Strategic development officer jobs

The Head of Strategic Communications will lead strategic communications at ECU, building on our track record of shaping media narratives around the economy and working across multiple campaigns and programmes.

As our Head of Strategic Communications, you will devise and deliver impactful communications strategies to shape the way the UK media covers economic policy. You’ll help ensure that UK media debates are grounded in robust and innovative economic thinking and rise to the scale and urgency of current societal challenges.

If you believe that media and public debate on economics could be improved - and if you have the strategic communications track record to make that happen - then we would like to hear from you.

Join a team which leverages media, legal and data-driven expertise to strengthen independent journalism, enable access to the law and promote responsible business. We are the corporate foundation of Thomson Reuters, one of the world’s leading content and technology companies. A registered charity in the UK and the USA, our expertise is embedded across the globe.

For more than 40 years, we have promoted the highest standards in journalism by training reporters around the world to cover issues relevant to their local context, accurately and impartially. Today, we aim to foster free, fair, and informed societies by harnessing the power of the media, the law, and data intelligence.

We do this by informing, empowering and equipping key actors working in our areas of focus so that their decisions can have a positive impact on people, society and the environment. Our unique combination of media and legal expertise enables us to deliver targeted capacity-building programmes, research, news, legal support and convenings that support our mission. Together, we can shape a prosperous planet where no one is left behind.

We are seeking an Associate, O-CEO & Strategic Initiatives to join the Foundation. This role exists to maximise the effectiveness of the CEO and senior leadership by combining high‑quality executive support with analytical insight and delivery discipline across priority initiatives.

Acting as a Business Analyst for the team, the role will have a constant finger on the pulse of our internal and external operating environment, helping to ensure these insights translate to meaningful action. Reporting to the Foundation’s Chief of Staff & Strategic Initiatives, you will work closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to facilitate the effective delivery of our leadership function, ensuring that time and resources are managed efficiently to help meet the CEO’s priorities.

About the Role

Please find below an outline of responsibilities for the Associate position in the Office of the CEO & Strategic Initiatives at the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

CEO Support, Leadership Enablement and Governance:

• Acts as the Executive Assistant to the CEO: Effectively owns the CEO’s calendar and inbox, flagging issues and providing solutions, and understanding how engagements help (or don’t) meet organisational objectives. You will anticipate needs, define and brief on the CEO’s role and input ahead of meetings, conduct periodic calendar audits, assess productivity, and identify areas for improvement.

• Corporate governance and leadership support: Manage the Foundation's board meeting agendas and coordinate board papers; manage relationships with Foundation Trustees and Directors.

• Organise and manage Leadership Meetings: Planning these effectively, setting agendas and tracking actions, working closely with the Chief of Staff to ensure key priorities are followed through and owners are accountable.

• Wider diary management, logistical and administrative support: Alongside your core duties optimising the time of the CEO, provide light-touch diary management for the Office of the CEO & Strategic Initiatives, CFO and Director of Business Development, managing expenses, and handling additional logistical matters as required. Supports the CEO Office with travel planning & diary management.

Strategic Insight, Executive Positioning and Project Management:

• Act as a Business Analyst for the unit: offering regular competitor and stakeholder insights, alongside horizon scanning for key opportunities (events, profile engagements, lead generation). Provides project management of key internal and external initiatives, coordinating cross functional stakeholders and ensuring accountability.

• Enhanced Business Development alignment: Work with the Chief of Staff & Strategic Initiatives to strengthen alignment between CEO priorities, business development activity, and the Foundation’s external positioning.

• Executive communications support: Collect and develop Foundation materials (presentations, spreadsheets, data visualisations), assist in research and intelligence gathering, horizon scan for speaking opportunities, and support internal and external communications. Supports internal communications, working with the team to ensure messages reflect CEO priorities and meet staff needs.

• Event logistics and execution: Project manage quarterly Town Halls logistics, coordinate Foundation Awards, organise End of Year Events, and manage other organisational events logistics as needed. Support the effective delivery of external events and speaking engagements that have CEO-level engagement.

About You

This role will suit someone who thrives in proximity to senior decision‑making, enjoys bringing clarity to complexity, and takes pride in enabling others to perform at their best. To be our Associate, Office of the CEO & Strategic Initiatives, you will:

• Have a strong understanding of the Foundation’s work and how your role helps to enable our wider success.

• Be comfortable blending traditional executive support with strategic and analytical responsibilities – this role will suit someone who is happy to switch between detail-oriented execution and big-picture thinking.

