Regional fundraising innovation manager jobs

Camden Community Centres' Consortium (C4) is a charity that brings together organisations leading and operating community spaces in the London Borough of Camden, for collective action and development.

C4’s mission is to harness the power of our network to ensure that Camden’s community spaces are deeply embedded in the borough’s social fabric, driving innovation, equity, and wellbeing.

The General Manager will be the key person responsible for the day-to-day operations of the charity and the management of the network and its activities. This is a flexible role for a charity management all-rounder: a multi-skilled self-starter, confident working both independently and collaboratively.

This General Manager role will be the first and only dedicated staff member in a long time, and will be key to enabling our collective ambition. It’s a role that has potential to expand for the right person, and grow with the ambition of C4 - and will be key to collaborating on making that possible.

The General Manager collaborates with the Executive Co-Chairs to deliver the Strategy and develop the impact of our network, convene and build our membership, develop the sustainability of the charity and communicate our impact with members and stakeholders.

The General Manager is the key person responsible for the day-to-day operations of the charity and the management of the network and its activities.

We’re offering this role in two forms: as a flexible freelance contract, or a fixed-term secondment opportunity, and are keen to explore options for the right candidate.

Pay: £2500 per month to deliver the work.

The fee is calculated based on approx. 3 days per week at £200 per day, but we are open to proposals for exact working pattern and rate.

Working hours: Up to 3 days per week (depending on agreement), worked with at least 1 fixed day and some flexibility welcomed.

Download the full Recruitment Pack for job description and how to apply.

About The Connection at St Martin’s

We believe that no one should have to sleep rough on London’s streets, and that everyone should get the support they need to find a place to call home. We get to know every person we work with, understanding what they need to recover, helping them build on their strengths, and supporting them to find their own way home. Help us make London a city where no one sleeps rough on our streets.

London’s diversity is its biggest asset and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London’s diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates with lived experience of homelessness who we believe are an essential asset in our sector.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and welcome the opportunity to consider flexible working arrangements.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and creative communications generalist who enjoys working across a wide range of activities and can bring our mission to life through powerful storytelling and effective communications.

In this role, you will ensure that the charity’s mission, values and key messages are reflected clearly and consistently across all communications. You will be confident working with the press and welcoming high-profile visitors, helping to raise the profile of our work and the people we support.

As a small charity, we value creativity and initiative. You will enjoy finding innovative ways to maximise impact, using a mix of media, digital channels and partnerships to share our story and reach new audiences.

Working closely with colleagues across the organisation – including the people who use our services – you will help ensure our communications are authentic, inclusive and grounded in real experiences.

You will also collaborate closely with colleagues in the Fundraising team to develop and deliver a series of innovative fundraising and awareness-raising campaigns, helping to engage supporters, grow income and increase understanding of our work.

Our strategy focuses on developing services in new ways, involving clients in every aspect of our work and strengthening collaboration across the sector. The Communications Manager will play a key role in helping the organisation communicate more effectively, building communications confidence across the team, and supporting the growth of our fundraising activity.

This role is a 12 month FTC.

Salary: £44,181 - £50,461 (scale points 29 – 35)
Closing Date: Sunday 19th April
Interview Date: Tuesday 28th April

 

Our Benefits

· 30 days holiday plus bank holidays

· Generous training budget, plus an annual personal training budget

· Enhanced Sick Pay Policy

· Enhanced family friendly policies

· Day off for moving house

· Hybrid working (depending on role requirements)

· Pension – 5% Employer, 3% Employee

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Season Ticket Loan

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Reward Gateway (access to discount vouchers and cashback at the UK’s favourite retailers)

We are a London Living Wage employer

Senior Relationship Fundraiser

Rennie House, Tring with travel to other base locations required.

£31,836 per annum (this will be pro-rated for part time hours)

Permanent,  30-37.5 hours per week

• Closing date: Monday 20 April 2026 at 12 noon
• Interview date: Tuesday 28 April 2026

Are you passionate about building meaningful relationships and supporting people who want to make a difference?

Join our friendly and dedicated Fundraising team and help shape the future of our community fundraising programme. This is an opportunity to make a real difference—supporting families facing life‑limiting illness.

