Senior development executive jobs

The Senior Network Communications and Engagement Manager will lead the development and delivery of a new communications strategy that strengthens collaboration across the Age UK Network. Working at a senior leadership level, you will act as a strategic advisor to executives, championing high quality, values led communications that unite the Network and support shared organisational priorities. This position is being hired as a 12 month fixed-term contract.

You will drive the shift toward more engaging, multi way communications, curate impactful content for local partners, and lead key campaigns, channels, and events. You'll provide editorial oversight, build strong relationships across the network, and ensure consistent, high impact messaging for partner facing initiatives.

This role requires strong influencing skills and confidence working within a complex federated environment. You will manage a Partner Communications Manager and play a key role in building communication capability across the organisation.

This is a hybrid opportunity, a blend of homebased and office working. Our linked office for this role is in London (near Tower Hill). As this is a new fixed term role, with high stakeholder engagement, you will be expected to attend the office twice a week. Travel costs to the London office are not covered by the charity.

Must haves:

The below competencies will be assessed at the indicated stage of the recruitment process:
Application = A, Interview = I, Test = T, Presentation = P

Experience
Significant senior-level leadership experience in internal, network, or stakeholder communications, with a proven track record of developing and executing strategic communications programmes at scale. A, I, P
Experience working within federated, partner-based, or complex organisational environments, with the ability to engage, influence, and unite diverse stakeholders. A, I, T
Demonstrated ability to shape and influence senior leadership thinking on communications, with strong presence, gravitas, and credibility. A, I, P
Experience leading communications through transformation or organisational change. A, I

Skills and Knowledge
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil complex information into clear, compelling messages tailored for diverse audiences. A, T, P
Strong strategic planning and programme management skills, with the ability to deliver complex, multi-channel communications in fast-paced and evolving contexts. A, I, T
Expertise with digital communication tools and platforms (e.g., intranet systems, email marketing, Microsoft 365). A, I

Personal attributes
A collaborative and people-centred leadership style, with high emotional intelligence and the ability to inspire trust and build alignment across organisational boundaries. A, I, P

Great to haves:

Experience
Experience launching new communication channels or platforms e.g. intranet. A, I

Skills and Knowledge
Knowledge of employee and partner engagement strategies and tools. A, I, P
Skills in visual design, video and audio content creation. A

What we offer in return

• Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
• Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, Health cashback plan and EAP
• Car Benefit Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loan
• Techscheme - buy any tech from Apple or Currys, up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free
• Blue Light Card Scheme
• You Did It Awards – recognition awards from £100-250.

Additional Information

* The role will be required to be in the linked office at least twice a week. In this case the linked office is One America Square.
* The role may be required to travel across the UK, and this may require overnight stays from time to time.

Supporting statements and anonymisation
Candidates are expected to provide a supporting statement that explains how they meet the competencies annotated with an 'A' in the job description, to assess suitability for the position. Age UK acknowledges and accepts that AI may be used to support the application; we do expect candidates to personalise experience, knowledge and skills and failure to do so, may result in your application being rejected.

Please submit a Word version of your CV as it will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role. Our system is unable to anonymise supporting statements and heavily formatted CVs. Please could you remove any personal information including your name before you upload to support our inclusive recruitment process. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us if invited for interview.

Equal opportunities & Disability Confident Scheme
Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. Age UK is a Disability Confident Scheme employer. Due to high numbers of applications received, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.

Reasonable adjustments
Disabled job seekers can access reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All requests for reasonable adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis, in collaboration with the disabled job seeker to best meet their needs, by contacting the Recruitment Team. Disability disclosures will be kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis to support the implementation of adjustments. Disclosures will not be used to inform hiring decisions.

Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.

Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Lighthouse, Poole is seeking an exceptional and experienced Head of Development to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of the UK’s largest and most ambitious regional arts centres. 

This is a senior leadership position for a dynamic fundraiser with a strong track record of securing income from a wide range of sources, including major donors, trusts and foundations, and corporate partnerships. You will be passionate about the power and impact of the arts and confident in championing Lighthouse’s vision to supporters, partners and stakeholders at the highest level. 

Building on the significant success of the Development team to date, you will lead the delivery of an established and ambitious fundraising strategy, ensuring the charity meets challenging financial targets that underpin its long-term sustainability and strategic ambitions. 

As a confident and persuasive communicator, you will build trusted relationships both internally and externally, inspiring colleagues, donors and partners alike.

Managing and developing a small team, the Head of Development is a key member of Lighthouse’s senior management team, contributing strategically to the organisation’s overall leadership and future direction. 

Salary: £55,000.00 Full-time permanent. (part time considered) 

Closing date: Monday 9th March 12 noon.

