Strategic development officer jobs

Head of Sector Development

Full Time: 35 hours per week | £55,500pa | Hybrid | Closing Date 7th August 2025

Job Reference: HSD02 (Please quote this on any correspondence)

Headline: Help shape sector development for the UK’s professional body for libraries, information, and knowledge management

The role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic professional to join us as Head of Sector Development. This pivotal leadership role will drive the delivery and growth of our professional services, shaping how the profession attracts, develops, and retains talent. You will play a critical role in ensuring CILIP continues to set the standard in professional development, assessment, and workforce support, enhancing the value we offer to members, employers, learning providers, and wider stakeholders.

What you’ll be responsible for:

As Head of Sector Development, you will lead a high-performing team to deliver and evolve a portfolio of services that support career progression, professional registration, accreditation, training, and sector-wide standards. You will take ownership of the Professional Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB), ensuring it remains relevant, robust, and at the heart of our service offer. You will work closely with learning and employer partners, member networks, and other professional communities to strengthen talent pathways, while ensuring that our services are accessible, inclusive, and aligned with market need.

You will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the sector development function, reporting on its impact and outcomes, and driving commercial growth through effective product design and service delivery. This includes the development of a scalable training offer, effective use of digital platforms, and innovation in content packaging. Your leadership will ensure that quality assurance standards are upheld across all services, while also championing the importance of professionalism and ethical practice throughout the sector.

What we’re looking for

You will bring significant experience from within the library, information, or knowledge management field, alongside deep knowledge of the professional development landscape. Your expertise will include developing competency frameworks, managing accredited programmes, and designing services that support career-long learning and progression. You will be confident working with regulatory requirements and quality standards, and able to use market intelligence and internal data to inform strategic decisions.

As a leader, you will be values-driven, collaborative, and commercially minded. You’ll be an effective communicator with the presence and credibility to represent CILIP at senior levels. You’ll bring a strong understanding of inclusive practice and a proven ability to develop services that are accessible and relevant to a diverse profession. Most importantly, you will be passionate about professional development, driven by impact, and committed to strengthening the role of the sector in society.

Why join us?

We’re on an exciting journey to transform how we work, what we offer, and how we serve our members and partners. You’ll play a central role in shaping this future, leading change, driving innovation, and helping ensure CILIP thrives in a rapidly evolving sector.

If you're an inclusive, strategic leader who thrives on innovation, people leadership, and delivering measurable impact, we’d love to hear from you.

About CILIP

CILIP is the leading voice for the information, knowledge management and library profession. We are here for everyone who has a professional connection to information, knowledge, data and libraries, and shares our belief in their power to change lives.

Our purpose is to unite, support and empower information professionals across all sectors.

What we do:

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD): We will deliver high-quality CPD events and training that enable our members to enhance their skills, knowledge, and expertise.
• Membership services: We will provide excellent membership services that support our members and enable them to maximise their membership benefits.
• Professional standards: We will uphold and develop professional standards that promote excellence in libraries, information and knowledge management.
• Content and publishing: We will deliver high-quality books, journals, magazines, and other content that enables our members to improve their skills and develop their expertise.
• Advocacy: We will advocate for the value of our profession and the important role of our members in organisations and society.
• Research and development: We will work in collaboration to deliver R&D programmes which advance our strategic goals.

Benefits of working for CILIP:

• Work alongside passionate, mission-driven professionals.
• Enjoy a flexible, supportive, and inclusive working environment.
• Generous pension and death-in-service entitlement.
• 28 days paid leave per year, plus bank holidays and an additional 3 days leave between Christmas and New Year.
• Perkbox employee discounts.
• Enhanced sick pay, maternity, paternity, adoption and carer’s leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme.

How to apply:
Please submit a letter of application outlining how you meet the criteria and why you are the right fit for this role.

For full details, please refer to the attached role description and person specification (on our website).

To express your interest or arrange a confidential conversation, please contact our HR department,

Closing date: Applications should be submitted by midnight on Thursday 7th August 2025 with shortlisting taking place on Monday 11th August.

Interviews: Will be held week commencing 25th August 2025

Please note: This role can be based out of either location and please state in your answer to the screening question, which office you would prefer to be based out of. 

