Senior finance business partner jobs in milton keynes
Corporate Partnerships Development Manager FT £40,000 remote
Are you passionate about building meaningful partnerships that transform girls' lives? We're looking for a strategic and energetic Corporate Partnerships Development Manager to grow our corporate income at GFS. You'll develop existing and secure new long-term, values-aligned partnerships, lead on employee fundraising and challenge events, and shape our annual fundraising campaigns including International Day of the Girl and International Women's Day.
About Girls Friendly Society
Established in 1875, GFS is one of the oldest UK registered charities working to support girls and young women. We believe in challenging gender inequality by empowering girls and young women. We achieve this by providing groups and opportunities for girls and young women to build friendships, gain confidence, and learn that they are unstoppable. We deliver a programme of activities designed to develop socio-emotional skills such as confidence, self-esteem, emotional wellbeing, and resilience, and recruit and train women volunteers to run those activities in a space designed for girls and young women. We prioritise working in areas of disadvantage.
Why Join Us?
At GFS, we believe in creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where our team can thrive. As part of our organisation, you'll enjoy:
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Remote working with annual in-person opportunities to connect with colleagues 25 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays
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Long service leave after two years
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GFS Pension Scheme with 7.5% employer contribution
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We embrace flexible working and support our employees to work in ways that suit their individual circumstances and responsibilities.
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24-hour access to Employee Assistance Programme
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Season ticket loan
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Annual EDI Learning Days
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Study time and personal training budget to support your professional development
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
GFS is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from marginalised communities including Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled people, and those from underrepresented groups.
As part of our commitment to equitable recruitment, we guarantee interviews for candidates from marginalised communities who meet the essential criteria for the role. We are also committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace. If you require any adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure an accessible and inclusive process.
Key Dates
· Closing date: Noon, Tuesday 11th November 2025
· First Stage Interviews: Tuesday 25th &Thursday 27th November 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Trust and Foundations Manager £38,250 Full time remote
Are you passionate about securing funding that transforms girls' lives? We're looking for a strategic and organised Trusts and Foundations Manager to maintain and expand our trusts and foundations portfolio at GFS. You'll lead the full fundraising lifecycle from prospect research and compelling application writing to grant management, reporting and stewardship, while embedding our fundraising strategy and building values-aligned partnerships.
About Girls Friendly Society
Established in 1875, GFS is one of the oldest UK registered charities working to support girls and young women. We believe in challenging gender inequality by empowering girls and young women. We achieve this by providing groups and opportunities for girls and young women to build friendships, gain confidence, and learn that they are unstoppable. We deliver a programme of activities designed to develop socio-emotional skills such as confidence, self-esteem, emotional wellbeing, and resilience, and recruit and train women volunteers to run those activities in a space designed for girls and young women. We prioritise working in areas of disadvantage.
Why Join Us?
At GFS, we believe in creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where our team can thrive. As part of our organisation, you'll enjoy:
- Remote working with annual in-person opportunities to connect with colleagues
- 25 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays
- Long service leave after two years
- GFS Pension Scheme with 7.5% employer contribution
- We embrace flexible working and support our employees to work in ways that suit their individual circumstances and responsibilities.
- 24-hour access to Employee Assistance Programme
- Annual EDI Learning Days
- Study time and personal training budget to support your professional development
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
GFS is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from marginalised communities including Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled people, and those from underrepresented groups.
As part of our commitment to equitable recruitment, we guarantee interviews for candidates from marginalised communities who meet the essential criteria for the role. We are also committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace. If you require any adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure an accessible and inclusive process.
Key Dates
- Closing date: Noon, Tuesday 4th November 2025
- First Stage Interviews: Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th November 2025
- Second Stage Interviews: Wednesday 26th November 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
POST
Finance and Operations Manager
RESPONSIBLE FOR
Overseeing Operations at every level of the organisation, with line management responsibility for some of the team, Project and Workstream Coordinators (approximately 5 direct reports) plus some external consultants and contractors.
