed now more than ever before. This is why we have embarked on an exciting new strategy to make tackling low numeracy an urgent, national issue. However, we will only achieve significant and lasting change by engaging other organisations to support and fund our work.

The Corporate Volunteering Manager plays a central role in this by managing our successful and impactful Corporate Volunteering Programme. Each year through this programme, we train hundreds of volunteers from our corporate partners to visit primary schools and share examples of how maths has helped them as adults, both in their careers and personal lives.

This crucial work helps change us to the inter-generational narrative about numeracy in the UK. Maths is not just something you ‘have to do at school’, but is a valuable skill that helps us get on at work, and manage our time and our money. The programme has been running for three years now, and this year’s activity looks set to have meaningful impact on at least 17,000 children across the UK.

You will be responsible for ensuring that volunteers are adequately trained, for recruiting appropriate schools for them to visit, and all the admin and reporting that supports the programme.

We are looking for someone who can ‘own the programme’, is committed to improving our processes and the efficiency of delivery, with strong line management skills, and a commitment to the professional development for the Corporate Volunteering Programmes Assistant.

National Numeracy is based in Brighton, East Sussex, but we are offering significant remote/hybrid and flexible working with this role. If you are not office based, then the expectation is that you will be in Brighton at least occasionally when the work requires it. The role may include occasional travel to London and beyond.

Drive Head of Programmes

£57,095- £60,441

A London Weighting allowance of £3,299 will be applied for those living in London. 

37.5 hours per week with flexible working hours and provision of an out-of-hours

response as needed

Remote with travel throughout the UK

Permanent subject to funding

The Drive Partnership, formed by Respect, SafeLives and Social Finance, is working to transform the national response to perpetrators of domestic abuse. We work to end domestic abuse and protect victims by disrupting, challenging, and changing the behaviour of those who are causing harm. Together we have developed the Drive Project to address a gap in work with high-harm, high-risk perpetrators of domestic abuse. We also work to advocate for systems and policy change- to develop sustainable, national systems that respond more effectively to all perpetrators of domestic abuse. 

In July of this year the Home Office announced a £53m investment over the next four years to enable the Drive Project to roll out across England and Wales. To end domestic abuse, we must address the source of the problem – the perpetrator.  This funding will make a huge difference to our efforts to support survivors, by holding perpetrators to account, stopping them from causing further harm and giving them the chance to change.

The Drive Head of Programmes will play a central role in maintaining strategic oversight of internal operations, including project planning and risk management across workstreams, and partner coordination across the Drive Partnership. This is a senior leadership position providing operational leadership, staff management, and cross-partner coordination to ensure workstreams within the Drive Partnership function effectively, efficiently and in in alignment with the Drive Partnership’s core mission.

The role will report directly to the Drive Director, form part of the Drive Senior Management team and work alongside the Drive Deputy Director and other Senior Leads to embed a high-performing, values-led culture across The Drive Partnership. 

How to apply

Application is by way of CV with a Supporting Statement.

Please write a personal statement of not more than 3 pages of A4 (in minimum of Calibri pt 12 font) which covers:

· Why you are interested in this job

· Your experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and attitude in relation to the person specification

Selection process and timescales

Closing date: Midnight Sunday 16th November

Preliminary interview with NFP:                   Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th November

First interview:                                               Monday 8th December

Final interview:                                              Week commencing 15th December

Birmingham Hippodrome is incredibly proud to be one of the West Midlands’ largest cultural organisations, and one of the busiest theatres in the UK. As well as welcoming over 600,000 people to shows, the Hippodrome engages with more than 325,000 people through a vast programme of education and young people’s projects, festivals, events, produced work and artist development programmes. The Hippodrome is an independent charity, attracting support from trusts, foundations and project partners, but is not an Arts Council England NPO and doesn’t receive any regular public funding.

The Director of Creative Programmes is the critical role in ensuring that the charity can continue to deliver for the communities and creatives of Birmingham and the West Midlands. It will work with colleagues and external partners to deliver the Hippodrome’s mission by building a sustainable strategy to have an even greater impact on our region. The role will also play an important role on the Hippodrome’s team of Directors to ensure that there is a creative voice in all parts of the organisation’s decision-making.