• Possess solid business acumen, strong analytical skills, and administrative excellence.

• Have excellent organisational and communication skills, able to translate complex ideas into actionable insights.

• Demonstrate initiative and take responsibility for projects and activities.

• Be resilient under pressure, with the confidence to work with senior stakeholders, using your judgement and discretion to assess opportunities and push back where necessary.

• Be able to demonstrate knowledge of operational dynamics and nuances, and the ability to prioritise interactions to maximise time and enhance efficiency based on business needs.

• Be keen to use the role as an opportunity to learn about decision making and accountability at the highest level in a global Foundation, identifying opportunities for development and growth.

What’s in it For You?

• Global Perspective and Impact: Interested in working for a dynamic global organization with a focus on social impact? With hubs all over the world from Bangkok to Madrid to Rio de Janeiro, join a truly international team with a shared goal of helping to build societies around the world that are free, fair, and informed.

• Unique Approach: Our expertise in media and the law is world class. We combine the power of both to address the critical issues faced by humanity.

• Our Relevance: With a focus on advancing media freedom, fostering more inclusive economies and promoting human rights, our work has never been more needed than right now.

• Industry Competitive Benefits: We offer competitive salary packages and market-leading benefits.

• Learning & Development: We are dedicated to the continual professional development of our employees and offer access to both in-house and external training opportunities.

About Thomson Reuters Foundation

The Thomson Reuters Foundation is the corporate foundation of Thomson Reuters, the global news and information services company. As an independent charity, registered in the UK and USA, we leverage our media, legal and data driven expertise to strengthen independent journalism, enable access to the law and promote responsible business. Through news, media development, free legal assistance and data intelligence, we aim to build free, fair and informed societies.

As the Hospice develops our community engagement and supporter base, we are looking for an ambitious Supporter Development Manager to help build sustainable income and partnership relationships to support the Hospice into the future.

This is a key role within the Income Generation team.  You will take ownership of a defined geographical area across South Warwickshire and become the Hospice’s visible ambassador, focused on building sustainable support pipelines across communities, businesses and individuals.  You will work closely with colleagues across the Income Generation team, including retail, to support events, campaigns and supporter engagement to maximise opportunities and build joined-up supporter journeys.

You will be a confident relationship-builder, with experience of developing fundraising or partnership opportunities across local communities.  Your work will help ensure that more families across South Warwickshire can access compassionate hospice care when they need it most.

The Shakespeare Hospice provides compassionate care and support to people across South Warwickshire facing life-limiting illness.  Every year, our services support hundreds of people through diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and bereavement. 

The Finance Director is responsible for all aspects of the group's finances (National Federation of Music Societies, trading as Making Music and its trading subsidiary), to ensure accurate and complete recording of all financial transactions, adherence to internal controls and procedures, and timely and effective analysis and reporting to the Chief Executive, Senior Management Team and other budget holders, the Finance & Compliance Committee and the Board of Trustees.

The Finance Director post is an integral part of the charity's senior management team, working closely with the Chief Executive, the Deputy CEO Advocacy and Lobbying and the Marketing Director, setting the strategic direction of the organisation and ensuring it has the financial systems and resources to implement its strategy.

The role line-manages and oversees the work of the Finance Manager who runs the day-to-day financial accounting processes, with the help of two Finance Administrators.

The role also leads on supporting members with finances, e.g. leading Treasurers' events, relevant website resources and responding to finance-related consultations.

The 2.5 days (18.75 hours) per week can be worked flexibly, and at least some of them from home, by agreement with your line manager. We would expect you to spend at least 1 days each week in our London office in Moorgate.

This is a friendly team, and our bright and lively office is located in one of the buzziest areas of London, with excellent transport links and nice places to spend your lunchtimes or meet friends after work.

As the school looks ahead to its next chapter, philanthropy will be central to expanding opportunity, enhancing facilities, and ensuring that RGS remains a place where talent and ambition can flourish. To support this vision, we are seeking an exceptional Director of Development to lead a modern, strategic, and inspiring development programme.  This post is funded by The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe Foundation CIO (Charity number: 1179234).

The Director of Development will lead the design, delivery, and growth of a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports the school’s long‑term ambitions. This is a senior leadership role requiring strategic insight, operational discipline, and the ability to build meaningful relationships across the RGS community.

A major priority will be to refresh, rebuild, and modernise the school’s fundraising data, creating a reliable, insight‑driven foundation from which to plan and execute fundraising activity. Alongside this, the postholder will lead a transformational capital appeal to deliver a new state‑of‑the‑art STEM facility by 2030 — a project that will shape the educational experience of future generations.

