Senior grants programme manager jobs

Manchester Central Foodbank is a busy Trussell Trust-affiliated food bank, with centres in Central, North, and East Manchester. We were established in Ardwick in 2013 by students at the Manchester Universities’ Catholic Chaplaincy, making us the first student-led food bank in the country. Since then we have grown significantly, expanding our weekly sessions into Harpurhey and Openshaw.

Our core aims are to deliver the best quality support that we can to the largest number of our neighbours in need, while working with partners and influencing and organising at a neighbourhood and citywide level to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

We currently support 16,000 people per year with nutritionally balanced 3-day food parcels. This is double the number of people we supported in the first year following the Covid-19 pandemic, and four times the number supported in 2019. We also provide financial inclusion support with advice workers in public sessions, access to energy vouchers, SIM cards, and other voucher or material support. We coordinate across a network of 200 active front-line referral agencies with the aim of ensuring everyone who accesses our service has appropriate, specialised, and ongoing support alongside the material provision that we provide.

We are active leaders in anti-poverty organising and community development, as convenors of the citywide Building an Anti-Poverty Community collective and aim to be key shapers and influencers of new strategies and policies, working closely to support and influence local government, NHS, education and research agendas in Manchester and more widely building upon our track record of successful anti-poverty partnership work, social value impact and Parliamentary influencing. Our core values are: care, partnership, dignity, partnership, anti-stigma and rights-based.

Key responsibilities
As Chief Executive Officer you will be the key senior staff leader for the charity. You will lead the team to ensure they have the resources, frameworks, and support to effect smooth day-to-day running of our frontline support service. You will provide a strong business management focus, through supporting the financial process, overall metrics and reporting, day to day HR and input for the external Payroll Team, Health and Safety, appropriate working conditions, and strategic planning and communications. 

As the senior lead you will also facilitate and support the Board of Trustees to develop and lead strategic development objectives and plans for transformation, and ensure the delivery and implementation of the charity’s overall strategy and specific focused strategies. You will develop and manage strategic relationships with stakeholders including Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value funders and partners, and high-value and donors. You will also plan and lead fundraising strategies. 

You will be a key external interface for our community and partners.  You will do this by:

Staff/Board Leadership and Governance:

• Line managing a current team of operations staff, including those supporting the recruitment, training, and management of a large team of volunteers. 

• Building team spirit and employee engagement and offer.

• Leading and delivering regular staff performance and development reviews.

• Developing and delivering robust metrics and reporting to the board and staff team, through consistent monthly and quarterly reporting packs to the board of trustees.

• Ensuring all staff and volunteers are familiar and engaged with the charity’s long-term goals and objectives, and know how their work helps to implement these on the ground. Leading the development of induction packages and ongoing offers for staff and volunteers. You will be responsible for writing, implementation, and update of institutional policies as needed to staff and volunteers.

• Leading targeted volunteer recruitment strategies to maximise core delivery capacity through volunteer roles and prioritise staffing capacity to core charity operations.

• Ensure policies are kept current.

• Ensure recording and management of absence/leave.

• Ensure Health and Safety aspects of all organisational operations are compliant, in collaboration with the Board sponsor.

• Manage day to day financial input, through the Xero app, and ensure accurate and up-to-date financial reporting for the Board/Treasurer. This includes administering monthly payroll requests.

• Oversee training and personal development plans for staff and volunteers, as appropriate.

• Working with the Chair of Trustees to implement the charity’s strategic plan and structural development objectives.

• Develop and implement ongoing plans and actions to ensure operationally-appropriate and safe office, warehouse, and working spaces.

• Lead on development, modelling, and maintenance of service delivery standards, quality control, and ensuring frontline teams have the appropriate resources, support, and frameworks to deliver high quality and consistent support offers.

Foodbank Management:

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to deliver the smooth running of food bank sessions across multiple centres, ensuring an excellent standard of service across all centres, and seeking to continually develop our service in line with our goals to support the largest number of people with the best support we can while working to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

• Develop and build a new Delivery Strategy with the Chair of Trustees and Operations and Project Lead.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead and Warehouse and Logistics Coordinator to safely store and maintain optimal stock levels, maximise food donation levels and reduce food spend, develop and maintain relationships with community donors, and record incoming and outgoing stock, with the aim of ensuring that all centres are well stocked to provide as many varied, balanced, and nutritious and culturally-appropriate food parcels as necessary.

• Ensure compliance with the procedures set out in Manchester Central Foodbank’s policies, the Trussell Trust’s Operating Manual, and relevant statutory requirements at all times.

• Ensure our food bank centres provide a safe and dignified environment for clients, free from discrimination, judgement, and stigma.

Strategy and External Relationships:

• Working with the Chair of Trustees on development, monitoring, and implementation of the core charity strategy and sub-strategies. Ensuring the involvement and participation of the food bank’s staff, volunteers, external partners, and service users in all strategic planning and decision making, where appropriate.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to work build strong relationships with referral partners and wider community and statutory networks of collaborators and support to ensure that our service users are able to access the maximum amount of support before, during, and after accessing our service to minimise the length and severity of financial crisis, maximise their incomes, and provide pathways to ongoing and longer-term support.

• Play an active role in strategic and convening spaces around our city and neighbourhoods to present the foodbank’s approach, bring more partners into our network, and influence policy and funding frameworks.

• Develop and manage a Corporate Relationships and Social Value strategy, including communications, networking, and relationship management.

• Lead on directing the charity’s external communications, including social media, in person, newsletters, company visits, and other content.

• Manage internal communications, including developing and delivering two-way team briefings with the board and staff/volunteers, biannual town halls or away days with board members and staff/volunteers, newsletters, and an open and collaborative, person-focused, and developmental culture within the organisation.

About you

Essential Experience and Knowledge:

• 5 years’ experience of leading a similar profiled charity or organisation and successful Board interaction.

• Experience of leading successful transformation and change for a charity and a strong developmental mindset and focus.

• Have led a team of 5 or more staff members to successful performance, demonstrating experience of coaching and individual development skills.

• Experience in developing and leading successful and engaged volunteering programmes and support.

• Full valid driving licence. 

• Proven experience of leading the development and delivery of strategy and sub-strategies to successful conclusion and fashioning evidenced business cases for current and new development projects.

• Leading multiple complex projects or services, balancing the needs and interests of a range of stakeholders.

• Experience of implementing rigorous reporting and evaluation practices on operations.

• Experience of managing day-to-day financial administration and reporting.

• Evidence of delivering clear metric dashboards and reports.

• Experience of high-quality implementation of Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies and a leadership practice that centres care for staff, volunteers, and service users. Safeguarding lead qualification is desirable but will provide training if not.

• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in HR processes and management.

• Experience in building and delivering strategic plans.

• Proven experience of effective problem solving and responding to crisis situations.