1st Interview 20th March (online), 2nd Interview 27th March (in person). 

At Wrexham Tennis & Padel Centre, we want to inspire as many people as possible to stay healthy, and enjoy the benefits of sport, at every level. We provide affordable and accessible sporting facilities and programmes for adults and children, and we are proud to be the largest facility of our type in Wales. 

As our CEO, you will lead the next phase of our development – strengthening our impact, driving sustainable growth and building on our reputation as a thriving community sport destination.

Position: CEO

Responsible to: Chair of Board of Trustees

Location: Wrexham, with some scope for occasional remote working

Hours: 35 hours per week (full-time)

Salary: £50,000 per year, with flexibility for an exceptional candidate 

First-round interviews are provisionally scheduled for Tuesday 17th March; final interviews are due to take place Tuesday 31st March. 

Closing date: Friday 27th February at 12pm 

About the Role

As CEO, you will provide strategic, financial and operational leadership, ensuring the Centre continues to grow sustainably while remaining rooted in community impact and strong governance. You will shape and deliver the organisation’s long‑term vision and ensure services, programmes and operations remain high‑quality, inclusive and aligned to community need. 

This is a pivotal role for a leader who combines commercial instinct with values‑led leadership, and who can represent the organisation credibly across local, regional and national stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

 Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of a bold, future‑focused strategy for the Charity.
• Translate long‑term vision into clear priorities, measurable objectives and sustainable growth\
• Work closely with the Board to support strong and effective governance.

 Commercial & Financial Leadership

• Strengthen financial sustainability through robust budgeting, forecasting, planning and risk management.
• Grow income through partnerships, memberships, programmes, development of our retail arm, grants and commercial activity.
• Ensure strong financial controls and compliance with charity governance requirements. 

People & Culture Leadership

• Foster a culture of trust, inclusion, safeguarding, respect and high performance.
• Lead, support and develop the senior leadership team; embed fair and compliant people practices.
• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion across the organisation. 

Organisational Excellence & Compliance

• Ensure best‑practice policies, systems and processes across the organisation.
• Oversee safeguarding, health & safety and regulatory compliance.
• Produce high‑quality reports for the Board, funders and regulators. 

 Partnerships, Profile & Community Engagement

• Act as an ambassador for the organisation—locally, regionally and nationally.
• Build influential relationships with governing bodies, local authorities, schools, community partners and funders.
• Enhance the Centre’s visibility, reputation and reach.

Programme & Service Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight of programme development to ensure high‑quality, inclusive offers aligned to community needs.
• Support managers in driving innovation and impact across services.

 About You

 You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience in sport, leisure, charity or community settings. 
• A successful track record in delivering growth, developing partnerships and organisational development. 
• Strong financial and commercial acumen. 
• An inclusive, collaborative and empowering leadership style. 
• Passion for community sport, wellbeing and widening participation. 

To provide inspirational and effective leadership, ensuring the charity delivers its mission and strategic objectives while maintaining strong relationships with the Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and funders. 

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the development and implementation of the charity's vision, mission, and long-term strategy in partnership with the Board.
• Governance & Compliance: Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to ensure full compliance with Charity Law, the Charity Commission, and all relevant legislation (e.g., safeguarding, data protection).
• Fundraising & Financial Management: Oversee the charity's financial planning, manage budgets, and lead on developing and delivering a diversified fundraising strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and growth. This includes writing grant applications and identifying new income streams.
• Operational Management: Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery and managing risk.
• Team Leadership: Lead, motivate, and manage a team of staff and volunteers, fostering a positive and inclusive organisational culture.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy: Act as the primary ambassador for the charity, building strong relationships with local authorities, funders, community partners, and the media. 

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience in a senior leadership or management role, ideally within the charity/non-profit sector.
• Demonstrable success in income generation, including grants and fundraising.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management and reporting.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and networking skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Experience of working closely with or reporting to a Board of Trustees.
• Strong understanding of governance, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements in the UK charity sector.
• Ability to be a decisive, adaptable, and inspiring leader, comfortable with a hands-on role in a small organisation. 

Desirable Attributes

• A qualification in business administration, non-profit management, or a relevant field.
• Knowledge of the specific issues or services the charity provides.
• Experience in social enterprise development or digital transformation
• Existing vetting and safeguarding clearances

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

All applicants must have a right to work in the UK.