The post focuses on three key areas: young people and education, access, artist development and site-specific/festival work. This work is central to the Hippodrome’s vision of ‘a distinctive, world-class Birmingham cultural scene with the Hippodrome at its heart’. The post-holder will be expected to work with their team to ensure these areas keep evolving to respond to changes within the cultural landscape. As well as motivating and developing Creative Programmes team, the role is responsible for building and maintaining external relationships with the creative community of the region. They will also hold relationships with building partners, including the world-class dance ecology with whom we share facilities.

Please visit our website and view the candidate pack for much more information about this fantastic role. 

Some of the core requirements for the ideal candidate include:

• Strategic thinker: able to align creative programming with organisational vision, goals, financial sustainability, growth and impact.
• Proven leadership skills: managing creative teams and production staff. Experience of line management, staff development, resource planning or capacity building.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a senior leadership team with other departments.
• Demonstrable experience of curating or programming high-quality, distinctive theatre/arts work.
• Experience of working with young people, Familiarity with arts education, learning or participation and creative learning practice.
• Significant lived experience or strong empathy/track record of working with under-represented, under-served or marginalised communities.
• Experience commissioning or producing work and programmes in collaboration with communities (co-creation), with strong stakeholder consultation and participation.
• Ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships—national, regional, local; plus partnerships with artists, cultural institutions, community organisations.

This role is essential in our drive for evidencing the impact of the work we do. You will lead and manage a large-scale, multi-organisation piece of research aiming to highlight the impact of our programmes. You will play a key role in ensuring the main research project and any supplementary research projects are delivered efficiently and ethically. You will use data and evidence to inform practice and work closely with the Programme Specialist for Pilots and the wider Quality and Impact Team as required.  Additionally, you will project manage additional cross-organisational projects as required in support of our growing charity. 

This is role is a fixed-term contract for 18 months. 

Travel throughout the UK may be required.   

You will report to the Head of Quality and Impact. 

Key Responsibilities 

· You will be accountable for the oversight of the main research and any supplementary research projects from initiation to completion.

· You will collaborate with the Programme Specialist for Pilots and the Associate Director of Business Development to ensure delivery of the research and ensure alignment and fidelity to the research plan.

· You will work with the Head of Quality and Impact and Finance Team to ensure that the project/s meet agreed objectives, timelines and budgets. 

· You will support the development of project documentation. 

· You will deliver reports and presentations as required both internally and externally from DFN Project SEARCH to share information regarding the research project. 

· You will be accountable for collecting, analysing and reporting on data that is relevant to the organisation. 

Prospectus is delighted to be supporting a national oracy education charity to recruit for a Programme Delivery Lead. This is a full time, permanent role on a fully remote working basis. The charity exists to empower every child to use their voice to thrive in school, work and life. Their work with schools across the country transforms learning and life chances through talk by increasing access to a high-quality oracy education for those that need it most.
 

The charity is about to launch their new 5 Year Strategy (2025 - 2030) with ambitious goals for reach, impact and influence. As they continue to grow and build into a mature and sustainable organisation, the charity is managing more concurrent programmes and projects across multiple teams. To ensure delivery remains effective and aligned with their strategy, they are looking for an experienced programme manager to work alongside their Director of Operations, Operations team and Project Manager to strengthen their organisation wide internal programme and project management function. You’ll provide visibility across their portfolio, embed a consistent delivery approach, build internal capability and enable smarter, faster decision-making. You’ll play a key role in shaping how they work as a growing mission-led organisation

The successful candidate will bring proven experience as a programme management professional or senior project manager, with a track record of delivering complex programmes. You will have good knowledge of programme and project management frameworks (e.g. Agile, PRINCE2, PMI) and be able to communicate effectively at all levels. You will have experience of using work management platforms confidently to drive collaboration and delivery and be adept at analysing data effectively to inform decisions and improve outcomes.

