Senior finance business partner jobs in nottingham

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 

Join Mersey Rivers Trust and Help Make a Real Impact for Rivers, Wildlife and Communities! 

Are you a skilled finance and governance professional looking to use your expertise for good? Mersey Rivers Trust is seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and help shape the future of our environmental charity. 

We’re a passionate team working to protect and restore rivers across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire — and we need someone like you to ensure our finances and governance are as strong as our mission. 

APPLICANTS MUST LIVE WITHIN OR CLOSE TO THE MERSEY CATCHMENT – APPLICATIONS FROM OUTSIDE THIS AREA CANNOT BE CONSIDERED.

The Mersey Rivers Trust (MRT) is an environmental charity focussing on the protection and enhancement of rivers and waterbodies in the Mersey Catchment. It operates in an area covering Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire. We have an annual turnover of c£1m and employ 19 staff delivering up to 30 projects per year. The Trust works with partners, local communities, and volunteers to deliver a wide range of projects including river restoration, reduction of flood risk by Natural Flood Management techniques, river monitoring, volunteer events (eg river clean-ups/invasive species control and citizen science), community engagement and education events, farm advice/plans and biodiversity net gain. The Trust continues to evolve to meet the increasing challenges of protecting and enhancing rivers and waterbodies in the catchment.

We are seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the Trust’s finance, governance, and back-office functions. This is a pivotal role focused on ensuring financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and effective charity governance. While not involved in field-based project delivery, the Finance Manager plays a strategic role in supporting the organisation’s mission by enabling robust financial planning, reporting, and operational support. You will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees, and project teams to ensure the Trust remains financially resilient and well-governed.

As the Finance and Governance Manager, you should possess expertise in financial control and reporting, allowing you to effectively handle delegated responsibilities. Your numerical skills and critical thinking abilities will enable you to proactively address challenges and streamline processes. 

The role holder will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The role will also include direct line management responsibilities of the Administration Officer. 

If you are a motivated financial professional with a passion for driving organisational success, we invite you to apply and contribute to our team’s growth. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the management of the back-office function and Charity governance of MRT.
• Act as the Company Secretary to ensure compliance with financial and legal requirements, as well as maintaining high standards of Charity governance.
• Work with the Chief Executive Officer to prepare and manage budgets, provide input to the Trust’s business plan and strategic initiatives.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Provide financial insight and analysis to support strategic decision-making and long-term planning.
• Support the development and implementation of organisational policies and procedures to ensure good governance.
• Act as a key liaison with the Board of Trustees, preparing and presenting financial and governance reports to inform oversight and decision-making.
• Lead on the development of internal controls and risk management strategies to safeguard the Trust’s assets and reputation.
• Oversee all payments, manage cash flow, income and claims.
• Support financial planning for grant funding applications to support delivery of our objectives.
• Line management of the Administration Officer.
• Renew the annual insurance policy ensuring adequate cover and value for money.
• Maintain, oversee, and update all project management reporting systems on time and to budget (including timesheets, expenses and monthly reports).
• Complete all necessary reports and keep suitable records in line with the funding requirements and document retention policy.
• Highlight any new risks and issues identified whilst carrying out duties, and work with the team to manage and resolve them.
• Fulfil duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.
• Any other reasonable duties as required by MRT.

The post holder will be home based with travel throughout the Mersey catchment. The applicant will need to live within or close to the Mersey catchment to facilitate regular travel to meetings. Remote working from other parts of the country cannot be considered for this role due to the need for regular face-to-face interactions. 

Candidate profile

Essential

• A financial control and reporting background, qualification or qualified by experience. 
• Experience of organisational governance, ideally with knowledge of UK General Accounting Practice and Charities regulations.
• Experience of financial and management reporting within a small to medium-sized organisation.
• Experience of liaising with accountants to prepare annual accounts and reports required by the Charity Commission.
• Experience of cash flow forecasting.
• Familiarity with Xero financial and project management software (or similar).
• A confident and clear communicator with the ability to communicate financial information in an appropriate manner for non-financial trustees and staff.
• Aptitude in problem-solving.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively from home with strong communication skills and with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work flexibly across the working week when necessary.
• Ability to prioritise and plan activities to meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent literacy, numeracy and report-writing skills.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Good computer literacy skills (e.g. with Excel, Word, PowerPoint and project reporting systems).
• A reliable team player with good attendance and work performance.
• Ability to set performance objectives and ensure these are achieved.
• Excellent organisational / admin skills and attention to detail.

