120 Senior challenge events executive jobs

The Executive Director will provide strategic, operational and financial leadership for East London Dance, working in close partnership with the Creative Director & CEO to deliver the organisation’s vision and business plan, strengthening its position as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. The role leads people, culture, finance, governance, risk, operations, fundraising and stakeholder engagement, ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable, well-governed and equipped to deliver high-quality artistic and community programmes.

As a senior ambassador, the Executive Director builds strong relationships with funders, partners, trustees and stakeholders, while fostering an inclusive, collaborative and values-led culture. The role creates the conditions for a thriving team, turning creative ambition into organisational reality and supporting East London Dance’s long-term success.

We’re looking for someone who can help turn our ambition into a sustainable, thriving future – building the relationships and the funding that will carry us forward, and doing it alongside a team that already cares deeply about the organisation.

If you’re someone who loves building things, who knows how to bring people and money together, and who wants to help shape what east London’s cultural life looks like for years to come – we’d love to hear from you.

Job requirements:

Must bring substantial senior leadership experience, ideally Director, Deputy CEO or equivalent level, with evidence of strategic planning, organisational growth and performance management. Must have a proven track record in fundraising, business development and income generation, including securing funding, managing funder relationships and identifying new commercial or partnership opportunities; experience leading high-performing teams, managing change and strengthening organisational culture; strong financial acumen, including understanding budgets, balance sheets and financial decision-making; knowledge of charity governance, safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and risk management frameworks; experience working with Boards of Trustees. Must demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, be confident using Microsoft Suite, and have knowledge of ACE funding and reporting requirements.

Job Responsibilities:

Provides strategic, operational and financial leadership with Creative Director & CEO. The role translates the Business Plan into action, leads staff, freelancers and consultants, and develops an inclusive, high-performing culture. Key responsibilities include workforce planning, recruitment, HR compliance, performance management and staff wellbeing. The role oversees organisational systems, administration, IT and the operation of Talent House, including health and safety, compliance, venue hire and stakeholder relationships. They co-lead budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash flow monitoring and audit processes, while driving fundraising and income generation across grants, trusts, partnerships, sponsorship and earned income. The role also leads governance, risk management and business continuity planning, supports the Board of Trustees, develops strategic partnerships, represents the organisation externally and strengthens its profile, impact and long-term sustainability.

Apply via the East London Dance Website by Thursday 8 October, 12 Noon

This role

We are seeking a commercially minded senior leader to establish and lead a new Life Sciences Partnership Function for the South West Secure Data Environment (SWSDE). Serving more than five million people across six Integrated Care Board areas, the SWSDE enables approved researchers to securely access and analyse health and care data to support research and innovation that benefits patients and populations.

This is an opportunity to shape how the South West works with the life sciences sector to develop research, innovation and commercial partnerships. Working across the NHS, academia and industry, you will build and lead a pipeline of partnership opportunities, taking them from initial engagement through to agreed programmes that deliver clear value for partners and the health and care system.

You will play a key role in developing the frameworks, commercial models and ways of working needed to support effective collaboration between the NHS, academia and industry, while maintaining high standards of privacy, security, ethics and public trust.

As Secure Data Environments continue to evolve across the UK, you will help define how organisations work with life sciences partners to use health data safely and responsibly to support research and innovation.

The role forms part of the SWSDE leadership and delivery model and is hosted by Health Innovation South West on behalf of the SWSDE, working closely with Health Innovation West of England and regional NHS and academic partners.

Role profile:

Key success factors

· The Senior Life Sciences Partnership Lead will lead the development and delivery of the Life Sciences Partnership Function for the SWSDE. The postholder will originate, develop and convert high impact partnerships between the SWSDE, NHS organisations and the life science sector that utilise the functionality and capability of the SWSDE safely, ethically and efficiently to deliver benefit for partners and the population of the South West region.

· The role will act as a key interface between the SWSDE and external partners, ensuring opportunities for partnership working between the SWSDE and the life science sector are translated into deliverable, governance-ready programmes that create measurable research, innovation and economic benefits. This will include providing NHS organisations involved in the SWSDE to develop effective partnership working with the life science sector, including pricing approaches, contract development and commercial operating models that enable sustainable collaboration with industry partners.

· This role reflects emerging functions being developed across other SDEs, Trusted Research Environments (TREs) and regional data innovation ecosystems, where specialist life science sector leadership expertise is required to complement technical, governance and academic routes.

· The postholder will develop commercially and operationally viable proposals for consideration through SWSDE governance. The role will not determine access to data. All projects will remain subject to feasibility assessment, information-governance requirements, demonstration of public benefit and independent Data Access Committee approval.

Responsibilities

1. Leading strategic partnership development 

• Lead the development and delivery of the Life Sciences Partnership Strategy for the SWSDE, building the South West’s distinctive position as a preferred regional partner for data-enabled life science sector research and innovation partnerships.

• Build senior relationships with major life science sector organisations and develop strategic anchor partnerships capable of generating sustained partnership activity and long term income.

• Build trusted relationships with SWSDE partner organisations, including Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and NHS providers, supporting partners to develop effective partnership working with the life science sector and the SWSDE. 