To apply please submit your CV and a supporting statement via the ‘Apply Now’ button (maximum of 2 sides of A4 for each), preferably in Microsoft Word/PDF format. Applicants are advised to carefully consider the Appointment Brief before applying, tailoring your CV and cover letter to demonstrate clearly how you match the specification for this role and giving concrete examples of the impact you have had in your current role. Applicants who do not demonstrate their capability and competency in the key areas of responsibility are unlikely to progress to interview

As a specialist Recruitment Practice Prospectus are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Prospectus invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.

Our University has a proud history of philanthropy stretching back to its foundation in 1900. With a clear vision to change the lives of the people of Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain raised the funds required to build the University from citizens and corporations based locally and around the globe. Since then philanthropy has continued to play an important role in shaping the University. There have been a number of fundraising campaigns, including a £1m urgent capital appeal after the Second World War and a £1.4m campaign to fund the Vale ‘student village’ in the 1960s. In 2015 we closed the Circles of Influence Campaign, raising £193 million, making it the largest HE fundraising campaign outside Oxbridge and London.

DARO exists to support our academic and student community by engaging, inspiring, and celebrating alumni, individuals, and charitable funders who give their money, time, and networks to support the University’s strategic priorities. The Office, which is comprised of five teams, is focused on fundraising and volunteering from alumni, organisations and individuals who are passionate about changing lives, through funding various research projects, supporting student bursaries, mentoring students, and providing internships, as well as providing a versatile programme of engagement opportunities for our global alumni community.

There is a rare opportunity to join the DARO Senior Leadership team at this exciting time in our current campaign.

We are looking for an Associate Director of Charitable Partnerships to maximise our enormous income generation potential; coach, nurture and challenge the well-established Charitable Partnerships team; and deliver a bold and innovative strategy to support this exciting campaign, raising significant gifts yourself from an established and growing portfolio. You will lead a team of expert trust and corporate fundraisers to work across the campus and deliver an institution-wide service to generate income, networks and influence from corporates, charities, trusts and foundations. You will be responsible for creating a motivational and supportive environment for your team with professional development opportunities for all members. You will maintain oversight of all significant charitable relationships, including your own portfolio, and be the first point of contact for the amazing opportunities in this space. As a key member of DARO’s Senior Leadership team you will help shape the strategic direction of the function and work collaboratively with other Associate Directors to take our campaign to the next level. 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. 

Main Role & Responsibilities 

The overall purpose of this role is to support the Head of Fundraising in establishing a corporate partnerships income stream as part of Ygam’s new Income Generation strategy, which underpins the organisation’s ambitious aims and objectives. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in diversifying our range of income streams to ensure financial health for the future of the charity, underpinned by sustainable and ethical fundraising models. 

You will have the chance to work with a diverse range of organisations and develop compelling, creative pitches and applications for corporate support. You will also play a key role in identifying opportunities and developing relationships with corporates to strengthen the chance of bid success in both the short and medium term. 

Join us in this pivotal role and be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to making a difference. Your contributions will bolster our fundraising efforts and advance our mission in meaningful ways. 

Who are we looking for? 

Ygam is seeking an experienced corporate fundraiser, or individual with transferable skills, to join our tight-knit and ambitious team. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to use your communication skills and initiative to manage and develop a pipeline of corporate partnerships opportunities, spotting synergies and developing relationships with potential donors. By writing proposals and managing a calendar of supporting activities, you will not only hone your communication skills, corporate account development and management, but also make a tangible impact on our mission to Safeguard our Digital Generation. 

Key tasks: 

• manage and grow a portfolio of small to medium corporate partners, increasing income by identifying new prospects and through the stewardship of existing donors. 

• write high quality applications and communicate accurately and transparently on the progress made in partnerships.  

• work with our programme experts to develop expertise in key programme areas and build your knowledge of Ygam’s work. 

• support with applications and reports to large corporates and other associated fundraising activity.  

The ideal candidate will be motivated, creative, and organised, with a knack for relationship building. This role suits an ambitious self-starter with excellent research, communication, writing, IT, and presentation skills. We are looking for someone who believes in Ygam’s mission and is excited to collaboratively shape and develop our fundraising work. 