We are excited to announce a new position within our Philanthropy, Engagement and Partnerships (PEP) team. The role of the Fundraising Officer is to support the development of effective relationships with donors, contributing to ongoing revenue generation for the College.

The role is key front-line fundrasing role and will involve identifying, and delivering new donors, as well as furthering a portfolio of current and past donor relations to secure funding for UWC Atlantic College. You will manage a portfolio of prospects and donors across alumni, parents, and other individuals to cultivate, solicit, and steward financial contributions.

You will hold key relationships with Alumni, parents, external and internal stakeholders, colleagues, and students. The role will also involve collaborating with various colleagues to plan and execute a program of donor-related events.

You will provide strategic contribution which supports UWC Atlantic’s strategies to acheive fundraising goals.

The opportunity is available to be based at UWC Atlantic, St Donats or Hybrid working from the UWC International Officer, 55 New Oxford Street and from home.

For a recording of the information session for this role, please contact us so that we can send details accross.

Completed application forms should be emailed to our recruitment email address.

Please note that potential candidates will be asked to fill out our application form as we are a college and this is a requirment to be selected.

UWC Atlantic is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We are looking for a Senior Finance Officer to play a key role in delivering accurate, timely, and insightful financial support across the organisation. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong finance skills and a passion for the charity sector to contribute to meaningful environmental impact.

To support the Finance Manager in producing management accounts, maintaining financial controls, and ensuring compliance with charity accounting standards. Also to work closely with project managers, funders, and external auditors.

Benefits: 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + Christmas closure, Contributory pension scheme, Hybrid working offered post-probation, Training and professional development, friendly, values-driven team environment.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week).

We aim to be an equal opportunity employer and are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment.

Being a charity we hope all recruitment agencies will appreciate that we want to save money where possible - so thank you, but unless we get in touch, we don't need you help with this role quite yet.

You’ll work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees to lead strategicplanning, drive funding development, and support our governance, partnerships, andlong-term sustainability. This is a unique opportunity to help rebuild and future-proof avital grassroots charity at a time of transformation.

Role Purpose

The Strategic Development Officer will support the delivery of Kanlungan’snew strategic direction. You will help review and embed internal systems,contribute to funding and sustainability plans, and work alongsideleadership to ensure the organisation is equipped for long-term impact andaccountability.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Governance

• Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of the new strategic plan
• Coordinate strategic planning workshops with staff, trustees, and community partners
• Strengthen organisational policies, systems, and reporting mechanisms
• Assist the Executive Director in preparing reports and briefings for the Board

Fundraising & Development

• Map and assess potential funders and grant opportunities aligned with Kanlungan’s
• mission
• Identify and test new income streams, including individual giving, corporate
• sponsorship, community fundraising, and service-based models
• Draft and support the submission of high-quality funding proposals and applications
• Develop and maintain internal tracking systems for grants, reporting deadlines, and
• deliverables
• Maintain strong relationships with funders and contribute to timely reporting and
• impact evaluation
• Contribute to building a long-term funding strategy that reduces overreliance on
• restricted grants and strengthens financial sustainability

Organisational Sustainability & Partnerships

• Contribute to developing Kanlungan’s Theory of Change and impact
• measurement framework
• Identify and support the co-design of partnerships, networks, and
• collaborative initiatives
• Assist in preparing communications to funders, partners, and supporters

Person Specification

Essential

• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, programme development, or
• organisational development
• Experience writing funding applications and working with funders
• Strong project management and coordination skills
• Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal abilities
• Understanding of racial justice, migrant rights, or grassroots organising

Desirable

• Knowledge of charity governance and compliance
• Familiarity with community-based or migrant-led organisations
• Experience working in culturally diverse and multilingual contexts

Panathlon is a national charity that gives children with special needs and disabilities (SEND) the opportunity to engage in competitive sporting and leadership opportunities. Operating in every English County, North and South Wales and Northern Ireland, our work changes lives—helping young people build confidence, develop physical and emotional skills and enjoy the joy of competition. With support from major funders, sponsors, and national partners, we’re constantly growing our impact—and we need a CEO who can drive our strategy, lead our exceptional team and champion our mission at the highest levels.