• Build strategic relationships with relevant national programmes including NHS England, Health Data Research UK and wider research networks.

• Identify collaborative opportunities for Life Science Partnership Function with other SDEs and TREs. 

2. Leading partnership pipeline generation  

• Lead the development of a strategically aligned, high quality pipeline of revenue generating partnerships with the life science sector.

• Work with Health Innovation Networks and NHS partners to originate opportunities in collaboration with NHS partner organisations.

• Lead the management, and delivery of the partnership pipeline, ensuring effective planning and oversight to deliver agreed partnership pipeline, revenue targets and KPIs.

3. Leading partnership opportunity development and conversion 

• Translate external opportunities with the life science sector into scoped programmes, studies or service offers, working with technical, IG, governance and delivery teams to assess feasibility of proposals and progress opportunities from concept to approval.

• Work with the wider SWDE team to identify and resolve barriers to partnership conversion and maintain momentum across the partnership lifecycle: Find / Receive / Develop / Secure / Deliver.

• Develop and deploy pricing models, cost recovery approaches, commercial negotiations and contracting arrangements in line with SWSDE strategy and governance frameworks.

• Support NHS organisations and SWSDE partners to develop and adopt effective and sustainable models of partnership working with the life science sector and the SWSDE, including providing expert advice on contracting mechanisms, commercial frameworks and partnership agreements. 

• Work with SWSDE finance, legal, information governance and operational colleagues to develop robust partnership agreements, contractual documentation and commercial propositions that support scalable and repeatable approaches to partnership delivery. 

5. Leading effective governance and assurance 

• Ensure all partnership activity aligns with SafeGUARDs, information governance, ethics and NHS standards, working closely with SWSDE governance and operational leads to maintain public trust and transparency.

• Ensure commercial agreements and partnership arrangements align with SWSDE governance, NHS regulatory requirements and agreed organisational responsibilities across host organisations. 

• Ensure effective communication and contribution into SWSDE governance and reporting processes.

6. Leading people and partners in a matrix management structure 

• Lead the development of the Life Science Partnership Function and the associated resources and people required to ensure effective delivery of the Life Sciences Partnership Strategy. 

• Work collaboratively across multiple SWSDE host organisations and stakeholders, operating effectively without direct line management where delivery is through influence and matrix leadership.

Person specification

Experience we’re looking for

· Experience leading partnership working between the NHS and life science sector. 

· Track record leading commercial growth and business development.

· Experience leading commercial negotiation and contract development, contract development and partnership agreement design across complex multi-organisational environments.

· Experience operating in environments with complex and rigorous information governance and data sharing requirements. 

· Understanding of the UK health, innovation and research landscape.

Desirable experience required:  

· Experience leading partnership working with universities and research partners. 

· Experience working with health and care data or in trusted research data environments, including NHS data policy, SafeGUARDs or data governance frameworks.

· Experience working with NHS governance structures and decision making.

Abilities and attributes

· Strategic Vision – opportunity-focused, creates new customer markets and develops new revenue streams that balance strategic ambition with attention to risk. 

· Customer Orientation – builds trust, anticipates partner needs, works with agility, delivers value to partners. 

· Commercial Acumen – skilled in complex negotiations, high levels of financially literacy, focused on sustainable commercial growth. 

· Execution excellence – translate partnership opportunities into actionable plans that deliver measurable results, with a strong attention to detail.

· Leadership & Influence – motivates, provides clear direction and build effective working relationships in a matrix managed, partnership structured operating model. 

· Communication – translates complexity into clear narrative, compelling storyteller, adapts style to target audiences. 

Reporting to:

Executive Director of Innovation & Commercial Partnerships, Health Innovation South West

About Us

We are a high impact, specialist literacy charity supporting the children who need the most help to close their literacy gap. The attainment gap is now the widest it has been for a decade, and early, high quality literacy intervention is essential to give children from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to make the most of their full potential.

Our specially recruited and trained tutors equip children with all the foundational literacy skills, not just reading but also comprehension, writing, listening and speaking. We achieve significant outcomes: children catch up to where they should be and grow in confidence and resilience, able to step ahead and engage with learning and life.

With a clear focus on our specialist literacy intervention work, the charity has doubled in size over recent years, and we are now planning for the next stage of our growth. Funding is key, and we are looking to appoint a Director of Funding Development to take our fundraising to the next level.

The Opportunity

This is a newly created senior management role reporting directly to the CEO. We see it as critical to our future fundraising success and to the overall development of the charity.

This is a role for a new business ‘seeker’: we need a commercially minded individual with a strong track record of securing new, significant funding opportunities; proactive and creative prospecting; building a credible pipeline; and setting and meeting ambitious targets.

As well as being able to confidently represent the charity and evidence significant relationship-building skills across all funding streams, the successful candidate will work purposefully and collaboratively with senior management colleagues and our Trustee Board, and will have line management responsibility for the fundraising team.

We are looking for someone who can become part of our longer-term fundraising vision on a permanent basis, helping to shape and deliver sustainable growth. We recognise, however, that the right person may be looking for an interim opportunity, therefore we are also open to a shorter-term appointment for a candidate who can deliver a significant, measurable impact in that time.