• A good working knowledge of the social welfare and political landscape in Manchester – or demonstrable experience in similar expertise and networking and an openness to learn and develop sector-specific knowledge.

• A nuanced and sensitive understanding of the complex reasons people attend food banks.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge:

• Partnering with and building relationships with Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value partners and funders, high net worth donors, and fundraising through grant applications and individual/community donors.

• Experience of working collaboratively with stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and views. 

• Experience of handling safeguarding incidents, follow-ups, and debriefs with staff, volunteers, and service users.

• Demonstrated success in delivering communications strategies for internal and external stakeholders, including social media and press content and campaigns.

Personal Skills and Attributes:

• An individual who embodies the values of Manchester Central Foodbank in their core professional practice and personal approach to their work.

• An empathetic and care-centred approach and the ability to centre the experience and outcomes of people from marginalised or socially-excluded backgrounds in core decision-making and prioritisation.

• A leader who takes ownership, accountability, and responsibility to drive an organisation and team forward with a developmental mindset.

• A highly self-motivated and proactive person who centres collaboration and consensus with the staff team, volunteers and Board of Trustees in their approach.

• Able to develop strategy and plans and translate strategy to actionable delivery and developmental projects.

• A high level of literacy and communication.

• A high level of numeracy and ability to analyse data.

• Strong leadership attributes to build engagement and performance with the team.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate, persuade, and coach staff and volunteers.

• Excellent personal organisation skills and the ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities and deadlines.

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer with dotted line to Head of Technology 

Location:  Hybrid - mainly at home, with monthly co-working days in London and meetings with team as required 

Salary: £39,000 - £41,000 

Hours: Full time; 37.5 hours a week, We are happy to consider requests for flexible or part time working 

Contract: Permanent 

ABOUT NOW TEACH 

We believe that experienced professionals can make exceptional teachers who shape young lives. That’s why, since 2017, we’ve attracted, supported and championed those who make a courageous career leap into the classroom; more than 1,300 so far.

We currently have teachers in over 700 schools, teaching over 125,000 students. Our purpose is to stand beside career-change teachers as they navigate a new professional identity and bring their experiences, skills and networks to the students, subjects and schools that need them. 

We are looking for driven and committed people to help us meet new goals, increase our Network and create more impact in schools. 

ABOUT THE ROLE 

Role overview 

The Data Manager is responsible for overseeing the collection, management, quality, security, governance and use of data at Now Teach. They are responsible for ensuring that Now Teach’s data is accurate, integrated between systems, well managed, accessible to support operational reporting, analysis, continuous improvement and strategic decision making.

This is a key role in ensuring we can identify, articulate and measure the impact of our work both internally, and with partners, senior stakeholders and funders as well as supporting our aims of operational efficiency and self-service. The role will continue to develop our data capability as an organisation to evaluate our impact and continually improve our processes.

The Data Manager will be adept at working with multiple stakeholders and helping navigate and simplify processes. They know how to pull information from our reporting systems alongside or combined with other data sources, including national benchmarks, to identify trends and patterns and provide that data to teams in a way that supports great decision making and improvement. They will have a passion for data engineering being hands on as well as being able to identify and implement improvements to drive our data forward. 

In this role you will……  

Data quality & governance 

• Oversee Now Teach’s data systems, fundraising and monitoring and evaluation processes ensuring they are set up for reliable data capture and reporting 

• Work closely with our data system product owners to ensure systems are set up and used to protect confidentiality, integrity and accessibility of data 

• Oversee data pipelines and the data aspects of integrations between our core systems

• Be responsible for data accuracy, integrity, governance and consistency across systems, ensuring high levels of data accuracy, completeness and consistency 

• Responsible for data capture across the organisation – Recruitment, Network, partners and donors 

• Ensure compliance with the UK GDPR and that data is handled securely and ethically 

Date engineering 

• Be responsible for transitioning raw data into clean, structured and reliable datasets that are easy to understand and can be used for informed decision making across the organisation 

• Be responsible for automating the collection of data from multiple systems so it can be reliably analysed 

• Creating datasets and reports that support accountability, learning and improvement 

• Develop our approach to data management and platforms, exploring the use of a medallion based data warehouse 

Reporting, monitoring & impact 

• Produce regular reports for teams, trustees, funders, and regulators. 

• Support monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities to evidence impact and outcomes. 

• Enable accurate reporting for all teams from all key systems, developing self-service dashboards and reporting to support service improvement and organisational learning. 

• Support analysis and data led strategic decision making by providing and making accessible reliable data 

• Respond to ad‑hoc data and reporting requests, including grant applications and tender submissions. 

• Use internal reporting systems and external data sources, including national benchmarks, to identify trends and patterns, to support data led strategic decision making and organisational learning. 

Systems & improvement 

• Responsible for effective data capture across all new areas of work, working with the Head of Impact, Head of Technology and relevant teams to define and agree data needs and ensure appropriate systems are in place to support high quality data 

• Identifying opportunities to automate, streamline and improve data processes with an organisational ambition for data to be readily accessible for all teams 

• Build meaningful reports and dashboards, working with the Head of Technology and engaging with internal teams required 

• Maintain our data map and other related assets to ensure we have a clear view of what data we capture across the organisation and what we do with it 

• Develop data management and data visualisation guidelines for Now Teach to ensure we have a consistent approach to gathering data 

• Provide training and guidance to all Now Teach staff on data best practice 

Key collaborators 

In this role you will work closely with a wide range of stakeholders to achieve success, including... 

Head of Impact – partnering closely to ensure the organisation has robust, high-quality data to effectively measure, evaluate, and evidence impact. You will support the development of meaningful insights that enable data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement. 

Head of Technology – collaborating to ensure that data infrastructure, systems, and processes are fit for purpose, secure, and aligned with organisational needs, enabling efficient data management and integration across platforms. 

CRM Product Owner – working together to optimise the use of the CRM system, ensuring it meets user needs, supports accurate data capture, and enables effective reporting and analysis across teams. 

Director of Network and their team – providing clear, robust, and accessible data sets to support ongoing network design, planning, and delivery. Your work will help inform strategic decisions and ensure data is easily understood and actionable. 

Director of Philanthropy, Marketing & Communications and their team – supporting donor reporting requirements, contributing to the development of compelling fundraising pitches, and providing key data sets to strengthen communications. 

Director of Recruitment and their team – ensuring the provision of accurate and timely data to support forecasting and planning. 