The role

This is a very exciting opportunity to join our thriving organisation at a time of growth. We are seeking an experienced Head of Training, Learning and Development to provide strategic leadership of APIL’s legal training and events portfolio. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and sitting on the Senior Management Board, this role will shape and deliver a high-quality, commercially successful programme of conferences, accredited courses, webinars and in-house firm training. The postholder will be responsible for strengthening APIL’s position as a leading provider of legal education within personal injury and clinical negligence and ensuring our offer remains relevant, innovative and aligned with the needs of the legal profession.

The role involves leading and developing the Training, Learning and Development team, building strong relationships with law firms and stakeholders, and ensuring robust quality assurance across all training activity. You will use data, market insight and engagement with the sector to identify emerging training needs, create clear career-stage learning pathways and maximise income from training, sponsorship and events, while maintaining effective budgetary control.

You will be a credible senior professional with significant experience in training, learning and development, ideally within the legal sector. You will bring strong leadership and commercial skills, and be confident operating at both strategic and operational levels.

About APIL

APIL is a not-for-profit membership organisation working to improve access to justice for people who are injured through negligence. We are a values-driven organisation with a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we play a leading role in professional training and development within personal injury and clinical negligence.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

APIL is serious about equality, diversity and inclusion. We want our organisation to reflect the communities we serve and for everyone to feel valued and able to thrive. A commitment to this agenda is essential to this role.

Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) is an international non-governmental organisation which works to amplify the voices of rural women globally.  We are looking for an Executive Director for our small Central Office team which works with member organisations and individuals in the UK and around the world to ensure that rural women are represented, recognised for their critical importance in society, and have a platform to influence policy makers.  We combine advocacy and small-scale, women-led development projects designed by the local women who will implement them for the benefit of their communities.

This an exciting time to join ACWW in the lead up to our centenary and planning for the 32nd Triennial World Conference in 2029.  We are looking to appoint an Executive Director as our current Executive Director will be retiring this summer.

The successful candidate will be reporting to the Board of Trustees and working with colleagues and trustees to foster relationships, partnerships and collaborations with individuals, funders and networks in line with the Association’s objectives, priorities and values. You will have an important contribution to make in all aspects of the Association.

We are an equal opportunity, disability-confident employer and are dedicated to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion.  We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions and ways of life including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

This role is offered as full-time.  If you have successful charity sector experience, ability to build and maintain positive relationships and are looking to work for a charity focused on championing women’s empowerment and advocating for change, we’d like to hear from you. Please see application pack for further details and to apply.

Tinnitus affects nearly 8 million people in the UK alone, with 15% of those experiencing some level of distress.  Our charity is there for everyone with tinnitus, researchers and academics investigating tinnitus and Hearing Health Professionals, working to care for and support people with tinnitus.

We are seeking a part-time CEO who can provide clear leadership, can work in close partnership with the Board, and lead our dedicated staff team with empathy, rigour, and ambition to deliver this plan. This is a pivotal role and at a crucial time for us: you will help shape the next phase of Tinnitus UK’s development, ensuring we are sustainable, influential, and responsive for the tinnitus community in a changing health and charity landscape.

This part-time role offers the opportunity to combine senior strategic responsibility while still making a meaningful national impact. We do, however, believe that the successful candidate will need to spend as much time in the office with the team as possible, therefore applicants should expect to commit to spending at least 2 days per week in the Sheffield office.

For more information or to arrange an informal conversation with the current CEO, see the Candidate Pack which you can find on the Tinnitus Uk website

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Contract/ Hours: 35hrs per week

Salary: £55,000

Leave entitlement: 25 days

About The People Hive

The People Hive is an ambitious local charity creating real opportunities for adults with a learning disability across Richmond and the surrounding areas. From our vibrant community hub in Twickenham, we deliver creative, social and developmental activities that help people connect, grow and thrive.

We also run a public gallery that showcases local artists, generates vital income and provides paid work experience for our clients. Our impact was recognised when we were shortlisted for the Richmond Community Heroes Awards 2025, and we are now exploring exciting opportunities for future growth and expansion.

The Role

This is a great opportunity to lead a respected, values-led charity at a pivotal moment in its journey. As Chief Executive Officer, you will set the strategic direction of The People Hive, lead a passionate team of staff and volunteers, and act as the public face of the organisation.

Working closely with the Board of Trustees and key partners, you will help shape the charity’s future, strengthen its sustainability and ensure it continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities.

How to Apply

We recognise that talented people may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet every listed requirement. If this role inspires you and you believe you could be a strong fit, we encourage you to apply. Your skills, experience and perspective may be exactly what we’re looking for.

Applications close on Friday February 27th 2026.

This is a new role to sit in a fast paced and growing fundraising team.  Reporting to the Senior Philanthropy and Major Gifts Manager, this role will be responsible for managing a portfolio of mid-level funders, develop compelling funding applications, support the stewardship of high-value funders, and ensure accurate reporting and data compliance.