What You Will Do

• Develop and implement an overarching income generation strategy, setting ambitious annual and 3-year fundraising targets

• Deliver and convert new, significant funding opportunities across corporates, trusts and foundations, and high net worth individuals

• Build and proactively manage a realistic pipeline of potentially transformational funders

• Develop compelling bids and proposals that accurately reflect the charity’s core messaging and delivery priorities

• Provide strong direction and line management to other team members across all funding streams

• Work closely with the CEO on the development of a robust, long-term funding plan

• Effectively represent the charity at external events, meetings and conferences

What We Are Looking For

You will bring:

• Senior fundraising experience with a proven track record of securing significant, transformational funding, not necessarily from a charity background

• Experience across multiple funding streams, in particular high value trusts and foundations, corporates and major donors

• A proactive, creative and ambitious approach to prospect identification and relationship development

• Confident and effective communication skills, being able to represent the charity credibly at the highest levels

• Strong writing skills, with the ability to produce nuanced, compelling and tailored proposals

• Experience of line managing a fundraising team

• A collaborative and positive outlook, with the resilience to thrive in a growing organisation

An interest in education, literacy, and equality of opportunity is highly desirable, as is an existing network of high-level funder contacts.

How to Apply

To apply, please send a detailed CV and a covering letter of no more than 2 pages, explaining why you are interested in this role and how your experience meets the person specification.

We want to hear about your individual experience, judgement and communication style in your own words. We recognise the efficiencies AI tools can bring but please do not use generative AI to substantially develop your application.

The closing date for applications is 15th October 2026, however interviews will happen on a rolling basis therefore early applications are advised.

We are managing this recruitment process directly and do not require support from recruitment agencies or third-party suppliers. We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy or submit candidate details on behalf of applicants.

The Children’s Literacy Charity is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. You and any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (Protected Characteristics). 

Thank you for taking the time to apply for this role. We aim to reply to all job applicants, however if we receive a very high number of applications then we may not be able to respond.  If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, then we regret to advise that this means that your application has not been selected to progress through to the next stage of our recruitment process. 

Scope and senior accountability

Hold delegated senior responsibility for the performance, quality, workforce, safeguarding and development of the children and family services portfolio.

Lead EHWP+ as a key commissioned programme, ensuring that delivery remains aligned with contract requirements, local need, agreed outcomes and Spring North’s values.

Hold senior accountability for the effective management and delivery of counselling and therapeutic services within the portfolio, including service quality, practitioner practice, professional standards, supervision arrangements and continuous improvement.

Balance strategic direction with strong operational grip, intervening early where delivery, safety, quality, finance or partnership performance is at risk.

Contribute to whole-organisation leadership, growth, resilience and culture as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team.

4. Key accountabilities

4.1 Strategic leadership of children and family services

• Develop and implement a clear strategic direction for EHWP+ and the wider children and family services portfolio, aligned with Spring North’s organisational strategy and local commissioning priorities.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the changing needs of children, young people, parents and carers, using data, lived experience, professional insight and community intelligence to shape priorities.
• Create a more connected portfolio by linking existing services, clarifying pathways and reducing gaps, duplication and avoidable hand-offs for families.
• Promote early help, prevention, relationship-based and strengths-based approaches that improve emotional health, wellbeing, resilience and family outcomes.
• Keep abreast of policy, legislation, evidence and emerging practice affecting children, young people and families, translating these into proportionate action.

4.2 EHWP+ programme leadership and delivery

• Provide senior leadership and direction to the EHWP+ team, creating a shared focus on access, quality, outcomes, partnership delivery and continuous improvement.
• Lead the operational delivery of counselling and therapeutic provision, ensuring clear service models, referral and allocation arrangements, appropriate caseload management, safe thresholds, effective practitioner deployment and consistent therapeutic practice across employed teams and delivery partners.
• Ensure counselling and therapeutic interventions are delivered by appropriately qualified and competent practitioners, with suitable induction, supervision, continuing professional development and access to specialist or clinical advice where required.
•  Ensure that service plans, capacity, resources and delivery arrangements are sufficient to meet contractual commitments and respond appropriately to local need.
• Establish clear management arrangements, decision-making routes and performance expectations across employed teams and delivery partners.
•  Review delivery data, caseload or activity information, outcomes, waiting times, feedback and emerging risks; agree and monitor corrective action where required.
• Ensure that the voice of children, young people, parents and carers is visible in-service design, review and improvement.
• Support effective mobilisation, change and service redesign when contracts, need or evidence require a different delivery response.

Contract: 12-month FTC with potential for a permanent contract

Sebastian’s Action Trust (SAT) supports children with life-limiting conditions and their families. We help those families navigate the emotional and practical difficulties that come with caring for a child with complex needs and provide a place where they can connect, relax and make precious memories together. 

With the planned retirement of the current CEO, we are looking for an experienced charity leader with a background in fundraising, to take the organisation forward into the next phase of its strategic development. This could be an opportunity for a senior fundraising professional to take the next step into a CEO role. 