PERSON SPECFICATION 

Who you are (qualities/values) 

• A team player, you believe the best results come from working together. You’re always ready to share ideas, support colleagues, and celebrate team successes. 
• You build great relationships wherever you go. You’re approachable, collaborative, and genuinely enjoy working with others to make a difference. 
• Have a talent for taking complex data and turning it into clear, engaging data insights that everyone can understand – whether they are a data expert or not. 
• Passionate about using data to support meaningful change and impact 
• Enjoy being part of a small team where people thrive on working together and outside their designated roles occasionally to drive work forward 
• Able to manage multiple projects, systems and data sets and keep track of how they interrelate 
• Have a commitment to continuous improvement 
• Comfortable working on your own and setting goals and deadlines, whilst responding to and prioritising ad hoc queries and requests 
• Committed to your own personal and professional development 
• Passionate about ensuring that schools and students benefit from the inspiring professional and life experience of career change teachers.

What you’ll need to succeed in this role (experience/qualifications etc) 

• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail 
• Strong organizational and prioritisation skills 
• Experience supporting impact measurement and reporting 
• Knowledge of UK GDPR and data protection principles 
• Advanced Excel and SQL skills 
• Experience (or a willingness to learn) of engineering data pipelines, building and maintaining scalable data warehouses
• Have skills and experience working with Salesforce, or be open to learning how to utilise Salesforce; quick to learn new systems and help others to navigate them 
• Have experience of project management, establishing operational systems and processes, with the ability to work autonomously 

Don’t meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. At Now Teach we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

WORKING AT NOW TEACH 

Our people join and stay because they value Now Teach’s flexibility, close-knit team culture and social purpose. 32% of employees at all levels of the organisation work part time and everyone works flexibly, with time off in lieu part of our standard working practices. We are a small, collaborative and supportive team of nearly 20 people. We are non-hierarchical, and we set clear expectations and celebrate the successes of teams and individuals.  

Our Vision 

Schools and students benefit from the inspiring professional and life experience of career change teachers. 

Our Values 

Now Teach has four core values which encompass how we work together to delivery our vision and mission: Drive impact through expertise; Focus on who matters most; Make change happen; and Build connections that amplify. 

Our culture and values are central to us encouraging and supporting people into teaching. Without our positive, honest, and flexible approach we wouldn’t be able to adapt to meet the needs of Now Teachers. We have been named as one of Escape the City’s Top 100 Employers in 2021 and 2022 and have been recognised as a Working Mums’ Top Employer and at the Working Dads Employer Awards. We have won awards for our Culture, Flexible Working and Excellence in Public Service.  

In return we offer you 

As well as flexible working and a great culture, we offer a wide range of benefits including 25 days annual leave per year (plus bank holidays), an additional 3 days for Christmas closure (25th Dec-1st January), a  pension scheme with a generous 11% employer contribution, enhanced parental leave policies, a rewards platform with employee discounts, access to an Employee Assistance Programme and an annual professional development budget for each employee. 

Working arrangements 

Full time/part time role, flexible working patterns possible. Now Teach are supported to work flexibly at co-working spaces or at home as needed with monthly working days in London. You will be required to cover your own travel expenses to London.

Application Process 

Please submit your CV and cover letter (max 2 pages for the cover letter).

Applications close on 16th June 

First stage interviews will take place on 1st/2nd July online 

Second stage interviews (if appropriate) will take place on 9th or 13th July online

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 

Now Teach strives to be a workplace that is diverse, equitable and inclusive where we can ALL be ourselves. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, gender identities, stages of life and those with hidden or visible disabilities.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll endeavor to be as accommodating as possible. If you would like to discuss specific requirements, please contact us and ask to speak to the Operations Team.

All applicants must have an existing Right to Work in the UK. 

Safe Recruitment Procedure 

Now Teach are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.To meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process, and all successful candidates will be subject to a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Head of FP&A | Permanent | £63,000 - £67,000 | London | Hybrid

For a well-known charity in central London, we're recruiting a permanent FP&A Lead to join a high-performing finance team. This role will design and deliver accurate and timely financial information, supporting the decision-making process for stakeholders. The role will manage a Finance Business Partner and Systems Analyst and will lead on ensuring the financial systems and processes and fit for purpose, whilst collaborating across the organisation to build financial capacity. Finally, the FP&A Lead will integrate financial planning and drive improvements to enhance decision-making and long-term sustainability.

Main Duties:

• Lead annual budgeting and reforecasting - working with department to set KPIs and provide decision-making analysis
• Build the framework for collecting and communicating the organisational budget and forecast
• Develop and deliver regular financial MI to stakeholders
• Develop first-class financial analysis across income and expenditure, project and fund accounting, and cashflow
• Champion continual improvement in financial management across the organisation
• Lead the production of key financial reporting and analysis
• Lead engagement with all stakeholders, needing FP&A meets needs and good practice
• Manage restricted fund accounting, ensuring financial reporting enables robust grant applications and reporting
• Collaborate with senior leadership to provide insight, planning and analysis for major programmes
• Partner with the Head of Finance to review existing and new finance software to meet strategic planning needs
• Maintain workflows, chart-of-accounts, polices and procedures
• Lead and manage a team of 2
• Partner with senior budget holders to enable planning and budget decisions, and produce robust financial reports to inform decision-making

Person Specification:

• Qualified CCAB or substantial experience
• Experience leading a budget and reforecast process
• Experience developing financial reporting systems and MI
• Experience using tech to deliver financial planning and analysis
• Line management and supporting teams
• Experience evaluating and adapting financial systems to meeting organisational and technological demands
• Ideally experience of Charity SORP, fund and project accounting (restricted funding)
• Experience using AI tools to enhance forecasting, reporting and decision-making
• X-Ledger and Power BI experience

________

As an employer, we are committed to ensuring the representation of people from all backgrounds regardless of their gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply and would encourage you to let us know if there are steps, we can take to ensure that your recruitment process enables you to present yourself in a way that makes you comfortable.

The Sentencing Academy, established in 2019, has made significant strides in advocating for effective sentencing practices and enhancing the understanding of sentencing among professionals and the public. We are now looking for a visionary leader to join us as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This pivotal role will oversee the strategic direction of the charity, strengthening future sustainability and marking a new chapter in its mission to promote evidenced-based approaches to sentencing to help reduce re-offending, provide justice to victims and improve public confidence.

About the Role

This key position offers the chance to shape and develop the future of the Sentencing Academy and its commitment to enhancing sentencing practices and research in England and Wales. It is a leadership opportunity that involves executing a strategic plan that supports the charity's longevity. It is a role that not only focuses on organisational growth and influence but also emphasises the importance of operational compliance, financial health, and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders and partners. The budget for 2026/27 is fully funded but there is a need to significantly widen the organisation’s funding base to ensure its sustainability beyond the current financial year.

About You

We are seeking a passionate, and experienced leader with a proven track record in the non-profit sector to join our team as CEO. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an interest in sentencing and the wider criminal justice system. Your background will include strategic planning, governance, and financial management, with a strong ability to secure funding through grants and partnerships.