The role supports the Senior Philanthropy and Major Gifts Manager in delivering the Trusts & Foundations strategy, maintaining fundraising processes, and identifying new funding opportunities, while contributing to the overall success of the fundraising department.

The post holder will work closely with colleagues across Fundraising, Marketing, Care Teams, Finance, Senior Management, Trustees and the Director of Fundraising and Hospice Development.

This is a hybrid role however due to its collaborative nature and the need to regularly meet donors, team members and hospice colleagues on-site we ask that applicants are able to commute to St John’s Wood at least three days per week, with a preference for four.

What would be my responsibilities as a Senior Philanthropy and Gifts Executive?

• Support delivery of the Trusts & Foundations strategy, including prospect research and pipeline development.
• Lead on mid‑level funding applications (£5k–£50k) and contribute to high‑value bids.
• Produce accurate impact and financial reports, coordinating information across care, finance and service teams.
• Manage and steward a portfolio of funders, ensuring personalised communication and strong relationships
• Support high‑level donor engagement, including meetings, presentations and site visits.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and ensure compliance with GDPR and fundraising standards.
• Contribute to donor profiles, solicitation plans and stewardship schedules, working collaboratively across income streams.
• Provide guidance to junior staff and deputise for the Senior Philanthropy & Major Gifts Manager when required.

Am I the right person for this role?

• 2+ years in Trust & Foundation fundraising or equivalent bid‑writing role
• Proven experience in Trusts & Foundations fundraising, bid‑writing, and securing 4‑figure+ grants.
• Strong relationship‑management skills with internal and external stakeholders, including donors.
• Excellent written communication and analytical ability, with confidence interpreting financial information.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and contribute effectively to a team.
• Knowledge of the UK Trusts & Foundations sector and experience using CRM systems (ideally Salesforce).
• Collaborative and values‑driven approach, with willingness to support colleagues, mentor junior staff, and work flexibly (incl. occasional evenings/weekends).
• Comfortable leading meetings and building strong working relationships across hospice, fundraising, and external partners.

 Why apply for this role? 

At our organisation we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our employees a wide range of benefits; 

When you become part of the HJE Family, these are some of the benefits you will receive:

• Private healthcare scheme worth up to £20,000 per year
• 27 days annual leave
• Blue Light Card discounts
• Interest-free season ticket loans
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free eye check-up vouchers with contribution towards lenses
• Free newspaper and media subscriptions
• Local Business discounts
• Discount in our Hospice Charity shop
• Refer a Friend scheme
• Free Cinema Society Membership offering discounted tickets
• Personal development and training courses
• Annual events and recognition awards
• Career progression and increments
• For employees joining us from the NHS, we can provide continuation of your NHS pension

If you are ready for a new challenge and relish the chance to become part of a successful, forward thinking organisation then we would love to hear from you.

Our Senior Trusts & Foundations Manager is primarily responsible for managing and generating income from our Trusts & Foundations portfolio (including Corporate Foundations). They identify new prospects, write compelling and persuasive proposals to secure significant gifts, actively develop relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and provide brilliant stewardship.

We are looking for someone who has a sound understanding of T&F fundraising. You’ll have a strong track record of nurturing relationships, securing multi-year and five-figure+ gifts, and a genuine passion for youth development. You are a creative problem solver with the ability to work independently and take ownership of projects – ensuring they run smoothly and effectively.

Edward's Trust is seeking a values-led Chief Executive to build on recent stabilisation and lead the charity into its next phase of sustainable impact.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected bereavement charity supporting parents, children and young people across the West Midlands.

Edward's Trust provides specialist counselling and holistic wellbeing support to families experiencing profound and often complex grief. Our work is rooted in compassion, integrity and a deep respect for the individuality of every person we support.

We are now looking for a Chief Executive who can combine emotional intelligence with strategic clarity and hands-on leadership. Working closely with a committed Board and skilled staff team, the successful candidate will guide the organisation confidently through a challenging funding landscape while protecting the quality and integrity of our services.

This is a senior, visible role with real autonomy and influence. Key priorities include strengthening income resilience, leading income generation activity, nurturing partnerships, and embedding a shared strategic direction across the organisation. The role requires a leader who is comfortable holding complexity and uncertainty, and who understands the responsibility of working within emotionally demanding services.

We welcome applications from experienced leaders within the charity, health or social care sectors, as well as those ready to step into a Chief Executive role. Flexible and part-time working arrangements are welcomed, including 0.8 FTE.

Full details, including the role profile, priorities and how to apply are available in the recruitment pack.

