Strategic development officer jobs

The Executive Officer to CEO (Maternity Cover) leads the effective running of the CEO’s office, providing strategic project management, coordination of leadership priorities, and hands-on delivery across strategy development, planning and governance.

This is a pivotal role within War Child, sitting at the heart of the organisation’s leadership and governance. Working closely with the CEO, Leadership Group, Chair and Board of Trustees, the Executive Officer to CEO plays a key role in enabling effective decision-making, organisational oversight and delivery of War Child’s ambitions for children.

Reporting to the CEO and acting as a trusted representative of their office, you will be an energetic, highly organised self-starter with the judgement and confidence to balance strategic coordination with high-quality executive support. The role combines project leadership, organisational planning and culture-focused initiatives with hands-on executive assistance.

As Company Secretary, you will also support excellence in governance by ensuring War Child meets its statutory and regulatory obligations, including compliance and reporting to the Charity Commission, Companies House and the Fundraising Regulator.

This is a hybrid role, with two days per week expected in the London office and up to three days per week working remotely. Occasional additional office attendance may be required to support meetings or key organisational activity.

This role is offered as a 12-month maternity cover contract, ideally starting in late-May 2026.

If you share our values and believe that children’s lives should not be torn apart by war, we want to hear from you. 

Below are some of the experiences and qualities we’re looking for. You can read the full job advert on our website.

· Experienced in providing high-level executive support at C-suite level, and in supporting a Board and/or charity governance processes, including the drafting of high-quality minutes, reports and formal papers.

· Possess strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the confidence and sensitivity to engage effectively with senior internal and external stakeholders, and to represent the CEO with professionalism, discretion and sound judgement.

· Exceptionally organised with the ability to manage competing priorities and produce high-quality outputs to tight deadlines.

· Experience of supporting or coordinating organisational strategy development, planning or review processes, or similar organisation-wide initiatives.

· Able to bring experience and learning from a range of dynamic projects, programmes or campaigns, applying best practice to improve ways of working and outcomes.

· Demonstrates strong end-to-end project management capability, with the ability to introduce clear, methodical and proportionate approaches that maximise efficiency and organisational impact.

· Comfortable working in a creative, fast-paced environment, with an interest in storytelling, communications and fundraising-led work.

· Highly resilient, with the ability to bring clarity, structure and momentum when working in ambiguous or evolving circumstances, and to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.

· Highly proficient in Microsoft Office applications, with superb document, spreadsheet and presentation skills (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint / Canva).

· Able to exercise sound judgement in relation to competing priorities, making decisions and recommendations where solutions are not always obvious and initiative, discretion and prudence are required.

 What we can offer you

At War Child, we genuinely value different ways of working. From day one, we’re open to discussing flexible options, including hybrid working and flexible hours. Our goal is to support our employees to do their best work while ensuring we continue to deliver for children affected by conflict. Some of our benefits include:

• Flexible working culture and flexible public holidays
• 28 days annual leave (pro-rata), plus bank holidays, which increases by one day per year on your work anniversary, up to a maximum of 33 days.
• Pension - 5% employer contribution (increasing to 6% after one year’s service), with minimum employee contribution.
• Health and wellbeing - employees may take advantage of a healthcare cash plan, a GP 24/7 helpline, cancer cover, and a range of wellbeing initiatives and training. All employees have access to free, confidential one-to-one wellbeing consultations with trained counsellors.

This role offers an incredible opportunity to make a tangible difference at a time of unprecedented need. Join us in standing up for children affected by war and help create a future where no child’s life is torn apart by conflict.

African Revival is a small, passionate charity based in Surrey. For more than 20 years we have been dedicated to building schools and improving access to education for children in some of the most disadvantaged communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Our vision is an Africa where every child has equal access to quality education, as we believe education is the key to overcoming poverty. Since 2005, we have worked with over 300 primary and nursery schools in Uganda, South Sudan and (until recently) Zambia, to allow over 120,000 children to fulfil their potential. We don’t just provide infrastructure; we empower whole communities — pupils, teachers, and parents — to transform schools into thriving learning environments that build brighter, better futures.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Executive Director to lead and grow African Revival. This is an opportunity for a hands-on charity leader to strengthen our operations and governance, build sustainable income through fundraising and partnerships, and help expand our impact for children and communities.