This role combines overall leadership of the charity with responsibility for income diversification and growth, with a focus on fundraising to drive stability and sustainability. The successful candidate will oversee the delivery of high-quality services, events and support provision, ensuring that the highest standards of health, safety and safeguarding are maintained. They will also nurture relationships with partner organisations and other local charities to explore opportunities for collaboration and efficiency. 

This role will lead a small but committed team of staff and volunteers who are passionate about the work we do, so you will be comfortable combining strategic thinking with pragmatism and creativity. 

The successful candidate will have experience of charity governance and financial management, and be confident working with a committed board and with partners and stakeholders to maximise impact for service users. They will also need to demonstrate hands-on experience of fundraising, with a track record of securing significant income from trusts, corporates and major donors.

This is a challenging but rewarding opportunity to make a real and lasting difference to families facing unimaginable difficulties. If this sounds like your next step, send your CV and covering letter or email to arrange an informal chat. 

Contract Type: Maternity Cover 12 months

Location: Any of our King's Trust offices (Hybrid working - minimum of 2 days in the office)

Interviews: 8th and 12th of October

Our Fundraising and Marketing team are looking for an exceptional colleague to join us on a maternity cover contract and drive high-value fundraising performance during a pivotal period for The King's Trust.

As we work towards our ambition of ending youth unemployment, we are transforming how we support young people in response to significant needs and evolving funding markets. This role will play a critical part in enabling that transformation by ensuring we have the funding propositions and ways of working that help turn this vision into reality.

You will work with colleagues and leaders across Fundraising, Programme Development and Delivery to identify and develop our highest-value and most transformational funding propositions, whilst optimising our bid, proposal and stewardship ways of working and business processes.

Leading a high-performing team of specialists in propositions, proposals and stewardship, you will guide your team to partner with fundraising colleagues across the UK to deliver efficient, effective and high-quality fundraising.

You could have experience in high value fundraising, proposition development, bidding, sales or delivery operations, but what is most important is that you are motivated by solving complex problems collaboratively, succeeding in competitive markets, and are passionate about helping young people achieve their potential.

If you enjoy working in a dynamic, ambitious environment that blends strategic thinking with operational excellence, this could be the role for you. 

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 Senior Head of Propositions & Stewardships? 

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 Senior Head of Propositions & Stewardships! 

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) 

An exciting opportunity!

This is a rare and genuinely exciting opportunity to lead the UK's only dedicated charity supporting children, adults and families affected by MPS, Fabry disease and related lysosomal storage disorders. Following the current Chief Executive's planned move to become Managing Director of Rare Disease Research Partners (RDRP) in January 2027, the incoming CEO will take the helm of an organisation with over forty years of history, a trusted national reputation and a growing role on the international rare disease stage. The successful candidate will shape the strategic vision for more than 1,800 families, oversee the close partnership between the Society and its research subsidiary RDRP, and champion the patient and family ethos that sits at the heart of the organisation's work. It is an opportunity to combine ambitious strategic leadership with deeply meaningful, human impact, working alongside a committed Board, Senior Leadership Team and wider community of clinicians, researchers and pharmaceutical partners.

As our next Chief Executive, you will

• Define and deliver the MPS Society’s strategic vision.
• Provide confident oversight of governance, finance, compliance and reporting.
• Effectively manage the operational alignment between the MPS Society and RDRP.
• Always keep the members and family voice at the heart of strategy, service design and decision-making.
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with statutory bodies, government agencies, pharmaceutical partners, clinical expert centres and other key stakeholders to support the Society’s objectives, influence policy and practice, and protect its professional reputation.
• Act as a visible and credible public voice to raise awareness, improve visibility, support, treatment access and outcomes for people affected by MPS, Fabry disease and related conditions.
• Collaborate with other rare disease bodies, patient organisations and other key audiences.
• Lead and empower the senior leadership team through effective delegation, early involvement in strategic discussions, clear accountability and support for individuals to flourish.
• Encourage an open, supportive work environment allowing creativity and building staff confidence.
• Help shape the future of the MPS Society.

About you

•  Self-motivated, with the drive to lead the organisation through a period of change and transition.
• Unquestionable probity and personal integrity, given the trust placed in the CEO by families, trustees and partners.
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills, able to convey complex scientific and clinical information to audiences ranging from clinicians to families with no prior knowledge of MPS disorders.
• Strong self-awareness, with insight into their own leadership style and impact on others.
• Emotional resilience, able to sustain performance while supporting a community facing life limiting conditions.
• A collaborative and empowering leadership style, able to build trust, delegate effectively and help individuals across the organisation flourish.
• Genuine passion for the Society's mission, with a family and member-first ethos.
• Confidence to build relationships across a wide range of stakeholders, from beneficiaries and Trustees to politicians, media and pharmaceutical partners.
• A proactive, positive approach, comfortable reacting to change and organising their own work to meet deadlines.
• Confidence speaking publicly on behalf of the organisation and the people it represents.

Why join us?

A close-knit, values-led culture. With just over thirty staff across the Society and RDRP combined, this is a place where the CEO can know the team personally, work closely with families day-to-day, and see the direct results of decisions rather than managing at a distance through layers of bureaucracy.

