Strategic development officer jobs

Are you looking for a role where your skills can directly benefit families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people? 

We’re growing our passionate and ambitious Fundraising team and looking for two Corporate Partnership Managers to help us make a difference to even more families who need our support. 

These are exciting roles at the heart of our growth strategy and designed to build and deliver a powerful corporate partnerships programme that will generate vital income and create meaningful, lasting relationships with businesses across the UK who align with our values. 

The role

As a Corporate Partnerships Manager, you’ll proactively lead the way in securing high-value corporate support. You’ll identify and engage prospective corporate partners, create compelling proposals, deliver inspiring pitches and then manage long-term partnerships that deliver both income and impact. 

This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in new business development and who can spot the potential for partnership across all sectors from sponsorships and strategic giving to employee fundraising and volunteering. 

You’ll be a key player in shaping our corporate fundraising approach, working closely with colleagues across Fundraising, Programmes, and Communications to create partnerships that are exciting, innovative, and mission aligned. 

About you  

We’re looking for someone with: 

• Proven experience in corporate fundraising, sales, or business development, particularly in securing five- to six-figure multiyear partnerships. 

• Excellent communication skills and confident in creating high-quality proposals and delivering persuasive pitches to senior stakeholders. 

• A natural relationship-builder, with a track record of opening doors and maintaining strong, productive partnerships. 

• A creative and strategic thinker who can identify new opportunities, meet ambitious targets, and bring fresh ideas to the table. 

A genuine passion for our mission and the drive to grow support for families raising disabled or seriously ill children. 

About us

Family Fund is a great place to work for great people. We provide a challenging and rewarding working environment where every staff member can make their mark.

We are a values based organisation and we aim to show our values in all that we do. Read our staff stories here, and see how our staff display our values every day.

We commit to inclusion, equity and diversity and we welcome applications from all parts of the community. Family Fund is a Disability Confident Leader. We will invite to interview all disabled applicants who meet the requirements for the role. If you have a disability, and are happy to let us know, please highlight this in your covering letter. We have also signed the Armed Forces Covenant and we welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.

How to apply

Please complete the online application and submit your CV and a covering letter telling us how you meet the requirements for this role. Your cover letter should be no more than two pages long.

For more information, please read and download the job description.

The successful candidate must complete pre-employment checks that meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard. This includes a requirement to undergo a right to work check and employment history verification.

Information

Closing date: 1 August 2025
Interview dates: 20 August 2025

This is an exciting time to join us. Diversity Voice has recently merged with CCS, and with aligned values and mission, we are delighted to be able to work more effectively as one team to serve diverse ethnic, faith and belief communities in Somerset.

CCS has also recently secured funding for another 4 years for our work with our diverse communities. Alongside the “Welcome for All” Displaced people programme, this will allow us to build a strong community infrastructure to support individuals and communities across the county. Our work combines grassroots engagement, specialist support, and strategic influence to build a stronger, more connected, and inclusive Somerset.

This is a key strategic role in our organisation. You will lead and manage the Somerset Diverse Communities (SDC) team. Together with your team, you will listen to community needs, promote suitable responses and convene individuals and organisations to seek community-based solutions, supporting communities to thrive together.

As part of this role you will also be responsible for managing a varied programme of ESOL courses, groups and support in schools. In addition, you will manage the delivery of our support for Open Mental Health Alliance partners to provide programmes that integrate equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging into everything they do.

Our approach is rooted in trust, cultural humility, and lived experience. We work with, not for, our communities — creating space for voice, leadership, and influence. This has allowed us to surface sensitive and complex issues such as immigration, faith-based exclusion and rural racism, and work through them constructively with communities and institutions. 

Circa £67,000 per annum

Fixed term from Monday 20th October 2025 (contract 10 - 12 months, EML cover)

Part home/Part office (London) based

UNICEF ensures more of the world’s children are vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation. We have done more to influence laws and policies to help protect children than anyone else. We get things done. And we’re not going to stop until the world is a safe place for all our children.