Key responsibilities

• Governance & operations: ensure statutory and other reporting requirements are met in the UK and overseas; establish and maintain appropriate policies and procedures; manage day-to-day organisational administration; coordinate and attend Board and committee meetings and prepare papers.
• Leadership & stakeholder management: build and maintain close working relationships with UK and in-country staff, volunteers, trustees, donors and partners; champion a positive, inclusive culture. Help shape the charity’s strategic growth and long-term sustainability
• Finance oversight: uphold rigorous financial controls in partnership with the Finance Manager; support budgeting and forecasting (e.g., cashflow, movement in funds, in-country budgets); approve expenditure and monitor budget versus actuals, keeping the Treasurer and trustees appropriately informed.
• Fundraising & external relations: lead the coordination and delivery of key fundraising activity (including major events such as our annual Ball and Golf Day); research and submit applications to trusts and foundations; act as a public representative and ambassador for African Revival.
• Programme support & impact: work with UK and in-country teams to identify priorities, design and cost activities, and monitor progress and impact; strengthen monitoring, evaluation and learning so we can evidence outcomes and continuously improve.
• Communications: oversee communications and reporting to donors and stakeholders, and support an engaging online presence across our website and social channels.

About you

Essential

• Senior leadership experience (in a charity, social enterprise, or non-profit organisation preferred but not essential).
• Proven ability to build and deliver fundraising activity (events, trusts & foundations, major donors and/or corporate partnerships).
• Strong operational and governance capability, including working effectively with a Board of Trustees.
• Sound financial oversight skills, with the ability to understand budgets, forecasts and financial controls.
• Excellent communication skills—able to represent African Revival credibly with donors, partners and stakeholders.
• Highly organised, hands-on and comfortable working in a small team with competing priorities.
• Commitment to safeguarding and to creating an inclusive, respectful working environment.

Desirable

• Experience in international development and/or working with partners in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Experience strengthening monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL/MEAL) and using impact evidence to improve programmes.
• Confidence using digital tools (including CRM, Microsoft 365 and social media) and interest in using AI responsibly to improve productivity.
• Willingness to undertake occasional overseas travel for monitoring and donor engagement.

This role offers the chance to play a leading part in creating educational opportunities for children who need them most—working with a committed Board, a dedicated UK team and experienced in-country colleagues.

African Revival is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. Appointment will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to equal opportunities.

Haringey Education Partnership

We are a leading education partnership based in Hornsey, north London, committed to improving outcomes for children and young people.  We have +160 member schools across Haringey, Enfield and Waltham Forest. 

The Role

The Administrative Officer will play a key role in helping to ensure the smooth running of HEP’s operations, events, and communications, and in delivering the high-quality service that underpins our success.  This role reports jointly to the Operations Manager and the Head of Communications & Engagement. 

Key Responsibilities 

Administrative Support

• First point of contact for schools, clients, suppliers, and visitors triaging issues and responding efficiently and helpfully to queries in person, via phone, and by email
• Monitoring of shared email inboxes across various teams, addressing enquiries in a timely manner
• Work closely with the Operations, Comms and CPD teams to support projects and workstreams

Event / Visitor Coordination

• Prepare and manage meeting rooms and training venues liaising with trainers and delegates
• Assist with the planning and delivery of in-person and online events, including training sessions and conferences
• Create event collateral in a professional and timely manner 

CPD Support

• Support with organising, hosting and managing the technical side of virtual and in-person meetings, training and webinars
• Support with the development of CPD promotional material including brochures and flyers
• Support with uploading HEPs training programme and events onto website

Communications and Digital Support

• Website administration support, resolving member queries 
• Help in creation and distribution of communication materials, such as flyers, newsletters, brochures,podcasts and content for social media/digital channels
• Work with the Communications Team to ensure consistency in tone, branding, and messaging

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in an administrative or office support role
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact confidently and professionally with a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Canva, Zoom, Monday, Adobe Suite
• Good numeracy and data-handling skills
• Ability to manage time, prioritise effectively, and work flexibly across multiple tasks
• A proactive, positive, and collaborative approach to work
• A strong commitment to improving life chances for children and young people

Desirable Skills and Experience 

• Experience of working in or with schools or education settings
• Experience with event coordination or customer service
• Familiarity with maintaining websites and basic content management systems

Other information

Application Process: 

• Interested candidates should submit a CV and a covering letter detailing their suitability for the role. 
• Interviews will be conducted as suitable candidates apply and we may hire if we find the right person before the job ad closes.