• Genuine autonomy to shape direction. The Board is explicitly looking to the new CEO to bring fresh thinking on technology, AI, and digital tools, and to give real freedom to modernise fundraising, services, and engagement rather than simply maintaining what already exists.
• A stable foundation to build from over forty years of track record, trusted relationships and a strong national reputation mean the incoming CEO can focus energy on vision and growth rather than firefighting or rebuilding credibility from scratch.
• Proximity to cutting-edge science: the Society's close relationship with RDRP gives the CEO regular exposure to advances in rare disease research and treatment access, while day-to-day research leadership sits with the RDRP Managing Director, allowing the CEO to focus on strategy, people and sustainability.
• A high-visibility, high-influence platform. Regular contact with government, pharmaceutical companies, clinicians and international rare disease bodies offers strong opportunities to build a public profile and personal network well beyond the charity sector.
• A team that already shares the mission. Staff are described as passionate about the Society's aims, and as having a family-first ethos, so the new CEO inherits a culture to lead and empower rather than one that needs to be built from the ground up.
• Work with a different kind of return. Beyond salary and career progression, this role offers the less tangible reward of knowing that strategic and financial decisions translate, into better support for families facing some of the rarest conditions in the country.

Benefits

Join us and you will be working for a caring charity offering:

• A competitive salary
• Generous annual leave
• Extra leave between Christmas and the New Year
• Contributory pension
• Life assurance (subject to the conditions of the scheme)
• Employee assistance programme offering support 24/7

Further information

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the UK.

The main duties, responsibilities and requirements of this role can be viewed in the job description on our website.

Salary to be agreed depending on experience and will be pro-rata for part time hours.

This is an essential car user post. The applicant must hold a current UK driver’s licence, with no more than 6 points, have access to a car and be able and willing to drive UK wide as required.

This senior role requires flexibility in working hours and location.  It is primarily offered on a hybrid basis with a minimum of 2 days in our Amersham, Buckinghamshire, office each week. As part of the role, UK and overseas travel is necessary, which may on occasion include early morning and/or evening working and sometimes overnight stays. We have policies in place to ensure that any unsociable hours worked over the weekend are fairly compensated through TOIL.

This role will require an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS) details of which can be found in the job description.

For an informal discussion about the role or the work of the MPS Society, please contact Dr Fiona Stewart.  Contact details can be found on the full job description. Kindly note, meetings with other relevant people will be available to shortlisted candidates at interview stage.  

Julie’s Bicycle is seeking a visionary, collaborative and values-led Chief Executive to lead the organisation into its next chapter.

About Julie’s Bicycle

Julie’s Bicycle is a pioneering not-for-profit organisation mobilising the arts and culture sectors to take action on the climate crisis. For nearly two decades, we have been at the forefront of the creative climate movement, working to put culture and creativity at the heart of climate action. We believe culture has the power to challenge, inspire and move people; to shape how we think, feel and act; and to help transform our future now.

Our work brings together cultural and environmental expertise to support practical action, build leadership, inform policy and strengthen collective impact. Through our programmes, tools, training, consultancy, campaigns and partnerships, we support artists, creative organisations, policymakers and changemakers to respond to the climate, nature and justice crises with confidence, imagination and purpose. To date, Julie’s Bicycle has worked with thousands of organisations and individuals, in the UK and globally, helping to equip people, places and policies with the knowledge and power to drive sustainable change.

Why this opportunity has arisen

This is a defining moment for Julie’s Bicycle. After 19 years of inspirational founding leadership, our Founder and Chief Executive, Alison Tickell, is stepping down from the role. As we approach our 20th anniversary, Julie’s Bicycle is renewing its strategy and theory of change. The climate, nature and justice crises continue to evolve, and so too must the leadership, partnerships and solutions needed to create meaningful change. This creates a significant opportunity for a new Chief Executive to honour a powerful legacy while shaping a bold, clear and ambitious next chapter for the organisation.

What we are looking for

We are looking for an exceptional Chief Executive who can provide strategic and organisational leadership, strengthen Julie’s Bicycle’s voice and influence, and ensure the organisation continues to deliver impact at the intersection of culture and climate. The successful candidate will work closely with an experienced Board and dedicated staff team to refine and deliver our next phase of strategy, sharpen our priorities, build sustainable income and communicate our distinctive value with clarity and conviction.

This is both an outward-facing and deeply organisational role. Externally, our next Chief Executive will be a visible and credible advocate across culture, climate and environmental networks, able to build partnerships, engage funders and policymakers, convene people around shared purpose, and speak persuasively about the role of arts and culture in responding to the climate crisis. Internally, they will inspire, empower and support a talented and values-led team, strengthening leadership capability, systems, decision-making and accountability while protecting the inclusive, creative and collaborative culture that makes Julie’s Bicycle special.

We are keen to hear from experienced senior leaders with a track record of organisational and people leadership, strategic development, partnership building and income generation. We expect our CEO to demonstrate a strong understanding of the relationship between culture, climate and wider social and environmental change, and to bring a deep knowledge and experience of the UK cultural landscape and key institutions and stakeholders, and/or a deep knowledge and experience of national and international climate policy and advocacy environments. However, we are also keen to hear from you if you are passionate about the intersection of culture and climate/environmental issues, but would benefit from a period of phased support to fully immerse yourself in the breadth of issues, sectors and contexts in which JB operates.  