Role Requirements 

Duties will include but not be limited to: 

Business Development

• Work with the Head of Fundraising to develop strategies which increase Ygam’s visibility in the corporate space.

• Conduct prospective supporter research; establish and grow the partnerships pipeline, and develop pitches to meet shared objectives, working with the Head of Fundraising. 

• Build strong relationships with organisations that share our values.

• Manage the prospect pipeline using Salesforce, segmenting the pipeline into areas of programme interest and tracking applications, expected and actual income and reporting deadlines. 

Relationship Building: 

• Craft engagement plans to deepen existing relationships and maximise fundraising opportunities 

• Provide excellent account management for new and established partners, including regular and meaningful communication.

• Produce relevant, creative, and compelling proposals, reports and updates to keep our corporate partners motivated and engaged. 

• Identify and execute creative ways to bring our work to life for funders.

• Ensure that relationships with donors (both new and existing) are maintained and managed effectively before, during, and after receipt of funds. 

• Effectively communicate Ygam’s vision, mission, and programmes to potential donors. Delivering and shaping engaging and emotive copy for appeal letters, emails, newsletters, and other promotional materials. 

• Contributing to wider Fundraising Department objectives, sharing innovative ideas, supporting all income streams, and promoting a culture of positive team-working. 

• Working closely with the External Affairs team to ensuring effective use of case studies, photography, statistics, and organisational information and that all communications are consistent and in line with Ygam brand guidelines. 

Buglife

Director of Transformation

Location: Flexible within the UK

Salary: c£78,000

Contract: 2-year fixed term

Are you a bold, strategic leader ready to drive transformational change for one of the UK’s most impactful conservation charities?

Buglife is the only organisation in Europe dedicated to the conservation of all invertebrates. As they enter a pivotal phase of growth and innovation, Buglife is seeking a Director of Transformation to co-lead their organisation into a new era of impact, influence, and operational excellence.

About the Role

In a dual-leadership model alongside the Director of Conservation, you will define and deliver a Transformational Change Programme that amplifies Buglife’s mission: securing a thriving future for invertebrates as part of nature’s recovery.

You’ll lead strategic initiatives across systems, people, and processes, shaping a roadmap for sustainable growth and innovation. From organisational design to digital transformation, you’ll be the catalyst for change — building capability, cohesion, and resilience across Buglife.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead discovery and strategic direction, assessing internal operations and external opportunities.
• Develop and deliver a transformation roadmap with measurable impact.
• Inspire and manage cross-functional teams including Finance, HR, Communications, Fundraising and Engagement.
• Champion inclusive leadership, emotional intelligence, and organisational cohesion.
• Shape Buglife’s global growth strategy and explore new funding models.
• Overhaul systems and processes to create a more agile, integrated organisation.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven expertise in transformational leadership, business model innovation, and strategic planning.
• Experience engaging Boards and senior stakeholders with clarity and influence.
• Deep understanding of change management methodologies and programme delivery.
• Commercial acumen and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Strong emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership style.

Desirable: Experience in conservation, environmental or science-led sectors; familiarity with digital transformation and international experience or perspective on scaling impact globally.

Why Buglife?

Buglife is a passionate, science-led charity making a real difference for biodiversity. You’ll be joining at a time of exciting change, with the opportunity to shape the organisation’s future and scale its impact globally. Buglife offers a collaborative culture, flexible working, and a chance to lead with purpose.

Ready to lead transformational change for nature’s smallest heroes?
Apply now and help Buglife build a future where invertebrates thrive. 

We are partnering with GatenbySanderson on this recruitment. For more information and how to apply, please click on the button below.

Closing date:  28 November 2025

GatenbySanderson Interviews:  8 – 12 December 2025

Buglife Interviews: 6 – 15 January 2026

Buglife is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups in the environmental sector, including people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ communities.

