Strategic development officer jobs

About Emmaus

Emmaus Merseyside is an award-winning charity that empowers people to overcome homelessness for good. We provide people with a stable home and life-changing tailored support.

We’re here for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We see the person and their strengths – and help them get their life back on track, based on the future they want to create. As part of a nationwide movement of local Emmaus charities, we equip people with valuable skills, training and work experience to achieve their goals.

No one’s life should be defined by homelessness. In our caring community, we build on each individual’s abilities, increasing their confidence and self-esteem. The people we support have a purpose and a chance to make a real contribution to their community.

About the role

As Chief Executive Officer, you will be the heartbeat and guiding force of Emmaus Merseyside. This is a role for a leader who believes deeply in people and the power of community.

You will champion our mission, inspire our companions, staff and volunteers, and ensure our organisation continues to grow in strength, resilience and impact. Balancing strategic vision with hands‑on leadership, you will help shape a future where every person we support has the opportunity to thrive.

We are seeking a visible CEO who is grounded in the Emmaus values and passionate about supporting others to succeed. This exciting role is suited to someone who can balance strategic thinking with day-to-day involvement; who listens, brings people with them and leads with empathy, clarity and purpose.

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a tangible difference, lead an established charity, and shape the future of a community that changes lives every day.

Please find attached the Applicant Information Pack below, which includes the job description and person specification.

How to apply

To apply for the role, please download the attached Applicant Information Pack below, which includes the job description and person specification.

You are invited to submit a CV and a tailored covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, along with your alignment to our values and mission. Please apply before the closing date for applications, 10am on Friday 17 April.

Following an initial longlisting process, selected candidates will be invited to an informal conversation with a trustee. This provides an opportunity to learn more about Emmaus Merseyside, the role and our community. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to attend a formal interview and deliver a presentation on Thursday 23 April. 

This staged approach is designed to provide a supportive and transparent experience, enabling both candidates and the Board of Trustees to explore mutual fit and leadership alignment.

Future Frontiers is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through an exciting new phase of growth and impact.

This is a remarkable opportunity to lead an organisation that has already helped thousands of young people across London to build confidence, shape their own future careers, and realise their potential. This is a pivotal time for Future Frontiers, as we continue to move forward with our 2025–28 strategy, we are expanding our offer, aiming to increase our reach and deepen our impact.

In recent years, like many similar organisations, we have navigated a challenging financial environment, and through the commitment of our leadership team and Trustees, we are returning to a more positive financial position. The next CEO will build on this momentum – strengthening our foundations, expanding our reach, and ensuring that even more young people can benefit from our work.

This role is an opportunity to lead an ambitious, passionate, and talented team united by a powerful mission: advancing social mobility and transforming life chances. We are seeking a strategic leader, commercially astute, and deeply motivated by the potential of young people. As CEO, you will play a defining role in shaping our future, forging new partnerships, securing vital support, and amplifying our impact.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has proven senior leadership experience, ideally within a charity or purpose-led organisation
• Can set and deliver strategic direction while driving measurable impact
• Is a strong relationship-builder, confident engaging funders, partners and stakeholders
• Brings commercial and financial acumen, with experience of income generation
• Is deeply committed to improving outcomes for young people and advancing social mobility

How to apply
To apply, you will need to send us your CV and a separate supporting statement. Your supporting statement should be no more than 2 sides of A4 explaining why you are interested in the role and how you meet the criteria.

Application deadline: Wednesday 22nd April, 5pm
Round one interview: Thursday 7th May (shortlisting will take place w/c 27th April)
Round two interview: w/c 11th May (date TBC)

Both rounds of interviews will take place in person at our office near London Bridge.

Start date: To be agreed with the successful candidate. Ideal start date September 2026.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo enhanced DBS and reference checks to cover employment for the last 5 years.

To support fair and inclusive hiring, we are asking all applicants to complete our diversity and equal opportunities monitoring form. This helps us to identify barriers and improve our processes. Responses are anonymous, not linked to your application, and do not affect hiring decisions.

For full details on the role, responsibilities, and how to apply, please see the attached CEO Applicant Pack.

“The go-to organisation for a public health perspective”.

(Senior UK Government official)

The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) is the representative body for Directors of Public Health in the UK. It has a rich heritage, with its origins dating back more than 160 years and is a collaborative organisation working in partnership with others to maximise the voice for public health.