This is an opportunity to lead a pioneering organisation with purpose and ambition: protecting what makes Julie’s Bicycle distinctive, strengthening the foundations that will help it thrive, and turning the power of culture into meaningful and lasting climate action.

To learn more about the opportunity and how to apply, please download the full appointment brief.

Closing Date:  18 October 2026

People Beyond Profit Conversations:  22 October2026 - 5 November 2026

JB Interviews:

First stage:  12 November 2026

Second stage:  19 November 2026

Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more

Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people.

Ormiston Academies Trust is looking for an exceptional Head of Executive Office and Communications to sit at the heart of our organisation — running our Executive Office and shaping how we communicate with 45 schools, our staff, and the wider world.

In this dual role, you'll act as trusted adviser to our CEO and Deputy CEO, managing correspondence, priorities and special projects across the Trust. You'll lead our entire communications agenda including internal, external, press and public affairs, building a strategy that helps every one of our schools feel connected to our mission, and that raises Ormiston's voice and influence across the education sector.

You'll work closely with our National Leadership Group, Principals and senior leaders, and you'll have real scope to shape how a large, multi-layered organisation talks to itself and to the outside world.

About you

You'll bring senior leadership experience, ideally gained managing a press office or public affairs function, and you'll be confident operating as a trusted adviser to CEO-level and Principal-level stakeholders. You'll have a track record managing communications across multiple channels in a large, complex organisation, and be a confident user of technology and AI, with a clear view of how AI will change communications and administration. Experience in education, the public sector, or working with ministers, regulators or national media would be an advantage, but isn't essential.

Strong writing and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to distil complex information for different audiences and communicate it clearly and simply. You'll bring calm, decisive leadership under pressure, including experience managing high-profile issues or reputational risk. This role requires you to combine excellent project management with the ability to build and sustain relationships across an organisation and beyond it.

Above all, you'll bring a genuine commitment to Ormiston's mission and values, and the creativity and critical thinking to solve problems in a fast-paced, changing environment.

About Ormiston Academies Trust

Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset.

We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, you can be sure of a role with purpose and meaning.

Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys…

• The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive
• Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve
• Being part of a team and community where you belong – receiving bespoke and holistic support from a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities
• A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits

Benefits that care for you

We value your hard work and dedication, and we're committed to ensuring you feel supported, both professionally and personally so that you are in the best position to make the most impact for the children and young people in our schools.

When you join us at Ormiston, you can be certain that your work will have purpose and meaning. You can also expect robust and holistic support from us to enable you to excel in your role.

You will have access to an attractive benefits package including:

• 30 days annual leave (rising to 32 days after 5 years' service)
• Generous pension and life cover
• Access to health and well-being programmes, including a counselling service.
• Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform.
• Free and confidential legal, tax and health 24/7 helpline.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Automatic pay progression.
• Flexible working arrangements.

And much more as part of a leading multi-academy trust.

We are open to considering secondment and fixed term/flexible working arrangements for the right candidate. 

If you have any questions about the role please contact our recruitment team. 

The closing date for applications is 25 September 2026 with interviews due to take place the week commencing  5 October 2026.

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should a suitable candidate be found.

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

This exciting role will support on the delivery of income from a range of high-value donors within our philanthropy and corporate income streams. This position is key for both Helen Bamber Foundation and Asylum Aid and the postholder will work closely with the fundraising team, enabling the Senior Corporate and Philanthropy Executive and the Group Director of Fundraising to build successful funding partnerships.

We’re looking for a someone who is an effective communicator with a flair for writing, who is results-focused and organised. This role best suits someone who is eager to learn and work as part of a tight-knit and successful team, and who can respond creatively and consistently to our current and future donors’ requests.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to begin their career in charity fundraising. The candidate will preferably have some experience working or volunteering in the charity sector, and we welcome applications from candidates with transferrable experience, such as working in a client-facing role, in communications, copywriting or in event planning. 

HOW TO APPLY

The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 10:00 am on Monday 28th Sep 2026. 

The website form will ask you to: 

• Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.
• Upload your current CV 
• Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.

TIMELINE

Closing date: Monday 28th Sep 2026 at 10:00am 

Preliminary interviews (online): 6th Oct 2026

Final panel interviews (in person): 13th Oct 2026 

ELIGIBILITY 

Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do 
not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).
(Full details available on the Job Description) 

ADJUSTMENTS 

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll 
always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application 
form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please 
get in touch with us.

EXPERTS BY EXPERIENCE SUPPORT

We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network , which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network.

EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR

Sheffield Hospitals Charity is looking for a talented Events Co-ordinator to lead the delivery of a growing portfolio of fundraising and engagement events from flagship fundraising events to brand awareness initiatives, you'll play a key role in creating experiences that make a real difference. 

What you'll do:

• Plan and deliver a varied programme of events from concept to evaluation.
• Build strong relationships with supporters, volunteers and partners.
• Help grow participation, income and awareness of Sheffield Hospitals Charity.
• Work as part of an ambitious and supportive fundraising team. 