SALARY & HOURS OF WORK
Part Time – 4 days a week (30 hours)
Salary: Gross £40,000 pro rata £32,000
Term - Permanent
Annual Leave Entitlement - 31 days including public and bank holidays Pro Rata
Pension: Workplace pension contributions of 5% per month will be paid by NUM
LOCATION OF THE POST HOLDER
The post holder will be predominantly remote working but will be required to attend the head office and drop-in in Manchester, drop-in spaces in Glasgow and London, and support staff members nationally. The post involves some travel throughout the UK and some work outside of office hours. All equipment required for remote working will be provided and costs for travel will be covered.
ROLE SUMMARY
We are looking for a Finance and Operations Manager to support the CEO in the day-to-day running of our charity. The NUM CEO develops the overall vision of the organisation, while the Operations Manager is responsible to carry out the vision.
To be successful in this role, you should have experience as a manager in a position of public trust, have excellent financial, organisational, and communications skills, as well as being a problem-solver with work experience in high-pressure work environments. The Finance and Operations Manager must be versatile in their understanding of the larger vision and as well as the fine details and tactics needed to achieve NUM's goals.
The successful candidate will work in an agile manner to ensure the charity continues to be proactive and innovative, while also being responsive to the changing landscape within the sector and the international sex worker rights and safety movement. As part of supporting the operations of NUM, the successful candidate will provide resources, information and support to NUM Managers and Coordinators across diverse projects, workstreams and teams, to achieve aspects of the organisation’s mandate of 'ending all forms of violence against sex workers' and eliminating the conditions that lead to poverty and survival sex work.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
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At least 3 years' work experience as a Manager, Project or Programme Manager or similar role that requires oversight of a whole system, business, operation or organisation Experience leading remote or hybrid teams is desired. This includes time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks, lead team meetings and support members to manage resources, timelines and project budgets, etc.
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At least two years’ experience in grant writing and fund development, as well as in financial management, with a demonstrated ability to co-develop budgets, cashflow forecasts and financial reporting as well as oversee banking activities and work with accountants and Trustees to ensure NUM’s financial health.
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Knowledge of the charity sector, the day-to-day running of a charity, business or similar organisation, and familiarity with the work of National Ugly Mugs and other sex worker-serving and sex worker-led organisations.
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Excellent leadership and delegation skills and experience.
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Ability to support and execute on elements of NUM's policies and strategic plan.
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Experience and training in Safeguarding and the ability to integrate appropriate safeguarding into all aspects of NUM services.
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Exemplary critical thinking and problem-solving skills and experience.
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Excellent IT skills and familiarity with CRM systems, applications and digital platforms and services, particularly Google Workplace, QuickBooks, the Microsoft Office Suite, as well as Slack, Trello, and other project management programs and tools.
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Experience in Human Resource Management and monitoring performance across diverse teams.
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Exceptional verbal and written communications skills, with the ability to engage in knowledge translation within NUM and with external partners, funders and other stakeholders.
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A demonstrated ability to be discrete and confidential as part of working on sensitive issues within a diverse staff team, and to be tactful and strategic in challenging social and political climates.
Applications close on 31st October 2025 at 5pm BST.
Please send a CV (max 3 pages) and a cover letter (max 3 pages) to admin[at]nationaluglymugs[dot]org with your name and ‘Finance and Operations’ in the subject line.
Your cover letter should set out why you are interested in the post, and demonstrating with specific examples from your experience and qualifications, how you are the right person for this role. The Job Description PDF contains full guidance on what to include in your cover letter.
If you would like to request any adjustments or have any questions in relation to the role, please email in confidence. We will do our best to meet your needs.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about community creativity and skilled at building strategic partnerships? Creative Lives is seeking an experienced, dynamic individual to drive our place-based work across Scotland and the wider UK.
As Place Director, you will lead the development of new creative place projects that strengthen local cultural infrastructure, support everyday creativity, and build community wellbeing. You will represent Creative Lives nationally, work closely with local authorities and partners to secure funding, and champion our mission to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to express themselves creatively.