You will inspire and lead a diverse team, with expertise to build and maintain strong relationships, and represent our organisation in public forums and the media. As a forward-thinking leader you will demonstrate strong analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

What We Offer

The post is offered on a 0.5 to 0.8 FTE basis (18.75 to 30 hours per week) on a permanent basis. An attractive package is offered alongside flexible hybrid working arrangements. The Sentencing Academy is currently a remote organisation although attendance at regular meetings in London will be essential. The salary for this post is £70,000 pro rata.

A rare and newly-created opportunity to join David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) as Director of Development at a pivotal moment of growth. As part of the Senior Mangement Team (SMT) you will help shape the future direction of the Foundation, leading its fundraising strategy, inspiring support and delivering significant and sustainable income growth.

We are looking for a collaborative team player, who leads with integrity, warmth and passion. Experience in the conservation sector is an advantage but not a prerequisite. The right candidate will be the person who can prove that they are able to ignite action, build lasting relationships and generate meaningful growth in support of the DSWF’s mission.   

Throughout the interview process we’ll be keen to hear about your track record in fundraising at a leadership level and your experience of making an impact on an organisation of our size or larger. You will demonstrate how you develop strategies and implement them successfully, show an understanding of DSWF’s existing development portfolio, and a view on where you see you might help to take us over the next 3 years and beyond.

Application Process
To apply, please email a CV and supporting statement of no more than two pages no later than Monday 15th June.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Role: Director of Development (DoD)
Reports to: CEO
Works closely with: CEO/COO/CFO as part of the SMT
Line manages: Development Team: Development Manager, Trust and Foundations Manager, Development Executive, CRM Executive
Hours: Part-time, 28 hours per week (4 days)
Location: Hybrid working between the DSWF Shalford Office (GU4 8JU) for a minimum of two days per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays), and home with occasional travel
Annual Leave: 25 days per annum pro rata. Bank Holidays are also provided, and at DSWF’s discretion the office usually closes between Christmas and New Year (additional to annual leave)
Salary: Competitive executive-level salary dependent on experience and breadth of impact. Please ask for salary range on application.
Start date: Asap.

Summary of the Role
The Director of Development (DoD) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all fundraising income and supporter engagement activity at DSWF. The role is accountable for delivering sustainable, diversified revenue growth aligned with DSWF’s mission across conservation, education and art, while building lasting relationships with major donors, trusts, foundations, corporate partners and senior supporters.

Working in close partnership with the CEO, COO, CFO, and Board of Trustees, the DoD translates organisational strategy into compelling Cases for Support, effective fundraising plans and measurable outcomes. The postholder leads and develops a high-performing Development team, ensuring strong delivery and continuous improvement.

As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), the Director shares responsibility for shaping the Foundation’s overall direction, contributing to governance, organisational culture and high-level strategic decision-making.

This is a pivotal position combining senior management with hands-on major gift fundraising and team leadership. Central to enabling the Foundation’s long-term impact and growth, the DoD is a driving force behind DSWF’s ability to successfully deliver its mission to protect endangered species in Africa and Asia.

Key responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
•Lead on the development, implementation, delivery and continuous refinement of DSWF’s multi-year Development strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and long-term financial sustainability.
•Advise the CEO and Trustees on fundraising performance, trends, risks and opportunities.
•Own and articulate the organisational Case/s for Support, ensuring a clear, compelling narrative that integrates conservation impact, education outcomes and artistic heritage.
•Working closely with the rest of the SMT, embed a culture of philanthropy across the organisation, enabling all team members, Trustees and ambassadors to actively support income generation.
•As part of SMT, be jointly responsible for over-arching decisions regarding the direction of the Foundation, its mission, strategies and culture.

Major & Strategic Fundraising
•Working closely with the CEO, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of DSWF’s most significant donors and prospects, including major individual donors, trusts and foundations, legacy campaigns and strategic partners.
•Responsible, alongside the CEO, for the overall management of all corporate partnerships and sponsors.
•Design and lead bespoke solicitation strategies for new high-value prospects, involving the CEO, Trustees and senior colleagues as appropriate.
•Oversee the development of structured approaches to major giving, trusts & foundations, legacy giving and corporate partnerships.
•Have strategic oversight of lower-level individual giving programmes including appeals, regular individual giving and adoption schemes.
•Be responsible and ensure best practice in prospect research, due diligence, stewardship and ethical fundraising.

Team Leadership & Management
•Lead, manage and develop the Development team, setting clear objectives, KPIs and income targets aligned to the overall strategy.
•Ensure the structure, resourcing and capabilities of the team are fit for purpose and scalable as income grows.
•Coach and support all those within the organisation that are responsible for fundraising, providing professional leadership, mentoring and performance management.
•Lead on all training and offer career progression for all staff within the Development team.
•Foster strong collaboration between Development and all departments, including; Policy and Programmes, Marketing and Communications, Education, Art, Finance and Operations.

Supporter Engagement
•Represent DSWF externally with senior donors, partners and sector peers, enhancing the organisation’s profile and credibility.
•Oversee a high-quality supporter journey across all touchpoints, ensuring donors feel valued, informed and connected to impact including lower-level individual giving.
•Champion systematic all level stewardship, donor care and impact reporting to maximise retention, lifetime value and advocacy.
•Ensure accurate, GDPR-compliant data capture and effective use of CRM systems (Beacon) to drive insight-led fundraising.

Events
•This senior role will have overall responsibility for any fundraising or donor profile events (at present this would include the Wildlife Ball which is an annual fundraising/profile raising event that takes place at the Dorchester Hotel).
•Working closely with the rest of SMT, this role will direct the Development team to ensure that all events deliver optimum, high level donor experiences and are run professionally (with logistics and operational support from the COO and team).
•This role will have overall responsibility for ensuring the CEO has all information required to support engagement with donors at all events.

Governance & Reporting
•Report on Development performance to the CEO, SMT and Trustees, providing clear analysis against agreed targets.
•Work closely with Finance to support forecasting, budgeting and long-term income planning.
•Work closely with Finance and legal advisors in relation to all legal matters pertaining to legacies and bequests.
•Ensure all Development activity aligns with regulatory, governance and ethical standards.

Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
•Significant senior leadership experience in fundraising and development within complex, mission-driven non-profit organisations, at Director level or equivalent, where philanthropy is critical to organisational impact and growth.
•Significant experience in leading and delivering long-term development strategies, with a demonstrable track record of translating organisational ambition into clear, costed and achievable fundraising plans.
•Proven ability to set strategic direction across multiple income streams, establish measurable objectives and KPIs and use data and insight to monitor performance, evaluate impact and adapt approach over time.
•Experience of driving sustained income growth, strengthening donor pipelines, and delivering measurable outcomes aligned to organisational priorities and long-term sustainability.
•Deep understanding of the UK philanthropic landscape, with well-established networks across major donors, trusts and foundations, corporates and high-net-worth individuals and the ability to build credibility and influence rapidly at national and international levels.
•Demonstrable experience of leading and scaling fundraising income through periods of organisational change, growth or strategic transformation.
•Proven track record of securing transformational gifts and long-term partnerships from individuals, corporates, trusts and foundations.
•Strong history of inspirational leadership, team building and talent development, with the ability to motivate teams towards ambitious shared goals.
•Experience of working with public sector stakeholders and cross-sector partnerships to advance organisational objectives.
•Experience of implementing and embedding robust CRM systems and donor stewardship frameworks to support data-led decision making and excellent supporter journeys.