Working at HEP: 

• You will be part of a mission-driven team committed to empowering schools and improving outcomes for children and young people
• You will work in a supportive environment that values learning, innovation, and collaboration
• We offer opportunities for professional development and encourage staff to shape and grow their roles
• We offer 30 days annual leave and a generous pension scheme
• We are an 'in-person first organisation' and this role is in-person/office based, working in Hornsey, north London with the opportunity to visit our member schools and attend events/conferences as required

We are actively seeking diversity of experience academically and professionally, as well as representing the different communities we serve.

This position will be located in the United Kingdom and therefore a successful applicant must have the Right to Work in the UK in order to commence their employment.

HEP is committed to the 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 many be carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Location: Home based
Job Type: Full time
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £55,000 – £60,000 per annum
 
Scope and purpose
 
To implement MEI’s business development strategy, helping us secure sustained income to deliver our priorities and fulfil our mission to improve lives through maths education. This includes managing bid processes for major funding, working with senior leadership and business leads to write costed proposals, identifying tender and other funding opportunities, reviewing and finalising funding agreements, and working with the Director for Strategic Communications and Partnerships to nurture relationships and bring new opportunities to fruition.
 
Main duties and responsibilities
 
Support all aspects of MEI’s business development and fundraising activity.
 
Funding opportunities and competitor environment

• Scope external funding opportunities, reviewing these against MEI’s mission, objectives and key criteria.
• Report to MEI’s Senior Leadership Team and Board on the pipeline of new and potential opportunities and produce business cases for new ventures for MEI’s SLT/Board.
• Undertake research into donors, sponsors and other funders, reviewing suitability and conducting due diligence.
• Work with the Director for Strategic Communications and Partnerships to develop relationships and opportunities towards formal agreement.
• Provide advice and guidance to colleagues involved in developing new business, including how to model costs and pricing, and shaping and writing effective proposals.
• Build intelligence about the competitive landscape, identifying competitors, assessing potential threats and maintaining an up-to-date register for SLT and the Board.

 
Tenders, bids and proposals

• Manage a diverse set of funding opportunities and proposals on the go at any single time, ranging from conference sponsorships to grant applications, project bids, corporate partnerships and government programme bids.
• Participate in pre-market engagement for large tenders, clarifying funder expectations and requirements, guiding senior leadership decisions about priorities and bidding criteria.
• For competitive tenders, manage the process from tender launch to bid submission with input from business and operational leads, including: tender clarification; costs and budget; proposal writing, review and sign off; compliance requirements; and supporting documentation.
• Co-ordinate post-award processes through to contract signature, in line with Grant Manager responsibilities and in liaison with SLT and trustees, legal partners, finance and other partners/teams.
• Participate in post-tender feedback reviews and share learning across the team, using lessons learned to undertake revision and improvements.

 
Sponsor and donor management

• Support the account management and stewardship of donors and sponsors, liaising with appropriate teams, ensuring that objectives of donors and sponsors are fully met.
• Directly manage relationships with lead representatives of annual conference sponsor and exhibiting organisations, ensuring their objectives are met, arrangements are handled smoothly, and risks and issues are managed effectively.

 
Systems, records and reporting

• Shape the configuration and use of MEI’s CRM system and other internal systems for effective business development and fundraising.
• Ensure contact records are up to date, accurate and compliant.
• Produce regular reports for SLT and Board on progress in business development and fundraising, including conversion rates, KPIs, and risks.
• Contribute to MEI’s culture of evidence-driven decision-making, providing high quality evidence and intelligence which supports business strategy.