We are looking for someone with a proven track record in business development, confident in approaching senior decision-makers, and experienced in securing contracts or commissions with local authorities, funders or partners. You will bring strong communication and negotiation skills, leadership experience, and a deep understanding of Scotland’s cultural landscape.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in a charity that has championed community and volunteer-led creativity for over 30 years
Building Creative Communities We champion, support, promote and nurture local creative groups in order to build more sustainable communities
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Organisation
This is a well-established national charity with an income in excess of £100 million, playing a vital role in supporting people affected by a major health condition. The organisation is values-driven, impact-focused, and undergoing continuous improvement in its financial operations. The Finance & Assurance directorate is a trusted partner across the charity, enabling better decision-making through high-quality financial insight and compliance.
The Job
As Financial Accountant, you'll lead a small team and report to the Head of Financial Accounting. You'll be responsible for producing accurate financial statements, managing audit deliverables, ensuring compliance with charity and company law, and driving improvements in financial processes and reporting. This is a hands-on technical role with leadership responsibilities, requiring collaboration across finance, systems, and planning teams to deliver a seamless finance function.
Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing statutory accounts and technical accounting adjustments
- Leading year-end processes and audit engagement
- Ensuring compliance with VAT, Corporation Tax, and Gift Aid
- Driving system and process improvements
- Supporting and developing Associate Accountants
The Person
You'll be a qualified (or part-qualified with suitable experience) accountant with strong technical expertise in SORP/FRS102 and experience in a large, complex organisation. You'll bring a track record of producing high-quality financial reports, managing audits, and improving performance through data and collaboration.We're looking for someone who:
- Communicates confidently with senior stakeholders
- Builds high-performing, accountable teams
- Is resilient, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement
- Works collaboratively across departments and disciplines
- Champions inclusion and values-driven leadership
What's in it for You?
- A meaningful role in a purpose-led organisation making a real difference - Remote working with occasional office attendance
- Competitive salary in the region of £50,000-£55,000
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with service
- Up to 8% employer pension contribution
- Life assurance and income protection
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Season ticket loan and cycle-to-work scheme
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression
- A collaborative, high-support environment focused on learning and impact
What to Do Now
If you're a technically strong accountant who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, I'd love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.
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Head of Income Generation and Marketing
- FTE £37- £42k dependant on experience.
- 35 hours a week (flexible for right candidate).
- Home based with travel for events and meetings.
The PDA Society is looking to recruit its first ever Head of role and we believe the right person could be transformative for our organisation. We are a small charity that makes a big impact – and we are excited to recruit someone who is hands on, pragmatic and experienced in raising income onto our team.
We are looking for a goal oriented, entrepreneurial individual who can help us maximise our fundraised and earned income through effective relationships and online communications. Over the next three years, we must significantly expand our free services and support offers for the people who most need them – and this role will be entrusted with ensuring we can afford to do that.
You will be part of a fast moving, high performing team who are determined to make a difference. This is a small organisation where senior team members do as well as plan. So while you’ll be setting direction and leading strategy, you’ll also be rolling your sleeves up and delivering directly alongside colleagues. You’ll be supported by a small communications team and a small budget to commission trust applications, and you’ll hold responsibility for maintaining trust funder relationships and ensuring reporting is timely and accurate.
If you have provable experience in growing income in a small charity or training organisation, are excited by growth, and want to make a difference to some of the most underserved disabled people in the UK this could be the job for you.
Our mission is to improve the lives of PDA children, PDA adults and their families. We are working hard to build awareness and understanding.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
We are building a compassionate and high performing organisation at Kentown Support. We are
looking for an ambitious, energetic and collaborative colleague who has both a passion for their work
and the difference it can make to children and their families. This is a pivotal leadership role and
opportunity to join an incredible charity at the beginning of its journey offering a real opportunity to
shape our future success
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Working within the Development and Outreach Department, (responsible for fundraising, marketing and communications) the Partnerships Team crafts and steward collaborations with companies and brands, in the UK and globally, to generate significant income, raise awareness of WDC brand and work and advocate for positive action.