As a Senior Relationship Fundraiser, you’ll champion supporter engagement, nurture meaningful relationships, and lead activity that strengthens our presence across Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Working closely with the Senior Events & Community Manager, you’ll bring energy, innovation and leadership to an ambitious, values‑driven team.

What you will do
 

• Lead and support community fundraising activities and initiatives, shaping plans with the Senior Events & Community Manager.
• Contribute to annual budgets and operational plans, offering insight and recommendations to drive sustainable growth.
• Support individuals, groups and schools, nurturing their fundraising journeys with a proactive and encouraging approach.
• Develop new community connections
  Research and reach out to new potential supporters, identifying opportunities to grow our local fundraising presence.
• Research and cultivate new income opportunities, building strong relationships with supporters, partners and community groups.
• Collaborate with supporter care, marketing and database teams to ensure activity is well‑promoted, well‑managed and compliant.
• Champion excellent supporter care, ensuring fundraisers feel motivated, valued and engaged.
• Contribute to engagement and activity plans that grow income and strengthen community presence.
• Champion new ideas to inspire fundraising, deepen engagement and broaden community support.
• Provide mentorship and day‑to‑day support to fundraisers and volunteers, fostering a positive team culture.
• Share expertise and collaborate across the wider fundraising team, contributing to cross‑team projects and initiatives.
• Represent Rennie Grove Peace as a community ambassador, attending meetings, events and supporter activities.

What you will need

• All candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
• We do not sponsor for this role and due to the minimal hours required for this role, we cannot progress applications for candidates sponsored by another employer.
• Manual handling and/or heavy lifting. 
• Full, current valid UK driving licence.
• Access to a vehicle which can be used for work purposes.
• Car insurance, including business cover.

ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?  Click ‘Apply Now’….

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate to this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed.

Our commitment to Equality and Diversity

At Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care we strive to continuously demonstrate our values. These values are embedded in our recruitment and selection process, and we are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in both our workforce and within our culture.

If you are disabled and satisfactorily meet the job specification, we will invite you to interview. You can contact us to let us know if you need any adjustments during the recruitment process.

About This Job

This role provides maternity cover for the First Aid Manager within the Cadet Activity team and is responsible for overseeing the delivery and governance of first aid training across the Army Cadets. The post holder will ensure that first aid provision aligns with national governing body requirements, maintain qualification records on the Cadet MIS, and provide expert guidance to volunteers delivering training. The role also involves acting as an Internal Quality Assessor, supporting syllabus development, and promoting first aid provision both internally and externally. In addition, the position supports national training delivery, quality assurance, and the effective management of first aid activities, ensuring safe, consistent and high-quality training opportunities for cadets and volunteers across the UK.

Essential Skill

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Strong organisational and planning skills

· Ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders

· Budget management and financial monitoring skills

· Information gathering, analysis and problem-solving skills

· Ability to provide subject matter expertise and guidance on first aid training and governance

Please refer to the attached Job Description for further information.

Our charity

ACCT UK is a national youth charity dedicated to improving the life chances of young people. The Combined Cadet Force Association (CCFA) is a charity dedicated to the promotion of the ideals and activities of the Combined Cadet Force in schools. Together we want to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence and be inspired through their cadet experience.

We want to develop the youth leadership and training abilities of adult volunteers whilst also helping young people to access cadet activities through fundraising, grant-making, developing new resources and direct support.

We strongly believe that everyone benefits when you help young people to develop their character and values through activities that stretch and mature them. We also know that when young people engage with others at a range of levels in their communities it builds confidence and improves empathy for other’s lives.

Who we are

By joining ACCT UK you will help us to reach more young people and make a greater difference and we look forward to working with you. We actively promote and encourage you to explore ideas that improve all aspects of the charity’s work in pursuit of its charitable aims.

The charities are proud of our diverse teams, with people on different working patterns, from different backgrounds and at different life-stages. Our experience has taught us that having people with different perspectives and different lived experiences leads to better outcomes for our beneficiaries. If you are wondering if our organisation is for someone like you, the answer is yes! Please apply and explain how you, your experience, your talent and your potential are the right fit for this role.

