Senior assistant jobs

Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: Full-time
Reports to: Chair; Board of Directors 
Location: Hackney
Salary: £50,000-60,000 depending on experience.
Pension: HSoF participates in the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pension scheme and contributes 3%.
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, free onsite lunches .
Probation period: Six months.

About Hackney School of Food

Hackney School of Food is an award-winning food education hub based in the grounds of Mandeville Primary School in Clapton, East London. Through our teaching kitchen and educational garden, we help children, families and communities build the skills, confidence and knowledge to grow, cook and eat good food.

Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 visits to our kitchen and garden, delivering curriculum programmes for schools alongside community cooking courses, gardening projects, holiday clubs, corporate volunteering and public events. Since becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2023, we have expanded our facilities, strengthened our governance and built a strong reputation as a leader in food education.

We're now looking for an exceptional Managing Director to build on these strong foundations and lead Hackney School of Food through its next phase of growth and impact.

About the role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director (MD) will provide both strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the organisation delivers its mission while remaining financially resilient, well-governed and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

The Managing Director is responsible for all aspects of the organisation, including strategy, income generation, finance, governance, partnerships, programme delivery and people leadership. Working closely with a small, committed team and an engaged Board, they will build on strong foundations to grow Hackney School of Food's impact, reach and long-term sustainability.

This is a varied, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with practical delivery. One day you may be developing a new partnership, meeting a prospective funder or working with the Board on future strategy; the next you could be supporting the team, welcoming visitors to the garden or solving day-to-day operational challenges.

Key priorities

In your first 12 months you will:

• Build on Hackney School of Food's strong foundations to deliver the next phase of our strategy and growth.

• Increase and diversify income through fundraising, partnerships and commercial opportunities to strengthen long-term sustainability.

• Lead, support and develop a small, ambitious team, fostering a positive and inclusive culture where people can thrive.

• Strengthen relationships with funders, partners and local businesses, helping Hackney School of Food deepen its impact.

• Work closely with the Board to embed strong governance, organisational systems and long-term planning for the future.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership 

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for Hackney School of Food, ensuring delivery of its mission, vision and long-term objectives. 

• Lead the development and implementation of Hackney School of Food's annual business plan and organisational priorities.

• Work with the Board to evolve organisational strategy, identify opportunities, manage risks and support sustainable growth.

• Monitor, report on and respond to organisational performance against agreed objectives and impact measures. 

• Champion Hackney School of Food externally, strengthening its profile and influence.
   

Financial sustainability and income generation 

• Oversee organisational budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and cashflow management, working closely with the Treasurer and accountant.

• Lead income generation across the organisation, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, sponsorship and earned income.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, sponsors and strategic partners.

• Ensure all funding commitments are met, including grant reporting, monitoring and evaluation requirements.

• Identify new opportunities to diversify income and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.

Partnerships & External Relations

• Act as the main point of contact for HSoF’s key partners, LEAP Federation and Chefs in Schools to ensure the partnerships are effective and positive.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with other key stakeholders, including local authorities, funders and sponsors.

• Represent Hackney School of Food at meetings, events, and public forums.

• Champion the value of food education and contribute to wider local and national conversations. 

• Ensure programmes remain responsive to community needs through ongoing engagement and consultation. 

Governance and public benefit 

• Ensure the organisation operates in line with its CIC objectives and delivers clear public benefit. 

• Support the Board of Directors to fulfil its governance responsibilities through high-quality reporting, planning and decision-making.

• Prepare Board papers, reports and agendas, ensuring timely and accurate information is available to support effective governance.

• Oversee and report on organisational performance to the Board of Directors quarterly.

• Act as the primary link between the Board and the operational team.

• Maintain effective governance, delegated authority and accountability frameworks. 

• Support the Board in meeting all statutory and regulatory obligations relating to the CIC.

People, Culture and safeguarding

• Provide leadership to a small core team (currently c.4 employees), directly managing staff and fostering a positive, inclusive culture. 

• Provide oversight and support for a wider network of approx. 15 freelance contractors to ensure consistently high-quality delivery.