The Partnerships manager:
- is responsible for developing and implementing a strategy, alongside the corporate engagement lead, to deliver an agreed annual income target, across charitable and trading activities and facilitate valuable in-kind support for WDC.
- is required to expertly research, develop, manage, and enhance relationships with new and existing partners across a diverse range of sectors.
- will be an adept communicator, capable of thinking on their feet, delivering inspiring pitches with authority and securing buy in from colleagues across WDC, and external stakeholders.
- will lead a varied and exciting area of fundraising, covering a diverse range of activities and opportunities which involves balancing the needs of WDC colleagues with external partners.
A world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Glitch is going through an exciting period of transformation! We are developing our AI governance and algorithmic discrimination work, and further formalising our Black feminist underpinning. This role will be integral in ensuring that our mission, theory of change, and advocacy work sync up and fulfil their objectives and aims.
You’ll take a leading role in shaping and implementing our strategy to fulfil our mission. You will be responsible for setting the advocacy strategy alongside our Executive Director, which encompasses policy, research and campaigns elements of our overall advocacy strategy and work plan.
Our mission is to ensure that internet technologies in the information ecosystem do not replicate or further discrimination to Black women and other marginalised people. We’re a Black-led, transnationally-focused remote charity, with the majority of our staff in the UK. Our Executive Director (“ED”) travels frequently to Europe and elsewhere for business. This role will be expected to deputise for the ED at external events.
Our advocacy encompasses research, policy influencing and campaigning on tech-facilitated gender-based violence, algorithmic discrimination, platform governance and other technology-related harms impacting race and gender injustice. We advocate on behalf of those excluded and ignored.
Role Overview
This position reports to Glitch’s Executive Director. Glitch is a distributed charity, and this is a remote position. You’ll work in a collaborative environment with a team and different stakeholders (civil society, parliamentarians, grassroots organisations, and our focal population) to achieve our mission.
We are seeking a highly effective strategic leader and experienced team manager. To be successful at Glitch, the Advocacy Director must demonstrate an understanding of, and passion for Black feminist thought, and the ability to translate this critical social theory into organisational work, specifically towards systemic change with/in: tech policy, digital rights, AI governance and legislation, and tech-facilitated gender-based violence as it relates to broader social media platform governance. The Advocacy Director will also support fundraising and programme strategy (when necessary and appropriate).
Key Details
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Contract type: Permanent
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Hours: Full-time (32 hours per week - Monday to Thursday)
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Benefits:
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Four-day work week (Fridays off)
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5% employer pension contribution (with minimum 3% employee contribution)
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Wellbeing budget; learning and development budget
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23 days annual leave (pro-rata for four-day work week, inc bank holidays)
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Private healthcare & additional paid sick days
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Two-week December shutdown for the holiday period (not deducted from annual leave).
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Location: Remote, home-based; anywhere in the UK (UTC-0)
Hiring requirements: must have the right to work in the UK.
Main Responsibilities
As Advocacy Director, you will play an important role in working towards our mission in several core areas:
Advocacy - Policy (75%)
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Identify new opportunities and respond to external developments, in the UK and transnationally where appropriate, on the issues of AI governance and platform governance, non-criminal redress for tech harms, and alt-right, fascism, and platform power.
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Ensure the delivery of the Mitigation strand of advocacy work.
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Oversee the updating of Glitch’s policy positions and recommendations and put forward proposals around new and emerging policy positions.
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Manage associated advocacy budgets and feed into reporting requirements for all Mitigation strand work.
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Lead on all external policy requests (regulatory consultations, statements, joint letters).
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Develop and implement creative and influential campaigns to help us meet our strategic objectives and mission.
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Work with the Programmes Director to ensure alignment with the Organising strand of advocacy work, identifying Mitigation opportunities to fulfil the theory of change.
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Maintain thorough knowledge of all aspects of our work and keep informed of external affairs - domestically and transnationally.