This is a great opportunity to join the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) and the Soccer Aid team as Head of Soccer Aid (EML cover) working on the biggest celebrity football match in the calendar and UNICEF UK’s biggest broadcasted fundraising event. Since its inception in 2006, Soccer Aid for UNICEF has raised more than £121 million, helping to protect every child’s right to play. 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of Soccer Aid for UNICEF and the team has ambitious plans to mark this milestone, which this role will be pivotal in delivering.

Soccer Aid for UNICEF has become a highly anticipated annual televised fundraising campaign, and the Head of Soccer Aid is responsible for the operational delivery of the campaign, managing members of the core team to deliver income generating and brand awareness activations. The postholder brings teams together to ideate, influence and implement opportunities which will have a direct effect on the successful delivery and growth of the campaign.

You will know this is the right move for you because not only will our mission and values be meaningful to you, but you will also be an inspiring leader of teams and you will relish the opportunity to grow and develop the Soccer Aid for UNICEF campaign.

Act now and visit the website via the apply button to apply online.

Closing date: Sunday 13 July 2025.

Interview date: Thursday 24 July 2025.

In return, we offer:

· excellent pay and benefits (including flexible working, generous annual leave and pension, big brand discounts and wellbeing tools)

· outstanding training and learning opportunities and the support to flourish in your role

· impressive open plan office space and facilities on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

· an open culture and workplace with colleagues who share our values, enjoy their work and are motivated to do their utmost for children.

· the opportunity to work in a leading children’s organisation making a difference to children around the world

Our application process: We use a system called "Applied" that anonymises your responses and focuses on your actual skills that are relevant to this role. This benefits you by giving you a greater chance of expressing your skills in this objective selection process.

We anticipate most colleagues will work one or two days a week in the office on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London and the rest of the time from home.  We will happily discuss other flexible options to suit your circumstances.

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, disabled candidates, and from men, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at this level at UNICEF UK. We want to do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for children.

UNICEF UK promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of 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 welcome a conversation about your flexible working requirements, personal growth, and promoting a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a criminal records check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the role and the circumstances of your offences.

We only accept online applications as this saves us money, making more funds available for us to help ensure children’s rights.

If you require support in completing the online form or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the Supporter Care line during office hours.

If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please note that we only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates.

Registered Charity Nos. 1072612 (England and Wales) SC043677 (Scotland)

Job Title: Data & Administrative Officer

Location: The Gap Centre, 42 Stow Hill, Newport

Hours: 28 hours per week (Part-Time) Usual working pattern: Monday – Thursday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (including a 30-minute unpaid break)

Salary: £18,345.60 per year - Actual (£12.60 per hour - Real Living Wage)

Contract Terms & Role Evolution: This role is initially offered on a one-year contract, with the intention of securing funding to establish a permanent position. As The Gap Wales continues to grow, the responsibilities of this role may evolve in response to organisational needs.

Reporting To: Report directly to the Operations Director, while working collaboratively with all staff and providing support across departments as needed.

Job Purpose:

The Data & Administrative Officer - with Reception & Support Services duties will be responsible for managing reception duties, administrative coordination, service-user data handling, and frontline support. This role is crucial in ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of The Gap Wales and creating a welcoming environment for asylum seekers, refugees, and other service users.

Organisational Context:

The Gap Wales is committed to supporting asylum seekers and refugees in Newport, offering structured advocacy, integration programmes, and community-led initiatives. This role plays a vital part in ensuring that individuals accessing our services receive timely support and an efficient administrative process.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Reception & Frontline Support:

• Serve as the first point of contact, greeting visitors and handling enquiries in person, via phone, and email.
• Provide frontline support by triaging service-user needs and signposting them to relevant staff, services, or external agencies.
• Maintain a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, ensuring vulnerable individuals feel respected and valued.