• Lead recruitment, induction, performance management and professional development in line with safer recruitment and equality principles. 

• Ensure effective organisational structures, clear roles, and performance accountability.

• Oversee HR processes including appraisals, performance management, and professional development.

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, embedding safeguarding throughout the organisation maintaining compliance with all relevant requirements. 

• Develop organisational systems, policies and practices that support an inclusive, high-performing workplace.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Maintain and regularly review the organisational Risk Register and report key risks and mitigations to the Board.

• Oversee organisational policies, procedures and continuous improvement, ensuring policies and legal requirements are up to date, clearly communicated and embedded across the organisation. 

• Ensure compliance with employment law, health and safety, safeguarding, GDPR and other relevant legislation. 

Personal specification

Essential experience 

• Senior leadership experience with responsibility for organisational performance and accountability. 

• Experience securing income through fundraising, partnerships and/or commercial activity.

• Experience of financial leadership, including budget setting, forecasting and cashflow oversight.

• Experience working closely with a Board, Trustees or governing body to translate strategic vision into operational delivery. 

• Experience building and managing successful partnerships with funders, businesses and community stakeholders. 

• Experience in managing and motivating a team, creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture. 

• Experience of governance, compliance and organisational risk management.

• Experience of safeguarding within an education, youth or community context.

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, make sound decisions and remain resilient in a resource-constrained environment.

Essential skills and attributes

• Passion for Hackney School of Food's mission and the role of food education in improving health, wellbeing and community connection. 

• Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable with hands-on operational leadership. 

• Entrepreneurial, resourceful and committed to building long-term financial sustainability and identifying growth opportunities.

• Ability to lead a team through change with sensitivity, clarity and kindness.

• Strong communicator with excellent relationship-building skills. 

• Confident decision-maker with a high level of personal accountability. 

• Committed to equity, inclusion and community-led practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within a Community Interest Company (CIC), social enterprise or charity.

• Knowledge of Hackney, its communities and local stakeholder landscape.

• Experience of working in food education, community food, gardening, environmental education or a related field.

• Experience reviewing and managing contracts, service agreements or other legal documentation.

An inclusive workplace

We know that diverse teams make stronger organisations and are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment and will consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We particularly encourage applications from people who are under-represented in our sector and in leadership roles, including people from the global majority and those whose lived experience brings valuable perspectives from the communities we serve. We also welcome applications from people who live in Hackney or East London.

How to apply

The deadline to apply is Monday 20 July at 9am. Please apply by filling out this application form.

You'll find the link to the application form on our Recruitment Pack which provides more information. 

Stage 1: A one-hour online interview with the Senior Team and Board (24 July) 

Stage 2: On-site interview at Hackney School of Food (30 July), including a short presentation. 

We may also invite the preferred candidate to an informal meeting with the wider team and Board before making a final appointment. 

The successful applicant will need to pass an enhanced DBS check and provide two suitable references. 

We may close the application window earlier if we are inundated with applications, so please don't wait to apply.

If you have any questions about the role or your suitability, please feel free to get in touch with us. You will find a Recruitment pack and email address to contact via our website.

0.5 FTE – 18.75 hours per week (flexible working)
Salary: £30,000-£32,000 FTE depending on experience
Location: Hybrid working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire, alongside home working and occasional external meetings

About Quest for Learning

Quest for Learning is an education charity working to close the gap for primary school children in Oxfordshire who are falling behind due to disadvantage.

We work closely with schools to deliver targeted, evidence-led literacy and numeracy programmes that help children build the skills, confidence and foundations they need to thrive. Many of the children we support are growing up in poverty, facing barriers linked to low family literacy, unmet additional needs, unstable home circumstances, or limited access to wider opportunities.

Our programmes are delivered by experienced professional tutors and are built around structured interventions, strong school partnerships and measurable outcomes. On average, pupils supported through our small-group tutoring make around 13 months of progress in just 10 hours of support.

Quest for Learning is entering an important new stage of development. Following a period of organisational growth and strategic transition, we are investing in building a more sustainable and ambitious fundraising function that can deepen our impact and reach more children across Oxfordshire.