Location: Any UK Trust office (Hybrid working with an expectation to be in a centre at least 3 days a week. Must be comfortable with travelling to all UK Centres to support Delivery colleagues across the UK)

1st stage interviews: 26th of November

As the leader of our National Delivery team, you will shape how The King’s Trust supports thousands of young people across the UK to break down barriers and thrive. You will lead national partnerships, drive improvements on how we reach young people, and bring our strategy to life, ensuring every young person experiences impactful, high-quality support on their journey towards education, securing a job or starting a business.

You will foster collaboration across our regional and national teams both in delivery and across the organisation, strengthen our use of data to make informed decisions and improve our services, and champion equality, diversity and inclusion at every level. With your expertise in leading large-scale service delivery, solving complex problems and embedding positive changes and stakeholder engagement, you will make sure our support reaches those who need it most.

This is a pivotal opportunity to influence national change during The King’s Trust’s 50th Anniversary year. It’s a moment to celebrate our legacy while shaping the future. If you are a bold, strategic leader who believes in the power of opportunity, join us and help drive lasting impact for young people across the UK.

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 a Senior Head of National Delivery? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives, and we couldn’t do this without the important work of the Senior Head of National Delivery! 

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! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• 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 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

The Assistant Director of Income Generation is responsible for driving income and engagement across our fundraising portfolio, including Individual Giving, Legacy, Community, Corporate, Trusts and Major Donors.  Ensuring we build and develop a breadth of strong relationships with supporters, and deliver a calendar of impactful appeals, fundraising activities and compelling propositions that maximise income and life time value.  The Assistant Director will work closely with the Director of Income and Engagement and the Assistant Director of Audience Engagement to ensure we deliver income targets and maximise opportunities to deepen understanding and commitment, ensuring decision making is driven by insight and analysis.

This role is part of the Together with Trussell programme, the goal of which is to build stronger connections with our supporters, partners and donors in order to increase funding, campaigning, and other forms of support for our work.  As a member of an enabling programme, this role is focused on the successful delivery of the Together with Trussell programme outcomes, which underpin and enable the outcomes of our 5 external programmes – together contributing to the fulfilment of our long term vision of a UK without the need for food banks.

Role responsibilities

· Lead the team to deliver our income generation strategy, meeting income targets based on long term financial forecasts, by driving growth and retention across existing supporters through outstanding stewardship and innovative products and activities that uplift and convert support, as well as proactively developing new opportunities, compelling propositions and relationships.

· Ensure that income reporting is accurate, timely, and accessible, and that teams are equipped with and utilising supporter data and insight to drive decision making.

· Maximise the opportunities for integration across our fundraising and mobilisation activity by working closely with the Assistant Director of Audience Engagement, and driving engagement and collaboration across teams.

· Develop and nurture stakeholder relationships across the organisation to support and champion fundraising.

About Planet Patrol

Our vision is a world where all beings can enjoy our waterways, free from pollution. We are a global community dedicated to placing people-powered environmental data at the heart of decision-making. Through our unique anywhere, anytime, anybody approach to citizen science, we gather critical evidence of water and litter pollution to drive solutions that protect both environmental and human health. Our data and citizen science methods have been featured in academic journals (Stanton, et al., 2022) and media investigations (Channel 4 and ITV), enhancing public and scientific knowledge of litter pollution.

About the role

As Director, you will oversee daily operations, including forecasting and budgeting for the entire organisation (currently c£300K per annum). As such, you will lead on developing a sustainable funding stream for our mission-driven work, ensuring we maintain a 6-month runway at all times. You will build and maintain strong external relationships to help grow and develop the organisation. The Director will provide leadership to a small, remote team (4 x PAYE) and create a happy, sustainable and productive work environment. Most importantly, the Director will ensure objectives are being met - both personal and organisational - to deliver impactful, positive change for our waterways in the UK, and abroad. 

About you

The successful candidate will be a strong leader who excels at strategic thinking, with the natural ability to analyse situations and relationships to maximise impact and return on investment. They will have experience in line management, fundraising and financial management. We are seeking candidates who have experience in senior management in a non-profit setting, ideally within the environmental sector but not essential. Critically, you must thrive in a start-up environment and have a can-do attitude to problem solving. You’ll be one of only a handful of employees and a team of excellent freelancers, so being a team player is a must! This is a great opportunity to really shape the organisation and our impact, so if you like having agency and being innovative, Planet Patrol would be a great fit.