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Support in the development and commissioning of new research and campaigns in specific issue areas identified in our strategy, especially in the Imagining strands of our work.
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Maintain good knowledge of practices across the sector and relevant work happening in other organisations around our core issue areas.
Influencing and Stakeholder Management (10%)
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Develop clear plans for influencing and change, working closely with the ED to agree allocation of responsibilities and areas to maximise impact.
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Build strong relationships with external stakeholders.
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Operate as the deputy to the ED for representing Glitch at meetings where a senior Glitch representative is required, especially for government and ecosystem events or meetings in the UK and Europe.
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Develop briefings and agendas ahead of and for Glitch meetings with Ministers and officials, Parliamentarians and other key stakeholders.
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Maintain our records of interactions with key individuals and organisations in our CRM system, in line with good practice around data protection and GDPR.
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Represent Glitch through writing blogs and commentary on all of our core issue areas.
Strategy and development (10%)
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Contribute to the development, delivery and evaluation of our organisational strategy.
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Lead on the implementation of the Mitigation and Imagining strand of our advocacy framework, supporting the ED with strategy development.
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Ensure that resources are deployed effectively to progress and achieve our aims for change, particularly within our Mitigation and Organising strands of work, in collaboration with the Programmes Director.
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Carry out measurement, evaluation and learning of our Mitigation and Imagining strands of our advocacy work plan.
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Develop reactive advocacy strategies in response to changing policy, legislative or government shifts.
Leadership and people management (5%)
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Lead and role-model a high-performance, inclusive culture that is grounded in our organisational values.
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Ensure resources are applied effectively and appropriately within the advocacy function.
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Ensure that delivery of advocacy work is aligned with agreed objectives and key performance indicators, through the effective management of staff and other resources.
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Work with the Finance Director to ensure accurate allocations of advocacy personnel time.
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Line manage and coach direct reports effectively, empowering them to thrive and fulfil their potential. Such work would include: developing learning and development plans for advocacy team members in collaboration with direct reports, and running annual performance reviews.
As a charity working to ensure technologies do not replicate or extend discrimination of marginalised communities, we are committed to providing equal opportunities for employment on our team. All applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We strongly encourage Black women and gender-expansive people to apply!
How to Apply
Please fill in the application form here: https://forms.gle/UahkQXowBB2m1Yan9
You will be required to upload your CV and answer some questions. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we strongly suggest applying sooner rather than later. We will stop reviewing applications on 15th November, 2025. Ideally, we are looking for someone who is able to start immediately, but will wait for the right candidate.
Successful candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview within two weeks of the closing date.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join Evolve Music as our next Executive Director — and lead a creative, purpose-driven charity using music to change lives across the South West.
We’re looking for an inspiring, strategic and compassionate leader to guide Evolve into its next exciting chapter.
Since 2017, Evolve Music has grown into one of the South West’s leading community music organisations, working in partnership with health, education and cultural organisations to deliver inclusive, creative and high-impact programmes. From Sound Lab for neurodivergent young people to Dads Rock for fathers and male caregivers, our work reaches thousands each year, using music as a catalyst for wellbeing, confidence and connection.
As Executive Director, you’ll shape our strategic vision, lead fundraising and partnership development, and nurture a talented and passionate team. If you believe in the power of music to transform lives, we’d love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
JOB TITLE: Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications
LOCATION: Flexible, with regular travel to London
RESPONSIBLE TO: Chief Executive
DIRECT REPORTS: Senior Trusts & Grants Manager, Marketing Manager, Fundraising Manager
HOURS OF WORK: Full time, 35 hours per week
DURATION: SALARY / GRADE: £65,000 to £75,000 (dependent on experience) plus benefits
TEAM SIZE: 6 FTE (with growth plans of up to 12 fte by 2030)
JOB PROFILE
ABOUT ADOPTION UK
Adoption UK is the leading national voice for adoptive families. We exist to ensure that every child and young person who cannot grow up with their birth parents gets the right support at the right time – from childhood into adulthood.