The Role

As CEO, you’ll be the strategic lead for the charity with some operational oversight too. You will work closely with the Board of Trustees, oversee a small but high-performing team, and serve as the face of the organisation for key funders, partners, and stakeholders. Your responsibilities will include:

● Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement long-term plans aligned with our mission.
● Fundraising & Income Generation: Drive major donor pitches, manage key sponsor relationships, and grow revenue through campaigns and events.
● Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate relationships with charitable partners, corporate partners, government departments, national sports bodies, local authorities, and disability groups.
● Marketing & Communications: Oversee PR strategy, digital presence, and communications.
● Governance & Operations: Ensure regulatory compliance, oversee HR and finance, and maintain a strong organisational infrastructure.

About You

We’re looking for a proven leader with a strong track record of strategic leadership and income generation, ideally in the charity, education, or sports sectors. You’ll combine hands-on management experience with the ability to inspire funders, partners, and stakeholders alike.

We are seeking a compassionate, visionary, and strategic Chief Executive Officer to lead Mermaids through the next stage of its evolution, dedicated to improving the lives of gender-diverse children and young people, and those who are important to them. As CEO, you will be responsible for driving the charity’s mission, shaping its strategic direction, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, affirming support services. You will act as a visible and credible advocate for trans and 
gender-diverse youth, build strong relationships with stakeholders, and influence public policy and sector practice. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will oversee a small committed team, ensure robust financial management with the Chief Operating Officer, and lead fundraising efforts to secure a sustainable future. This is a unique opportunity for a values-driven leader who brings both strategic acumen and a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and lived 
experience. 
Service Delivery:
• Provide strategic and operational leadership across all service delivery areas, including support line services, group work,  advocacy, external communications, and policy.
• Ensure services are high quality, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of trans and gender-diverse children, young people and the special people in their lives.
• Lead the continuous improvement and development of service delivery models, ensuring impact, effectiveness, and alignment with the charity’s mission.
• Champion a culture of safeguarding, accountability, and young person-centred practice throughout all service delivery. 
• Act as the organisation’s Safeguarding Lead, with oversight of on-call, safeguarding training, and ensuring appropriate escalation mechanisms are in place.
• Oversee the design and implementation of advocacy and policy activities, ensuring the charity’s voice is informed by lived 
experience and is impactful at local and national levels.
• Act as a visible and hands-on leader for frontline teams, providing support, supervision, and inspiration to staff and 
volunteers.
• Monitor performance, outcomes, and feedback to ensure services are meeting objectives and delivering positive change 
for beneficiaries.

Governance:
• In partnership with the board of trustees, set and articulate our vision, mission and strategy, and keep this under continual 
review.
• Lead the development and implementation of Mermaid’s strategic plan, ensuring sustainability and growth.
• Liaise with the board of trustees to ensure the charity’s governance, structure, policies and procedures are appropriate 
and effective, taking remedial measures and implementing change as necessary. This includes supporting board 
development.
• Work closely with the Chair and Board of Trustees to support strong governance and informed decision-making.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting on organisational performance, risks, and impact.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory guidance and legislation, including the Charity Commission and the Fundraising 

Finance & Fundraising:
• Working with the Chief Operating Officer and the Board of Trustees, ensure Mermaids has robust, deliverable fundraising 
and finance strategies in place, and subsequent action plans are embedded throughout the organisation to support their 
delivery.
• In partnership with the Chief Operating Officer, ensure Mermaids has robust finance, HR, IT, data privacy and governance processes and procedures are embedded.

People and Culture:
• Line manage senior staff including the COO and service delivery managers.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, inclusive internal culture that values lived experience and wellbeing.
• Continue work to embed a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion across the organisation, as well as a focus on accessibility.
• Work to define and drive trans-centred leadership across the organisation, including ensuring that the organisation is a trans-positive, supportive employer.

External Engagement and Advocacy:
• Represent Mermaids publicly, including acting as the key spokesperson and strategic policy stakeholder, ensuring 
organisational awareness of the external landscape and the changing needs of trans children, young people and their 
families, and advocating for these needs to be met.
• Lead communications strategy, and lead press engagement by responding to media inquiries, interviews, press conferences and media events.
• Lead on stakeholder engagement, including with funders, supporters, community partners, and policy influencers.
• Advocate for the rights and needs of trans and gender-diverse children, young people and the significant others in their lives at a national level.
 