To enable Operation Smile’s global surgical activities, OSUK’s Partnerships Team works to maximise high-potential income channels such as corporate partnerships, major donors, community fundraisers and trusts and foundations.

We have an exciting position in our team for an experienced and ambitious trusts fundraiser. Working as part of the Partnership Team and line managing one Grants & Programmes Manager, the Senior Grants & Programmes Manager will secure critical income from new and existing trust and foundation donors through compelling pitches and excellent stewardship.

The position will build on existing multiyear relationships with donors giving at the six-figure level per year, aiming to grow their contributions, as well as making approaches to new prospects, working closely with the Director of Partnerships. The role is also the key liaison between OSUK and teams at Operation Smile Inc and in programme countries around the world, leading on donor reporting and sourcing programmatic information for new funding opportunities.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Trust and Foundation Funding Development

• Ensure achievement of annual income target for trusts and foundations
• Take primary responsibility for managing the current pool of trust/foundation donors, to ensure their growth and longevity – strategic input into the growth of each relationship will be essential
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of new funding prospects, creating propositions/proposals and making approaches, working with the Director of Partnerships, with a focus on the highest value prospects (those worth six-figures per year plus)
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to donors and internal stakeholders
• Represent Operation Smile UK in global funding discussions, applying any global strategies to develop successful fundraising plans for the UK
• Lead on development and management of any trust/foundation cultivation events

Programmes Liaison

• Lead on interaction with global teams at Operation Smile Inc (US) and programme country teams around the world, regarding OSUK’s funding of programmes
• Identify funding opportunities for new prospects and existing donors, sourcing relevant programmatic and financial information
• Support the allocation of OSUK’s funds to a portfolio of programmes that best meet our donors’ interests, and work with colleagues internationally to reallocate funds when needed
• Monitor projects’ progress against KPIs and ensure donor reporting (programmatic and financial) is complete and timely, and meets donors’ needs and expectations

Additional Responsibilities

• Line-manage one Grants & Programmes Manager, supporting them to manage their own portfolio of new prospects and existing relationships, including small trusts mailings
• Create and maintain annual trusts and foundations income and expenditure budgets and business plans, including current donors and forecasting new business income

Additional Information

• 4 years’ experience in a trusts/foundations/institutional funding role
• We promote flexible and hybrid working, with 2 days per week in our London office in Battersea (nearest stations Clapham Junction and Wandsworth Town). There will also be some UK travel for meetings, conferences and events.
• Some overseas travel required to visit projects and partner countries, a highlight of the role!

First-round interviews are set for the week of 2nd March 2026. We strongly encourage early applications.

Disability Confident Committed Employer

We're a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job.

At Operation Smile UK, we value individuals based on their performance and potential. We're dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone's needs. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

If you need this document in a different format, require any adjustments, or need help with your application, please contact us (further details contained within the job description).

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Operation Smile UK knows fundraising could better reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people the charity sector supports. If you don’t meet every requirement but believe your transferable skills align with the role, we encourage you to contact us for a conversation. 

We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We celebrate diversity and encourage you to bring your authentic self to Operation Smile UK. We are committed to supporting all applicants and ensuring a fair hiring process. All appointments will be made solely on merit, and we are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. 

About Figurative

Figurative is a new organisation, and this is a brand new role. Our mission is to bring new funding capital to the cultural and creative sectors, and to deploy it in ways that optimise for social impact and for sector sustainability.

We bring together deep expertise through Arts & Culture Finance (formerly part of Nesta) and New Philanthropy for Arts & Culture to unlock new and innovative ways of funding and supporting the UK’s arts ecosystem.

Figurative manages three investment portfolios that have supported over 60 organisations and raised more than £30 million in investment capital over the last decade.

About this role

Culture and creativity are essential to human flourishing, yet the financial models supporting them are in need of a serious reimagining. Public subsidy is declining in real terms, traditional philanthropy can't fill the gap, and commercial investment often doesn't align with how cultural and creative sector organisations work best.

Figurative exists to create a third way: impact investment that brings new capital to culture and creativity, while respecting what makes the sector special. But scaling a genuinely new funding model requires more than good intentions - it needs robust infrastructure, diversified capital sources, and deep credibility with the organisations we exist to serve.

This is a unique opportunity to join Figurative in its infancy, and to take responsibility for growing Figurative from £30m to £100m+ over the next 3-5 years. Your work will directly enable cultural organisations to access capital they couldn't reach through traditional routes - capital that allows them to take creative risks, sustain their missions, and amplify their social impact without compromising their values.