Personal Skills, Qualities and Attributes
•Exceptional interpersonal, communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to engage, influence and inspire a wide range of stakeholders.
•A collaborative team player who values partnership working and shared success.
•Strategic, visionary thinker with the confidence and credibility to operate at senior leadership and Board level, influencing internal and external decision-makers.
•A strong personal commitment to wildlife conservation, environmental protection and the role of philanthropy in driving long-term change.
•Clear alignment with DSWF’s mission, vision and values, and a genuine passion for advancing David Shepherd’s legacy through impactful fundraising.
•Entrepreneurial and opportunity-led mindset, with the confidence to set and pursue ambitious income and growth targets.
•Resilient, adaptable and resourceful, with the ability to navigate complexity, manage ambiguity and maintain momentum in a fast-evolving environment.
•Credible and compelling ambassador for DSWF, able to represent the organisation confidently with major donors, partners and at public-facing events.
•Willingness to travel and attend events as required to support donor engagement, stewardship and organisational visibility.
•Commitment to being actively engaged in the life of the organisation, contributing to its culture, leadership and long-term success.

Please note that as part of a small team, the role may include occasional additional duties to help meet the charity’s wider needs.

Application Process
To apply, please email a CV and supporting statement of no more than two pages no later than Monday 15th June.

Bursary Support and Educational Partnerships Lead

About King Edward’s School, Bath
Founded in 1552, King Edward’s School (KES) is Bath’s oldest school and one of the leading co-educational independent schools in the south-west of England. The School was recently awarded Independent Secondary School of the Year in the South West by the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026. Serving pupils aged 3–18 across its Pre-Prep, Junior, Senior and Sixth Form sections, KES combines a rich heritage with a forward-thinking approach to education.

About the role:

Responsible for developing and strengthening King Edward’s School’s partnerships with primary schools, youth-focused organisations, local authorities and other relevant bodies, primarily across BANES and Wiltshire.

The role focuses on expanding engagement programmes, widening access to a KES education, and increasing applications to the School’s means-tested Bursary Programme. It also includes supporting bursary applicants and families throughout their journey with the School.

Key Responsibilities

General

• Develop and grow partnerships with local primary schools and youth organisations, enhancing the School’s outreach and support programmes.
• Design and deliver a targeted community engagement strategy aligned with the School Development Plan and bursary access objectives.
• Promote and increase applications to the means-tested Bursary Programme to widen access to KES.
• Work collaboratively with Admissions, the Bursar and the Development Director to ensure a joined-up approach across outreach, bursaries and admissions.
• Engage the wider school community to raise awareness of bursary and partnership initiatives.
• Act as a professional and approachable ambassador for King Edward’s School within the local community.

Application Deadline: June 17, 2026

Please see the attached job description for more in depth list of the main responsibilities and person specification.

With a relevant degree and four years of experience in research, policy analysis, or report writing (preferably within the non-profit, governmental, or international sector) you will use your first class writing and reporting skills in English and work with staff across IM to:

· lead the drafting of well-written, high-quality reports and other documentation.

· conduct research to inform negotiation strategies and programme design.

· undertake internal and external stakeholder engagement.

· contribute to internal and external learning processes.

You will thrive within a small, fast-paced high-calibre international team where everyone pitches in and it is desirable to have experience ofworking on conflict resolution, mediation, or peacebuilding initiatives, as well as familiarity with donor reporting requirements.

The postholder must have the right to work in the UK 

Yeldall Manor is a Christian residential treatment centre near Reading for men struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol. We are seeking someone strategic and relational to strengthen and develop all aspects of fundraising for Yeldall Manor, and to lead a new marketing and fundraising campaign. The appointee will join our senior leadership team and shape the next chapter of our development as we are at a pivotal moment of opportunity, with an ambitious vision to build our Christ-centred identity and practice, pursue excellence and impact, and expand our reach.

We are looking for someone who will:

• Lead supporter acquisition activities and build the portfolio of individuals, churches, trusts, corporates and other organisations supporting the work of Yeldall Manor.
• Build deep, mission-aligned partnerships with donors and stakeholders.
• Lead and implement an effective marketing and communications strategy to help position Yeldall Manor within the top tier of UK residential rehab centres.
• Lead and execute a high-impact fundraising strategy across major gifts, individual giving, churches, trusts & foundations, corporates, and legacies.
• Work closely with the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team to align income generation with Yeldall Manor’s strategic vision and programme outputs.
• Lead the development of funding applications for trusts & foundations.
• Provide leadership and nurture staff working on supporter acquisition, fundraising and marketing activities, empowering them to deliver with excellence.
• Inspire a culture of philanthropy throughout the organisation, rooted in strong values and relational excellence

You will be working alongside the existing Administration and Supporter Relations Manager, and other staff assisting with marketing and administration, based mainly at Yeldall Manor, which means you will have daily contact with those men whom you are helping. They inspire and motivate us just as much as we seek to encourage and support them.

Please see the Job Description for full details and submit a covering letter along with your CV showing how you meet the requirements of the Person Specification. As this is a strategic post within an actively Christian setting, applications should be from committed Christians. Schedule 9, Part 1:3(a) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact CEO, Maarten Fontein or Administration Manager, Sue Hedger - contact details available on our website, which is currently under development.

​

Director of Services (Infrastructure)

Hours of work: Full-time (37 hours per week)

Salary: Up to £53,400 per annum (+6% employer pension contribution)

Location: Rotherham (not a hybrid role)

The Director of Services (Infrastructure) will be responsible for leading on the Single Infrastructure Grant (SIG) and related areas of work, VAR's core services and key networks and consortia of Rotherham's Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations.

The successful candidate will have:

• Previous experience of leading at a senior level within a voluntary or public sector organisation;
• Demonstrable record of developing strong and effective stakeholder and partner relationships within a complex environment;
• Proven track record of building, leading and managing diverse teams across a number of business areas and specialisms;
• Experience of developing services and contributing towards funding, income generation and business planning.

As well as having the ability to lead the team through an inclusive and empowering leadership style, the successful candidate must have the ability to influence at a high level across a range of services, stakeholders, commissioners and organisations.

The role will require regular attendance at meetings outside of normal working hours, therefore, the successful candidate must be willing to work flexible hours when required to meet work demands.