Data Management & Analysis:

• Manage and update service-user records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with GDPR.
• Assist with data collection and basic analysis to monitor service impact and inform reporting.
• Maintain confidential records and assist with documentation required for funding applications and grants.

Office Administration & Coordination:

• Oversee daily office operations, including scheduling meetings, managing correspondence, and maintaining filing systems.
• Assist with event planning, volunteer coordination, and onboarding processes for new staff and volunteers.
• Support the preparation of reports, presentations, and outreach materials.

Basic Support Services & Resource Management:

• Provide administrative support to frontline services, including monitoring inventory and ensuring essential supplies are available.
• Maintain oversight of service-user needs and ensure appropriate guidance on available resources.
• Support fundraising activities and project documentation, ensuring transparency in organisational reporting.

Salary & Benefits:

• £18,345.60 per year (Actual), paid in line with the Real Living Wage.
• Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays (Pro rata)
• Pension scheme: Contributions in line with organisational policy.
• Reasonable work-related expenses will be reimbursed in line with organisational policy.
• Opportunity to work in a meaningful, community-focused organisation making a tangible impact.

Training and Development:

· Successful candidates will benefit from robust training and mentoring programmes, ensuring continuous skill enhancement and professional growth. We invest in our team's development through regular workshops, courses, and hands-on mentoring, helping you stay at the forefront of your field. As the role evolves and funding is secured, there will be additional opportunities to expand your responsibilities and progress into a permanent, strategic position within our organisation.

General Responsibilities:

• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Uphold values of equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.
• Represent The Gap Wales professionally in interactions with service users, partners, and stakeholders.

Person Specification:

 

Essential:

Skills:

· Strong organisational and administrative abilities.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly in a frontline support role.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic data management tools.

· Ability to manage sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.

Experience:

· Candidates should be comfortable engaging in customer-facing interactions, managing reception duties, and providing proactive support in a busy environment.

· Background in office administration, including recordkeeping, scheduling, and coordination.

· Candidates need to be comfortable managing confidential information and adhering to GDPR guidelines.

Attributes:

· A proactive, detail-oriented approach to work.

· Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues.

· A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in a community-focused setting.

Desirable:

Skills:

· Multilingual abilities to assist in service-user communication.

· Experience with data handling, reporting, and impact assessment.

Experience:

· Familiarity with asylum and refugee support services.

· Background in fundraising or supporting grant applications.

Attributes:

· A strong understanding of the challenges faced by asylum seekers and refugees.

· Adaptability to evolving organisational needs and responsibilities.

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most 

At Home-Start Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow, we believe that childhood can’t wait. We’re a vibrant, community-rooted charity supporting families through the critical early years of parenting. Our volunteers and staff work side-by-side with families, offering emotional and practical support, building confidence, and creating lasting connections. 

We are now seeking a dynamic Impact and Operations Manager to join our passionate team and shape the future of our services.

About the Role 

This is a unique opportunity to lead our impact and operations strategy, ensuring we have the insight, tools, and systems to deliver high-quality support to families. You’ll play a pivotal role in measuring and communicating our impact, supporting strategic decision-making, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead and manage data collection, evaluation, and reporting across all family support services 

• Develop tailored reports and insights for internal and external stakeholders 

• Collaborate on funding applications with the CEO and Head of Marketing & Fundraising 

• Oversee administrative systems and policies, including GDPR compliance and HR processes 

• Manage office operations, including tech support, premises, and general administration 

• Contribute to strategic planning and service innovation using data and insight 

• Strengthen our presence across local and national networks in partnership with the Senior Management Team 

What You’ll Bring 

• Strong experience in managing and interpreting data to drive impact and inform strategy 

• Strategic thinking with the ability to manage multiple projects and deliver results 

• Confident with technology and quick to learn new tools and systems 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships 

• A curious, analytical mindset and a passion for telling the story of our work 

Why Join Us? 