You will be joining a dynamic, inclusive, collaborative team that is committed to learning on the job, and in the open. This involves testing out new ideas, and finding partners who are keen to explore innovative ways in which their money can be used to bring about their desired outcomes through the power of culture and creativity.

Key Responsibilities

The Development Director will:

• lead our efforts to raise money into our own parent charity, from primarily new sources;
• support the CEO and investment team to raise investment capital (which may take the form of repayable grants) into our investment funds;
• lead our efforts to support organisations in the sector to raise philanthropic giving as a source of income for themselves, particularly focused around place (including the development of our existing Arts Council funded place-based philanthropy networks) and social impact (including our Big Give Arts for Impact match funding campaign);
• develop and implement our place-based strategy, which will aim to demonstrate the power of blended finance.

The Development Director will be a member of the senior leadership team and report directly to the CEO, working closely on strategy and communicating strategic priorities and progress to existing and potential grant funders (into Figurative) and investors (into our funds); whilst providing philanthropic expertise to cultural organisations and partners to optimise social impact and sector sustainability.

In this role, the successful candidate will have to be/demonstrate: 

• Strategic infrastructure builder: Proven track record designing and implementing fundraising/investor relations systems and processes in growth-stage organisations - not just using existing ones.
• Financial literacy: Comfortable with impact investment concepts, fund structures, and articulating risk/return/impact trade-offs to sophisticated investors. You can speak credibly to family offices and institutional investors, not just traditional arts funders.
• Cross-sector translator: Ability to articulate culture's value to investors whose primary focus is climate, social impact, or economic development. Fluency in making the case for why culture matters to non-arts audiences. Ability to build and manage partnerships across philanthropy, commercial creative industries, and the public sector, navigating complex stakeholder environments with diplomacy and credibility.
• Cultural sector credibility: Deep understanding of how arts organisations operate, their funding challenges, and why they might be sceptical of intermediaries. Genuine commitment to supporting sector sustainability, not extracting from it.
• Proposition development: Ability to craft compelling narratives for complex funding models. You can explain why impact investment in culture is different from traditional philanthropy and why it complements (rather than competes with) existing funding.
• Scale-up mentality: Comfortable moving from £30m to £100m+ - you understand what infrastructure and processes are needed at different stages of growth.

Core Skills

Essential:

• Strategic Philanthropic Fundraising: Demonstrated ability to design and execute philanthropic fundraising strategies aligned to mission-driven objectives, including multi-year funding pipelines and donor portfolios
• Major Donor and High Net Worth Engagement: Proven experience cultivating and stewarding relationships with, and securing gifts from high net worth individuals, family offices, and trusts and foundations, and confidence engaging sophisticated donors around arts and the creative industries.
• Foundations and Institutional Giving: Strong capability in identifying, soliciting, and managing relationships with foundations, philanthropic trusts, and institutional funders in the UK and internationally.
• Cultural and Creative Philanthropy Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of arts and cultural fundraising ecosystems, including experience working with artists, cultural organisations, and creative industry stakeholders, to aid in the development and delivery of place-based philanthropic initiatives.
• Relationship Management and Stewardship: Advanced relationship management skills, including donor stewardship, reporting, and long-term engagement, ensuring trust, transparency, and repeat support
• Proposal Writing and Funding Submissions: Strong written communication skills, with a track record of producing high-quality funding proposals, pitches, grant applications, and tailored donor materials
• Stakeholder Engagement and Representation: Confidence representing the organisation externally at events, briefings, and convenings, including presenting to boards, donors, and advisory groups.
• Data-informed Fundraising and CRM Use: Competence in using CRM systems and fundraising data to track prospects, manage pipelines, and inform strategy, with attention to compliance and good governance
• Project Management and Delivery Strong organisational and project management skills, enabling delivery of fundraising campaigns, events, and reporting requirements on time and to a high standard.
• Judgement, Discretion and Ethical Practice: High level of professional judgement, discretion, and integrity when handling sensitive donor information, complex funding arrangements, and reputational considerations
• Leadership and Team Management: Proven ability to lead and develop teams, work effectively with Boards and senior stakeholders, and collaborate within the wider organisational structures. Experienced in managing direct reports, aligning team delivery with organisational priorities and maintaining strong internal relationships.