Director of Strategic Partnerships

Keychange Charity
Hybrid – Home, Community Sites & London Office
£62,000–£66,000 per annum, depending on experience
Full Time

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for building partnerships that transform lives?

Keychange is a Christian charity with over a century of experience supporting people facing homelessness, isolation, and vulnerability. We create caring communities where everyone can belong and flourish, inspired by the love and example of Jesus.

We are seeking an inspiring Director of Strategic Partnerships to join our Senior Leadership Team. In this pivotal role, you will shape our partnerships, fundraising, and advocacy—ensuring our mission remains sustainable and impactful for years to come.

Your Impact

As Director of Strategic Partnerships, you will:

• Develop and strengthen relationships with churches, faith-based organisations, and Christian donors who share and support our mission

• Maximise and grow partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including charities, local authorities, and community groups

• Promote and uphold the Christian ethos, charitable objectives, and values of Keychange in all external partnerships and communications

• Lead our fundraising strategy, trust and foundation development, and donor engagement

• Facilitate opportunities for faith exploration, prayer, and spiritual support through partnership working

• Develop and deliver our communications and advocacy work, championing our mission across the sector and with policymakers

• Represent Keychange in faith-based networks, conferences, and sector forums as a Christian organisation

• Inspire and support our teams to embed our values, faith, and culture in all we do

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• A practising Christian whose faith informs and inspires your leadership, relationships, and decision-making

• An exceptional communicator and relationship-builder with experience in networking, fundraising, and influence

• A strategic thinker with a deep understanding of social care and homelessness

• A collaborative leader who can motivate teams and build bridges across diverse communities

• Willing to travel across our communities (up to 50 days per year)

This post is subject to  the Occupational Requirement (OR) under Schedule 9, Part 1, paragraph 3 of the Equality Act 2010 that the post-holder is a practising Christian. This requirement is necessary and proportionate in light of the responsibilities of the role, which include: promoting and upholding the Christian ethos, charitable objectives and values of Keychange; supporting the spiritual wellbeing of service users; facilitating faith exploration; developing church partnerships; and representing the organisation in faith-based settings.

What We Offer

• A warm, purpose-driven culture where faith, compassion, and professionalism meet

• Hybrid working – typically four days from home or community sites, one day in our London office

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Employee assistance programme and life insurance

• Matched contributory pension scheme

• Ongoing professional development tailored to your goals

How to Apply

To apply, please send:

• A cover letter outlining why this role excites you and how you meet the essential and desirable criteria

• Your up-to-date CV

Important: We’d love to hear your authentic voice—please do not use AI to write your application.

Key Dates

Deadline for applications: Midday, Thursday 24 July
Screening interviews (online): Friday 25 July
Final interviews (in person): Tuesday 29 or Wednesday 30 July

Want to Find Out More?

We know moving roles is a big step. For an informal conversation, please contact:
Sarah Hurst – Executive Assistant to the CEO

Join us in building communities of hope, care, and belonging. We welcome applications from candidates who share our vision and values.

This is an exciting time to join us on our mission as we implement our new international engagement strategy. As our International Engagement Officer you will elevate our influence on the global stage. This is a new and important role for our charity. You will work with our senior team to drive international engagement with policymakers, parliamentarians, international organisations, and strategic partners. Your work will help us to position babies – and the first 1001 days – at the heart of global policy agendas.

You will be responsible for engaging and coordinating the relationships between our senior team and leaders around the world. You will keep abreast of policy developments in our target international countries and facilitate our international advocacy efforts. With support and supervision from the Director of Research and Grants and our Chair of Trustees, you will support the development of partnerships that extend our reach and deepen our impact. Through this work you will help us to bring the voice of babies to partners around the world.

The first round of interviews will take place on 18 July. 