What we can offer you

In addition to your salary, we offer all staff:

· Flexible working arrangements (you agree a working pattern with your line manager).

· The ability to work both from home and the head office.

· Personal Accident Insurance, including loss of earnings cover and death benefit.

· 15 days of sick pay in any 12-month period (after 12 months employment - pro-rata for part time staff).

· A contributory pension scheme (you contribute at least 5% and we will contribute 10%).

· Good leave allowances (which are offered pro-rata for part time staff):

o 20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.

o Additional privilege leave, on set days each year, such as between Christmas and New Year.

o An additional five days of volunteering leave.

· Support for qualifications and personal development.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Season ticket loan.

· Railcard (if you are eligible)

· A caring and supportive team environment.

How to apply

Please send a CV and Cover letter that details how you meet the requirements of the job description by 2359hrs Sunday 19th April 2026.

Interviews will be expected to be held shortly after.

While AI tools can be beneficial, we value the personal touch and authenticity in job applications. We encourage you to highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, ensuring all information is accurate. Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity throughout the application and selection process.

Please note that as a charity dedicated to improving the lives of young people, we require staff to make a declaration about any relevant convictions, undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check, Right to Work check and a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check (one of the requirements being that applicants must have been resident in the UK for 3 years). In addition, we will follow up references.

Please be advised that this position may close earlier than the stated deadline if a sufficient number of high-quality applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, we strongly recommend submitting it as soon as possible. Candidates will be notified of the next stage in the recruitment process if they are shortlisted.

As Head of Partnerships & Income Development you will own the development and delivery of the SMF’s income generation strategy so that we can raise the funds and build the partnerships we need to meet our ambitions.

Location: Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Manchester or Newcastle. We operate a hybrid model of work i.e. a combination of in-person and remote, with flexible days in the office depending on business need and your preferences. We would typically expect in-office attendance an average of one day per week.

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: We are looking for the right candidate and while we envisage this being a full-time role (37.5 hours per week) we are open to flexible working arrangements such as part-time, compressed hours, flexitime and job-shares. Occasional/frequent evening or weekend work may be required, for which time off in lieu (TOIL) will be given. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Fundraising strategy and leadership

• Set and implement a robust income generation strategy to enable the SMF to achieve its strategic ambitions, setting targets, monitoring and reporting on income performance and supporting accurate forecasts and projections
• Lead a culture of excellent fundraising and relationship management across the SMF and ensure the right resources, systems and skills are in place to support all staff that hold funding relationships
• Represent the SMF externally with funders, partners and other stakeholders, seeking opportunities to increase our network and build our influence and reputation as an effective charity partner 
• Work with the Head of Finance and Operations to ensure strong processes to support income generation including income forecasts, budgets and partnership reports and records  

 2. Corporate Partnerships 

• Oversee the SMF’s portfolio of corporate partnerships including strategic partnerships and partnerships focused on enabling and enhancing our student programmes
• Manage individual high value corporate partnerships and ensure excellent stewardship of all our corporate partnerships
• Oversee the development of compelling cases for support and a robust new business pipeline for corporate partnerships 
• Oversee our corporate volunteering offer including employee volunteering with our student programmes and skilled volunteering/pro bono support

3. Business development 

• Oversee the delivery and development of the Social Mobility Employer Index  
• Oversee the design and development of other products and services for employers through which the SMF can earn income and influence workplace social mobility 

4. Trusts and foundations 

• Oversee the SMF’s relationships with trusts and foundations, building a strong long-term funding pipeline  
• Build and manage relationships with key trusts and foundations

5. Philanthropy and individual giving   

• Oversee the development of our supporter community and opportunities for individual giving and fundraising through challenge events 
• Identify opportunities to build philanthropic relationships with individual donors and supporters

6. Leadership and management 

• Manage, motivate and develop the team, setting team and individual goals and evaluating performance, coaching and motivating staff and supporting professional development and staff wellbeing 
• Lead across the organisation, fostering a collaborative and high performance culture and modelling the SMF’s leadership behaviours 
• Work with the CEO and the rest of the SMT to shape the SMF’s strategic priorities, set the annual business plan, budget and key projects, and monitor delivery and performance

Please see full job description attached for more details. 