The role also includes developing a legacy giving programme, expanding regular giving among parents, and introducing innovative school‑based fundraising initiatives that engage pupils, staff, alumni, and the wider community

The British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS) is a leading UK charity advancing best practice in medical ultrasound through education, guidelines and research. With 1,700 members—mainly NHS professionals—we deliver high-quality training, a flagship annual conference for 600+ delegates, and trusted publications that support clinicians and inform the public..

The society is looking to recruit a Financial Officer due to the impending retirement of the current postholder.  It is anticipated that the successful candidate will commence employment in July 2026.

 Purpose of the role:

• Provide sound financial advice to the Board of Trustees (Council), BMUS Officers, COO (Chief Operating Officer) and others.
• Provide a high-quality and effective financial management service to the charity.
• Prepare, develop and analyse management accounting information to ensure compliance with all relevant financial, statutory and regulatory matters.

 Main Duties

• To oversee and support the society’s financial management systems and processes, ensuring they meet required financial management and reporting standards.
• Submissions to statutory bodies and regulators.
• Submission of monthly PAYE and quarterly VAT to HMRC.
• To prepare the society’s annual budget.
• To prepare regular management accounts and supporting reports, including forecasts for  Council, Officers and COO.
• To process all invoices/payments.
• To record all income and expenditure.
• To oversee banking arrangements.
• To prepare end-of-year reports, arrange the independent examination and the society’s Annual Report for the Annual General Meeting.
• Support CASE (Consortium of Accreditation of Sonographic Education).
  • Manage the financial management systems for the consortium.
  • Preparation of the consortium’s annual budget.
  • Payment of invoices.
  • To record all income and expenditure.
  • Prepare the end of financial year report.

The above is an outline of the typical functions of the role and is not exhaustive. To see further details, please read both the Job Description and Person Specification.

Closing Date: 11th May, interview Scheduled for 29th May

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (excluding breaks)

Days: To be worked over 5 days, Monday to Friday, with core hours between 8am – 6pm

Contract: 18 month fixed-term contract in the first instance (subject to the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period)

Responsible to: Bruce Poole, Senior Strategic Lead for Wellbeing, Health and Social Care

Place of work: Salford CVS’ offices in Eccles, Salford, M30 0FN 

We are seeking to recruit to a brand new post and are looking for an experienced and strategically minded person to strengthen Salford CVS’s strategic VCSE leadership role within Salford.

Main purposes of the post

To provide strategic leadership for Salford CVS’s health and social care work, ensuring the VCSE sector is influential, represented and embedded within key strategic partnerships, boards and system-wide initiatives across Salford.

The postholder will work closely with the Senior Strategic Lead for Wellbeing, Health and Social Care to shape strategic agendas, strengthen cross-sector relationships and ensure VCSE voices help influence the city’s long-term plans relating to Health and Social Care.

For more information, please download the full Job Pack.

How to apply

Please download and complete our application form via the ‘Apply’ button.

Closing date: Noon on Tuesday 12th May 2026.

Interview date: Friday 22nd May 2026, in person at Salford CVS’ offices.

The Kids Network is looking for an Executive Director to support the Fundraising, Finance and Operations of the charity for an interim period. 

• Contract: Fixed 12-14-month contract depending on availability for start date – Full time 35 hours per week 

• Salary: £60,000 per annum 

• Location: London Victoria/ Hybrid 

• Some evening and weekend work may be required, which can be claimed as TOIL 

• Reporting to the CEO 

• Line Management of 3x staff

About the Charity 

A rare opportunity to lead a values-driven children's charity through an exciting chapter of its story. 

The Kids Network is a growing charity with an ambitious five-year strategy and a decade of impact behind us. We connect children facing adversity with caring mentors from their own communities, creating relationships that change trajectories. In 2027 we celebrate our 10th anniversary and this role sits right at the heart of that milestone. 

We're a small, high-performing team of 16 who care deeply about the children and families we serve. We work hard, we learn constantly, and we look after each other. Now, while our Managing Director is on maternity leave, we're looking for an exceptional interim leader to hold the organisation steady and help it thrive. 

About the role: 

As Interim Executive Director, you'll be deputy to the CEO and a core member of our Senior Leadership Team. You'll hold the big picture: strategy, governance, finance, and fundraising, whilst also being across our operations and being present and part of the day-to-day. From Board engagement and risk management to leading our impact report and driving our plans for our 10th anniversary event, no two weeks will look the same. 