Desirable

• Experience in financial planning for funding applications.
• Experience of working in the charity or not for profit sector.
• Understanding of small-scale charitable trading.
• Experience of commercial contract management.
• Experience of managing an IT service provider.
• Knowledge of the Mersey Catchment.
• Good network of contacts in the sector. 

General notes

• Some travel around the Mersey Catchment will be necessary therefore a current driving licence and access to a vehicle (insured for business use) is desirable or otherwise access to public transport networks. 
• This position will from time to time require work during some evenings, weekends and public holidays to meet the needs of the post. A time-off in lieu system is operated by the Trust.
• We will also require the successfully applicant to undergo a basic DBS check and provide satisfactory references from previous employers.

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 

• 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. 

• 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.

• 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.

• Excellent leadership and delegation skills and experience. 

• Ability to support and execute on elements of NUM's policies and strategic plan. 

• Experience and training in Safeguarding and the ability to integrate appropriate safeguarding into all aspects of NUM services.

• Exemplary critical thinking and problem-solving skills and experience.

• 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.

• Experience in Human Resource Management and monitoring performance across diverse teams. 

• Exceptional verbal and written communications skills, with the ability to engage in knowledge translation within NUM and with external partners, funders and other stakeholders. 

• 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.

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.

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

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

This is a brand new influential role designed to support our CEO in building our organisational fitness for the future through its infrastructure, including health & safety, people management, data and technology, and the running of our building at Chaucer Street.

It is a wonderful opportunity to lead the creation of sustainable mechanisms to improve ways of working in the challenging and evolving charity services sector. It is a role that will directly enable our front-line teams to spend more time with and create improved outcomes with the women we are here to support.

About us

Nottingham Women’s Centre is a women’s community and services space dedicated to helping women to overcome barriers, have their voices heard and seek solutions that create a better future for themselves. We do this by offering a network of services that include counselling, advice and guidance, courses, health and well-being activities, volunteering, focussed campaigning and activism.

General Description

We are looking for an experienced Operational Lead to join our senior leadership team at an exciting point of change and development for the organisation.  This is a brand new  influential role designed to support our CEO in building our organisational fitness for the future through its infrastructure, including health & safety, people management, data and technology and the running of our building at Chaucer Street.  It is a wonderful opportunity to lead on the creation of sustainable mechanisms to improve ways of working in the challenging and evolving charity services sector.  It is a role that will directly enable our front line teams spend more time with and create improved outcomes with the women we are here to support.

Key Responsibilities 

Operational Leadership inc

• Oversee day-to-day operations across the organisation.

• Develop and implement operational policies, planning and procedures.

• Support continuous learning and improvement in organisational effectiveness

Governance, Compliance & Risk inc

• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations

• Maintain and monitor the risk management register and oversight of all organisational policies

• Support the SLT, Board and CEO with governance processes and reporting (internally & funder) 

IT, Systems & Infrastructure inc

• Oversee the charity’s IT systems, databases, and technology infrastructure.

• Lead on digital transformation and ensure tools and systems support effective service delivery

• Maintain information security standards and appropriate accreditations

Finance & Resource Management inc

• Collaborate with the Head of Finance to ensure robust financial planning, budgeting, and reporting for operations

• Monitor organisational performance against key budgets and metrics.

• Work with teams to ensure and increase value for money across contracts and expenses 

• Support funding bids primarily where linked to core and operational costs

HR and People Management inc

• Support the People Officer in the development of People strategy and implementation (recruitment, performance, wellbeing, learning & development).

• Champion a positive, feminist and inclusive workplace culture.

• Ensure compliance with employment law and best practice in HR. 

Service leadership inc

• The role currently includes management of the reception and admin team who support women as they come into the building and utilise the welcome space for activities as well as support the logistical running of the building

Facilities & Health and Safety inc

• Manage the charity’s facilities (offices, community spaces, etc.) and ensure safe working environments.

• Oversee health and safety compliance and business continuity planning. 

Leadership and Strategic Input

Contribute to organisational strategy and business planning.

• Work closely with other members of the senior leadership team to ensure alignment across contracts, teams and activity offers

• Build and maintain working partnerships with external organisations 

• Support and develop your team ensuring they are competent and empowered to undertake their roles and support you and the organisation deliver quality services   

• Ensure that all work is carried out in accordance with relevant legislation and Nottingham Women’s Centre policies and procedures, including the Centre’s Equal Opportunities policy and Health and Safety Policy. 

• Deputise for the CEO as required. 

The nature of the role and organisation will require you to be flexible and you may be asked carry out any other duties commensurate with this post

Notes

• As part of our anti-racism work we aim for 50% of shortlisted candidates to be from an ethnic minority. This positive action is being taken to further diversify our team. All shortlisted candidates must meet the essential minimum criteria which are marked with a * on the person specification.