Voluntary Action Rotherham (VAR) is the lead body for supporting, developing and promoting the voluntary and community sector (VCS) in the Rotherham Borough. Our role is to facilitate effective action to bring about positive change in the lives of individuals and communities in the local area.

To apply for this role, please complete a VAR application form or send in your CV and a covering letter (outlining your skills and experience in relation to this role).

Closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 19th June 2026

Interviews are likely to be held on Friday 26th June 2026 at The Spectrum. We will, however, review applications as they are submitted and may bring candidates forward for an interview (with reasonable notice) at any time. We may also close this vacancy early if sufficient applications have been received.

Closing date: 16th June 2026 Interviews: 19th June 2026

This role leads a new flagship grants and strategic activity programme - a national outdoor play partnership supporting community foundations to deliver risky, adventurous and child-directed play opportunities for children aged 0–12 in up to 20 places across the UK. You will work in the UK Community Foundations team, the national backbone, co-ordinating and convening the wider partnership. The minimum £10m programme (likely larger) runs from June 2026 through November 2031, is delivered with seed funding from an anonymous lead funder. 

You will be accountable for the day-to-day running of the programme. That means managing the relationship with the lead funder, overseeing delivery across the four-outcomes learning framework, coordinating the national learning and influence backbone, building and maintaining sector relationships, and ensuring the programme is delivered on time, on budget and to consistently high standards. 

Alongside the programme, you will also support wider partnerships activity and act as a point of expertise on children and young people. You will advise the Partnerships team on CYP matters, provide a credible internal source of guidance on safeguarding, and keep UKCF abreast of policy and sector developments so we are well positioned to support community foundations to design and deliver further CYP-focused partnerships. 

You do not need to have worked in community foundations before. We are interested in people who combine substantial programme leadership experience - ideally within funding or grant making, though other types of programme delivery are likely to be relevant - with credible CYP sector knowledge, and the confidence to balance delivery, stakeholder relationships, sector influence and partnership support across a complex multi-year portfolio. 

The Partnerships & Insight team designs and delivers UKCF's national partnerships, brings new funding into the community foundation network, and grows our influence on the policy and funding environment community foundations operate in. This role sits at the heart of all of that, and gives you a broad view across the sector, the network and the wider VCSE landscape. 

We know that good programme leadership depends on different perspectives, lived experiences and ways of working. We encourage applications from people who may not meet every requirement but feel excited by the role and believe they could grow into it. 

Your portfolio 

You will hold responsibility for two connected areas. 

Programme management (0.65 FTE) 

You will lead the end-to-end delivery of the programme across four outcomes - Reach & Access; Quality & Character of Play; Lasting Local Capacity; National Evidence, Learning & Influence - and the operational layer that sits behind them. You will lead programme planning, budget management, risk management and quality assurance, working closely with the Director of Partnerships & Insight. 

You will manage the relationship with the lead funder, and any subsequent funders that come on board, including reporting, milestone delivery, board updates and stewardship of the partnership over the full grant period. You will also oversee community foundation onboarding, contracting, ongoing relationship management and convening across the cohort of around 20 delivery partners. 

You will coordinate the national backbone of the programme – participating community foundations, learning partner, expert panellists, sector relationships, and the dissemination of evidence and influence outputs - and oversee learning outputsagainst the programme's two-layer tracking architecture. 

You will build and maintain relationships that lead to the change the programme seeks to achieve and supports a potential continuation funding pipeline. You will represent UKCF and the programme externally - with funders, government, sector bodies and international peers, including our peers at community foundations in Canada.

Wider partnerships and CYP responsibilities (0.35 FTE) 

You will support the Director of Partnerships and the wider team on general partnership matters, pitching in at crunch points and offering senior advice and leadership on design and delivery. 

You will act as UKCF's internal point of information on safeguarding for children and young people, supporting the Partnerships team and wider colleagues to apply appropriate standards across CYP-related programmes and proposals. Training will be provided.

You will keep UKCF abreast of CYP sector developments - policy, funding landscape, research and practice - and translate these into practical advice for partnerships and field-building work. You will advise the team on CYP matters during pipeline development, scoping and proposal-writing, making sure new opportunities are well grounded in current sector knowledge. 

You will build and maintain relationships with key CYP sector bodies, funders and expert networks to position UKCF as a credible, well-informed partner in the children and young people space, and you will contribute to UKCF's wider thought leadership and external profile on CYP, including occasional speaking, writing and convening. 

Your wider responsibilities 

Like everyone at UKCF, you will work closely with colleagues across the organisation. You will partner with Communications, Finance, Field Building and other teams to support wider organisational activity, contribute to the development of the Partnerships & Insight team and to UKCF's culture, standards and ways of working, and take on other reasonable duties commensurate with the role. 

What you will bring 

We are looking for someone who combines substantial programme leadership with credible CYP sector knowledge, and who is comfortable holding the whole of a complex programme in view while making sound day-to-day decisions. You might recognise yourself in some, but not necessarily all, of the following. 

• Programme leadership and judgement - able to hold a complex, multi-year programme in view while making sound day-to-day decisions. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication, adapted confidently for funders, government, community foundations, sector peers and internal audiences. 

• Diplomatic, confident and effective relationship-building and influence with senior and varied stakeholders. 

• Proactive problem-solving - acting on initiative, diagnosing issues early and proposing practical solutions. 

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to balance multiple deadlines and priorities across a complex portfolio. 

• Creativity, flexibility and intuition, with a willingness to adapt your approach as the programme evolves. 

• Commitment to learning and improvement, including reflecting on your own practice and seeking continual development. 

• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and climate justice, and interest in how these values shape programme design, participation and whose voices are heard. 

Essential experience 

• Senior programme leadership: substantial experience leading voluntary and community sectormulti-year, multi-partner programmes, including accountability for budget, delivery and outcomes. 

• Children and young people sector expertise: strong working knowledge of the CYP landscape - policy, funding, practice - and credibility with sector stakeholders. 

• Safeguarding: confident acting as an internal point of information on safeguarding, with a basic or good understanding of safeguarding standards in CYP-related work, and willingness to undertake further training.

• Stakeholder management: experience managing significant relationships, including reporting, stewardship and the negotiation of programme changes. 

• Charity or non-profit setting: understanding of values-driven work and the operating norms of the voluntary sector. 

• Data, impact and learning: able to interpret quantitative and qualitative information, undertake basic and intermediate analysis, and oversee a learning partner, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Understanding of the norms of impact and learning in the voluntary and community sector.

• Relationship management: builds trust with funders, peers, partners and delivery organisations; offers diplomatic, credible guidance. 

• Digital, CRM and AI confidence: confident across Office 365 and  AI tools (or have started to experiment with them) to support efficient working and free up more time for relationship building. Motivated to use AI, and to do so mindfully, responsibly, ethically and to increase impact. 

• Ability to travel occasionally, which may include overnight stays and multi-day events. 