 
General leadership and management

• Work with trustees, SLT and business teams to ensure that business development and fundraising activity is coherent and aligned with broader strategy and delivery.
• Support the development of commercial skills, competencies and approaches across MEI.
• Undertake other duties assigned by the Director for Strategic Communications and Partnerships and keep them up to date through accurate and regular updates.

 
Key Relationships

• Director for Strategic Communications and Partnerships
• Chief Operating Officer
• Chief Learning Officer
• Financial Controller
• Business and Central Services Manager

 
Person Specification
 
Essential

• Demonstrable experience of fundraising across multiple income streams
• Strong track record of writing bids and securing grant and other funding
• Knowledge and experience of public sector procurement
• Excellent writing skills for bids and fundraising communication
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work autonomously
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across MEI and with external funders

 
Desirable

• Experience in the education or charitable sector
• Track record of securing large government contracts
• Experience collaborating with product development or programme design teams
• Familiarity with MEI’s mission and the education landscape

 
Personal Attributes, Values and Behaviours

• This is a list of personal attributes which are important for the role but also should encapsulate behaviours required to meet the MEI values of equity, credibility, commitment and service.
• Communicates with clarity and respect
• Commitment and ability to work with all stakeholders to deliver exceptional service
• Actively seeks to work collaboratively when required to achieve the highest service standards
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic, proactive attitude, and commitment to continuous learning and skill development
• Supportive and collaborative, able to guide and motivate others to deliver high-quality work
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and foster positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues and stakeholders
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities
• Dynamic, enthusiastic, and positive, bringing energy and a can-do attitude to the role

 
Additional Information
 
This role will involve some travel and occasional overnight stays away from home.
 
REF-227 227

Job Title: Assistant Director of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnership
Reporting To: Deputy CEO/Director of Fundraising and Communications
Manages: Head of Trusts and Foundations, Head of Corporate Partnerships
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time (36 hours per week, flexible)
Salary band: £58,000 - £66,000 per annum
N.B. To ensure fairness and consistency across Home-Start UK, new colleagues usually join at the first point of the pay band for their role. This helps us maintain a clear and equitable approach to pay for everyone joining our team.

Location: Remote – with regular travel to meetings with donors, for events and to our central office in Leicester for collaborative meetings and team activities.

About Home-Start UK

Home-Start is a federated charity consisting of a central national office – Home-Start UK - and over 170 geographically dispersed local Home-Start organisations, all working together under the same identity.

We recognise that being a parent has never been easy. Every Home-Start volunteer is trained to work alongside parents to overcome the challenges they are facing. We work with parents to build on their strengths and give them the support that they tell us they need. We offer no judgement – just compassionate, confidential help and expert support. This peer-to-peer support is key to the difference Home-Start makes and often our volunteers have lived experience of the challenges their families are facing themselves.

About The Role

This is an important moment for us and for the families we support. Parents of babies and young children are facing huge pressures, and strong, values-driven partnerships matter more than ever. We’re looking for a senior leader who can help us meet this moment with confidence and ambition.

As Assistant Director of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnerships, you will help shape the future of our national work and support our federation of 170+ local Home-Starts working in communities across the UK. You will lead a talented team, build long-lasting relationships, and help make sure Home-Start has the funding, partnerships, and influence it needs to give every child the best possible start in life. This role will suit someone who is motivated by purpose, who values people and relationships, and who is comfortable working across a large and varied network.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record, someone who has already delivered high-value fundraising and partnerships at a senior level and is ready to take on a role with significant national influence. With responsibility for an annual income portfolio of circa £4 Million – with strong potential to grow this over the next 3-5 years to between £6Million-£8Million plus, you will work with a supportive Leadership Team and Board, who have already engaged external philanthropy expertise to develop a strategy and roadmap that you can build on. You’ll need to be confident working with high-value supporters: able to build trust, communicate clearly, and nurture long-term relationships with people who want to invest in families and early years support. You’ll bring the skills and confidence to grow a portfolio that is already strong and take it further, along with the ability to work well with others in a fast-moving environment.