Person Specification:

We need someone who will demonstrate our organisational skills-based competencies - as listed below: 

1.  Leadership
2.  Communication
3.  Adaptability
4.  Professionalism 
5.  Decision-making

Technical knowledge, understanding and experience required:

• Experience in managing a significant funding portfolio, stewarding and developing partnerships and ensuring effective account management
• Experience in securing funding, including scoping opportunities and prospects, setting targets and building a pipeline, and shaping proposals 
• Confident in representing the SMF externally and engaging with senior stakeholders 
• Able to motivate, develop and inspire a team and ensure that high standards of performance and behaviours are maintained 
• Ability to develop and manage budgets and forecasts, team and individual income targets and monitor income performance 
• Familiar with using a CRM as a tool for partnership and income development

See attached job description for more detail on the person specification

Ways of working:

• Most of our work is office based, but you will spend a lot of time collaborating with other teams and clients via email, telephone and other communications channels such as Teams or Zoom. 
• Some travel will be required as part of this role to other offices and locations, as needed for events, work placements and meetings. 

Benefits

• 36/37 days' annual leave (England & Wales and Scotland respectively - includes bank and public holidays), with 3 of these days reserved for the annual end of year office closure.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• 5% Salary sacrifice pension scheme with enhanced matching employer contributions
• Employee Assistance Programme available to staff and their family
• Flexible work options such as hybrid working, flexitime, part-time
• Regular staff team building and business planning “away days”

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this role, please head over to our website by 23:59, Tuesday 28th April 2026 and provide the following information:

1) A recent work history, detailing:
       i.     Job title
       ii.    Employer
       iii.   Dates of employment/Period in post

2) A cover letter detailing your skills and experience, with reference to the key responsibilities and person specification for the role (750 words max.)

3) Give an example of an important funding relationship you have secured or grown, and explain how you identified the opportunity, what you did, and what were the outcomes and benefits (800 words max.)

We are looking for a new CEO to lead Surrey Community Action into a bright and exciting future, where the voluntary sector and communities of Surrey are helped to survice and thrive.

Surrey Community Action

Chief Executive Officer

35 hours per week, mostly office based but with some scope for working remotely.

Based in Burpham, Guildford, Surrey

The role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

£62,000 for a 35-hour week

5% employers pension contribution

25 days annual leave plus three days over Christmas

Employee Assistance Programme

About Surrey Community Action

Surrey Community Action supports Surrey’s voluntary sector, the diverse communities of Surrey, and other organisations who seek to work with either. We ensure that non-voluntary sector stakeholders understand the value of our sector and how to work together to achieve shared objectives. We provide services to Surrey’s voluntary sector that increase their effectiveness or fill gaps in their capability, capacity, and resilience. Services to the Surrey’s Communities and we provide services directly to Surrey’s communities that support community action and address unsupported needs.

About The Role

We are seeking a new Chief Executive to join us at an ideal time to complete and implement our emerging new strategy and direct Surrey Community Action into a bright future.

As Chief Executive Officer, you will have the scope and authority to shape strategy, influence policy, empower Surrey’s voluntary sector, and champion rural communities, working closely with a committed Board, and experienced staff team.

You will be the organisation’s lead ambassador, building trusted relationships with partners, funders and decision‑makers, and ensuring the organisation’s voice is heard at local, regional and national level.

You will also play a critical role in leading change and transformation within the charity - strengthening systems, diversifying income and evolving how the organisation works so it remains resilient, relevant and impactful in a fast‑changing environment.

This is a role for someone who enjoys balancing big‑picture thinking with practical delivery, and who can bring people with them through periods of transition.

If you are motivated to improve the capability, capacity and resilience of the Surrey’s voluntary sector, communities and residents; if you thrive in complex and changing stakeholder environments; and if you are excited by the challenge of leading an organisation through its next phase of growth and influence, this role is for you.

No two days will be the same, but there are some core parts of this role.