We are now seeking a new Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through the next phase of its evolution, maintaining and building upon its established reputation and influence. The role requires a wide-ranging set of skills, capabilities and experience, proven leadership and credibility at the highest level. The successful candidate will have strong negotiating and influencing skills, and the ability to work independently, with board-level accountability, and be expected to develop and sustain extensive national networks across local authorities, the NHS, the voluntary sector and central Government. Possessing an adaptability in working practice together with a self-motivated, proactive approach that performs well under pressure, the successful candidate will be educated to Masters level with ongoing study in public health. In addition, they should have senior management training or equivalent experience and a clear record of continuing professional development. Experience should include at least five years in the public health environment, including in policy development, plus a minimum of three years in operational, financial and resource management.

Accountable to our Board of Trustees and the wider membership, the new CEO will develop the strategic direction of the Association and lead the organisation to deliver a rolling medium-term Strategic Business Plan, balanced budgets and effective governance in compliance with company and charity law. An ability to prioritise planned and reactive work programmes to meet the needs of our membership is required, alongside the sourcing and delivery of timely bids for external funding together with the management of staff and resources to ensure value for money and staff wellbeing.

The post holder will support the President, Vice‑President, Board and ADPH Council by applying public health knowledge through teaching, coaching, publishing and presenting as appropriate, maintaining a personal programme of continuing professional development, and be expected to uphold the Association’s values of members first, excellence, collaboration, inclusion and professionalism. Occasional travel, throughout the UK, and flexibility for occasional evening or weekend work will also be necessary.

To apply, submit a CV and a covering letter outlining your leadership experience, strategic achievements and vision for supporting Directors of Public Health across the UK.

Citizens Advice Surrey Heath (CA-SH) is an independent local charity and a company limited by guarantee.

We provide free, confidential, impartial, and independent advice and information for the benefit of the local community, to exercise a responsible influence on the development of social policies and to ensure individuals do not suffer through lack of knowledge or an inability to express their needs effectively.

The Role

Reporting to the Chair of the Trustee Board, the Chief Officer

● Is responsible to the Trustee Board for the management and leadership of Citizens Advice Surrey Heath.

● Represents Citizens Advice Surrey Heath to funders, partners and stakeholders.

● Ensures the delivery of a high quality, impartial and confidential service, utilising both paid staff and volunteers.

● Is responsible for the continuing funding, planning and financial management of the service.

● Represents the organisation in Surrey Heath and contributes to the overall provision of strategic advice services in the borough.

In particular, the priorities for the Chief Officer in 2026 will be to

● Manage CA-SH’s external relationships, with our funders and the Surrey Heath community generally, to ensure satisfaction with the delivery of current projects.

● Build on the current income base, in terms of increased existing project budgets, new projects, and diversifying the income base.

● Explore opportunities to potentially integrate with other local Citizens Advice in Surrey to ensure long-term sustainability and strengthen our impact, in line with the new Unitary Authority structure.

The role requires working closely with the Operations Manager, who will be responsible for staff, volunteers, and, generally, the internal CA-SH operation.

Person specification

Essential

1. Understanding of the voluntary sector and, in particular, knowledge of the strategic and policy environment in which the advice sector, and particularly Citizens Advice operates.
2. Proven ability to devise and implement strategic development and resource plans, particularly in the area of service development, staff development and the management of change.
3. Demonstrable track record of successful income generation and diversification, through promoting services, fundraising, and other activities.
4. Proven track record of devising funded projects, setting them up for delivery and delivering them against agreed targets.
5. Proven ability to lead, motivate and contribute to a team.
6. Demonstrable track record of financial management and budgetary control.
7. Effective communication and presentation skills in person and in writing, to include researching and interpreting complex information and producing clear verbal and written reports, both internally and externally.
8. Proven ability to earn and maintain the trust of stakeholders.
9. Track record in project management.

Desirable

1. Understanding of, and commitment to, Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies.
2. Broad understanding of the operation of local and national government, and the administration of public and legal services, including an understanding of commissioning.
3. Demonstrable ability in people management, particularly in the voluntary sector.
4. Ability to create a positive working environment in which equity and diversity are well managed, and staff are empowered and motivated to do their best.
5. Ability to communicate and work well with a governing body.
6. Track record of managing ICT in a working environment, including ICT business planning, managing information and supplier relations.
 