You'll lead and line-manage talented team members across fundraising, school partnerships, and operations. You'll be the steady hand that keeps our income pipeline strong and our systems running smoothly. 

This role would suit you if, you're a leader who balances strategic thinking with being genuinely hands-on. You stay calm under pressure, make clear decisions when they're needed, and take people with you rather than leaving them behind. 

Mission matters to you. Working to improve the lives of underserved children is something you care about, not just a role you're filling. You'll champion our values, model our culture and behaviours, and bring the team with you in doing the same. 

You're well-suited to the interim context. You’re able to build trust quickly, make an impact from day one, and build on what's already working well. You're comfortable with a varied workload and have the experience to make good decisions for the benefit of the children we work with. 

Benefits: 

• Flexible working arrangements (mostly working from home, with approximately one-two days a week working from the office)   

• Option for 2 Me days   

• 25 days annual leave entitlement

• Option to swap bank holidays for other religious holidays  

• Team Socials  

• Birthdays off  

• Working in a value led organisation, where we see and share the impact we have on children every day 

Responsibilities 

Strategy & Leadership 

• Provide executive leadership to the organisation, fostering a high-performance, inclusive and values-led culture aligned with the charity’s mission. 

• Lead, support, and develop the Senior Leadership Team and Fundraising and Schools Partnership leaders, ensuring consistent performance and accountability. 

• Inspire and motivate staff, promoting engagement, foster a learning culture, create ownership, and commitment to organisational goals. 

• Work with the CEO, Board, and Senior Leadership Team to shape and deliver the charity’s third year of its five-year strategy, ensuring alignment with the funding landscape and the evolving needs of children and communities. 

• Deputise for the CEO when required, including Board engagement, strategic decision-making, and external representation. 

• Act as an ambassador for TKN, promoting its work and campaigns to engage, influence, and collaborate with key stakeholders. 

Governance & Operations:

• Lead the Operations function. Manage the Systems and Operations Officer to ensure our robust systems and operations continue to run effectively at a high quality and enable the charity to achieve its stated goals. 

• Provide executive oversight of HR, demonstrating knowledge of HR compliance and law, supporting with serious HR matters and providing leadership support on people matters, performance management and staff development.

• Oversee the use of key technology platforms, ensuring that the charity is operating in the most efficient way, in accordance with UK GDPR and promoting data hygiene and security and supporting the Operations officer to develop guides and standard operating procedures 

• Hold executive accountability for organisational compliance, risk management, and operational integrity. Act as the lead for the charity in the event of a serious data or H&S incident. 

• Lead the organisational risk register and risk management, ensuring risks are proactively identified, mitigated, managed and communicated to our board of Trustees and the CEO 

• Maintain awareness of relevant policy, legislative, regulatory, and sector developments, ensuring organisational readiness and compliance. 

• Work closely with the CEO and chair of the Resource Committee to set the agenda and plan for papers for this committee (3 times a year). 

• Act as the key contact with the landlord and the charity’s IT contractors, as and when required 

Income Generation, Partnerships and Communication:

• Oversee the coordination and delivery of key fundraising activities, supporting the organisation’s income generation through strategic oversight and targeted input where required. Lead and line manage the Fundraising and Development Lead.

• Play a key role in planning and delivering the 10-year anniversary event in May 2027. 

• Develop, manage, and strengthen high-level strategic funder relationships and networks, building a strong pipeline of partnerships to support income targets.

• Lead and line manage the Schools and Partnerships Lead to achieve ambitious school targets and secure positive partnerships with schools

• Utilise the organisation’s data systems to identify relevant insights and stories, leading the development of the 2026 Impact Report. 

• Work with the external Marketing Provider and Schools and Partnerships Lead to deliver the organisation’s communications strategy to maintain a strong digital and online presence 

Finance & Sustainability 

• Hold accountability for the operational delivery and financial sustainability of the charity. 

• Work closely with the CEO and external Financial Service Provider to develop organisational budgets, support with the annual independent examiner and ensure effective financial planning, management, and oversight. 

• Ensure financial performance, risks, and forecasts are clearly and appropriately communicated to the CEO, Board. 

• Support income sustainability by aligning delivery with funding strategy and identifying opportunities for growth and partnership. 

• Act as main liaison between the charity and the Financial Service Provider, ensuring that both the charity and contractor adhere to the organisation's financial procedures 

Personal Specification 

Strategic Leadership & Drive 

• Proven senior leadership experience at director level or equivalent in the charity, public, or social sector, including leading teams and engaging boards. 