• A flexible, hybrid working model co-designed with our team 

• A supportive, inclusive, and values-driven culture 

• A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of local families 

• Excellent pension and generous annual leave 

Our client, an independent mission-driven charity, is seeking a Senior Operations and Governance Officer to provide essential support across corporate governance and organisational planning functions. This role is central to ensuring that leadership and strategic processes run efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with good governance practices.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who thrives on coordination, is highly organised, and has a solid understanding of Board support, minute-taking and cross-team collaboration.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating the full cycle of Trustee and Committee meetings, including scheduling, agenda planning, and paper distribution
• Taking high-quality and accurate minutes and tracking actions to ensure follow-up
• Supporting governance and compliance processes, including maintaining the risk register and statutory records
• Contributing to the planning, monitoring, and reporting of strategic and project delivery across the organisation
• Supporting ad hoc projects and events, including staff conferences and trustee engagement activities
• Acting as a point of contact for trustee-related queries and supporting induction and development processes

 
We are looking for someone with:

• Significant experience supporting board and committee governance
• Proven ability to take and manage high-quality minutes and meeting outputs
• Experience working with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership and trustees
• Excellent organisation, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong communication skills and confidence using Microsoft Office and CRM tools (such as Salesforce)
• A collaborative, adaptable approach and a commitment to inclusive working practices

This role offers the opportunity to join a committed and supportive team, helping to shape and support the delivery of the organisation’s mission.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

Our partner is seeking an evolved Finance Director, who is able to be both hands-on leading an international finance function, as well as a strategic advisor as a member of the senior leadership team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation’s international finance function, with operations in the UK and overseas. Responsible for preparation of the annual accounts in the overseas country offices, and consolidated accounts in the UK; and the statutory filings.
• As a strategic advisor and member of the senior leadership team, support in the development of the organisational and financial strategies and the annual and quarterly planning processes; develop cost models, and offer advice on key decisions.
• Lead the annual budgeting & forecasting processes, and the preparation of the reporting packs.
• Provide oversight on developing donor budgets on a full cost recovery basis, monitor financial compliance, and meet donor reporting requirements.
• Responsible for managing the tax, treasury and forex affairs of the organisation.
• Provide oversight on the organisation’s operations – covering inventory, procurement, IT, HR and facilities.

Requirements

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACMA, ACCA, or equivalent) with senior level experience working in an international organisation with complex operations and funding sources.
• A balanced leader, willing to be hands-on, leading a diverse finance and operations team, and being a thought partner to the senior leadership team.
• Experienced in leading on all aspects of finance – financial accounting & compliance, audit preparation, budgeting, financial planning & analysis, forecasting and reporting.
• Experience in leading the operations of an international organisation.
• Demonstrable knowledge of charity & tax regulations and compliance.
• Strong analytical & business modelling skills, commercial acumen and the ability to interpret complex financial information.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills – able to work with colleagues from finance and non-finance backgrounds, and influence senior leadership team and board.

This role is open to candidates with the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship. This role offers hybrid working with the candidate expected to be in the office 2 days/week, more during busy periods

Turn2us is a national charity tackling poverty and the structural causes of financial insecurity. We work with co-producers and partners to provide people in financial crisis with the means and agency to get back on their feet, build resilience, move forward with their lives and thrive.

As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to equity, inclusion and diversity and the value people from different backgrounds bring to a team. If, like us, you believe everyone has the right to have enough to live on, and you are ambitious about eradicating poverty, join us and build your career with a charity dedicated to ensuring dignity and equity for all.

We're now looking for an exceptional Senior PR and Press Officer to help us amplify voices, challenge persistent, negative narratives around the social security system, and shift public attitudes about financial insecurity. Ideally, you’ll already have solid PR and press experience within a charity or comparable organisation’s press office, excellent media contacts, and the strategic mindset to put people’s real lives and complex challenges front and centre in your storytelling.