• Strategic Leadership & Organisational Direction
• You will lead the delivery of a clear, compelling organisational strategy, adapting it in response to an evolving operating environment and ensuring the organisation remains agile, future‑focused and well positioned within the voluntary and community sectors.
• Board Partnership & Governance
• You will work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, providing high‑quality insight, advice and assurance on strategy, finance, risk, governance and compliance, and then supporting effective Board decision‑making through clear reporting, analysis and professional guidance.
• Leadership of People & Culture
• You will lead, inspire and support the staff team through a transparent, inclusive and empowering management style, creating a high‑performance culture rooted in trust, accountability, equality, diversity and wellbeing.
• Change Management & Organisational Development
• You will be a skilled change manager, leading transformation in response to evolving funding landscapes, policy shifts, technology and community needs, designing and implementing systems, structures and processes that strengthen organisational effectiveness and resilience.
• Ambassadorial Role, Advocacy & External Relations
• You will be the public face of the organisation, representing it with credibility, passion and authority, and building strong, influential relationships with funders, partners, policymakers, communities and stakeholders.

About You

The purpose of the Chief Executive Officer’s role is to guide and plan the strategic development and overall direction of the organisation, providing strong leadership and co-ordination to ensure the aims, strategic objectives and priorities of the organisation are achieved.

To do this, we need someone who embodies the following attributes, skills and experience.

You will have:

• Senior leadership experience within a voluntary, community, public or values‑led organisation, with accountability for strategy, performance and resources.
• Proven experience of working effectively with a Board or trustees
• Demonstrable success in leading and managing organisational change, including restructuring, service development or cultural transformation.
• Experience in fundraising, income generation and business development
• Experience of financial leadership, including budgeting, financial planning, income generation and managing funding agreements or contracts.
• A strong track record of external engagement, partnership working and representation at senior level.
• People management experience, supporting a compact team delivering diverse projects.
• Excellent communication skills (including social media) and governance literacy.
• It will be a distinct advantage to have familiarity with Local Government Reorganisation and devolution, ideally in a county like Surrey.

You will be:

• Motivated, motivating and dynamic
• An effective communicator (including social media) with good network contacts, especially in the VCSE sector and across local government
• A strong team builder, able to develop, encourage and support colleagues in making the most of their experience and skillsets and to feel confident in their abilities
• A visionary leader who is able to embrace and manage change through strategic creativity and innovation, while also able to pay attention to detail when necessary.
• Ideally, you will also be able to demonstrate understanding of charity governance, compliance and safeguarding.
• Calm and confident under pressure with an evidence-based approach to prioritising finite resources.

These attributes, skills and experience will make you stand out, but even if you do not match all the criteria below, we still want to hear about you and what you can offer.

The Nuts and Bolts

The role is a permanent contract for 35 hours per week, mostly office based but with some scope for working remotely.

Our offices are in Guildford, Surrey

We are committed to continued professional development and will support you to develop your skills even further.

The role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

The salary for this post is £62,000 for a 35-hour week.

We also offer:

• 5% employers pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme
• 25 days holiday with an additional three days between Christmas and New Year, as well as all English Bank Holidays

We can only accept applications from candidates with the right to work in the UK.

The Chief Executive & Creative Director holds the most senior post at Dance City, unites the creative and strategic functions of the organisation, and is accountable to the board of trustees for the good management and impact of the charity. The Chief Executive & Creative Director leads and works collaboratively with the board, senior management team (SMT) and stakeholders and partners to ensure that Dance City creates opportunities for people to create, produce and experience dance at its very best. The Chief Executive & Creative Director drives the business, identifying commercial opportunities, securing financial resilience, and ensuring that Dance City’s programme is at the vanguard of sustainable dance development in the region. The Chief Executive & Creative Director is based in the northeast and plays an active role in the social life and cultural communities of the region. 
 

Role Profile and Person Specification 

Key deliverables 

• Lead on Dance City’s vision, values and organisational objectives and ensure the relevance and sustainability of its creative programme.

• Ensure there is alignment between Dance City’s creative ambitions and its business needs and that all activity is delivered to the highest possible standards to plan and within budget.

• Grow the organisation’s earned income and shape and set targets for initiatives embracing commercial ventures, corporate partnerships, public funding, trusts and foundations and individual philanthropy.