Staff Benefits

● 6% Employer Pension Contribution
● A company that is committed to its employees, valuing their knowledge, creativity, and flexibility
● Flexible, hybrid working
● Free parking
● Ongoing personal training and development
● The chance to work with amazing people and a nationally recognised charity.

At Ambitious about Autism, we are looking for a Programme Director – Service Development to join our team. You'll develop Ambitious about Autism's and the Trust's education and care services for autistic children and young people.

You'll lead on key strategic projects to extend existing or develop new education and care services for autistic children and young people, providing strong project leadership, strategic integration and managing project-related governance. You'll identify and pursue new business opportunities to drive growth and expansion of our educational settings, including school bids.

You'll be involved in new service development, conducting thorough assessment to identify gaps and opportunities for new provisions or products, whilst developing innovative concepts for new services and seeking approval through business cases. You'll also provide leadership to the Service Development team, with line management of 3 direct reports, whilst upholding Ambitious about Autism's core values.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Extensive business development and project planning knowledge
• Working knowledge of the education, health or social care of children/young people with SEND
• Working knowledge of: The social, policy, regulatory issues affecting children and young people with special educational needs or Commissioning and service delivery for children, young people and their families
• Proven experience of leading the development and delivery of new services for children, young people and/or adults with special educational needs or disabilities either from a third sector, educational, health or local authority background
• Experience of developing strategic and business plans

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

For over 30 years, we’ve pioneered the use of beekeeping as a sustainable development tool, helping communities across Africa escape poverty while protecting biodiversity. Now we’re ready to scale our impact significantly — growing from £900K to £1.4M income within three years and expanding to new locations using our proven model.

The Opportunity:
This is a rare chance to lead a mission-driven organisation with huge potential. You’ll work with influential patrons including The Queen, Monty Don, Martha Kearney, Kate Humble, and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, all ready to actively support our ambitious goals. You’ll manage a talented team of seven and work alongside seven committed trustees.

What we’re looking for:
We need a leader who

• Is genuinely passionate about environmental sustainability and poverty alleviation
• Can develop and execute ambitious fundraising strategies, including corporate partnerships and major donor relationships
• Brings financial acumen and strategic planning experience
• Enjoys managing and developing people—our small team is excellent and is keen to welcome great leadership
• Thrives on networking and relationship-building, actively seeking opportunities
• Is comfortable being the external face of the organisation with donors, corporates, and partners
• Has senior leadership experience (ideally in the third sector, though we welcome strong leaders from any sector)

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic planning and organisational growth in partnership with the Board
• Act as chief fundraiser and spokesperson, personally engaging with high-level donors
• Develop corporate partnerships and ESG opportunities
• Manage and inspire our team of seven, fostering a culture of excellence
• Oversee a ~£1M+ budget and ensure strong financial management
• Deepen relationships with international partners in Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda and beyond
• Build BfD’s profile and brand visibility

What we offer:

• Salary of £65,000-£70,000 (negotiable based on experience)
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension (flexible package)
• Hybrid working possible with minimum 3 days in our Monmouth office (important for team collaboration and partner engagement)
• The chance to lead a respected organisation through an exciting growth phase
• Opportunity to make a real difference to communities and biodiversity worldwide

Timeline:
Application deadline: 13th April 2026

Bees for Development is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace.

Office overview

Our University has a proud history of philanthropy stretching back to its foundation in 1900. With a clear vision to change the lives of the people of Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain raised the funds required to build the University from citizens and corporations based locally and around the globe. Since then philanthropy has continued to play an important role in shaping the University. There have been a number of fundraising campaigns, including a £1m urgent capital appeal after the Second World War and a £1.4m campaign to fund the Vale ‘student village’ in the 1960s. In 2015 we closed the Circles of Influence Campaign, raising £193 million, making it the largest HE fundraising campaign outside Oxbridge and London. 

The University has global reach, including several partnerships with other leading universities around the world, and is grounded in its local community, having opened the first fully comprehensive University secondary school in the country in 2015. We are an ambitious and successful research-intensive University (one of the top 100 research-led universities globally) and have produced 10 Nobel Prize winners, including three who received their awards in 2016. Academics here are exploring the impact of climate change, helping to address global health epidemics, seeking ways to diagnose cancers earlier and create more effective personalised treatments, and changing our understanding of Shakespeare. Our students come from nearly 150 countries and our flagship outreach programmes mean that almost 25% of our student population come from disadvantaged backgrounds: one of the highest proportions in the UK.