Chalk Streams in the City Development Lead (Maternity Cover)

Hours: Full time (37.5 hours per week) or part time (30 hours per week over 4 days)

Contract: Fixed term contract of 12 months

Area of work: Predominantly in the London area

Are you passionate about connecting people with nature and empowering communities to protect rivers? Do you have experience delivering engaging volunteering and citizen science programmes that inspire real environmental action? Join us and play a pivotal role in restoring London’s rare urban chalk streams.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated community engagement professional to take a leading role in the Development Phase of Chalk Streams in the City, an exciting National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported initiative. This project will restore 75 km of rare urban chalk stream habitat and connect over 20,000 people with their local rivers through hands-on conservation, education, and citizen science.

As Development Lead, you will shape the Trust’s first Engagement Strategy, coordinate an extensive community consultation programme, and manage the London Volunteering and Engagement Programme. You will also oversee delivery partners and help develop a major funding application for the next phase of work. This is a unique opportunity to gain experience in strategic project management, collaborative programme design, and large-scale heritage funding.

This is a rare opportunity to take on a strategic leadership role within a nationally significant project, gaining valuable experience in programme design, partnership working, and heritage lottery funding. Though fixed-term, it offers exceptional scope to develop your portfolio, broaden your network, and make a lasting contribution to environmental engagement and river restoration.

Working at the South East Rivers Trust is rewarding, fulfilling and fast-paced. We collaborate with energy and professionalism, guided by our values of delivering high-quality work, using expertise and science, building strong relationships, and bringing positivity and integrity to everything we do. If this sounds like the right environment for you - we’d love to hear from you.

This project is made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.

Please see the full Chalk Streams in the City Development Lead job description for more information.

How to apply:

Please send us the following documents; instructions are on our website

• Your CV
• a completed application form
• Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form (optional)

The deadline for application is 11:59pm on Sunday 20th July 2025.  We reserve the right to close the recruitment early.

Interviews will be potentially w.c. 28th July 2025.

Please note: All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. If you require sponsorship as you are an overseas applicant, please let us know.

Who we are:

Muslim Aid is a UK faith-based international development organisation that provides support to communities around the world affected by disasters, conflict, or endemic poverty without regard to their social, religious, or ethnic background. 

Established in 1985, Muslim Aid has facilitated the engagement of the British Muslim and non-Muslim community in support of its work in a variety of ways. Over the years, its humanitarian work has included responses to major crises around the world including, famine in East Africa, earthquakes and flooding in Pakistan and Bangladesh as well as conflicts in Syria and Yemen. 

We place strong emphasis on long-term development projects that build the capacity of local people to help themselves. In addition to the 5 country offices worldwide we also work with multiple partner offices focusing on sustainable Development Programmes and providing humanitarian relief during times of crisis.

Summary of the role:

The Communications Officer plays a key role in executing the organisation’s communication strategy. This role involves creating and managing content for various platforms, supporting media relations, and contributing to the overall communication campaigns and public relations efforts. The Communications Officer will work closely with other team members and the marketing team to ensure that all communication activities are aligned with the organisation’s strategic goals and effectively engage target audiences.

About the Role:

1. Create engaging content for the organisation’s communication platforms ensuring that all content aligns with the organisation’s messaging and brand guidelines.
2. Collaborate with the marketing team to engage followers and improve reach.
3. Manage the collation, storage and dissemination of the organisation’s digital archives in line with established guidelines and operational requirements.
4. Prepare stakeholder media summaries and reports on the organisation’s media coverage and its key issues.
5. Maintain a database of media contacts that can be used to strengthen stakeholder management.
6. Report on the performance of communication activities using data and insights to inform future communication strategies and activities.

About You:

To be successful in this role, you will need:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field.
2. An understanding and awareness of the value of social media and their fundraising potential.
3. Experience in content creation, social media management, and media relations.
4. Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to create content for different platforms and audiences.
5. Proficiency in social media platforms, content management systems, and graphic design tools.
6. Detail-oriented and organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Why you should apply:

Join Muslim Aid as a Communications Officer and play a pivotal role in shaping our communication strategy. This is an exciting opportunity to create and manage impactful content across various platforms, support media relations, and contribute to meaningful communication campaigns that align with the organisation’s strategic goals. Apply now to bring your creativity and expertise to a role where your contributions will have a tangible impact on communities around the world.