You will be joining a warm, collaborative organisation that believes in the power of community, the strength of families, and the importance of early help. If you feel excited by the chance to make a national difference, to build partnerships based on trust and shared purpose, and to help shape the next chapter of Home-Start’s impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The people at Home-Start are its most important resource. Home-Start UK has been accredited with Investors in People since March 2005, which recognises the commitment we give to developing our staff.

Benefits of working for Home-Start

• Flexible working
• Family friendly policy
• PayCare health cash plan
• Enhanced employer contribution pension
• Learning and development
• DAS Employee Assistance

If it sounds like your type of challenge, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The closing date for applications is Friday 27th March at 4pm.
As part of our recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a full-day assessment centre at our Leicester office on Tuesday 14th April.
The assessment centre will include a mix of individual and group activities designed to understand your strategic thinking, relational approach, and leadership style.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Home-Start UK is committed to Equality of Opportunity and Diversity. We wish to encourage applications from all parts of the community irrespective of gender, race, colour, age, sexual orientation or disability. 

No agencies please.

Organisation Manager - internally known as Chief Executive Officer

Are you passionate about the environment? 

Could you lead and support a dedicated team of staff working on diverse but interlinked projects that vary in size and duration? 

We are looking for a dynamic, flexible and experienced manager to provide leadership of a variety of exciting and innovative environmental projects and improving EPIKS’ long-term sustainability through both effective delivery and securing future workstreams. 

You will have a proven track record of programme and project management experience together with a keen understanding of nature conservation, active travel and access to greenspaces. You will be supported by volunteer non-exec directors and a skilled team of dedicated staff with an office base in Huddersfield, satellite projects in Kirklees and the south Pennines with opportunities for flexible working.

Closing date for applications: 23.59 Wednesday 1st April; interviews 14th April 2026. 

Background 

At EPIKS we are passionate about finding local solutions to environmental problems that are integral to our concern for effective climate action. We work with a range of partners to improve the environment: promoting biodiversity, active travel and a sustainable economy to make Kirklees a better place to live and work.  EPIKS is run by four volunteer Directors and a small, dedicated team of part time staff. 

We are at an exciting phase of development, with new projects to deliver on improved access in and around the Colne and Upper Calder Valleys and sustainable transport. EPIKS has recently expanded our volunteering programme and community engagement activities. We have also established a firm foundation for our active travel projects and the Walk Wheel ride brand, increasing our partnership with Network Rail. 

Role Profile  

• Manage an overall framework for the delivery and sustainability of a variety of funded environmental projects

• Support non-exec directors with a consistent, strategic overview of EPIKS as an organisation.

• Manage a team of 9 part time staff to ensure effective, efficient delivery of projects and programmes 

• Support the development of new funding bids and revenue in collaboration with Directors and staff 

Person Spec – Essential  

• Knowledgeable about key environmental issues particularly nature conservation and active travel 

• Experience of leading and managing programmes and events 

• Experience of preparing funding bids to foundations and public agencies and sponsorship proposals to private sector bodies

• Project management experience 

• Able to work inclusively, working with diverse communities and groups 

Person Spec – Desirable 

• Adept user of a range of media platforms

• Awareness of local government and business sponsorship or employers' partnership working

• Ability to contribute to biodiversity or active travel projects

• Good working knowledge of Teams/Microsoft 365 

Please refer to the attachment below for further specificatons and job description

#manager #strategic manager #organisation manager

Following a strategic pause to reset the organisation with the help of an interim senior management team, we are now ready to recruit our long-term Chief Executive Officer. 

Self Help UK (SHUK) provides holistic support and knowledge via close interaction with local communities, peer groups and volunteers to a) prevent long-term health conditions and b) help those with existing conditions to feel more confident, informed and supported in navigating their health journey in a way that works best for them. 

Our values are empowering others, putting people first, acting with integrity and showing compassion.