DARO (The Development and Alumni Relations Office) exists to support this academic and student community by engaging, inspiring, and celebrating alumni, individuals, and charitable funders who give their money, time, and networks to support the University’s strategic priorities. The Office, which is comprised of five teams, is focused on fundraising and volunteering from alumni, organisations and individuals who are passionate about changing lives, through funding various research trials, supporting student bursaries, mentoring students, and providing internships. We are currently at the heart of delivering the Birmingham in Action campaign with goals to raise £600m and generate 1,250,000 volunteer hours.

As an office, we are committed to sustainability and value green working practices. The environment is an integral part of our campaign and we encourage eco-friendly ways of working in order to have a positive impact on our campus and global surroundings. 

Role Summary

We are looking for a Prospect Development Officer to join our highly successful prospect development team, working in partnership with our fundraising team to manage their prospect pools and portfolios. You will provide insight and advice on donors, trusts, foundations, corporations, and other organizations, collating and reviewing data and writing concise and informative reports for the fundraising team and senior stakeholders within the University. You will proactively identify new prospects, ensuring that biographical information is accurate and up to date. Other responsibilities include leading on the improvement and expansion of research processes, supporting with bespoke research requests, supporting the Head of Prospect Development with specialist research projects, and providing support to the philanthropic due diligence process.

 We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. 

Cherry Trees helps to keep families together by providing home from home care for children with complex disabilities and a meaningful break for their families.

The CEO will provide dynamic and inspirational leadership, strategic vision, and operational oversight to ensure continued growth, maintain high quality of care, and deliver the charity's objectives. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CEO will manage the day-to-day operations of the charity, grow income through diverse fundraising streams, maintain the Outstanding status of the homes, and serve as an ambassador and senior leader.

For the full job description and to apply for the role, please visit our website.

Creative Land Trust secures permanent affordable workspace in London for artists and creatives. We connect property developers, government authorities and studio providers forging valuable new collaborations, facilitating placemaking and actively participating in the development of policy in both the property and arts sectors.

Founded by the Mayor of London with expertise from Outset Contemporary Art Fund, and additional funding from Arts Council England and Bloomberg Philanthropies, we use our extensive knowledge of how the property and arts sectors interact to provide a way for donors, developers and investors to contribute to arts and culture at a systemic, infrastructure level.

We measure our impact in terms of community interaction, social benefit, wellbeing and employment; engaging expert studio providers for day-to-day management.

We are actively seeking funding from new donors and long-term partnerships with property owners that will lead to more stable space for arts and culture, improving the opportunities for creative practises to thrive and for communities to become more connected. In return we contribute to place making and community cohesion.

We are a small team with big ambitions seeking an experienced and motivated finance director who will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and other members of the team to ensure that the Creative Land Trust works efficiently and effectively, making the best use of all its assets. The post holder will manage and have responsibility for the oversight of financial systems, reporting and analysis, as well as acting as Company Secretary and leading the delivery of good governance. This is a senior role and the post holder will have influence at trustee and team levels.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead CPAG’s strategic legal work at an important time in the organisation’s fight to end child poverty. As Head of Strategic Litigation, you will oversee and carry out CPAG’s work using legal cases for positive impact, to benefit families and children in poverty. You will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of CPAG’s legal work, in addition to managing CPAG’s legal practice and playing an active role in conducting high-profile litigation on a day-to-day basis.

We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about using the law to advocate for the rights of, and directly improve the lives of, families in poverty. The ideal candidate will be a solicitor (E&W qualified) with substantial post-qualification experience. You will have experience of conducting public law litigation and legal aid (publicly funded) work. You will be able to supervise the casework of colleagues, such as CPAG’s junior or trainee solicitor(s) and welfare benefit advisers, and support the professional development and wellbeing of your team. You may have experience of working with clients in vulnerable situations or with additional needs, for example, survivors of domestic abuse, refugees, disabled people or children and young people.

We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack. 

For more information about this post and to apply download the Head of Strategic Litigation job pack and application form. 

If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process please contact us.

To apply, please return to us the application form, taking particular care to provide full details of how you meet the person specification. 