• Be accountable to the board and to funding bodies, and for the responsible stewardship of Dance City.

• Ensure a strong profile and reputation for the organisation and for dance practice locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. 

• Initiate, develop and sustain partnerships with existing and potential funders and key stakeholders. 

• Lead and enable the senior team; motivate, inspire, and support the development of the wider staff team.

Role profile 

Leadership and governance  

• Develop and monitor the strategic plan with the SMT and Board. 

• Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to ensure the good governance of the charity and that organisational performance is structured and monitored using well articulated, achievable KPIs. 

• Support Trustees in being an effective Board, ensuring it comprises the appropriate range of skills and has access to training and development opportunities.

• Deploy Trustees’ skills and networks to identify and activate opportunities for commercial development and business growth.

• Be an inclusive leader, collaborate with and empower the SMT, and motivate, support and develop the wider staff team. 

Advocacy, profile and civic engagement 

• Promote the profile and reputation of Dance City locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

• Initiate and enable constructive debate about dance and its development by artists, policy-makers and the public, and to promote Dance City’s role in dance leadership.

• Articulate the transformative potential of dance in enabling social cohesion, the centrality of its place in the wider creative industries sector, and its potential, through civic partnerships and collaboration, to make a major contribution to the economy and well being of the city and region. 

• Ensure Dance City is part of local, regional, national  and international arts discussions and networks, is represented at key events and viewed as crucial to decision-making processes in the dance and wider cultural and social sectors.

• Be the face of Dance City in professional and community networks and at events in the northeast; communicate and advocate for its plans and ambitions to the widest range of people including politicians, the media, funders, artists, audiences and the public.

Creative 

• Shape, co-create and communicate the creative vision for Dance City. 

• Oversee the development and delivery of a creative programme which appeals to a wide range of audiences, demonstrates excellence, and sets out to grow appetite and demand for diverse dance experiences. 

• Build and manage sustainable commercial and funding partnerships which will enhance the profile of the programme and enable the commissioning, programming and presentation of dance within and beyond Dance City.

• Oversee the evaluation of the programme, to ensure quality, to engage in reflection and implement learning with colleagues.

• Maintain an overview of the local and national dance ecology in order to inform advocacy and planning.

Brand, commercial performance and income 

• Oversee the design and delivery of effective marketing and communications strategies that are developed and effectively delivered, to retain existing and grow new audiences for dance in the northeast and to promote the Dance City brand.

• Be proactive in the development and delivery of effective fundraising and income generation strategies for Dance City, to ensure that contributed income grows and is diversified, and to develop commercial opportunities enabled by the building and programme. 

• Play an active role in identifying and approaching prospective donors, sponsors and funding partners.

• Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with existing and potential supporters and to lead on key public funding and donor relationships.

Finance and operations  

• Be accountable for the financial operation of the organisation, ensuring budgets are set and monitored, appropriate financial policies and procedures are in place, compliance with appropriate legal and fiscal frameworks is followed, and that there is timely reporting to the relevant funders and authorities.

• Oversee and ensure the smooth and efficient management of Dance City’s facilities and infrastructure.

• Ensure Dance City remains a visible champion of environmental responsibility.

• Ensure the organisation is fully compliant with all legal requirements, including health and safety, and that all staff are trained appropriately. 

People and culture 

• Set the tone for and model the organisational culture, be an inclusive and consultative leader, championing employee wellbeing and engagement. 

• Ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for recruitment, induction, appraisals and the professional development of staff.

• Ensure the organisation upholds its principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, valuing the wellbeing of all colleagues.

Person specification  

Essential  

• Has held a senior role in a cultural venue or within an organisation with a substantial arts programme or partnerships; is well networked in and beyond the cultural and creative industries. 

• Understanding of the current landscape and eco-system in the cultural sector and awareness of local/national political initiatives that will impact on - and create opportunities for - Dance City and its partner organisations.

• Understanding of the legal, fiscal, social and political context within which the arts operate, and the contribution they make to health, education, social cohesion and civic pride.

• Understanding of the needs of dance as an art form and a commitment to best practice and to promoting inclusion and equality of opportunity.