Benefits you will enjoy working for us: 

• 25 days annual leave + 4 Privilege days
• Hybrid working
• Paid time off for medical appointments 
• 2 hours lunch break on Fridays 
• Time off in Lieu (TOIL) 
• Pension Scheme

How to apply:

To apply please submit your cover letter (no more than 1 page) and CV.

We are looking for an ambitious and energetic Head of Charity Development to work closely with the Deputy CEO to support change, diversification and transformation at Mind in Mid Herts (MiMH). This role will focus on:

• Managing and expanding our income generation streams through our corporate and community fundraising
• Enhancing our marketing, communications and positioning internally and externally
• Using data-led insights to transform our income across the organisation.

You will lead on income partnerships and corporate development, working with our Leadership Team across the organisation to expand our service portfolio. You will take responsibility for developing and deploying a new income generation strategy, with a passion to see more local funding sourced to support the work of MiMH and enable investment to underpin the ever-increasing demand in the county.

Key Responsibilities

• Increase and diversify our income generation, including corporate and community routes, through fundraising, marketing and insights
• Accountable for budget and financial targets to support income generation through fundraising, donations and corporate approach, ensuring sustainable development for MiMH
• Lead the creation and delivery of a new business, digital marketing and fundraising strategy for Mind in Mid Herts
• Deliver on strategic aims of income diversification for MiMH including sponsorships, donors and corporate partnerships
• Lead the development of clear positioning, brand and voice for MiMH; supporting internal and external communications
• Identify and develop a strong pipeline of business and partnership opportunities
• Work within the ethos, vision and values of the organisation

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Proven working experience in income generation with success
• Proven track record of converting opportunities into income streams
• Experience of developing and deploying an income generation strategy
• Successful track record of responding to bids and winning new business opportunities
• Recruiting, training and developing people
• Strategic relationship management and influencing skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Strong presentation and negotiation skills
• Driving licence and use of a car

For full details please see the application pack attached to this ad.

ReachOut is a national youth development charity and a strategic partner for schools. Through collective mentoring and engaging activities, we build socio-emotional skills that transform outcomes for young people constrained by circumstance.

Our Youth Development Leads are the heart of our programme delivery and facilitate high quality & impactful sessions for our young people. Reporting to the Programmes & Impact Manager, you’ll work with autonomy to manage your school partners, develop your team of volunteer mentors and collaborate across our ambitious delivery team with a focus on evidence based continuous improvement.

It’s an exciting time to join ReachOut as we launch our new strategy! This role brings together the best of our previous Project Officer & Project Leader roles shifting responsibility for delivery into our full-time staff team. This is an investment in building the quality and impact of our programmes and we’re hiring for multiple positions to complete our team of Youth Development Leads.  

We’re looking to fill four positions in total – two full time roles in London and as well as one part time role in London and one part time role in Manchester.

Contract: Permanent – (probationary period of 6 months)

Location: London or Manchester. Hybrid working with project delivery in and around region

Salary: £25,000 – £27,500 pro rata

Hours and Annual Leave: 

1. Full time:

   • 2 positions in London

   • 37.5 hours a week with a mixed working pattern: School term time: approximately 3 days 9:00-17:30 and 2 days 11:00-19:30, and School holidays: 9:00-17:30​

   • 29 days per year annual leave - maximum of 5 days to be taken in school term time

2. Part-time (0.8)

   • 2 positions available: 1 position in London and 1 position in Manchester (potential for Manchester position to be full time)

   • 30 hours a week Tuesday - Friday with a mixed working pattern: School term time: approximately 2 days 9:00-17:30 and 2 days 11:00-19:30, and School holidays: 9:00-17:30

   • 23 days per year annual leave - maximum of 4 days to be taken in school term time

Application deadline:

• London Applicants: 9am Thursday 10th July
• Manchester Applicants: 9am Thursday 17th July

For the full job description, person specification and background information, please download our information pack.

At Esteem any young person can belong and make a positive difference, no matter what challenges they face

Young people aged 14-26 can realise their strength to cope with life’s challenges and thrive into their futures

Our community is grounded in trust and respect, and built with young people for young people

Our work leads to highly positive outcomes for wellbeing, confidence, skills development and active citizenship. Over 88% of young people who attend Esteem feel more confident to meet people, leave the house, and get involved in their local community

Taking an asset-based approach to working with young adults, we are focused on people’s strengths and avoid othering people by labelling. We build from strengths and actively facilitate independence and initiative, aiming for young adults to work jointly with staff and our volunteers to create and embed progress in their lives. We offer the time they need to trust and experience being trusted, to learn, build resilience and to grow.