We'd love to hear from you if you have:

• Experience delivering successful events and managing multiple projects.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• A proactive, creative and solutions-focused approach.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. 

We're looking for someone who is organised, proactive and confident managing multiple projects at once. You'll be a natural relationship-builder with a creative mindset, excellent communication skills and a passion for delivering outstanding experiences. You'll have the opportunity to shape an established events programme, bring fresh ideas to the table and help improve the lives of patients, families across Sheffield. 

If you're looking for a role where you can make your mark and deliver events with real impact, we'd love to hear from you. 

If you feel you have relevant skills and experience, please submit your CV and supporting statement to Sandra Smith, Senior Consultant via the Charisma Charity Recruitment website.

Location: Sheffield (hybrid working available) 

Closing date for applications: 21st September
First client interview: 2nd October 
Second client interview: TBC

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. 

Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please contact our Operations Teams. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the role.

CAHN is seeking an ambitious, creative and experienced Head of Fundraising & Events to lead our fundraising and events portfolio and help drive the organisation’s next phase of growth.

You will lead fundraising development, identify new income opportunities, build strong relationships with funders, corporate partners and supporters, and deliver high-profile events that generate income, engagement and impact.

Working closely with senior colleagues and external stakeholders, you will combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery to grow sustainable income, strengthen partnerships and maximise opportunities for CAHN.

We are looking for a confident and results-driven professional with a proven fundraising and events track record, excellent relationship-building skills and a passion for tackling health inequalities affecting Black Caribbean and African communities.

This is your opportunity to use your expertise, creativity and leadership to help create lasting change.

About School of Hard Knocks

School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is one of the UK’s leading education charities, working in 29 secondary schools across England, Scotland, and Wales. Using rugby as a key delivery tool, we support young people who are struggling to engage in early secondary education - often because of anxiety, low confidence, disrupted home lives, or behavioural challenges rooted in trauma. For many of the children we support, life has already brought more hardship than most adults experience in a lifetime. Our purpose is clear: to help young people facing complex challenges break the cycle and move towards a safer, stronger, more hopeful future.

The SOHK Schools Programme is a two-year intervention working with cohorts of around 20 pupils from Year 7 through to Year 9. Pupils are selected by the school and are typically among the hardest to reach young people. Each week, we deliver half a day of rugby training and classroom sessions built around our 3Cs framework, covering topics such as growth mindset, goal setting, and decision-making, alongside monthly one-to-one sessions with every pupil. The programme’s impact is evaluated by SOHK staff, teachers, parents, and the pupils themselves.

90% of our participants report feeling more confident and more engaged with school after taking part, with long-term effects on attendance, attainment, and life outcomes. Find out more about our Schools Programme.

Since 2023, SOHK has been proud to partner with Impetus, a charity that invests in and supports organisations helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed. This partnership combines investment with strategic and organisational development support, helping to strengthen our impact and set SOHK up for sustainable growth.

We are proud to be delivering long-term programmes that meaningfully reach hundreds of young people each year - but the societal need is vast. Our ambitious four-year strategic plan targets growth, aiming to bring our impactful programme to hundreds more young people each year.

“Despite the usual challenges that every education or sport for development charity faces, School of Hard Knocks really is unique. It is not so much what we deliver at a programme level (which is of course brilliant) but who we are as a team. If you are a values-led leader and love the idea of ‘team’, then School of Hard Knocks is the place for you.”

- Ken Cowen, Founder and outgoing CEO

The Role

The CEO is the public face and leader of SOHK, responsible for the overall strategic direction, vision, and management of the charity - ensuring SOHK meets its mission and strategic objectives while maintaining strong relationships with Trustees, staff, supporters, and the wider SOHK community. We’re looking for a mission-driven charity leader and effective fundraiser, capable of building a sustainable growth model.

Strategy and Direction

● Be the face and voice of the charity - its principal ambassador

● Lead the development and periodic review of SOHK’s strategy with the Trustees and Senior Management Team

● Translate the 2026-30 strategy into organisational priorities, plans, and goals

● Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing, and the lived experience of young people remain central to every decision and growth plan

Programme Delivery, Quality and Impact

● Hold a high bar for programme quality and outcomes for young people

● Line-manage and support the Director of Programmes, working with delivery teams and partners to build a world-class, evidence-based intervention

● Ensure SOHK can evidence the impact of its programmes, with insights feeding back into constant improvement

Income Generation, Fundraising and External Relations

● Lead income generation across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and challenges and events

● Line-manage and support the Head of Fundraising in executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy

● Hold senior relationships with funders and partners, building SOHK’s brand, reputation, and profile

Leading People, Culture and Operations

● Build and lead a high-performing Senior Management Team

● Foster a positive, inclusive, high-performing culture aligned with SOHK’s values

● Line-manage and support the Director of Finance & Operations, ensuring operational excellence

Governance and the Board

● Act as the primary link between the organisation and the Trustees

● Attend all Trustee meetings (held quarterly) and provide timely, accurate reporting

● Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and Charity Commission requirements

About You

Essential

● Proven senior leadership experience in the charity, education, youth, or social impact sector - whether as CEO or as part of an executive team - including working directly with a Board of Trustees

● Demonstrated success in building or significantly growing an organisation, programme, or initiative