• An inclusive leader with experience of overseeing organisational transformation and managing change. 

• A track record in relationship building, working in partnership with a range of funders, agencies and organisations, and of successful fundraising and income generation from a range of sources. 

• A strong advocate and compelling storyteller, able to network, represent the organisation, communicate its vision and inspire confidence among existing and potential peers and stakeholders.

• Strong financial literacy and skills, knowledge of charity governance and relevant financial policies and procedures; experience of senior financial accountability.

• Experience of working effectively with a Board of Directors, understanding of best practice in governance and organisational development.

• A commitment to living in the region, able to travel nationally and internationally, and to work some evenings and weekends where there is reasonable expectation to attend events.

Desirable 

• Experience of running a building with a diverse and impactful arts programme. 

• An extensive network in the cultural sector. 

• Experience of significant national/international cultural partnership projects. 

• Experience of managing significant public investment programmes such as ACE NPO, Creative Scotland RFO or equivalent.

Equity, diversity and inclusion 

At Dance City we believe that voices and perspectives from a range of backgrounds and lived experiences make our understanding of the world and the arts more relevant.

We believe that difference is our strength.

Therefore we actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and those that are under-represented in our city and region and in dance leadership. 

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy levels amongst people in the criminal justice system?

We’ve made substantial progress in recent years, with improvements and expansions to our delivery model and significant growth in our staff team. In Spring 2026, we will launch our refreshed organisational strategy, which will shape our work over the next three years and beyond. To support this growth, we are recruiting for a full time National Director of Operations to lead our delivery across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and emerging community settings, with an ambition to reach Scotland. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in scaling our impact and strengthening our presence across the criminal justice system and beyond.

As National Director of Operations, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for our learning programmes in prisons and community settings. You will ensure high‑quality, consistent and accessible delivery, overseeing a team of six Regional Managers and a wider workforce of around 65 staff, volunteers and over 2,000 peer mentors trained each year.

Working closely with senior colleagues, partner organisations and national bodies such as HMPPS, you will drive programme excellence, innovation and partnership working. You will also play a key role in new business development, operational strategy, contractual delivery and ensuring we can reliably demonstrate the impact of our work.

The role requires an experienced operational leader with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for people facing disadvantage. You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience in a complex, multi‑site environment.
• A track record of delivering large-scale programmes and leading distributed teams.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem‑solving and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience working with statutory bodies or large public-sector partners (e.g. HMPPS).
• Excellent judgement, communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels.
• Understanding of the criminal justice system, safeguarding, or alternative education environments (desirable).
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style aligned with Shannon Trust’s values.

We want to hear from applicants who are as committed to the cause as we are.

This is a home-based role but will require travel around the UK including overnight stays. This role is 5 days per week (35 hours) with working days/hours to be mutually agreed in line with business needs.

Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. This role does require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Interviews, which will be held online, are planned for the w/c 18th May.

Location: North Weald or Earls Colne 
 Contract type: Permanent  
 Salary: £60,000 - £65,000 
 Hours: Full Time - 37.5 hours per week  

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, unlike NHS emergency services, is a charity. The free life-saving service is provided 24/7 by helicopters and by rapid response vehicles.  

Each critical care team consists of a pilot and co-pilot, a pre-hospital care doctor and a critical care paramedic.  

They can be rushed to the scene with life-saving support equipment to deliver advanced clinical care, usually only available in the hospital emergency department.  

Once stabilised, the patient will be conveyed to the most appropriate hospital by air or land.  

Without access to National Lottery funding and with only limited support from Government, we rely upon the generosity and goodwill of the people and businesses of Essex and Hertfordshire to remain operational and keep saving lives…we can’t fly without you!  

Job purpose:  
The Head of Marketing and Communications plays a pivotal strategic role in shaping, and delivering compelling brand, marketing and communications strategies that deepen audience engagement and support Essex & Herts Air Ambulance's income growth ambitions.

The postholder will head up a high-performing and multi-disciplined team across marketing, PR, digital, brand, content and internal communications within a dynamic, fast-paced charity. They will provide visionary direction, making the most of planned and reactive opportunities to enhance public trust, support ambitions across fundraising and retail, foster meaningful community engagement, and amplify the charity's lifesaving impact. 