We are looking for a Chief Executive Officer to take us into the next phase of growth, with the following responsibilities:

• Forming relationships with local charities and funders in Nottinghamshire and wider East Midlands region, and building relationships within the Deaf community, locally and nationall
• Representing SHUK across relevant forums, networks, and platform
• Bringing funding into core/central functions and securing ongoing funding for existing and future projects
• Managing the operations of SHUK via a senior leadership team of managers and function leads
• Ensuring SHUK is compliant with charity and employer regulations, ensuring high standards of governance, transparency, and integrity
• Ensuring overall financial control of the organisation, supported by the Finance Manager, keeping a regular eye on the core and restricted cashflow
• Supporting the Board of Trustees by ensuring they are making decisions based on accurate information and context
• Ensuring all members of staff and volunteers are supported and developed
• Ensuring SHUK’s services are of high quality and have a positive impact on those who use them
• Driving continuous improvement in quality, standards, image, and reputation

The personal qualities this role needs are:

• A dynamic leader, with ideas and principles that align with those of SHUK
• Enthusiasm to take on a challenge, focused on ensuring SHUK has long-term sustainability
• Clear management abilities at all levels in order to challenge, engage, address issues and provide support
• Able to communicate a clear vision and strategy, with proven ability to translate vision into business plans
• Demonstrable understanding of charity finances, with strong budget management, financial planning skills and the ability to diversify income
• Experience of working in the voluntary sector, with direct experience of fundraising
• Knowledge of the current NHS plans, and the significance of health inequalities – able to make a case for its importance during bids
• Knowledge/understanding of the Deaf Community
• Experience of managing change and stabilising an organisation
• Business development/networking skills
• Able to pivot between strategy and transactional or work with others to provide those skills, leading through empowerment
• Active interest in and knowledge of the Nottingham/Nottinghamshire locality.
• Able to work in Nottingham at least one day per week

Background:

SHUK is a leading peer support organisation with over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering peer-led services. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by embedding peer support principles into health and wellbeing initiatives. We have created a range of innovative programmes that help people living with cancer and other long-term health conditions to navigate challenges and take control of their health and wellbeing.

We work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support on projects that make a real difference. These include national and local initiatives for the Deaf community, volunteer-led support for anyone affected by cancer, and prehabilitation services for those facing complex treatment. We are collaborating with our Integrated Care Board (ICB) on cancer projects, and work within our Integrated Care System (ICS) to strengthen partnerships and synergies with local health and care delivery, improve health literacy and increase cancer screening uptake among underserved communities in Nottingham. Looking ahead, we are exploring a new direction to position SHUK as a holistic, person-centred support provider, embedding peer support and volunteer-led activity at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to challenge health inequalities and enable people to feel confident, informed, and supported in shaping their own health journey.

A selection of causes covered by SHUK:

• Peer support
• Long-term health conditions
• Cancer diagnoses and prevention
• Voluntary sector support
• Health inequalities, including the deaf community
• Under-served communities

Social Finance is an ambitious non-profit that designs, funds and scales solutions to complex social problems. Our vision is a fairer world where together we unleash the potential of people and communities. We work with governments, funders, communities and the social sector to tackle some of the most persistent challenges facing society in the UK.

Our multidisciplinary team brings together experience from the public, private and charity sectors. We are known for our collaborative and intellectually curious culture and for delivering systems change, improving how entire systems operate so they produce better, lasting outcomes.

One of our most significant initiatives is IPS Grow, which supports the national expansion of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment services across England. IPS is an evidence-based approach that helps people experiencing severe mental illness, addiction and other health challenges find and sustain competitive employment with tailored support.

IPS Grow works with commissioners, healthcare providers and delivery partners to expand high-quality IPS services, improve quality and learning across the system, and ensure the data and evidence behind IPS continue to demonstrate its impact. Scaling IPS has been a priority for Social Finance since 2015 and continues to be an integral part of our work today.

With IPS Grow transitioning from a fast‑growing initiative to a mature organisation with expanding reach and influence, we are now looking for an experienced Chief Operating Officer to join the IPS Grow and Social Finance Senior Leadership Team.

The COO will provide strategic leadership across IPS Grow’s operational infrastructure, ensuring the organisation has the systems, processes and capabilities required to deliver impact at scale. You will strengthen financial oversight, resource planning and risk management while helping develop IPS Grow’s data and digital capability. The role will also help shape the organisational structures and culture needed to support sustainable growth.