Every year, thousands of children in the UK are adopted – most having experienced trauma, loss, or neglect. Adoption transforms their futures, but it is rarely the end of the story. Adoptive families face unique challenges: children struggling to trust, thrive in school, or feel safe; parents battling to secure the right support; young people navigating identity and belonging. Without the right help, too many families reach breaking point. Adoption UK is there to change this. We are a lifeline for families – offering community, advice, advocacy, and practical support. We champion their voices with government and professionals, driving changes in policy and practice so that no adoptive family feels they are facing the journey alone.
With over 6,000 members, strong credibility with policymakers, and a powerful lived experience community, we are uniquely placed to influence change. Our mission is urgent and nationally significant: to ensure that every adoptive family can thrive, and every adopted child has the chance to fulfil their potential.
DIRECTORATE PURPOSE
The Fundraising, Marketing and Communications directorate is responsible for:
• Income generation across trusts and foundations, corporates, major donors, community fundraising, public donations, and legacies, alongside relationships with commissioners and public sector funders.
• Partnership development, engaging businesses, philanthropists, trusts, and volunteers.
• Marketing of services and membership to families, adoptees, commissioners, and professionals in health, education, and social care.
• Awareness raising and thought leadership, ensuring adoption and permanence issues have a strong voice nationally.
Currently a team of six, the directorate has strong ambitions to grow in size and scope, with scope to re-imagine its structure to meet future needs.
THE ROLE
This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of fundraising, marketing and communications at a charity of national importance.
As Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications you will:
• Build unrestricted income in a competitive funding environment
• Lead the transformation of Adoption UK’s income model, scaling from £500k to £2m+ contribution (by 2030) to organisational income growth from a £4.2m baseline.
• Develop and deliver a bold, integrated fundraising, marketing, and communications strategy.
• Build Adoption UK’s brand and profile with families, adoptees, commissioners, policymakers, funders, and the wider public.
• Inspire, coach, and grow a talented team, embedding a culture of confidence, creativity, and innovation.
• Personally cultivate and steward high-value donor, corporate, and foundation relationships, working with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and ambassadors.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
• Lead the design and delivery of a multi-year fundraising, marketing, and communications strategy aligned to organisational priorities.
• Act as a cultural change leader, shifting from risk-averse to confident, outward-facing engagement.
• Contribute fully to the Senior Leadership Team, influencing strategy, governance, and financial planning.
Income Growth & Diversification
• Oversee all voluntary income streams – trusts, major donors, corporates, community/public fundraising, legacies – while also strengthening public sector and commissioning relationships.
• Oversee marketing and growth of membership as a core element of income and impact.
• Deliver long-term growth targets.
• Use and promote data-driven decision-making, supporter journeys, and digital fundraising/marketing effectively.
• Design and deliver a signature annual Showcase event, alongside new products such as a Giving Circle and Corporate Club, ensuring clear ROI and upgrade potential.
• Personally lead cultivation of transformational donor and partner relationships, supported by trustees, ambassadors, and patrons.
• Identify and test new funding streams and partnerships to diversify income and reduce risk.
Marketing & Communications
• Oversee a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy covering fundraising, membership, services, training, campaigns, and advocacy.
• Ensure a compelling and consistent case for support and brand identity across all channels.
• Raise Adoption UK’s national profile with media, commissioners, professionals, and the public.
• Lead digital transformation: CRM upgrade, supporter journeys, analytics, social media, and digital marketing.
• Manage media relations and reputation, including crisis communications alongside the CEO.
Team Leadership & Culture
• Lead, inspire, and grow a team of talented and motivated individuals.
• Model authentic, adaptive, and inclusive leadership – balancing ambition with staff wellbeing.
• Act as a coach and mentor, supporting professional growth and building the next generation of leaders.
• Champion Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and embed values-led behaviours across the team and all external engagement.
• Foster cross-organisational collaboration so fundraising and marketing are understood and supported across Adoption UK.
Financial & Governance
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, and ROI analysis for the directorate.