Desirable experience 

• Grant making and funding, particularly relational or participatory approaches; systems change or place-based approaches to community impact; or asset-based community development and community-led programmes. 

• Working with community foundations or place-based funding structures. 

• Play, early years, youth work, education or related CYP fields. 

• Designing and delivering co-design, collaboration or systems-change activity. 

• Contributing to policy or sector influence. 

• Developing AI tools within a VCSE context, and understanding of AI ethics and the unique VCSE context around AI - or an interest in this topic. 

• Securing continuation or follow-on funding for complex programmes. 

Inclusion statement 

UK Community Foundations is committed to building an inclusive organisation and a diverse field. We welcome applications from people from minoritised ethnic communities, disabled people, people from lower socio-economic backgrounds and others who are underrepresented in the charity and philanthropy sector. 

The Associate Director (Governance, Operations and Finance) is a critical senior role at Tudor. The postholder will provide strategic and operational leadership across governance, finance, data protection, technology, HR compliance and organisational operations - ensuring our systems and processes actively enable, rather than constrain, our mission. 

The ideal person brings a justice-led lens to every aspect of their work: proactively exploring how compliance structures and governance frameworks can be redesigned to serve Tudor’s mission of devolving power and resourcing communities. We’re looking for someone who brings a collaborative, enabling style alongside a genuine drive to deliver - someone who knows when to act decisively and when to slow down and listen. 

The role leads a small, committed operations team and works closely with programme colleagues, external advisers and grant partners. You will sit on the Senior Leadership Team and act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and the Board.

This is an opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future of Resources for Autism.

Since 1997, we have supported autistic people and their families through services that are safe, empowering and neuro-affirming. As demand for our work continues to grow, we are looking for an ambitious and strategic Head of Income Generation & Business Development to help us build a stronger, more diverse and sustainable future.

Reporting to the CEO and joining our Senior Leadership Team, you will lead the development of a progressive income generation strategy that expands new partnerships, income streams and opportunities for growth — ensuring we can continue delivering life-changing support to autistic people across London and the West Midlands. 

We are looking for someone who combines commercial awareness with creativity, relationship-building and a genuine commitment to social impact.

LOCATION: London (or Birmingham with regular travel to London)

SALARY: £50,000 - £56,000 depending on experience

HOURS: Full time

The Role

You will design and deliver a new income generation strategy that unlocks growth across:

· Corporate partnerships

· Major donors and philanthropy

· Community, individual and digital giving

· Earned and paid‑for services

· Grants, trusts and public sector funding (as part of a balanced mix)

· Recurring /regular donations from committed individuals

You will take an “intrapreneurial” approach — spotting opportunity, building new propositions, testing ideas and learning quickly — while embedding a culture where income generation is seen as a shared organisational priority, not the responsibility of one team.

Essential Experience & Track Record

• A demonstrable track record of generating income and/or building sustainable revenue streams, across more than one income source.
• Evidence of developing and delivering an income or growth strategy, particularly in contexts requiring diversification or change.
• Experience of driving new opportunities — such as partnerships, products, services or supporter propositions — rather than only maintaining existing income.
• Proven success in building and stewarding senior relationships, including corporates, funders, donors, commissioners or strategic partners.
• Experience working at a senior level within an organisation, with exposure to executive decision‑making and governance (e.g. Board or Trustee engagement).

Essential Skills

· Demonstrable evidence of success and business growth

· Experience and success in one or more of the following:

• Corporate partnerships or sponsorship

• Major donor / philanthropy programmes

• Earned or paid for services/ sales

• Community or digital fundraising

· Experience developing and delivering successful strategies.

· Evidence of successful relationship-building skills with funders, donors, corporate partners or others.

· Experience managing or mentoring staff or volunteers.

· Strategic thinker with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with senior stakeholders.

· Good market research and data analysis skills that have influenced decisions

· Experience contributing to or leading at organisational growth.

· Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

· Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) adaptable to different populations including: colleagues, external professionals, service users, families, volunteers, donors

Desirable Skills

· Understanding of and commitment to adhering to fundraising policies, ethical standards, and relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g. Fundraising Regulator Code of Practice, GDPR).

· Experience in minor/major donor fundraising and/or corporate partnerships.

· Familiarity with the autism or disability sector.

Staff Benefits 

90% of our staff say that Resources for Autism is “a great place to work”. 

Not only will the work you do ensure we are making vital differences and inspiring others, but our other benefits also include: 

· 25 days of leave (pro rata for part time roles) each year plus 8 bank holidays and an additional 3 Celebration days that could be used between Christmas and new year, but may be used for other religious days or significant days such as your birthday 

· access to ongoing training and progress in the areas that interest you 

· access to our wellbeing initiatives and an Employee Assistance Programme 

Application Process

Read more about us and the role on our website

To apply, you will need to complete our application form in full, including your full employment and education history. Any gaps in employment should be clearly explained within your application.

Please note that CVs may be included as supporting documents but will not be accepted in place of a completed application form.

As part of your application, we ask that you provide a personal statement outlining how your experience, skills and approach meet the requirements of the role and person specification.

Ashden’s mission is to showcase outstanding climate solutions and accelerate systemic change that unleashes their transformative potential. Our vision is of a world where everyone enjoys access to clean energy. Where people and nature thrive.

For over 25 years, Ashden has worked with enterprises and organisations in the UK and the Global South to find, champion and scale solutions to the climate crisis. We excel in storytelling that connects these solutions with the policymakers, funders and investors poised to help them scale and maximise their impact.  Our support is expanding access to affordable clean energy to farms, villages and refugee camps in the Global South. In the UK, we are helping create warmer homes, greener schools and accelerating climate action across our towns and cities.

Ashden is a highly regarded and well-connected organisation with a strong brand and a track record of building meaningful relationships with high value and high-profile individuals. We are excited to build on the good work already achieved to further scale fundraising in this area.

You will be joining Ashden at a pivotal moment. In 2024, we launched our Changemakers campaign to secure mission-aligned funding from donors making four and five-figure gifts and beyond - a programme you will personally lead and continue to shape and develop - an exciting opportunity to nuture an emerging initiative by stewarding and uplifting current donors whilst attracting new supporters. Working in close partnership with the Director of Business Development, you will also proactively support the prospecting, cultivation and stewardship of both new and existing donors to secure transformational seven-figure gifts. As our Major Donor Lead you will have the opportunity to define, refine and strengthen our major donor proposition more broadly, securing both unrestricted and restricted income to support our long-term impact.

We’re seeking an experienced fundraiser with a track record of securing major gifts and building strong relationships with high-net-worth individuals. While climate or environmental exposure is not essential, alignment with Ashden's values and passion for driving systems change is crucial. You’ll be supported by a collaborative team, including senior leadership and Trustees, and will have key strategic and operational input into the success of our fundraising, the growth of the team, and the broader impact of our charity.