We are looking for a senior operational leader with experience in finance and the non-profit or publicly funded sectors, ideally with a track record of helping organisations scale. You will bring strong financial literacy, sound strategic judgement and the ability to build effective operational frameworks in complex environments.

You will be a collaborative partner across IPS Grow and the wider Social Finance organisation, building trusted relationships, bringing clarity to operational challenges and fostering a strong “one team” culture across a distributed team.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the next phase of IPS Grow’s development. If this resonates with you, we would be delighted to hear from you.

To download a full copy of the candidate brief and learn more about the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button, where you will be redirected to the website of our recruitment partner, Tall Roots.

Applications should include a CV and covering letter responding to the following questions:

1. What is motivating you to become our new Chief Operating Officer for IPS Grow? (200 words)
2. Given what you have read about us so far, what do you believe would make an effective Chief Operating Officer for IPS Grow? (200 words)
3. Please describe your experience ensuring an organisation had the right systems, processes or capabilities in place to use data effectively. What was your role and what difference did this make? (250 words)
4. Please tell us about a time when you built strong partnerships across teams or organisations to deliver a shared goal. What approach did you take and what was the outcome? (250 words)

The funding environment has shifted fast. Alexandra Rose needs to be sharper, more strategic and more commercially literate than the traditional charity model allows. This role exists to make that happen.

We are looking for a senior funding leader who is comfortable operating as a “department of one” within a small but ambitious organisation. Trusts and Foundations prospecting and bid writing will form a core part of the role, working closely with the CEO and senior team. Beyond that, you will build and steward high-value funder relationships, develop and secure corporate partnerships aligned with our values, test new income models, and help us adapt confidently to a fast-changing landscape.

This is a senior leadership position. You will work closely with the CEO and Head of Finance to shape organisational direction and build a resilient, full-cost-recovery funding model that protects quality, depth and long-term impact.

This is a remote role, with a requirement to regularly attend meetings and events (mainly London but on occasions project areas elsewhere in the UK).

Key Responsibilities

 Strategic leadership

• Deliver the current funding strategy, which includes Trusts & Foundations grant funding, corporate donations, and testing new potential ways to generate income.
• Monitor sector trends, opportunities and risks, and reposition the charity as needed.
• Work closely with the CEO and Head of Finance to align income planning with organisational priorities and financial forecasting.
• Build simple, effective systems for pipeline development, forecasting and reporting.

 Trusts & Foundations

• Lead the trusts and foundations portfolio, working closely with the CEO to secure multi-year, core and expansion funding, including directly leading on the writing of funding bids. This will be a core part of the role.
• Develop compelling, well-evidenced funding proposals rooted in our mission and impact.
• Build strong, long-term relationships with funders.

 Corporate Donations & Partnerships

• Manage and grow existing corporate relationships, ensuring partnerships remain values-aligned, purposeful and mutually beneficial.
• Identify and develop new appropriate corporate donors and partners, informed by research into corporate giving, ESG and CSR trends.
• Shape and evolve a clear, credible and cost-effective corporate engagement offer that supports long-term organisational sustainability.

 New income streams

• Scope, test and (if viable) deliver new earned-income models, such as corporate engagement models.
• Develop proof-of-concept approaches and evaluate their feasibility.
• Support the organisation to diversify and strengthen its income base.

 Collaboration & leadership culture

• Serve as a key member of the Senior Management Team, contributing to organisation-wide strategy and decision-making.
• Build a transparent, mature, collaborative culture around income generation.
• Ensure the wider team understands funding opportunities, constraints and strategic choices.

Why join us?

• This is a chance to have real impact in an organisation that works practically and strategically to remove the barriers of affordability and accessibility to good food, with a focus on fruit and veg.

• A senior leadership role with real influence over the charity’s direction and sustainability.
• The chance to build and shape a future-facing income strategy in a charity committed to genuine systemic change.
• Remote working and genuine flexibility.
• Work that directly contributes to a fairer, healthier and more dignified food system.