• Report regularly to CEO and Board of Trustees on progress, opportunities, and risks.
• Lead fundraising due-diligence and reputational risk processes, with regular reporting to Trustee-led committees (e.g. Finance & Risk).
• Ensure compliance with the Fundraising Code, GDPR, charity law, and safeguarding standards.
• Embed robust CRM, data, and analytics to support continuous improvement.
External Engagement
• Act as a visible ambassador for Adoption UK with donors, corporates, trusts and foundations, policymakers, and media.
• In collaboration with the CEO and Chair, direct ambassadors and patrons to open doors, advocate, and steward transformational relationships.
• Represent Adoption UK externally at events, forums, and national platforms.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
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Significant experience leading multi-stream fundraising, with success in at least two of: trusts, corporates, major donors, public fundraising.
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Experience developing marketing and communications strategies beyond fundraising – including brand, service promotion, membership, campaigns, and digital engagement.
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Track record of delivering growth, innovation, or transformation in income and/or organisational profile.
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Strong people leadership skills: ability to coach, inspire, and develop staff, including senior managers.
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Exceptional relationship-builder – credible with philanthropists, corporates, trustees, commissioners, and media.
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Strategic thinker with financial acumen (budgets, ROI, investment planning).
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Authentic communicator with excellent storytelling ability.
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Commitment to Adoption UK’s mission and values, with an inclusive and collaborative leadership style.
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Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of role at all times.
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Contributes to an open and honest culture
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Supports, encourages, and motivates colleagues.
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Encourages challenge, creativity and innovation.
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Leads by example.
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Values transparency and consistency.
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Understands the role of individual and collective accountability.
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Actively contributes to Adoption UK’s mission.
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Has a clear understanding of other colleagues’ roles and responsibilities
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Shares skills and knowledge.
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Promotes Cross Functional team working.
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Offers outstanding service to members.
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Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values in all interactions with external stakeholders.
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Identifies and uses the most appropriate form of communication.
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Communicates clearly, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others.
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Treats colleagues and other stakeholders with respect, honesty, fairness and courtesy
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Is responsive to colleagues, third party professionals and service users.
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Takes pride in own development.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
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Enthusiastic and committed to achieving high standards and meeting agreed objectives.
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Takes an active interest in recognising professional and personal development needs and priorities within Adoption UK.
Desirable
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Experience in child welfare, family support, education, or adoption.
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Evidence of leading digital transformation in fundraising, marketing, or CRM.
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Existing networks in philanthropy, corporate CSR/ESG, or foundations relevant to Adoption UK’s mission.
This role profile is a guide to the nature of the work required and may involve other such duties as deemed necessary by the Organisation. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive. The role profile will be reviewed with the post-holder at significant points for the Organisation.
Postholder is expected to abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice, and to work within a framework of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.
The Opportunity
This is more than a fundraising role — it is an opportunity to lead transformational change for a cause of national importance. You will:
• Shape and lead a directorate spanning fundraising, marketing, and communications.
• Deliver transformational income growth and secure Adoption UK’s sustainability.
• Build Adoption UK’s brand and reputation as the national champion for adoptive families.
• Market services, membership, and campaigns so more families and professionals engage with our work.
• Lead cultural change, inspiring a confident, outward-facing, and innovative fundraising and marketing function.
Few roles offer such scope to combine fundraising growth, brand leadership, and culture change in a mission of such national importance. This is your chance to make a lasting impact – on Adoption UK, on your career, and on thousands of children and families across the UK.
Timetable:
The closing date for this role is 20th October 2025. However, Adoption UK reserves the right to end the application period sooner so we would recommend you complete the application form as soon as possible.
Shortlisting will be carried out on 22 to 24 October 2025 and you should be notified of an outcome within fifteen working days of the closing date.
The panel will shortlist based on those applicants who best meet the criteria for the role.
The date(s) scheduled for first interviews will be 3rd November 2025. These dates may be subject to change and applications will be advised in advance should this happen.
Adoption UK is the leading charity for adopted and care experienced people and adoptive families.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.