116 Senior challenge events executive jobs

At The Sick Children’s Trust, we believe no child should face hospital alone and no family should be separated during one of the most challenging times of their lives. Through our ten ‘Homes from Home’ across England, we provide free accommodation and vital support, keeping families close to their seriously ill child’s hospital bedside.

We’re looking for a talented and ambitious Senior Trusts & Foundations Officer to join our passionate team. This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownerships of a strong portfolio of charitable trusts and foundations, developing long-term relationships and securing multi-year funding to sustain and grow our services.

You’ll have the opportunity, skills and talent to write compelling, tailored funding proposals, deliver excellent stewardship, and work directly with funders to demonstrate the impact of our work.

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

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. 

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.

Lead the next chapter for liver health in the UK

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and financially stable health charity at a pivotal moment of transformation.
Following a successful merger, the organisation has proudly just completed a full rebrand to Liver UK, bringing together services, information and advocacy across all ages. With a clear, trustee-approved strategy for 2026–2032 already in place, the next Chief Executive will focus on delivery, growth and national influence.

A strong platform and a planned transition

This role comes at a natural and positive point within a planned leadership transition.Our current Chief Executive has provided long-standing, successful leadership and is excited to hand over the rebranded charity for it to be led into its next phase of strategic development, sustainability and growth.
The incoming CEO will inherit a well-led organisation with strong governance, a clear strategic direction, and real momentum.

About the role

As Chief Executive, you will lead delivery of an established strategy, ensuring the organisation continues to grow its reach, impact and income.You will work closely with an engaged and supportive Board of Trustees to maintain high standards of governance, regulatory compliance and risk management, while strengthening the charity’s voice in national policy and public affairs.
This is a role that balances external influence with internal leadership, ensuring both impact and organisational resilience.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver a trustee-approved long-term strategy, refining priorities as needed
• Ensure robust governance, legal and regulatory compliance
• Lead policy, public affairs and national influencing activity
• Maintain financial sustainability and drive income growth
• Lead and develop a high-performing Senior Management Team
• Oversee delivery of high-quality services and information

About you

You are a credible and values-driven leader with senior experience in the charity, health or related sectors.
You will bring:

• Proven senior leadership experience at Director or Chief Executive Officer level
• Strong understanding of governance, finance and regulatory compliance
• Experience influencing policy and working with senior stakeholders
• A track record of delivering organisational growth and impact
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

You will be confident working with a Board of Trustees, able to build strong relationships, provide clear advice, and operate effectively in a governance-led environment. 

You will be motivated by improving health outcomes and confident leading an organisation with both national influence and strong operational delivery.

Why join us?

• A clear, trustee-approved strategy ready for delivery
• Strong governance, financial stability and organisational foundations
• A positive and well-managed leadership transition
• The opportunity to shape a newly unified, UK-wide charity
• A chance to make a meaningful difference in an under-recognised area of health
• A strong, engaged and motivated Board

A competitive salary will be offered, reflecting the experience, skills and leadership qualities of the successful candidate.

We are grateful for all interest shown in leading Liver UK. However, as our resources are currently focused on supporting our newly rebranded organisation, we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants.

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Our role is often to act as the connector: bringing people together around shared challenges and turning ideas into practical action. Now we need someone to help us do more of it.

Compass Wellbeing CIC is looking for a Corporate Partnerships, Social Value & Events Manager, a new post at the heart of how we grow.

Working across corporate and community partnerships, our events programme, VCFSE relationships and charity partnerships, you'll help turn growing opportunities into practical activity, community benefit and income, with social value running through all of it.

Whatever sector you come from, if you can build trusted relationships and move ideas towards delivery, we'd love to hear from you.

📍 London (Hybrid) | 🕐 Full-time, permanent | 💷 £40,000–£45,000
Applications close Monday 5 October 2026 at 10:00.

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) 

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.

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.

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.

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

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who loves working with people, building relationships and turning great ideas into successful fundraising activities. You will lead and develop an engaging programme of community and events fundraising, with responsibility for generating £180,000 of income in 2026, with continued growth in future years.

You will play a key role in helping us meet the increasing demand for our services, ensuring that our fundraising activity not only generates vital income but also builds a strong and engaged community of supporters.

We’re looking for someone who is energetic, creative and passionate about fundraising and who enjoys bringing people together.

You will ideally have experience of community fundraising, events fundraising, income generation or a similar role, with a proven ability to build relationships and deliver against financial targets.

Why work for us?

The benefits of working with us include 25 days of pro-rata annual leave plus bank holidays, additional leave during the Centre’s closure between Christmas and New Year, a pension scheme, carer’s leave policy, training and development opportunities, work-life balance flexibility, and a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing. We also have an on-site cafe that serves delicious cakes!

How to apply

To apply for this post, please provide a full CV together with a 1 page supporting statement, explaining how you meet the person specification and demonstrating your experience and expertise is relevant to this role.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 20 September 2026.

The interview date will be Thursday 24 September.