This is an opportunity to play a central role in shaping that journey.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to join a small but ambitious charity at a genuinely exciting stage of development.

You’ll have:

• Real ownership and autonomy within your role
• The opportunity to help shape and build a growing fundraising function
• Close working relationships with the CEO and leadership team
• Flexibility and hybrid working arrangements
• The chance to make a direct and measurable difference to children facing disadvantage
• Opportunities for progression as the organisation grows

We are intentionally investing in fundraising and organisational growth, and this role offers the opportunity to help shape a developing fundraising function within an ambitious, evidence-led charity with strong foundations and significant future potential.

We are a collaborative, supportive and purpose-driven team that values initiative, professionalism, creativity and compassion.

Role purpose

We are seeking a proactive, highly organised and motivated fundraiser to lead and grow our trusts and grants fundraising activity.

This role will focus primarily on identifying funding opportunities, developing compelling applications, managing funder relationships and building a strong pipeline of income to support Quest for Learning’s future growth.

The successful candidate will play a key role in helping us develop a more strategic and sustainable fundraising approach. We are looking for someone who can combine strong written communication and attention to detail with initiative, pace and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

This role would suit someone with existing trusts fundraising experience, or someone with highly transferable skills who can learn quickly and thrive in a fast-moving environment.

You will work closely with the CEO, programme staff and trustees, with access to strong impact data, established programmes and a compelling case for support.

Alongside this role, Quest for Learning is also exploring the development of an additional partnerships-focused fundraising role. We are open-minded about how responsibilities are ultimately structured and welcome applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds, experiences and strengths.

Key responsibilities

Trusts and foundations fundraising

• Research and identify prospective trusts, foundations and grant opportunities
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of funding prospects
• Develop and submit high-quality, tailored funding applications
• Manage multiple applications and deadlines simultaneously
• Produce timely and well-written monitoring reports and evaluations
• Work closely with programme staff to gather impact data, case studies and delivery information
• Maintain accurate records of applications, deadlines and funder communications within Beacon CRM
• Monitor fundraising performance and contribute to pipeline tracking and forecasting
• Support the development of longer-term funding strategies and priorities

Relationship management and stewardship

• Build positive and professional relationships with funders and supporters
• Arrange and attend occasional meetings with funders and partners where appropriate
• Ensure strong stewardship and communication throughout the funding lifecycle
• Support the CEO in managing strategic funding relationships

Organisational Contribution

• Contribute to the ongoing development of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function and systems
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation
• Represent Quest for Learning professionally and passionately to external audiences
• Contribute ideas and insight to support organisational growth and sustainability

Person specification

We recognise that strong fundraisers do not always come from traditional charity fundraising backgrounds. If you have transferable skills and experience in areas such as bid writing, partnerships, relationship management, education, sales, communications, account management or business development - and are excited by our mission - we would strongly encourage you to apply.

Essential

• Excellent written communication skills with strong attention to detail
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Confidence using databases, spreadsheets and digital systems
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
• Commitment to the mission and values of Quest for Learning
• Experience of writing successful funding applications, bids, proposals or other persuasive written content

Desirable

• Experience in trusts and foundations fundraising within the charity sector
• Experience using Beacon CRM or similar fundraising databases
• Understanding of monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting
• Experience within education, children’s services or related sectors
• Knowledge of the Oxfordshire funding landscape
• Experience working within a small charity or growing organisation

What success looks like in this role

Successful performance in this role is likely to include:

• Building and maintaining a strong and active funding pipeline
• Producing a consistent volume of high-quality applications and reports
• Securing significant grant income for the charity
• Developing strong funder relationships and stewardship practices
• Contributing to the growth and professionalisation of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function
• Helping position Quest for Learning for sustainable long-term growth

As Quest for Learning grows, we expect this role to develop too, with opportunities to shape strategy and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Who thrives at Quest for Learning?