Desirable:

• Experience in impact investing, social finance, or blended finance - ideally in a growth/scale-up phas
• Existing relationships with family offices, climate investors, or foundations exploring innovative funding models
• Understanding of place-based funding partnerships and multi-stakeholder models
• Track record of investor diversification - successfully broadening an organisation's funding base

What We Offer

• Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 FTE, depending on experience
• Location: Hybrid working arrangement based at Somerset House in central London, with flexibility and some travel within the UK.
• Reports to: CEO
• Hours: 3 days/ week (0.6 FTE)
• Location: Hybrid working arrangement based at Somerset House in central London, with flexibility and some travel within the UK.
• Benefits:
  • 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + ability to buy additional holiday
  • Pension (Employer Contribution 8% + a further 4% where the employee contributes 4%
  • Life Assurance
  • Post probation - Private health and dental insurance 

Making an Application

To apply for this role, please submit your application below before midnight Sunday 22nd February 2026. Please include a one-page cover letter covering the following questions

• What are the main challenges you think Figurative will have to navigate within this phase of development
• What are the most important messages to convey to existing and potential stakeholders about Figurative’s mission and motivations?

First interviews will be held virtually on Wednesday 4th March 2026.

Second interviews will be held in person in our London offices on Thursday 12th March 2026.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those who are underrepresented in the investment sector to apply.

Please note that we actively screen for AI-generated applications. We are looking for authentic, personal responses that reflect your own experiences and motivations.

I look forward to hearing from you

Francesa Sanderson

CEO

Neotree: The Digital Learning Health System

Neotree is an award-winning digital learning health system co-designed with frontline clinicians to end preventable newborn deaths in low-resource settings. Our open-source platform integrates real-time, knowledge-based clinical decision support (CDS), structured data capture, and visual dashboards into routine neonatal care. Currently active in 18 healthcare facilities, Neotree has supported care for 60,000 newborns and trained over 3,000 health workers to date. Neotree is the only platform of its kind with a defined pathway to embed AI-enabled decision support into routine neonatal care in sub-Saharan Africa.

Neotree: The Charity

The UK charity was established by core members of the University College London (UCL) Neotree research project to maximise the impact of their research on the quality of newborn care and newborn mortality. After five years of rapid growth and proven clinical impact, Neotree is seeking a visionary Executive Director to lead our next chapter. Having evolved from an innovative research pilot into a multi-country digital health intervention, integrated into routine neonatal care in Malawi and Zimbabwe, Neotree is poised for national-scale rollout and scale up, alongside rigorous ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

The Opportunity: Impact at Scale

By 2030 the ambition is for Neotree to be a fully integrated, sustainable standard of care across Malawi and Zimbabwe, having been handed over to, and owned by, their respective Ministries of Health. The incoming Executive Director will lead this transition, shifting the organisation from a research-led implementation partner to one able to scale up a digital public good (currently a DPGA Nominee with a full submission for DPG designation under review).

While the technological landscape, and specific delivery modules, will evolve, the Executive Director will ensure Neotree remains a safe, cost-effective, equitable, and evidence-based system that is successfully embedded within national digital health infrastructures.

The Executive Director's success will be measured collaboratively, focusing on KPIs related to impact and sustainability, and they will work alongside experienced clinical, technical, and academic leads.

Location: Remote within 2-3 hours of Central Africa Time (CAT), with approximately quarterly travel (including to Malawi, Zimbabwe and the UK).

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Key Responsibilities

1. Operations, Clinical Safety & Quality Assurance

1.1. Senior Operational Oversight: Provide high-level oversight of Neotree’s operations across 18 healthcare facilities in Malawi and Zimbabwe, ensuring that the "baby-first" mission is consistently delivered on the ground.

1.2. Clinical Safety & Ethical Governance: Lead the overarching strategy for clinical safety and ethical compliance. Ensure the platform remains a safe and effective clinical tool, and that all operations comply with international data protection and health governance best practices.

1.3. Quality & Effectiveness: Oversee the continuous improvement and optimisation of the Neotree platform based on real-world feedback from frontline clinical staff, ensuring the system remains highly acceptable and trusted by healthcare professionals.

2. Management: People, Grants & Finance

2.1. International Team Leadership: Lead, oversee and inspire a multi-disciplinary, multi-country team (UK, Malawi, Zimbabwe, South Africa), fostering a culture of agility, collaboration, and excellence.

2.2. Develop local leadership and support the growth of country-based teams, ensuring long-term sustainability through in-country capacity building.

2.3. Financial & Grant Management:

2.3.1. Provide robust oversight of the charity’s finances, including budget setting and cash flow.

2.3.2. Lead the management of complex institutional grants (e.g. FCDO, Gates Foundation), ensuring all milestones and reporting requirements are met.

2.3.3. Manage relationships with multiple downstream partners.

3. Governance & Accountability

3.1. Statutory Compliance: Lead Neotree’s reporting and compliance with the Charity Commission, HMRC, Companies House, donors and other relevant legislation. Oversee internal and external audits.