• We offer a generous amount of leave, opportunities for flexible and or hybrid working, workplace pension, personal development and a supportive working environment that includes access to an employee assistance programme.

• This post is subject to completion of a three-month probationary period.

• An enhanced DBS clearance is required for this role. 

We are looking for someone to provide strategic leadership of the operations function within Upbeat Communities.

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.

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

• Contract type: Permanent

• Hours: Full-time (32 hours per week - Monday to Thursday) 

• Benefits: 

  • Four-day work week (Fridays off) 

  • 5% employer pension contribution (with minimum 3% employee contribution)

  • Wellbeing budget; learning and development budget

  • 23 days annual leave (pro-rata for four-day work week, inc bank holidays)

  • Private healthcare & additional paid sick days

  • Two-week December shutdown for the holiday period (not deducted from annual leave).

• 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%) 

• 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.

• Ensure the delivery of the Mitigation strand of advocacy work.

• Oversee the updating of Glitch’s policy positions and recommendations and put forward proposals around new and emerging policy positions. 

• Manage associated advocacy budgets and feed into reporting requirements for all Mitigation strand work.

• Lead on all external policy requests (regulatory consultations, statements, joint letters).

• Develop and implement creative and influential campaigns to help us meet our strategic objectives and mission. 

• Work with the Programmes Director to ensure alignment with the Organising strand of advocacy work, identifying Mitigation opportunities to fulfil the theory of change.

• Maintain thorough knowledge of all aspects of our work and keep informed of external affairs - domestically and transnationally.

• 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.

• 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%)

• Develop clear plans for influencing and change, working closely with the ED to agree allocation of responsibilities and areas to maximise impact. 

• Build strong relationships with external stakeholders. 

• 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. 

• Develop briefings and agendas ahead of and for Glitch meetings with Ministers and officials, Parliamentarians and other key stakeholders.

• Maintain our records of interactions with key individuals and organisations in our CRM system, in line with good practice around data protection and GDPR.

• Represent Glitch through writing blogs and commentary on all of our core issue areas. 

Strategy and development (10%)

• Contribute to the development, delivery and evaluation of our organisational strategy.

• Lead on the implementation of the Mitigation and Imagining strand of our advocacy framework, supporting the ED with strategy development.

• 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.

• Carry out measurement, evaluation and learning of our Mitigation and Imagining strands of our advocacy work plan.

• Develop reactive advocacy strategies in response to changing policy, legislative or government shifts.

Leadership and people management (5%)

• Lead and role-model a high-performance, inclusive culture that is grounded in our organisational values. 

• Ensure resources are applied effectively and appropriately within the advocacy function.

• Ensure that delivery of advocacy work is aligned with agreed objectives and key performance indicators, through the effective management of staff and other resources. 

• Work with the Finance Director to ensure accurate allocations of advocacy personnel time.

• 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.

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.

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

• Significant experience leading multi-stream fundraising, with success in at least two of: trusts, corporates, major donors, public fundraising.

• Experience developing marketing and communications strategies beyond fundraising – including brand, service promotion, membership, campaigns, and digital engagement.

• Track record of delivering growth, innovation, or transformation in income and/or organisational profile.

• Strong people leadership skills: ability to coach, inspire, and develop staff, including senior managers.

• Exceptional relationship-builder – credible with philanthropists, corporates, trustees, commissioners, and media.

• Strategic thinker with financial acumen (budgets, ROI, investment planning).

• Authentic communicator with excellent storytelling ability.

• Commitment to Adoption UK’s mission and values, with an inclusive and collaborative leadership style.

• Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of role at all times.

• Contributes to an open and honest culture

• Supports, encourages, and motivates colleagues.

• Encourages challenge, creativity and innovation.

• Leads by example.

• Values transparency and consistency.

• Understands the role of individual and collective accountability.

• Actively contributes to Adoption UK’s mission.

• Has a clear understanding of other colleagues’ roles and responsibilities

• Shares skills and knowledge.

• Promotes Cross Functional team working.

• Offers outstanding service to members.

• Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values in all interactions with external stakeholders.

• Identifies and uses the most appropriate form of communication.

• Communicates clearly, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others.

• Treats colleagues and other stakeholders with respect, honesty, fairness and courtesy

• Is responsive to colleagues, third party professionals and service users.

• Takes pride in own development.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving high standards and meeting agreed objectives.

• Takes an active interest in recognising professional and personal development needs and priorities within Adoption UK.

Desirable

• Experience in child welfare, family support, education, or adoption.

• Evidence of leading digital transformation in fundraising, marketing, or CRM.

• 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.