Closing date for applications: 11.59pm, Wednesday, 15 April 2026

Interviews will be held at our London office: w/c 27 April 2026

Role/Job Title: Head of Income Generation
Location: Pembury, Kent / Battle, East Sussex
Travel to other locations in the South-East as required
Hybrid working arrangements available

Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 per annum, dependant on experience

Closing date for applications: Monday 20th April 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Interview Date: Wednesday 29th April 2026 at Cornford Lane, Pembury, TN2 4QU (Please ensure availability for this date when applying)

Equal Opportunity/Accessibility and Accommodations Statement:
As a Disability Confident employer, Aspens Charities is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. We actively promote the recruitment, retention, and career development of people with disabilities, recognising the invaluable contributions they make to our organisation. We are dedicated to ensuring an accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

About Aspens:
Aspens’ mission is to provide high-quality care and support to individuals on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities; meeting their needs and aspirations and empowering them to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South-East.

We provide support and care to children, families and adults across Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, Surrey and the London Borough of Bexley. Our services include registered care homes; supported living; community outreach; day services, including pathways to employment; children and young people’s groups and support; specialist support; and free online support for families and carers across the South-East. 

As we continue to grow and strengthen our impact, we are looking for an ambitious and strategic Head of Income Generation to play a key role in securing our long-term financial sustainability.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive Paid Training and opportunities for career progression, including recognised qualifications in health and social care
• Paid DBS Check (we will recover the cost should your employment terminate for any reason, other than redundancy, before passing your probation)
• Flexible Work Arrangements with the option to take on additional bank shifts
• Annual Leave (including Bank Holidays) pro-rated based on your hours, with additional leave accrued with length of service
• Nest Pension and Death in Service Benefit
• Access to a Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• 20% Discount at Aspens High Street Stores for all staff
• Discounted Menu at the Bluebell Café (Pembury) for employees
• Refer a Friend Scheme – earn up to £250 for every successful referral
• Employee recognition programmes, including ‘Employee of the Month’

The Role:
The Head of Income Generation will lead the development and delivery of a sustainable, multi-year income strategy to support Aspens’ future growth and impact.

Working as part of the Inclusive Executive Leadership Team, you will provide strategic leadership across fundraising, partnerships, marketing and trading activity. You will strengthen existing income streams while identifying and developing new opportunities including major donors, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, and social enterprise initiatives.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of income generation within a purpose-driven organisation making a real difference in people’s lives.

Key Responsibilities:

You will:

• Develop and deliver a multi-year income generation strategy aligned with organisational goals
• Lead annual income planning, budgeting and performance reporting
• Grow income from trusts and foundations, securing significant multi-year funding
• Develop and implement a Major Gifts strategy, cultivating high-net-worth donors
• Establish and grow legacy and in-memoriam giving programmes
• Build and manage corporate partnerships and sponsorship opportunities
• Oversee community fundraising campaigns and events
• Provide strategic oversight of retail, café and trading activity to maximise net income
• Identify and develop social enterprise opportunities that balance impact with financial return
• Strengthen impact measurement and CRM systems to support effective reporting and donor engagement
• Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing income generation team

We are looking for a strategic and commercially minded leader with a strong track record in fundraising and income generation.

You will bring:

• Significant senior-level experience in income generation within the charity or social impact sector
• A proven track record securing major gifts, high-value partnerships and six-figure grants
• Strong strategic planning, budgeting and forecasting capability
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• The ability to translate impact and operational data into compelling funding narratives
• Experience using CRM systems and pipeline management to drive fundraising performance
• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills, including at Executive or Board level

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle is required and essential for this role.

We’re looking for passionate individuals to help us ensure that every person we support lives a fulfilling life with dignity and independence.

If shortlisted, we will contact you directly to schedule an interview. We strive to respond to all applicants; however, if you have not received a response within a reasonable timeframe, please feel free to contact us for a status update or feedback (where available). After the interview, you will be notified of the outcome. If successful, you’ll receive a formal offer in writing. Upon acceptance, we’ll guide you through the onboarding process, providing you with all the details you need.

Please note, any offer of employment will be subject to Disclosure and Barring checks (which we will arrange on your behalf if you don’t already have one) and satisfactory employment references.

As our current CEO steps down after five successful years, we are looking for an outstanding candidate to lead our charity in the next stage of its development.

As Chief Executive Officer you will provide strategic and operational leadership to our well-established community charity, ensuring that our activities and projects continue to meet the changing needs of our local community.