People who tend to thrive at Quest for Learning are:

• proactive and solutions-focused
• motivated by meaningful impact
• comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with others
• excited by helping build and improve systems and processes
• adaptable, thoughtful and motivated to grow professionally alongside the organisation

Working arrangements

• 0.5 FTE with flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid role combining home working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire
• Occasional travel across Oxfordshire for meetings and events
• Flexible working patterns can be discussed

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Pension contribution
• TOIL policy
• Supportive and collaborative working culture
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to help shape a growing fundraising function within an ambitious charity

Application process

To apply, please submit:

• A CV
• A short statement explaining your interest in the role and how your experience meets the person specification

We encourage applications from candidates with both traditional and non-traditional fundraising backgrounds.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Chris Higgins, CEO

Closing date: midday, Tuesday 30 June
Interviews: week commencing 6 or 13 July 

0.5 FTE – 18.75 hours per week (flexible working)
Salary: £30,000-£32,000 FTE depending on experience
Location: Hybrid working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire, alongside home working and regular external meetings

About Quest for Learning

Quest for Learning is an education charity working to close the gap for primary school children in Oxfordshire who are falling behind due to disadvantage.

We work closely with schools to deliver targeted, evidence-led literacy and numeracy programmes that help children build the skills, confidence and foundations they need to thrive. Many of the children we support are growing up in poverty, facing barriers linked to low family literacy, unmet additional needs, unstable home circumstances, or limited access to wider opportunities.

Our programmes are delivered by experienced professional tutors and are built around structured interventions, strong school partnerships and measurable outcomes. On average, pupils supported through our small-group tutoring make around 13 months of progress in just 10 hours of support.

Quest for Learning is entering an important new stage of development. Following a period of organisational growth and strategic transition, we are investing in building a stronger and more sustainable fundraising function that can deepen our impact and reach more children across Oxfordshire.

This is an opportunity to help shape that next stage.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to join a small but ambitious charity at an exciting stage of development.

You’ll have:

• Real ownership and autonomy within your role
• The opportunity to help shape and grow a developing fundraising function
• Close working relationships with the CEO and leadership team
• Flexibility and hybrid working arrangements
• The chance to build meaningful partnerships across Oxfordshire
• Opportunities for progression as the organisation grows

We are intentionally investing in fundraising, partnerships and long-term sustainability, and this role offers the opportunity to help build strong relationships and community support around an ambitious, evidence-led charity with significant future potential.

We are a collaborative, supportive and purpose-driven team that values initiative, professionalism, creativity and compassion.

Role purpose

We are seeking an energetic, proactive and relationship-focused fundraiser to help grow Quest for Learning’s community, corporate and partnership fundraising activity.

This role will focus primarily on building relationships and developing opportunities with local businesses, community organisations, schools, supporters and wider networks across Oxfordshire.

We are looking for someone who enjoys meeting people, building partnerships and creating opportunities through strong communication and relationship management. The successful candidate will help raise the profile of Quest for Learning, strengthen supporter engagement and contribute to a more diverse and sustainable income base.

This is a role for someone who is motivated by people, partnerships and meaningful social impact.

Alongside this role, Quest for Learning is also recruiting for a trusts and grants fundraising role. We are open-minded about how responsibilities are ultimately structured and welcome applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds, experiences and strengths.

You will work closely with the CEO, programme staff and trustees, with access to strong impact data, established programmes and a compelling case for support.

Key responsibilities

Community and partnership fundraising

• Build and develop relationships with local businesses, community groups and supporters
• Identify and develop opportunities for corporate partnerships, sponsorship and community fundraising
• Represent Quest for Learning at meetings, networking events and community activities
• Develop and maintain relationships with local organisations including schools, Rotary clubs, WIs, businesses and civic groups
• Support the development of fundraising campaigns, partnership opportunities and supporter initiatives
• Help grow Quest for Learning’s visibility and supporter network across Oxfordshire
• Work with the CEO and trustees to identify and cultivate new opportunities and introductions

Supporter engagement and stewardship

• Build positive and professional relationships with supporters and partners
• Ensure strong communication and stewardship with supporters
• Help supporters and organisations engage meaningfully with Quest for Learning’s mission and impact
• Support the development of compelling fundraising messaging and supporter communications
• Gather and share stories, outcomes and examples of impact with supporters and partners