Organisational governance 

• Financial acumen; comfortable owning budgets, managing forecasts, approving payments and communicating financial health clearly to the board. 

• Sound knowledge of charity governance, HR, GDPR, risk management, and regulatory compliance. 

• Excellent organisational & project management skills 

Vision, stakeholder engagement and influence 

• Experience cultivating strategic partnerships with schools, funders, and external stakeholders. 

• A track record of building funder relationships and driving income generation, with confidence overseeing fundraising strategy and pipelines. 

• Advanced communication skills, someone who can represent the organisation externally with credibility and warmth. 

Change Management & Adaptability 

• Experience in an interim/ short term role 

• Strong people management skills, with a warm and accountable approach to developing and supporting others. 

Desirable:  

• Experience working directly with school and corporate partnerships 

• Experience using Salesforce.  

• Experience working with trustees

How to apply & Dates 

To apply please submit a CV and a covering letter through Charity Jobs, ensuring the cover letter is no more than 2 pages.

The ideal start date is August 2026 

The interview process and dates will be: 

• Rolling initial conversations as and when suitable candidates apply 

• First formal interviews (online) 27th May 

• Final interviews & presentation (in person) 2nd June

Due to the size of the Charity, we are unable to respond to all applications, therefore if you do not hear from us to arrange an interview you have not been successful with your application.  

The Kids Network is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to apply for an enhanced DBS check.  

Safeguarding commitment   

The Kids Network is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to go through our safer recruitment processes, including an enhanced DBS check.   

Equity commitment      

The Kids Network values diversity and inclusion and we have worked to create an application process that is as accessible as possible, however we still recognise that there is maybe more we can do especially for applicants who are minoritised in society, have specific accessibility needs and/or experience discrimination.    

 If this is the case we are both happy and open to discussing better ways to support your candidacy and make this application process as equitable as possible for you.    

 We are a diverse organisation and welcome everyone but it is important to note that the intersections of your identity will not increase or affect the amount of labour you are asked to do. If you wish to draw on your own lived experiences that will be both encouraged and supported but it is not nor ever will be a prerequisite of this role.   

You can find out more about our commitment to anti-oppression on our website.  

Youth Realities is a small but mighty charity in North London looking for a new leader to embed the strategy and support our next phase of growth and development. 

Our vision is a world where young people live free from relationship abuse and violence. We believe strongly in prevention, using creativity and forming trusted relationships to engage and empower young people to form positive change in their own lives and wider communities. 

Everything we do is ‘youth-led’ and ‘survivor-centred’ which means we centre the needs and experiences of young people and survivors, providing regular opportunities for them to feedback, co-produce and lead on the delivery, design and development of the charity. 

Our values, embedded in the heart of our work are: youth-led, survivor-centred, safe, equitable and audacious. 

Youth Realities works with young people aged 11 - 25 who have or are at risk of relationship abuse. We offer independent domestic violence advocacy for young females, provide a safe space with a program of dance and creative activities and go into schools delivering workshops on healthy relationships. 

Key Objectives of the job:

• Provide strategic vision and leadership further developing and embedding the organisations strategy 

• Ensure that the charitable purposes of the organisation are followed and that It delivers the charitable benefit set out in Youth Realities’ vision and governing documents

• To take overall responsibility for Youth Realities’ management and administration within the governance and accountability frameworks established by the Board of Trustees

• To secure funding and drive the organisation forward ensuring it is sustainable and able to grow 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (excluding breaks)

Days: To be worked over 5 days, Monday to Friday, with core hours between 8am – 6pm

Contract: Initial 12 months fixed-term contract (with option to extend), subject to the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period

Responsible to: Senior Strategic Lead (People and Place)

Place of work: Salford CVS’ offices in Eccles, Salford, M30 0FN

We are seeking to recruit to a brand-new post and are looking for an experienced and strategically minded person to strengthen Salford CVS’s strategic VCSE leadership role within Salford.

Main purposes of the post

To provide strategic leadership for Salford CVS’s place-based work, ensuring the VCSE sector is influential, represented and embedded within key strategic partnerships, boards and system-wide initiatives across Salford. The postholder will work closely with the Senior Strategic Lead for People and Place to shape strategic agendas, strengthen cross-sector relationships and ensure VCSE voices help influence the city’s long-term plans relating to Pride in Place, regeneration, housing, social value, climate action, culture, and wider place-based priorities.

For more information, please download the full Job Pack.

How to apply

Please download and complete our application form via the ‘Apply’ button.