Your top qualities as a leader

• Ambitious
• Collaborative
• Agile
• Resilient
• Resourceful

Key Responsibilities

Funding Development + Stakeholder Relationships (40%): 

• Significant responsibility for successful contractual negotiations and maintaining a healthy new funding pipeline. Secure six-to-seven figure funding opportunities to provide a sustainable revenue stream for 3+ years. 
• Strategic understanding and experience of competitive and fast changing charitable financial landscape. 
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with funders and other voluntary sector organisations.
• Ensure we are suitably represented at appropriate meetings, events, conferences, management groups etc. and that issues that impact our work are raised appropriately. 

Operational Leadership including Compliance + Budgetary Control (30%): 

• Effective leadership driving business operations and strategic targets. Inspire teams to deliver high-quality programmes and foster a culture of creativity and innovation. 
• Draw up and monitor budgets, with support from the Founder and Team Leaders, and ensure effective management and use of all resources. Ensure maximum operational efficiency and maintain a six-month runway at all times.
• Work collaboratively with the Founder and Team Leaders to build annual Business Plans and long term strategies for the organisation.
• Ensure compliance across product / project delivery, finance, human resources, IT, legal, health and safety, customer services and facilities management. Ensure that all data is collated and managed in line with data protection requirements.
• Maintain and develop effective human resource systems for the recruitment, management, support, training, and appraisal of staff and volunteers. Ensure systems are in place to monitor and evaluate the work. 

Team + Performance Management (30%): 

• Build high-performing, committed teams. This includes line managing, coaching, and supporting team members to create a positive, productive work environment. 
• Oversee the team to deliver comprehensive planning and reporting.
• Set benchmarks, monitor performance, and develop a culture of continuous improvement. 
• Proactively manage the performance of Team Leaders by carrying out inductions, regular accountability meetings, supervisions, and probation reviews, while also setting clear work and development objectives.

Person Specification 

The role is for up to 30 hours a week over 4 days - for the right person we would consider fewer hours. If you think you could do the role but do not meet all of the specification points below, we would still like to hear from you. 

Essential Experience and Ability

• Senior management experience working within a small charity or Community Interest Company (CIC).
• Track record of driving operational excellence, including organisational finances and resources.
• Experience of line management, team development and performance management.
• Experience of securing sustainable and diverse revenue streams; including  multi-year, strategic deals worth six-and-seven figures. 
• Proactive approach to risk management and maintaining compliance.
• Experience in a strategic role, including developing organisational strategy and/or developing and overseeing monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Experience of working with a range of stakeholders and managing stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to effectively prioritise, manage and oversee programmes of work across the organisation and lead through change. 
• Ability to work under own initiative, delegate where appropriate, prioritise work and meet strict deadlines. 
• Good general IT skills and appreciation of new platforms that can increase efficiency and effectiveness (Slack, Trello, Canva, Dext, Xero, HubSpot, SenseHR).
• Broad understanding of GDPR and other essential legislation and organisational policies, including use of AI.
• Passionate about the environment and the importance of citizen science.
• A commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.
• Legal right to work in the UK without visa sponsorship.

What we offer

Planet Patrol values collaboration, innovation, and agility. That’s why we’re proud to be a 4-day week employer. We offer a flexible, remote working environment, paired with regular opportunities to connect as a team. We’re a vibrant, mission-driven non-profit that supports professional growth, alongside wellbeing. We offer a generous annual leave package, your birthdays off and encourage you to get out into nature whenever possible.

Application details

If you believe in the work we’re doing and think you could add something to it then we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV, LinkedIn profile and answers to the four questions listed on the application page. We are unable to process applications which are not complete.

Applications close midnight Sunday 23 November. 

First stage interviews will be held virtually on Wednesday 26 November.

Second stage interviews will be held in person on Wednesday 3 December.