You’ll be someone who writes clearly and persuasively, handles sensitive topics with genuine care, and who’s excited by the challenge of finding creative ways to engage diverse audiences. Your strong relationships with journalists will help us ensure the voices of people facing financial insecurity are represented accurately, widely, and compassionately in the media.

We offer flexible working patterns, both in terms of hours and remote working. All team members come into our welcoming Farringdon office at least once a week, and you'll be joining a warm, supportive team that believes in each other, celebrates great work, and loves what we do.

Please note that all employees are required to work from the office a minimum of 1 day a week.

Some roles may be required to be in the office more often than others and this will be agreed with the hiring manager upon starting at Turn2us.

Please note that all job offers are subject to 2 – 3 satisfactory references and a disclosure satisfactory to Turn2us from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS). 

We’re genuinely excited to hear from you.

Closing date: 20th July, 23:59

Interview date: 11 Aug for first interviews, 18 Aug for second interviews

Are you a passionate and strategic policy professional ready to play a key role in shaping the future of social housing? Join Shelter’s Policy Team as a Policy Manager, where you’ll lead innovative, evidence-based policy development focused on boosting social rented homes across England.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity join Shelter’s Policy Team as the Policy Manager responsible for Social Housing – at a pivotal time after the funding settlement for social housing is announced at the June Spending Review.

The successful candidate will lead policy work and be responsible for managing one Policy Officer. This challenging role means understanding the problems faced by people who come to Shelter every day for help, to enable us to respond to and influence national and local policy. It includes developing innovative and workable proactive policy solutions to fix the nation’s long-term housing problems. Shelter’s Policy Team prides itself on creating well-grounded but creative policy that can challenge any think tank – and winning real world change.

Role specifics

As Policy Officer for Shelter, you’ll drive our strategic campaigning on social housing, working closely with teams across research, campaigns, public affairs, and media to develop impactful, evidence-based policy and campaigns. You’ll identify emerging issues, lead policy development, and produce high-quality analysis and responses to influence government and public debate. You’ll build strong relationships with key stakeholders, represent Shelter externally, and line manage 1-2 Policy Officers, supporting their development and workload. You’ll also deputise for senior leaders when needed and play a key role in embedding our Anti-Racism Strategy and equalities across the team and campaigns.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About the team

The team is 7 people strong and sits in the Advocacy and Activism branch of the Communications, Policy, and Campaigns division.  The Activism and Advocacy branch includes the Research, Public Affairs, Digital Campaigns and Community Organising teams. Using the latest data, research and intelligence from our services, we analyse the problems in our housing system and identify effective and creative solutions. We are campaigners focused on winning change for people, and we work in multidisciplinary teams like media, public affairs, campaigns and research to develop creative and hard-hitting campaigns. We support our services to identify and campaign for local solutions and lend expertise to our Community Organisers who support communities to fight for change in their area. Our work is grounded in the experience of the people who use Shelter’s services every day and is based on expert research. The Team combines works at a national and local level to tackle the root causes of the housing emergency and fight for home.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies. 

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 DOE

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Location: Sutton office – 5 days/week

Closing date: Monday 7 July

Benefits: 25 days annual leave, annual professional development budget, flexible working hours

We have a fantastic opportunity for a CEO working for the small but mighty Sutton Vision, responsible to the Vice Chair, Treasurer and Board of Trustees. This role gives you the opportunity to lead the delivery of Sutton Vision’s 2030 Strategy, ensuring the organisation remains responsive to the evolving needs of people living with sight loss in Sutton.

As part of this exciting role, you be responsible for upholding high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective services, while driving measurable impact for service users. This role provides strategic leadership across all areas of the organisation, working closely with the Board of Trustees, staff, and external partners to shape and implement the Charities vision.