Closing date: Noon on Wednesday 13th May 2026.

Interview date: Thursday 21st May 2026 at Salford CVS offices in Eccles.

We’re looking for an organised, proactive and community-minded Project Officer to join our small and supportive team. This is a genuinely varied role, spanning project delivery and network development as well as operational support for our growing OxFarmToFork food hub. It’s a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working across different kinds of tasks and wants to contribute to real change in the Oxfordshire food system. 

The role is 0.8 FTE and can be worked flexibly across the week. Full-time is available if preferred. We encourage interested candidates to discuss working arrangements that suit their needs. The successful candidate will ideally be based within Oxfordshire and able to work from our Oxford office on a Wednesday, our team day.

What You’ll Be Doing 

Project Support (approx. 1.5 days/week) 

Working closely with the Project and Comms Leads, you’ll support the delivery of GFO’s local projects and public-facing campaigns. This includes contributing to initiatives such as the Great Big Green Lunch, and the WISH initiative with our partners at Cherwell Collective, a groundbreaking project that empowers the community to build more sustainable daily habits, including reducing food waste. You’ll help coordinate activity, track progress, and make sure things run smoothly from planning through to delivery. 

Organisational Development (approx. 1.5 days/week) 

You’ll steward GFO’s member network, nurturing robust community and connections. This means attending events, visiting network members and community food groups, and making sure GFO remains well-connected and able to support the people and organisations it works with. 

You’ll also work with the CEO on opportunity horizon scanning: helping to identify income prospects, partnerships, and strategic developments relevant to GFO’s mission, and keeping track of these in a structured and accessible way. 

OxFarmToFork Operations (approx. 1 day/week) 

GFO hosts OxFarmToFork, an exciting local food project and the UK’s first regenerative B2B online marketplace, connecting agroecological growers with buyers in local institutions such as Oxford University colleges. You’ll provide the weekly operational backbone that keeps it running: managing the online marketplace platform (Tream), coordinating with producers and buyers around weekly market cycles and deliveries and supporting the onboarding of new producers and buyers. It’s hands-on work that sits at the heart of a genuinely innovative local food project. 

What You’ll Bring 

• Experience of project coordination or support, in any sector – non-profit, community, food, or otherwise. 

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to juggle a range of tasks. 

• Confidence engaging with a wide variety of people, from community food groups to institutional procurement teams. 

• A methodical approach to admin and data – comfortable with spreadsheets, invoicing processes, and keeping accurate records. 

• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to share updates clearly and promptly. 

• A proactive mindset: you spot what needs doing and get on with it. 

• Genuine interest in food sustainability, community development, or the local food economy. 

We’re a small team and we value warmth, reliability, and a willingness to muck in. If you don’t tick every box above but feel the role is a good fit for your skills and experience, we’d still love to hear from you – particularly from candidates with a range of lived experiences. 

Strategic Programmes Research Executive

We have established a number of high‑profile strategic programmes to drive progress towards a cure. Most recently, we launched the Dementia Frontiers Fund, an ambitious global initiative empowering researchers to tackle the most urgent and complex questions in dementia.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a Research Executive to support the ongoing delivery of our major strategic programmes, providing essential administrative support to ensure their successful delivery, as well as contributing to the development and set‑up of new programmes of work.

This role sits within the Strategic Programmes team in the Research Directorate, an ambitious, supportive and friendly team that funds the best research to transform the lives of people affected by all forms of dementia. We are looking for someone who is highly organised with a good eye for detail, excellent communication skills, and is excited to support our mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Programme Management and Administration

· Work across the Strategic Programmes team and Partnerships function to provide administrative support associated with the delivery of ARUK’s strategic programmes. In particular:

· Support the ongoing management and delivery of the Dementia Frontiers Fund, acting as the central coordination point and primary contact for business administration activities and providing secretariat support as required.

· Manage the Dementia Frontiers Fund email inbox answering queries from researchers and grant awardees promptly and professionally.

· Support the monitoring of the Dementia Frontiers Fund by scheduling progress check-in meetings with awarded teams, supporting programme review processes, and taking accurate meeting notes to ensure effective follow‑up and documentation.

· Help to manage engagement with a wide range of stakeholders in the dementia research landscape, supporting their input into the programmes, with clear note-taking and systematic tracking of interactions and feedback.

Research meetings and events

· Organise research meetings and events by coordinating schedules, travel and accommodation arrangements, venue hiring, catering, and liaising with meeting attendees and ARUK’s Events team.

· Assist with the smooth running of meetings and events to ensure a positive experience for all participants.