● A collaborative and values-led leadership style, with the ability to inspire trust, hold people to account, and build high-performing teams

● Strong track record of income generation, including securing significant funding from trusts, foundations, corporates, or major donors

● Experience of financial oversight, budgeting, and organisational planning at a senior level

● Strategic thinker, able to translate vision into clear plans and delivery

● Strong relationship-builder and communicator, confident with a wide range of stakeholders

Desirable

● Previous charity CEO experience - a bonus, but not essential; we know brilliant candidates come from a wide range of backgrounds

● Direct classroom, youth work, or education leadership experience

● Knowledge of the UK education system and youth policy landscape

● Experience of scaling a multi-site delivery organisation and working with local authorities

Personal Attributes

● Deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people, especially those facing disadvantage

● Resilient and persistent, able to work under pressure and navigate setbacks

● Collaborative, open, and reflective leader who seeks feedback and learns from it

Terms of Appointment

Contract type

Full-time, permanent

Location

Greater London, with offices in Edinburgh & Cardiff

Salary

£85,000 – £90,000 per year + £5,000 PRP

Reports to

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Direct reports

Director of Programmes; Head of Fundraising; Director of Finance & Operations

Travel

Regular UK travel, primarily to Edinburgh and Cardiff. Occasional evenings for stakeholder engagement and fundraising events

Trustee meetings

Quarterly, in London, in the evening, plus ad hoc subcommittees

Job Title: Mass Participation Event Manager 

Location: Hybrid, minimum 1 day per week in our London Bridge office 

Contract: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full-time role based on a 32-hour working week across four days

Reporting to: Head of Fundraising (Community & Events) 

Salary: £35,000 – £37,000 per annum 

About Spinal Research 

Every two hours, someone in the UK becomes paralysed. Globally, more than 15 million people live with paralysis. At Spinal Research, our vision is a world where paralysis can be cured. We fund groundbreaking research to deliver life-changing treatments for people with spinal cord injuries. By backing the brightest minds and fostering innovation, we are driving progress towards what could be the medical breakthrough of the 21st century: curing paralysis. We will not stop until that future is achieved. 

The Role 

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Events team in a newly created management role, building on four years of significant growth and success across our mass participation programme.

As Mass Participation Event Manager, you will play a key role in shaping the future direction of the programme while driving continued growth in income, participation and supporter engagement. You will have responsibility for the development, performance and delivery of the mass participation portfolio, working closely with the Head of Fundraising (Community & Events) to grow income, participation and engagement.

Alongside this overall responsibility, you will have direct ownership of your own area of the portfolio, including the Great North Run, Berlin Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Cape Town Marathon and our wider challenges programme. You will manage these events from recruitment and participant onboarding through to fundraising, event-day delivery and post-event stewardship, while supporting the Head of Fundraising (C&E) with our flagship London Marathon.

You will also line manage the Events Junior Officer, who will have direct responsibility for their own allocated events. You will provide leadership, direction and support to ensure their events are delivered successfully and contribute to the wider mass participation goals.

This is a senior, hands-on role. You will be expected to lead the development of the overall programme while remaining directly involved in the day-to-day delivery of your own events. This includes recruiting and stewarding participants, developing campaigns, managing budgets and suppliers, speaking directly with supporters and being hands-on at events. 

Key Responsibilities 

· Strategy & Growth: Grow the mass participation portfolio, increasing income, participation and engagement through insight-led planning.

· Supporter Recruitment & Stewardship: Lead recruitment campaigns and deliver excellent supporter journeys from sign-up to post-event stewardship.

· Event & Portfolio Management: Manage allocated events end to end, including budgets, logistics, suppliers, event-day delivery and major event support.

· Team Management: Line manage the Events Junior Officer, providing direction, support and oversight across their events.

· Systems, Insights & Reporting: Use CRM and performance data to monitor KPIs, report on progress and inform future activity.

· Collaboration: Work across the Community & Events team and wider organisation to deliver a strong, aligned mass participation programme.

About you 

· Proven experience growing mass participation fundraising, with a track record of increasing income, participation and supporter engagement.

· A track record of increasing income, participation and supporter engagement.

· Experience leading recruitment campaigns and managing supporter journeys.

· Confident managing event budgets, suppliers, CRM systems and performance data.

· A strong communicator who builds great relationships with supporters, colleagues and partners.

· Highly organised, proactive and able to manage multiple priorities.

· Experience leading, supporting or developing others.

· Comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.

Why Join Us?  

• Full-time role based on a 32-hour working week across four days, with Fridays as a non-working day.
• 8% pension contribution.
• Flexible, hybrid working environment split between home and our London Bridge office. 
• Opportunity to play a key role in a growing fundraising programme.
• Join a supportive, values-driven team built around commitment, integrity, collaboration and innovation.

Occasional evening or weekend working may be required to meet organisational needs, with time off in lieu provided. 

Ready to help us deliver life-changing impact? 
Apply now to join Spinal Research and play a key role in our mission to cure paralysis. 

Spinal Research is a Disability Confident Committed employer and welcomes applications from all candidates. We are committed to making our recruitment process inclusive and accessible and will provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process where required.