To be successful as the CEO you will need:

• Confidence in leading strategically while staying close to frontline delivery of person-centred services
• Experience of successful fundraising with trusts, foundations, corporate and individual giving income streams.
• Operational management of a small charity office and team
• Strong communication skills and empathy across all levels

If you would like to have an informal discussion, please get in touch, quoting the reference 2628HB

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency, we use our extensive sector knowledge and experience to match candidates to the most suitable charity jobs. We are passionate about improving equality across the sector, you can read more about our commitment to diversity here.

We take a relationship-led approach to recruitment in the charity sector and partner with you as the leading charity recruitment agency.

If enough applications are received the charity reserve the right to end the application period sooner.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced IT Support Officer who can demonstrate proficiency and hands-on experience in IT support or a similar role, with a strong track record of resolving technical issues and supporting end users. The post holder will be an excellent problem solver with the ability to communicate effectively across the organisation.  The role will also involve close collaboration with other members of the facilities team to help maintain audio-visual equipment for meeting rooms and support the general maintenance of the building. 

As the role will be responsible for onsite IT support at our Central London office, it will be suited to somebody looking for a position that is predominantly office based. The team works a shift pattern between the hours of 07:00 – 18:00, Monday to Friday.

Lumos is an international children’s charity founded in 2005 by the author J.K. Rowling to end the harmful practice of institutionalisation of children. Lumos’s mission is to fight for every child’s right to a family by transforming care systems around the world.  Our vision is for all children to grow up in safe and loving families. 

Despite clear evidence of the harms of institutionalisation, an estimated 5.4 million children worldwide continue to live in institutions. Separated from their families and communities, these children are deprived of the love, attention and opportunities they need to thrive. Our three-pronged approach is to prevent family separation, to protect children and to promote care reform. We’ve made important progress in closing harmful institutions and reuniting children with their families. And where children are unable to live with their birth families, we promote alternative family-based care, such as kinship care and quality foster care.  Thanks to our tireless efforts alongside many other champions of care reform, the harms of institutionalisation are now more widely understood. A global movement is underway and the UN, the EU and some large development agencies have joined individual countries in pledging to change how they care for vulnerable children.  We are committed to ensuring that global policy commitments are translated into local action, leading to sustainable change for vulnerable children.

Are you a visionary storyteller with a passion for meaningful impact? BMS World Mission is looking for an exceptional Head of Communications to lead our creative team and share our story with the world.

In this role, you’ll shape our communication strategy, ensuring our global mission resonates with diverse audiences. You'll oversee campaigns, craft compelling narratives, and build strong relationships with supporters and stakeholders. With your expertise in digital channels, brand development, and media, you’ll bring fresh ideas to elevate our reach and inspire action.

We’re looking for a dynamic communicator with leadership experience, a knack for innovation, and a heart aligned with our mission. Join us in making a difference on a global scale.

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location: Eastleigh, Hampshire. Flexible, hybrid working

Salary: £50,000

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

About us:

Learning through Landscapes is the UK’s leading school grounds charity, dedicated to enhancing outdoor learning and play for all. Our vision is a society where the benefits of regular time outdoors are valued and appreciated, and outdoor learning, play and connection with nature is recognised as a fundamental part of education, at every stage, for every child and young person.

We have unrivalled expertise based on three decades of experience, practical action and research. With offices in England and Scotland and staff based across the UK, our team and our accredited network of outdoor learning experts have the capacity to work nationally and internationally. Click HERE for more information.

 

What you’ll be doing:

As COO, you will play a critical leadership role in the strategic and operational success of LtL. You will work closely with the CEO and the management team to deliver the charity’s vision, overseeing day-to-day project delivery across the UK. You will take the lead for LtL H&S and Safeguarding responsibility alongside deputising for the CEO. It is essential you are happy to and would enjoy frequent travel across the UK.

 

Key Responsibilities

· Operational Leadership.

· Drive operational excellence and innovation in the charity’s systems, processes, and project infrastructure.

· Work closely with the CEO and senior leadership to translate strategic and project plans into operational delivery.