Organisational contribution

• Contribute to the ongoing development of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function and systems
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation
• Represent Quest for Learning professionally and passionately to external audiences
• Contribute ideas and insight to support organisational growth and sustainability
• Maintain accurate records of partnerships, communications and activity within Beacon CRM

Person specification

We recognise that strong fundraisers and partnership-builders do not always come from traditional charity fundraising backgrounds. If you have transferable skills and experience in areas such as partnerships, account management, business development, communications, education, customer relationships, sales, marketing or community engagement - and are excited by our mission - we would strongly encourage you to apply.

Essential

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Confidence building relationships with a wide range of people and organisations
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong written communication skills
• Confidence representing an organisation externally
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
• Commitment to the mission and values of Quest for Learning
• Experience in relationship-building, partnerships, stakeholder engagement or supporter-facing work

Desirable

• Experience in fundraising, partnerships or business development
• Experience within education, children’s services or related sectors
• Knowledge of the Oxfordshire community or business landscape
• Experience working within a small charity or growing organisation
• Experience supporting events, campaigns or community engagement activity
• Experience using Beacon CRM or similar systems

What success in this role looks like

Successful performance in this role is likely to include:

• Building strong and sustainable community and corporate relationships
• Increasing Quest for Learning’s visibility and supporter engagement
• Developing new partnership and fundraising opportunities
• Growing unrestricted and partnership-based income
• Strengthening supporter stewardship and community presence
• Contributing to the growth and professionalisation of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function

As Quest for Learning grows, we expect this role to develop too, with opportunities to shape strategy and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Who thrives at Quest for Learning

People who tend to thrive at Quest for Learning are:

• proactive and solutions-focused
• motivated by meaningful impact
• comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with others
• excited by helping build and improve systems and processes
• confident building relationships and engaging with people
• adaptable, thoughtful and motivated to grow professionally alongside the organisation

Working arrangements

• 0.5 FTE with flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid role combining home working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire
• Regular travel across Oxfordshire for meetings and events
• Flexible working patterns can be discussed

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Pension contribution
• TOIL policy
• Supportive and collaborative working culture
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to help shape a growing fundraising function within an ambitious charity

Application process

To apply, please submit:

• your CV
• and a short statement (maximum one page) explaining:
  • why you are interested in the role
  • and how your skills and experience relate to the role

We encourage applications from candidates with both traditional and non-traditional fundraising backgrounds.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Chris Higgins, CEO

Closing date: midday, Tuesday 30 June
Interviews: week commencing 6 or 13 July 

At Southern Hospice Group, every purchase, donation and volunteer hour helps fund compassionate hospice care for local people and their families. We're transforming our retail operation and are looking for two exceptional Retail Development Managers to join our new leadership team. 

Reporting to our Associate Director of Retail, you'll lead a portfolio of charity shops across either East or West Sussex,  driving commercial performance, developing talented teams and helping shape the future of one of the South Coast's largest hospice retail operations.

This is an opportunity to join us at an exciting time of change and play a key role in delivering sustainable income growth that makes a real difference.

About the role:

You'll work closely with our Store Managers to:

· Drive sales, Gift Aid and donation growth across your area.

· Coach and develop high-performing retail teams.

· Use data and commercial insight to improve performance.

· Drive transformation, lead change and embed a positive culture

· Build strong local partnerships that increase community engagement.

· Deliver outstanding customer and volunteer experiences.

· Leading internal collaboration.

· Ensure consistently high operational and compliance standards.

About you:

You'll be an experienced multi-site retail leader who enjoys developing people and improving performance.

You'll bring:

· Experience leading multiple retail sites.

· A strong commercial mindset with a track record of delivering results.

· Excellent coaching and leadership skills.

· Confidence using KPIs and data to drive performance.

· Experience with identifying and adapting to challenges i.e. problem solving.

· A collaborative approach and passion for continuous improvement.

· A valid UK driving license and use of own car due to location of role

Experience in charity retail is welcome, but we're equally interested in talented leaders from the wider retail sector.