You will work closely with the board of trustees to shape the next stage of our charity’s development. You will lead our staff team and ensure that all the resources and structures are in place that allow them and the charity to flourish. This means successfully securing grant funding, leading our community fundraising efforts, ensuring the charity meets its legal and regulatory obligations, managing the operational finances, and building effective partnerships within the local voluntary, community, and faith sector.

You will be equally comfortable writing a funding bid, supporting a member of staff, navigating a spreadsheet, working directly with beneficiaries, and providing concise and accessible reports to trustees and stakeholders. This is a varied role where no two days are quite the same. Your work will make a real difference to the lives of those we support and this is what makes it so rewarding.

For more information please see the recruitment pack attached. The closing date for applications is Friday 17 April 2026.

We are looking for a new CEO to lead Surrey Community Action into a bright and exciting future, where the voluntary sector and communities of Surrey are helped to survice and thrive.

Surrey Community Action

Chief Executive Officer

35 hours per week, mostly office based but with some scope for working remotely.

Based in Burpham, Guildford, Surrey

The role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

£62,000 for a 35-hour week

5% employers pension contribution

25 days annual leave plus three days over Christmas

Employee Assistance Programme

About Surrey Community Action

Surrey Community Action supports Surrey’s voluntary sector, the diverse communities of Surrey, and other organisations who seek to work with either. We ensure that non-voluntary sector stakeholders understand the value of our sector and how to work together to achieve shared objectives. We provide services to Surrey’s voluntary sector that increase their effectiveness or fill gaps in their capability, capacity, and resilience. Services to the Surrey’s Communities and we provide services directly to Surrey’s communities that support community action and address unsupported needs.

About The Role

We are seeking a new Chief Executive to join us at an ideal time to complete and implement our emerging new strategy and direct Surrey Community Action into a bright future.

As Chief Executive Officer, you will have the scope and authority to shape strategy, influence policy, empower Surrey’s voluntary sector, and champion rural communities, working closely with a committed Board, and experienced staff team.

You will be the organisation’s lead ambassador, building trusted relationships with partners, funders and decision‑makers, and ensuring the organisation’s voice is heard at local, regional and national level.

You will also play a critical role in leading change and transformation within the charity - strengthening systems, diversifying income and evolving how the organisation works so it remains resilient, relevant and impactful in a fast‑changing environment.

This is a role for someone who enjoys balancing big‑picture thinking with practical delivery, and who can bring people with them through periods of transition.

If you are motivated to improve the capability, capacity and resilience of the Surrey’s voluntary sector, communities and residents; if you thrive in complex and changing stakeholder environments; and if you are excited by the challenge of leading an organisation through its next phase of growth and influence, this role is for you.

No two days will be the same, but there are some core parts of this role.

• Strategic Leadership & Organisational Direction
• You will lead the delivery of a clear, compelling organisational strategy, adapting it in response to an evolving operating environment and ensuring the organisation remains agile, future‑focused and well positioned within the voluntary and community sectors.
• Board Partnership & Governance
• You will work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, providing high‑quality insight, advice and assurance on strategy, finance, risk, governance and compliance, and then supporting effective Board decision‑making through clear reporting, analysis and professional guidance.
• Leadership of People & Culture
• You will lead, inspire and support the staff team through a transparent, inclusive and empowering management style, creating a high‑performance culture rooted in trust, accountability, equality, diversity and wellbeing.
• Change Management & Organisational Development
• You will be a skilled change manager, leading transformation in response to evolving funding landscapes, policy shifts, technology and community needs, designing and implementing systems, structures and processes that strengthen organisational effectiveness and resilience.
• Ambassadorial Role, Advocacy & External Relations
• You will be the public face of the organisation, representing it with credibility, passion and authority, and building strong, influential relationships with funders, partners, policymakers, communities and stakeholders.

About You

The purpose of the Chief Executive Officer’s role is to guide and plan the strategic development and overall direction of the organisation, providing strong leadership and co-ordination to ensure the aims, strategic objectives and priorities of the organisation are achieved.

To do this, we need someone who embodies the following attributes, skills and experience.

You will have:

• Senior leadership experience within a voluntary, community, public or values‑led organisation, with accountability for strategy, performance and resources.
• Proven experience of working effectively with a Board or trustees
• Demonstrable success in leading and managing organisational change, including restructuring, service development or cultural transformation.
• Experience in fundraising, income generation and business development
• Experience of financial leadership, including budgeting, financial planning, income generation and managing funding agreements or contracts.
• A strong track record of external engagement, partnership working and representation at senior level.
• People management experience, supporting a compact team delivering diverse projects.
• Excellent communication skills (including social media) and governance literacy.
• It will be a distinct advantage to have familiarity with Local Government Reorganisation and devolution, ideally in a county like Surrey.