This is a stimulating and rewarding opportunity for someone looking to develop their career within a highly collaborative, passionate and visionary organisation. It is also an outstanding opportunity for those keen to deepen their experience and insight in philanthropy at the highest levels, including meaningful exposure to pioneering venture philanthropy and innovative impact-led funding models.

Location: Hybrid, ideally 2 days in London, pending donor meetings and events

Hours: Full Time with flexible working agreed. Part time hours or compressed hours will also be considered.

To read more about the role and organisation, please download the full appointment brief below.

Closing Date: 11 June 2026

People Beyond Profit Conversations: 15-19 June 2026

Ashden Interviews: 25 June 2026 (online) and 2 July 2026 (in person).

We are seeking a Director of Operations to join ERA at a pivotal moment of growth. This is a senior, strategic hire  who will shape how ERA is structured, scaled, and sustained over the long term. In 2026, we are scaling to run two summer fellowships: an ERA:AI fellowship and an AIxBiosecurity fellowship, alongside at least two major conferences and a pipeline of new domain-specific programmes. We want to streamline our operations to match this scale.

Working closely with the Executive Director and Programme Director, you will take ownership of ERA's operational effectiveness, compliance, financial strategy, and team development. You will be the person who translates ERA's ambitious programme vision into the systems, structures, and culture that make it possible and who ensures that as we grow from a small core team to an organisation of 15–20+ people, we do not lose what makes us effective. This includes managing the visa and compliance infrastructure that underpins ERA's international fellowship model.

This is a high-trust, high-autonomy role. You will have real scope to shape the organisation's trajectory, building systems that stick, managing risk proactively, mentoring a growing operations team, and acting as a senior counsel to ERA's leadership. You will also be ERA's operational interface with our Board, including preparing materials, ensuring regulatory compliance, and flagging strategic risks.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Strategy & Scaling

• Set the strategic direction for ERA's operations function, ensuring it evolves alongside organisational growth

• Translate ERA's programme and organisational strategy into coherent operational frameworks and execution plans

• Lead ERA through its next phase of growth, from a small, generalist team to a larger, more structured organisation of 15–20+ staff managing the cultural and structural change this requires

• Design and implement systems, workflows, and processes that scale: robust, clear, and built to last beyond any individual

• Identify structural bottlenecks and scaling risks proactively, resolving them before they become crises

• Strengthen coordination between the operations, programmes, and research teams to ensure internal systems support high-quality external work

Financial Oversight

• Provide senior oversight of ERA's financial strategy, working closely with the (future) Finance Lead on multi-year planning, scenario modelling, and budgeting aligned with ERA's fundraising and growth plans

• Oversee financial reporting, controls, and compliance, maintaining standards appropriate to ERA's scale and funder expectations

• Manage stipend and reimbursement processing, grant financial reporting, and audit-readiness

• Integrate financial planning into organisational design and capacity decisions

Board Relations & Governance

• Prepare materials for Board meetings, ensuring ERA's leadership has clear, accurate information on operational and financial performance

• Ensure ERA meets all relevant legal and regulatory obligations — including charity law, data protection, employment law, and visa compliance

• Flag operational risks, resource constraints, and structural issues that require Board-level decisions

• Support ERA in developing governance structures appropriate to its growing scale and complexity

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead, develop, and performance-manage ERA's operations team, building functional depth as the organisation grows

• Mentor junior operations staff, supporting their professional growth and expanding their capacity over time

• Help set the tone for ERA's culture and values as the organisation scales — modelling integrity, focus, and care for colleagues

• Coordinate across the senior team, acting as a thought partner and source of counsel for the Executive Director and leadership

Compliance, Risk & HR

• Oversee HR operations including employment contracts, visa and right-to-work compliance, onboarding, and staff policies

• Manage ERA's sponsor licence obligations, maintaining compliance with UKVI requirements and overseeing visa applications for a high volume of international fellows and staff -  a core and recurring operational responsibility given ERA's programme model

• Develop and maintain ERA's risk management frameworks, ensuring risks are identified, owned, and mitigated

• Ensure adherence to all relevant legal, regulatory, and institutional policies across ERA's operations

About You

We are looking for a senior operational leader who combines strategic clarity with a genuine bias for execution. You might be a strong fit if you:

• Have significant experience in operational leadership ideally at director level or equivalent, with responsibility for overall organisational performance across multiple functions

• Have led organisations or teams through periods of significant growth and change including managing the transition from a small, informal team to a structured, scalable organisation

• Think in systems you design processes and structures that work without you, and you take satisfaction in building infrastructure that outlasts any individual

• Are a proactive problem-solver you anticipate issues before they arise, move quickly when they do, and stay calm under pressure

• Have experience managing upwards including working with or preparing materials for a Board of Directors, and flagging risks at the right level of the organisation

• Are a strong people manager and mentor you invest in your team's development, hold people to high standards with care, and build culture through example

• Are excited by ERA's mission, you understand why mitigating catastrophic risks from frontier AI matters and want to build an organisation capable of doing it well

Essential

• Demonstrated experience in a senior operational or director-level role, with broad responsibility across multiple functions

• Financial literacy and oversight experience, including familiarity with budgeting, reporting, and financial controls

• Experience managing compliance across employment law, data protection, and/or charity 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills able to work effectively with technical researchers, programme teams, and external stakeholders

• Experience managing and mentoring a team

Desirable

• Track record of leading organisational change and scaling operations through periods of growth

• Experience working with a Board of Directors or governance body

• Background in nonprofit, research, or academic environments

• Familiarity with UK employment law and compliance requirements including visa sponsorship management

• Understanding of AI safety, governance, or a related field

Location & Working Arrangements

This role is based in Cambridge, UK. We encourage and expect in-person presence, particularly during ERA's fellowship periods and conferences. Outside of these periods, we offer flexibility around hybrid working.

In exceptional cases, we may consider candidates based overseas, provided they are able to be present in Cambridge during programme delivery.

ERA is able to support visa applications for this role. Eligibility for sponsorship will depend on individual circumstances and the applicable route; we encourage candidates to discuss this with us early in the process.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience 

• Professional development budget of £5,000

• Productivity budget of £2,000 

• Employer pension contribution of 10%

• Four weeks of PTO recommended per year

• Private health insurance including dental and vision

• Flexible and hybrid working outside of programme periods

• A mission-driven, tight-knit team working on one of the most important challenges of our time

• The start date is flexible, and we may be willing to wait for an extended period of time for the best candidate, though we’d prefer successful candidates to start as soon as possible after receiving an offer.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage early applications. Our process typically includes:

• Initial application (CV + short questions)

• Screening call

• Interviews with ERA team

• Paid work trial (two days, remote/in-person) and reference checks

• Employment offer

We recognise that this is a demanding process. We offer compensated work trials, and we will work with candidates to accommodate scheduling constraints.