Knowledge, skills and experience needed:

· Experience in supporting teams in an administrative capacity

· Overall IT competency and knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

· First degree (or equivalent) in relevant biomedical science

· Knowledge of research funding processes

· Ability to work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail

· Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Team worker and flexible in approach

· Enthusiastic and professional manner

· Flexibility to work occasional unsociable hours if the role requires

Additional Information:

Ways of working:

As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £24,000 per annum, plus benefits.

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 26th April 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website.

The Chief Executive & Creative Director holds the most senior post at Dance City, unites the creative and strategic functions of the organisation, and is accountable to the board of trustees for the good management and impact of the charity. The Chief Executive & Creative Director leads and works collaboratively with the board, senior management team (SMT) and stakeholders and partners to ensure that Dance City creates opportunities for people to create, produce and experience dance at its very best. The Chief Executive & Creative Director drives the business, identifying commercial opportunities, securing financial resilience, and ensuring that Dance City’s programme is at the vanguard of sustainable dance development in the region. The Chief Executive & Creative Director is based in the northeast and plays an active role in the social life and cultural communities of the region. 
 

Role Profile and Person Specification 

Key deliverables 

• Lead on Dance City’s vision, values and organisational objectives and ensure the relevance and sustainability of its creative programme.

• Ensure there is alignment between Dance City’s creative ambitions and its business needs and that all activity is delivered to the highest possible standards to plan and within budget.

• Grow the organisation’s earned income and shape and set targets for initiatives embracing commercial ventures, corporate partnerships, public funding, trusts and foundations and individual philanthropy.

• Be accountable to the board and to funding bodies, and for the responsible stewardship of Dance City.

• Ensure a strong profile and reputation for the organisation and for dance practice locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. 

• Initiate, develop and sustain partnerships with existing and potential funders and key stakeholders. 

• Lead and enable the senior team; motivate, inspire, and support the development of the wider staff team.

Role profile 

Leadership and governance  

• Develop and monitor the strategic plan with the SMT and Board. 

• Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to ensure the good governance of the charity and that organisational performance is structured and monitored using well articulated, achievable KPIs. 

• Support Trustees in being an effective Board, ensuring it comprises the appropriate range of skills and has access to training and development opportunities.

• Deploy Trustees’ skills and networks to identify and activate opportunities for commercial development and business growth.

• Be an inclusive leader, collaborate with and empower the SMT, and motivate, support and develop the wider staff team. 

Advocacy, profile and civic engagement 

• Promote the profile and reputation of Dance City locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

• Initiate and enable constructive debate about dance and its development by artists, policy-makers and the public, and to promote Dance City’s role in dance leadership.

• Articulate the transformative potential of dance in enabling social cohesion, the centrality of its place in the wider creative industries sector, and its potential, through civic partnerships and collaboration, to make a major contribution to the economy and well being of the city and region. 

• Ensure Dance City is part of local, regional, national  and international arts discussions and networks, is represented at key events and viewed as crucial to decision-making processes in the dance and wider cultural and social sectors.

• Be the face of Dance City in professional and community networks and at events in the northeast; communicate and advocate for its plans and ambitions to the widest range of people including politicians, the media, funders, artists, audiences and the public.

Creative 

• Shape, co-create and communicate the creative vision for Dance City. 

• Oversee the development and delivery of a creative programme which appeals to a wide range of audiences, demonstrates excellence, and sets out to grow appetite and demand for diverse dance experiences. 

• Build and manage sustainable commercial and funding partnerships which will enhance the profile of the programme and enable the commissioning, programming and presentation of dance within and beyond Dance City.

• Oversee the evaluation of the programme, to ensure quality, to engage in reflection and implement learning with colleagues.

• Maintain an overview of the local and national dance ecology in order to inform advocacy and planning.

Brand, commercial performance and income 

• Oversee the design and delivery of effective marketing and communications strategies that are developed and effectively delivered, to retain existing and grow new audiences for dance in the northeast and to promote the Dance City brand.

• Be proactive in the development and delivery of effective fundraising and income generation strategies for Dance City, to ensure that contributed income grows and is diversified, and to develop commercial opportunities enabled by the building and programme. 

• Play an active role in identifying and approaching prospective donors, sponsors and funding partners.

• Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with existing and potential supporters and to lead on key public funding and donor relationships.

Finance and operations  

• Be accountable for the financial operation of the organisation, ensuring budgets are set and monitored, appropriate financial policies and procedures are in place, compliance with appropriate legal and fiscal frameworks is followed, and that there is timely reporting to the relevant funders and authorities.