You will be:

• Motivated, motivating and dynamic
• An effective communicator (including social media) with good network contacts, especially in the VCSE sector and across local government
• A strong team builder, able to develop, encourage and support colleagues in making the most of their experience and skillsets and to feel confident in their abilities
• A visionary leader who is able to embrace and manage change through strategic creativity and innovation, while also able to pay attention to detail when necessary.
• Ideally, you will also be able to demonstrate understanding of charity governance, compliance and safeguarding.
• Calm and confident under pressure with an evidence-based approach to prioritising finite resources.

These attributes, skills and experience will make you stand out, but even if you do not match all the criteria below, we still want to hear about you and what you can offer.

The Nuts and Bolts

The role is a permanent contract for 35 hours per week, mostly office based but with some scope for working remotely.

Our offices are in Guildford, Surrey

We are committed to continued professional development and will support you to develop your skills even further.

The role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

The salary for this post is £62,000 for a 35-hour week.

We also offer:

• 5% employers pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme
• 25 days holiday with an additional three days between Christmas and New Year, as well as all English Bank Holidays

We can only accept applications from candidates with the right to work in the UK.

Strategic Partnerships Manager

MedicAlert
Salary: £37,000
Location: Office based; hybrid; or home based (with 1-2 days per month at the office)
Contract: Permanent, full-time

Charity People is delighted to be partnering with MedicAlert to recruit a Strategic Partnerships Manager, a fantastic new role at an exciting point in the charity's growth.

MedicAlert is the UK's only medical ID charity, supporting people living with medical conditions, allergies and implants to live with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Through its globally recognised medical ID system and 24/7 emergency support, MedicAlert ensures vital medical information is available when it matters most.

2024 marked the 60th anniversary of The MedicAlert Foundation. Over six decades, MedicAlert has been a trusted provider of emergency identification for individuals with medical conditions and allergies.

MedicAlert's purpose is simple yet powerful:

To ensure that everyone with a medical condition or allergy can live a safer, more independent life - with emergency responders able to access their critical medical details instantly.

This role offers a brilliant opportunity to shape and grow MedicAlert's strategic partnerships function, helping to significantly extend reach, diversify income and grow membership - ultimately enabling more people to live safer, more independent lives.

The role

As Strategic Partnerships Manager, you will be a driving force behind MedicAlert's life-saving mission, developing, securing and stewarding partnerships across the charity, public and private sectors.

You will own the full partnership lifecycle - from research and relationship building through to delivery, evaluation and renewal - working closely with the Director of Marketing and Development, CEO and Leadership Team. Acting as a central point of coordination internally and externally, you will design partnership models that deliver meaningful social impact alongside sustainable income and organisational growth

Key responsibilities

• Identify, research and prioritise prospective strategic partners whose values, audiences and objectives align with MedicAlert's mission
• Develop and implement flexible partnership models across sectors, assessing opportunities based on impact, reach, income and strategic value
• Lead the development and management of partnership proposals, negotiations and agreements
• Deliver partnership-led income generation, including B2B sales of MedicAlert membership, sponsorship and commercial opportunities
• Build and steward strong, long-term relationships, ensuring mutual commitments are delivered effectively
• Coordinate partnership activity across the organisation, ensuring clarity, feasibility and strong internal engagement
• Monitor, evaluate and report on partnership performance, impact and ROI for a range of internal audiences

About you

You will be an experienced partnerships or business development professional with a track record of developing and managing strategic partnerships that deliver tangible results.

You are likely to bring:

• Experience building partnerships within the charity, public or private sectors
• A commercially minded approach, with experience of income generation through partnerships or B2B relationships
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including confidence working with senior leaders
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery
• A collaborative, proactive and solutions-focused approach

Application process & timeline

To express your interest in this fantastic opportunity, please send your CV to Kevin Croasdale at Charity People, our recruitment partner. If your profile aligns with what we're looking for, we will be in touch with more information and next steps.

Closing date: Monday 13th April

First stage interviews: Tuesday 21st April
Second stage interviews: Tuesday 28th April

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.