As Chief Officer you'll lead with dynamic, inspiring, and truly participatory leadership, nurturing Esteem's unique ethos and facilitating young adults and staff as co-creators in the organisation's mission and future, while upholding the strategic and governance frameworks set by the board of trustees.

The incoming Chief Officer will be joining Esteem at a pivotal time of consolidation and potential growth, with opportunities and challenges that require both visionary and pragmatic leadership. 

Esteem is a special organisation and we need a special individual to help us take it forward into the future. The role requires a deep respect for youth agency and a commitment to enabling young people as leaders within Esteem.

Position: Chief Officer

Accountable to: Chair of Trustees

Location: Esteem, Old School House, Ham Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex - with some options for flexible/hybrid working

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full-time), core hours of 10am–6pm (30-37.5 hours per week negociable)

Salary: £50,000 to £55,000 per annum - Depending on experience

Annual leave and benefits:

• 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays and Christmas close down)

• Occupational Sick Pay (325 hours in rolling 12-month) following probation

• Company pension scheme 

• Healthcare cash plan - from day one

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme - from day one

How to apply: Visit our jobs board to view the Recruitment Pack

Closing date: 9am Friday 15th August 2025

Responsibilities:

Lead with purpose and a strengths-based approach

Make things work day-to-day

Steward our resources and risk

Connect our community, inside and out

Safeguard Esteem’s integrity

Shape the future together

Champion good governance

Board Collaboration

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

Experience:

1. Proven leadership experience within a participatory, values-driven organisation. (A, I)

2. Demonstrated success in building and maintaining high-quality strategic relationships with funders, stakeholders, and partners, including high-net-worth individuals. (A, I)

3. Experience of working within a safeguarding framework, with a thorough understanding of best practices and legislative requirements as part of a contextual safeguarding approach. (A)

4. Experience leading or managing a multidisciplinary team of staff and volunteers. (A)

Skills and Abilities:

1. Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, combined with strategic thinking (A, I, E).

2. Ability to lead collaboratively, enabling young adults and staff to exercise agency and co-create solutions and contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s mission. (A, I)

3. Knowledge of organisational governance and collaborative strategic planning in a small-to-medium-sized organisation. (A, I)

4. Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and foster an intentional environment which promotes a work-life balance. (A)

5. Skilled in managing transitions and change, ensuring stability while fostering collective agility, innovation and growth. (A)

6. Strong financial management and analytical skills, understands the income & expenditures statement, balance sheet, forecasting and cashflow (A, I, E).

Values and Leadership Style:

1. A fundamental commitment to Esteem’s values and participatory approach. (A, I) 

2. A strong commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and to promoting an organisational culture of trust, respect and belonging. (A, I)

3. A foundational understanding of the importance of wellbeing for all in the organisation.

  (A, I)

1. Open to feedback and reflective practice, with a strong commitment to personal and organisational learning. (A)

2. A collaborative and facilitative leadership style that builds consensus and nurtures relationships across the organisation.(A, I)

Desirable

1. Familiarity with a range of program delivery methods, digital engagement strategies and online platforms that promote inclusion and remove barriers to participation for young adults, and foster community building and organisational strengthening. (A)

2. Knowledge of diverse impact measurement and evaluation methodologies, particularly relevant to young adult development programs.(A)

3. Advanced facilitation skills for engaging diverse groups, including young adults, in co-creative processes and discussions.(A, E)

4. Experience in writing successful grant applications and developing compelling funding proposals. (A)

5. Experience of challenges faced by young people and underrepresented groups is highly valued (A,I)

Role Overview: 

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Trusts and Foundations income stream at Global Canopy, bringing exemplary relationship management and stewardship strategies to continue establishing the programme for long-term impact. This role will also nurture a small but successful team, supporting them to reach in-year and future income targets.