Summary of duties and responsibilities:  
Strategic Leadership

• Develop and lead an integrated, organisation-wide marketing and communications strategy aligned with long-term organisational goals, driving brand strength, engagement and supporting income growth ambitions of the fundraising, philanthropy and retail teams.
• Provide inspiring leadership, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement, accountability and high performance.
• Deliver effective line management to the team, strengthening career pathways through structured development and robust succession planning.
• Play an active and influential role as a member of the Fundraising & Marketing leadership team, contributing to income and supporter growth strategies, leading projects and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure high-quality delivery through external partners, including suppliers, contractors and freelancers.
• Use insight, data and audience segmentation to inform strategic decisions and shape impact campaigns.
• Act as an advisor to the Executive Team and the Senior Leadership Team on brand strategy, reputation management, marketing performance, risk and crisis communications.

Brand & Reputation Management

• Evolve, and protect the organisation’s brand identity, deepening public trust, visibility and emotional connection with key audiences.
• Ensure consistent and high-quality brand application across all channels, materials, and stakeholder touchpoints.
• Oversee media relations, crisis communications and reputation management, providing confident leadership in high-risk or high-profile situations. 
• Steward the charity’s visual identity, tone of voice and brand architecture across both the charity and retail operations.
• Champion authentic storytelling rooted in lived experience and demonstrable impact, respecting dignity and safeguarding principles. 

Marketing, Digital and Communications Strategy

• Design and deliver a multi-year Marketing, Communications and Digital Strategy aligned with organisational priorities and future growth ambitions. 
• Lead the organisation’s digital strategy, covering website performance, SEO, paid advertising, AI, analytics and digital innovation. 
• Shape county-level marketing and engagement plans that enable regional fundraising, community engagement and partnership development. 
• Ensure high-quality content production across all channels, including social media, film, print and editorial. 
• Lead proactive media relations and news generation that build credibility and articulate the charity’s life-saving impact with accuracy and integrity. 
• Lead values-led external affairs activity, engaging MPs, stakeholders and regional media while stewarding crisis response with calm, transparent, and timely messaging. 
• Drive data-led digital marketing through segmented supporter journeys and integrated campaigns that deliver income and engagement targets, embedding performance reporting to drive continual improvement

Internal Communications

• Develop and deliver an internal communications strategy that strengthens transparency, fosters employee engagement and reinforces the charity’s culture and values. 
• Partner with HR and senior leaders to communicate key initiatives and strategic priorities with clarity and impact. 
• Collaborate across departments to ensure internal messaging aligns with and amplifies organisational priorities.

Budget & Performance Management 

• Lead departmental budget setting, reforecasting, and resource planning, maximising return on investment across all activity. 
• Oversee robust performance tracking, evaluation and benchmarking frameworks to drive continual improvement and inform strategic decision-making. 
• Ensure full compliance with relevant regulations, including GDPR, advertising codes, fundraising and brand licensing requirements.

Other Duties

• Work occasional evenings and weekends as needed, including being on the out-of-hours on-call rota.
• Carry out other duties that may arise in line with the broad remit of the post.
• Maintain professional competencies through continuous professional development.

The Package 
Salary: £60,000 - £65,000 per annum 

As a valued member of the charity team, you will have access to a wider range of benefits including:

• 27 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, increasing to 28 days with length of service
• Contributory pension scheme, with minimum 6% employer contribution, plus an annual pension review
• Occupational sick pay from day one employment
• Free access to an Employee Assistance Programme (plus immediate family)
• Access to Cycle to Work through salary sacrifice
• Discounts at a variety of retailers via Blue Light Card

More information and how to apply 
The closing date for applications is 26th April 2026 
First interviews will take place during w/c 4th May in person at North Weald.

Please note that your application form will be used for shortlisting, so please ensure everything you wish to include is covered in the form.  

This position is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a Basic DBS check as a condition of employment. 

If you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact us directly and we will organise a time to speak to one of the team. 

Disclaimer: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date if a high number of applications are received. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unfortunately unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.