· Attend and contribute to the planning of board meetings.

· Deputise as CEO.

Project Management

· Oversee the delivery of multiple, complex projects, in all four home nations, ensuring timelines, budgets, and outcomes are met, and line manage project managers.

· Work on national programme implementation, including government contracts, charitable grants, and corporate-funded initiatives.

· Develop and manage project delivery plans, risk registers, evaluation processes, and resource allocation, health & safety, and safeguarding.

· Support the CEO and Finance Manager in budget planning, financial forecasting, and reporting for projects.

· Ensure projects are run within guidelines and legal responsibilities, including data protection, GDPR, health and safety, and charity governance.

· Act as the operational safeguarding lead, working closely with the charity’s Designated Safeguarding Leads to embed best practice in all areas of delivery.

· Work with the CEO to ensure safeguarding policies are robust, understood by all staff partners and network, and adhered to in all operational activities.

· Work with the CEO on contract negotiation and management.

Systems and Operational Development

· Lead the development and improvement of internal systems and processes to support efficient, effective, and collaborative working across the charity.

· Oversee the use and optimisation of IT and digital tools for internal communication and project coordination.

· Embed a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring systems are user-friendly, fit for purpose, and compliant with data protection and other regulations.

People and Culture

· Line manage project managers across the UK, fostering a positive and values-led organisational culture rooted in inclusion, equity, and safeguarding.

· Coordinate leadership and professional development for staff, partners and networks.

· Champion true diversity, equity, and inclusion across all operational activities.

Stakeholder and Partnership Management

· Act as a senior representative for LtL at external meetings, events, and with funders or partners.

· Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, local authorities, funders, and delivery partners.

· Represent LtL in national forums, working groups, and networks relevant to education and the environment.

Travel

· Regular travel across the UK to support project delivery, engage with stakeholders, and lead regional teams with occasional international travel.

· Regular overnight stays required.

What you need

Essential

· Proven experience in a senior operational role, preferably within the charity, education, or environmental sector.

· Track record of successfully managing complex, multi-partner projects at a national or regional scale.

· One or both of Safeguarding and Health & Safety training qualifications.

· Excellent leadership, line management, and team development skills.

· Outstanding project management skills including budgeting, planning, evaluation, and reporting.

· Strong understanding of governance, safeguarding, and risk management in a not-for-profit context.

· Embody LtL friendly and inclusive culture of support and kindness.

· Ability to influence and inspire with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

· Willingness and ability to travel regularly across the UK and occasionally internationally.

Desirable

· Knowledge of outdoor learning, environmental education, or play-based pedagogy.

· Experience of working with schools or in the education sector.

· Familiarity with charity finance and CRM systems.

· Qualification in project management (e.g. Prince2, Agile, or similar).

If you don’t have all of the above but feel it could be the role for you, talk to us!

 

What we offer:

· Flexible working.

· Holiday, 28 days + bank holidays + a “birthday gift” day.

· Laptop, phone and all travel & subsistence expenses.

· Family & carer friendly policies.

· Annual training package including: LtL Professional Accreditation in Outdoor Learning and Play, LtL Climate School 180 Network Training package.

· Sick pay.

· Salary sacrifice pension scheme – 5% employer contribution.

· Subsidised Christmas meal.

· A supportive and welcoming team of colleagues, including our 20+ Delivery Team members.

We’re an equal opportunities employer. All suitable applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We are actively seeking to increase diversity within our workforce and are committed to recruiting the best people on the objective basis of their skills, ability and experience. We offer a guaranteed interview to eligible applicants who choose to opt-in to the scheme and can demonstrate that they have at least 5 out of the 9 from the “what you need - essentials” list. To be eligible to apply via the Guaranteed Interview Scheme, you must be from an ethnic minority. Please state clearly in your covering letter if you are applying under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

We are happy to support with any reasonable adjustments that are needed within the recruitment process.