Service manager jobs in chelmsford, essex

Are you a visionary, hands-on leader with a bold passion for transforming childhood cancer outcomes? We're looking for a driven and dynamic CEO to lead our small but mighty charity through its next phase of growth and impact.

As CEO, you will shape and execute an ambitious strategy to accelerate change in the childhood cancer space—through fundraising and grant-giving, policy influence, partnerships, and compelling digital storytelling and campaigning. This is a rare opportunity to lead from the front, catalyse meaningful change, and work directly with researchers, funders, and leading hospitals and universities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the charity with integrity, compassion, and vision—building a high-impact organisation centred on outcomes and change.

• Manage the Azaylia PhD Scholarship grant-giving fund with transparency and in alignment with the charity’s funding criteria.

• Design and execute a robust income strategy across corporates, trusts, foundations, major donors, crowdfunding, events, and sponsorships.

• Leverage your network to secure and steward significant gifts and partnerships, particularly in the childhood cancer space.

• Develop digital and in-person campaigns that inspire action, influence policy, and build coalitions for change.

• Actively engage in every aspect of the charity’s operations—from strategy to hands-on delivery, in a lean and resource-limited environment.

• Guide our growing social media presence with a focus on mission-driven engagement, supported by data and storytelling.

• Build strong relationships with high-profile ambassadors, media, and influencers to amplify our voice and cause.

• Ensure financial sustainability through effective planning, budgeting, and income diversification.

• Create a purpose-driven, supportive, and high-performing team culture rooted in transparency, equity, and empathy.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Proven success in multi-channel fundraising, with a track record of securing and growing major gifts.

• Existing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and stakeholders in the childhood cancer space.

• Deep understanding of systems change, with experience in driving policy and institutional transformation.

• Professional experience in the childhood cancer, paediatric healthcare, or rare disease sector.

• Expertise in financial management, charity governance, and regulatory compliance.

• Excellent leadership and team-building skills with the ability to nurture and retain top talent.

• Confident operating autonomously in a remote setting, with strong organisational and self-management abilities.

• Passionate about eradicating childhood cancer and creating systemic change for affected families and communities.

What We Offer

• A unique leadership role with high visibility and potential for sector-wide impact.

• Flexibility in a remote working environment, with occasional domestic travel.

• A passionate, values-driven team committed to collaboration, bold thinking, and impactful outcomes.

About The Azaylia Foundation

The Azaylia Foundation was founded by Ashley Cain and Safiyya Vorajee after the passing of their eight-month old daughter, Azaylia. Childhood cancer is the number one killer of children in the UK, yet it receives less than 3% of cancer research funding. Backed by a large community of supporters, The Azaylia Foundation is committed to reversing this systemic underfunding through advocacy, PhD research grants, and family support for treatments not freely available via the NHS. Our flagship programme, The Azaylia PhD Scholarship Program, aims to fund 20 new childhood cancer PhDs and their research over a period of 5 years.