3.2. Board Development & Relations: Act as the primary link to the Board of Trustees, providing transparent reporting on risks, financial performance, and strategic progress. Work proactively with the Chair to strengthen the board, supporting its growth and ensuring its membership is representative of the diverse international contexts and communities Neotree serves.

3.3. Risk Management: Serve as the ultimate lead for organisational risk, identifying and mitigating risks to protect the charity’s reputation, clinical safety, and financial health.

3.4. Organisational & Innovation Governance: Responsible for the continuous review and implementation of all policies (HR, due diligence, safeguarding, clinical and data governance etc.). Ensure policies are legally compliant across international operations.

4. Strategy & Impact Scaling

4.1. Overall Strategy: Lead the development and execution of Neotree’s business model and strategy to scale impact globally, ensuring the sustainable growth and wider adoption of Neotree as a digital public good.

4.2. Evidence base: Work closely with Neotree’s academic team at University College London to identify and address evidence gaps, to support on Neotree research grants (e.g. NIHR, Gates Foundation), and to ensure academic insights are translated directly into clinical impact and national policy.

4.3. Tech Strategy & Interoperability: Lead the development and execution of Neotree's digital strategy. A key focus will be driving the roadmap for system interoperability to ensure Neotree is a future-proofed platform. This includes FHIR compatibility and integration with national systems, such as DHIS2 and national EHRs, to support seamless data exchange.

4.4. Fundraising Strategy: Design and deliver a diverse fundraising strategy that further moves the organisation toward financial resilience and reduced dependence on major academic grants.

4.5. Partnerships & External Relations: Serve as one of the primary ambassadors for Neotree, alongside our Principal Investigators and co-founder Professor Michelle Heys. Define priority stakeholders, and build and maintain relationships with those high-level strategic partners to drive adoption and raise Neotree’s profile.

Key Priorities for the First 12-18 Months

The new Executive Director will focus on the following key priorities during their initial 12-18 months:

1. Successful Project Delivery & Ministry of Health Partnerships. Ensure successful delivery of the projects currently in flight, in both Malawi and Zimbabwe. This includes partnerships with the Ministries of Health in both countries to build and hand over neonatal modules in their EHR systems based on Neotree, and support their successful rollout.

2. Strategic Plan Development. Develop a 3-5 year plan with the Board, academic partners, and wider project team to build on our existing foundation to expand Neotree – including addressing research gaps, using AI to improve clinical decision support, and finding ways to expand the adoption of the technology in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and beyond. Sustainability is a core part of that strategy.

3. Strategic Plan Execution. Execute on that plan, including securing funding, building partnerships, and further developing the Neotree team.

Person Specification

Personal attributes and skillset

• Overall: Values-driven, mission alignment, humility, and commitment to equitable partnership.
• Visionary Leadership: An inspiring leader who can balance day-to-day operations with a long-term strategic focus. You can articulate a clear future for Neotree that motivates an international team and aligns global partners toward making Neotree a national standard of care, ensuring every innovation remains underpinned by our "baby-first" mission.
• Adaptability & Flexibility: You must thrive in a landscape that is constantly shifting. You can pivot strategies as national digital health priorities evolve or as new technological partners emerge. You are comfortable with ambiguity and can steer the organisation through the "unknowns" of the next five+ years.
• Communication & Collaborative Mindset: You are a bridge-builder. You have a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across international borders and multidisciplinary partners, linking academic research, technical development, and frontline clinical delivery.

Experience

1. Education: Master’s degree (MSc, MPH, MBA) in a relevant field (e.g. Global Health, International Development, Digital Health).

2. Proven track record of overseeing delivery of health services and/or health interventions (ideally in low-resource settings).

3. Experience of working in partnership with Ministries of Health strengthening health systems.

4. Proven experience in scaling an organisation or a digital product / health intervention from a pilot phase to a national or regional standard.

5. Experience of leading multidisciplinary, multi-cultural teams, both in person and remotely.

6. Experience of monitoring and evaluating health programmes.

7. Experience managing complex grants, and diverse revenue streams (grants, philanthropy, or social enterprise models).

Desirable

• AI & Innovation: Understanding of the ethical and practical implications of integrating AI/Machine Learning into healthcare.
• Governance: Familiarity with UK charity governance, including reporting to the Charity Commission and Companies House.

Equal opportunities

Neotree values diversity and is committed to equal opportunities. All applicants for employment will receive equal treatment without discrimination on grounds of gender, race, ethnic or national origins, disability, gender identity or sexual orientation, or any other grounds. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from candidates from minority ethnic backgrounds, and the low-resource settings in which we work, to ensure we have a well-balanced and widely representative staff base.