You will contribute to a culture of kindness, collaboration, rigour and accountability in equal measure. You will come to work with a sense of urgent mission, but one balanced by emotional intelligence. You will share our conviction that it is not just what we do that matters in our working life, but how we do it too.

Key Responsibilities
As a confident and energetic member of Global Canopy’s Development team, you will:

• Oversee the delivery of our Trusts and Foundations programme, shaping plans to ensure outstanding donor engagement and stewardship, future income growth and the delivery of our mission for forests, people and nature
• Personally manage a portfolio of prospects and existing funders at the six- and seven-figure level, inspiring them to give for the first time and continue or increase their giving
• Support the Trusts/Foundations fundraising team to develop a continuous pipeline of unrestricted and restricted funding opportunities
• Working alone and in partnership with other team members, develop high-quality tailored communications, including cases for support, bespoke proposals, concept notes and donor reports that demonstrate Global Canopy’s impact
• Engage and build relationships with peer and partner organisations to identify and explore opportunities for partnership funding applications
• Represent the voice of fundraising on strategic internal Boards and Working Groups, ensuring excellent communication flow between them and the Development team
• Collaborate effectively across the organisation at all levels, operating as a supportive and reliable fundraising colleague
• Work with colleagues across programmes, communications, operations and finance to shape annual plans and budgets 
• Leverage your understanding of market trends to adapt our approach to fundraising and donor engagement
• Effectively manage a high performing Trusts/Foundations team providing clear objectives, supervision and support to enable them to thrive in their roles
• Ensure your and the team’s work is fully compliant with both our own policies and the latest charity legislation and standards of practice
• Ensure that our CRM (Salesforce) is used effectively, kept up to date and accurately maintained with prospect and donor information
• With the Director of Income and Philanthropy Lead, contribute to the effective management of the Development team as a whole and a strong organisational fundraising culture
• Undertake any other relevant duties and projects delegated by the Director of Income

Skills and Experience
Successful candidates will:

• Have a proven track record of having identified, cultivated and secured six- and seven-figure funding partnerships with trusts/foundations
• Have proven experience of building relationships of trust, working collaboratively and in close partnership with internal stakeholders to deliver joint outcomes 
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills, confident in synthesising complex information for external-facing, donor-friendly communication and talking with funders, prospects and stakeholders
• Be adept in negotiating in complex environments with multiple stakeholders to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes 
• Be skilled in adapting your style of management to meet individual needs and provide support to team members in achieving their professional and developmental goals 
• Be familiar with the Fundraising Code of Practice and/or other relevant fundraising best practice frameworks
• Have excellent relationship management skills and high emotional intelligence
• Have strong financial literacy, including budgeting and financial reporting
• Be able to work well under pressure and manage multiple priorities and demands
• Have experience in working in the forests, nature and/or climate sectors, preferably in a global context
• Familiarity with the human rights and social dimensions of commodity-driven deforestation and environmental degradation and/or the nexus between human rights and nature-related issues would also be beneficial

Essential Behavioural Competencies

• Proactive and agile, seeking opportunities to grow income in a dynamic and creative environment
• Passionate about demonstrating how funders can contribute to ending deforestation, an essential step in achieving urgent global goals on climate, nature and human rights 
• Enthusiasm and flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and capitalise on new opportunities 
• Effective and positive team-player with a strong preference for collaboration

Benefits

Salary
£55k-65k full time equivalent 
This role sits within Band C on Global Canopy’s remuneration framework.

Nature of contract
Full time / Permanent. We are a flexible employer and welcome candidates wishing to work flexibly.

Base
Our office is in Oxford, with flexible home-working arrangements in place.

Holidays
36 days (including bank/public holidays) for discretionary use across the annual leave year. Option to purchase up to an additional 5 days or equivalent of one week’s leave.

Pension
Employer pension contribution of 8%.

Healthcare cashback plan
Covering dental fees, eye-care, wellbeing, physiotherapy, chiropody and much more – for you and any children. 

Group Life Assurance 
Paying a lump sum of 3 times annual salary

Group Income Protection
Paying 75% of annual salary for up to 2 years (for long term sickness).

Employee Assistance Programme
Which provides free, confidential advice on personal and legal matters.

Other
Huge range of discounts and cashback deals at gyms, restaurants, holidays, and much more.