• Oversee and ensure the smooth and efficient management of Dance City’s facilities and infrastructure.

• Ensure Dance City remains a visible champion of environmental responsibility.

• Ensure the organisation is fully compliant with all legal requirements, including health and safety, and that all staff are trained appropriately. 

People and culture 

• Set the tone for and model the organisational culture, be an inclusive and consultative leader, championing employee wellbeing and engagement. 

• Ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for recruitment, induction, appraisals and the professional development of staff.

• Ensure the organisation upholds its principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, valuing the wellbeing of all colleagues.

Person specification  

Essential  

• Has held a senior role in a cultural venue or within an organisation with a substantial arts programme or partnerships; is well networked in and beyond the cultural and creative industries. 

• Understanding of the current landscape and eco-system in the cultural sector and awareness of local/national political initiatives that will impact on - and create opportunities for - Dance City and its partner organisations.

• Understanding of the legal, fiscal, social and political context within which the arts operate, and the contribution they make to health, education, social cohesion and civic pride.

• Understanding of the needs of dance as an art form and a commitment to best practice and to promoting inclusion and equality of opportunity.

• An inclusive leader with experience of overseeing organisational transformation and managing change. 

• A track record in relationship building, working in partnership with a range of funders, agencies and organisations, and of successful fundraising and income generation from a range of sources. 

• A strong advocate and compelling storyteller, able to network, represent the organisation, communicate its vision and inspire confidence among existing and potential peers and stakeholders.

• Strong financial literacy and skills, knowledge of charity governance and relevant financial policies and procedures; experience of senior financial accountability.

• Experience of working effectively with a Board of Directors, understanding of best practice in governance and organisational development.

• A commitment to living in the region, able to travel nationally and internationally, and to work some evenings and weekends where there is reasonable expectation to attend events.

Desirable 

• Experience of running a building with a diverse and impactful arts programme. 

• An extensive network in the cultural sector. 

• Experience of significant national/international cultural partnership projects. 

• Experience of managing significant public investment programmes such as ACE NPO, Creative Scotland RFO or equivalent.

Equity, diversity and inclusion 

At Dance City we believe that voices and perspectives from a range of backgrounds and lived experiences make our understanding of the world and the arts more relevant.

We believe that difference is our strength.

Therefore we actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and those that are under-represented in our city and region and in dance leadership. 

Who we are

Safe and Sound is a well-established Derby-based charity supporting vulnerable children and young people affected by exploitation and risk across the city and county. For over two decades, we have worked to prevent, support and help rebuild lives to a point where we are no longer needed, no matter how long that takes. We do this work by working in engaging local communities to deliver education, intervention and recovery services that change lives.

Following a period of significant development, including the successful merger with another local charity and investment in our facilities, we are now entering a period of consolidation. This is a moment to build on strong foundations and ensure long-term sustainability.

About the role

We are seeking a Chief Executive who can lead Safe and Sound through its next phase with confidence, creativity and purpose.

This is a broad and visible leadership role, combining strategic oversight with hands-on engagement. You will:

• Provide overall leadership to the organisation, ensuring high-quality delivery and strong outcomes for young people.
• Lead on income generation, developing sustainable funding streams and building relationships with key funders.
• Act as the public face of the charity, representing Safe and Sound across Derby’s business, public and voluntary sectors.
• Support and develop a committed staff team, fostering a positive and high-performing culture.
• Ensure the organisation remains responsive to emerging risks, including evolving challenges facing young people

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a values-led leader who can combine strong operational leadership with a confident and credible external presence.

You may be an existing CEO or a senior leader ready to step into your first chief executive role.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• The ability to lead and inspire teams in complex, people-focused environments.
• Experience of securing income and building sustainable funding models.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the confidence to represent an organisation publicly.
• Sound understanding of governance, safeguarding and organisational risk.

A strong connection to Derby or the ability to quickly build credibility and networks locally will be important. This is not a remote role; you will need to be visible, present and embedded in the community.

Why join Safe and Sound

This is an opportunity to lead a respected and impactful organisation at a genuinely positive moment.

As our Chief Executive, you can expect:

• A financially stable charity with strong governance.
• A committed and experienced team of staff and volunteers.
• Established partnerships and a recognised local profile.
• The space to shape the next chapter while building on existing success.

Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of vulnerable young people across Derby.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Friday 22nd May.

For further information about the role and to register your interest, please visit the Peridot Partners page and contact our advising consultants.