We are seeking a forward‑thinking leader with a track record in changing organisations that have a good and loyal team in place with a commitment to our mission and values, and the imagination to explore new ways of meeting local needs. A track record of fundraising in the charity sector is needed. Whether you come with a background from the advice sector, the wider charity world, or another relevant field, if you have the vision and drive to steer CAEW into the future, we would love to hear from you.

Severn Arts is an ambitious, evolving arts charity and one of the national Music Hubs for Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We are looking for people who want to ensure the creative sector flourishes, and that the value of the arts is recognised as a contributor to society, and to creating confident, empowered communities. 

In our new Chief Executive, we seek a leader with the experience and ambition to build on the momentum we have, to strengthen organisational resilience, grow audiences and foster relationships with partners and stakeholders. The successful candidate will work with the Senior Leadership Team as we embark on a new 3-year Business Plan cycle to design and implement innovative and creative strategies that align with our strategic aims.

The new Chief Executive will be instrumental in advocating for the work we do, growing the business, and promoting the opportunities Severn Arts brings to children and young people and the wider community of Worcestershire.

Severn Arts has been through significant transformational change since its inception and has accomplished a great deal through diversifying into large-scale project delivery, community engagement and music projects aimed at providing access for all to high-quality experiences that are sustainable and life-affirming. We are in year two of a new three-year business plan period and the potential to grow our offer and increase our impact is great. Joining at this time in our history would enable the right candidate to have significant influence in taking the charity forward.

Main purpose of the role: To provide leadership to the organisation working with the Senior Leadership Team to develop, deliver and evaluate our agreed strategic business plan; promote growth and sustainability, and foster a positive, inspiring work environment that empowers our teams to deliver our vision and goals.

• Lead the charity’s vision, values and strategic direction working closely with Trustees to ensure a resilient, ambitious organisation that connects communities through creative endeavour and engagement.
• Support the Chair of Trustees to ensure that the Board and sub committees are equipped and informed, enabling effective and appropriate governance.
• Drive the successful development of income generation through successful fundraising and partnership development to ensure Severn Arts' sustainability.
• Work with and support the Director of Operations and Resources to develop and implement an informed financial plan and be accountable for the annual budget.
• Build and maintain key relationships with stakeholders locally, regionally, and nationally and be an ambassador and spokesperson for the organisation.
• Work and negotiate with strategic funding partners to ensure that outcomes and KPIs are aligned and delivered for the benefit of our audiences and users and for the long-term sustainability of Severn Arts.
• Provide leadership across the organisation and ensure Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access is embedded into all aspects of our work, team, and offer.
• Ensure a joined up, supportive working environment that sets out clear values, encourages creativity and contributions from everyone and enables the staff team, volunteers and our Board to flourish and thrive.
• Overall responsibility for adherence to all company policies and working practices.

This post is subject to a criminal record check under the arrangements established by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Thank you for your interest in the role of Operations Officer at the Fair Education Alliance 

The Fair Education Alliance (FEA) is a cross-sector coalition of 300 member organisations tackling educational inequity. We unite behind a shared vision: no child’s success is limited by their socioeconomic background. 

In September 2025 we launched an ambitious five-year strategy ‘From Neighborhood to National’ to confront the deep-rooted inequities facing children and young people. This is an exciting moment of organisational growth at The Fair Education Alliance. As we scale our work and our team, we are investing in our operational foundations to ensure we remain well-governed, financially resilient and able to deliver our strategy with confidence. 

This role is central to that investment. You will be joining a small, highly capable operations team and playing a pivotal role in how FEA runs day-to-day as it grows. You will work closely with relevant members of the senior leadership team and colleagues across the organisation, and your contribution will be felt across everything we do. 

The Operations Officer plays a central role in ensuring that the Fair Education Alliance runs smoothly, efficiently and to a high standard across all aspects of its work. Working as part of the operations team, the postholder helps maintain the systems, processes and practical foundations that enable the organisation to function effectively.

This includes supporting people operations and HR administration, coordinating governance processes, managing organisational systems and IT access, and delivering high-quality logistics for events and organisational activities.

Acting as a trusted point of support for colleagues, the Operations Officer helps create a responsive and well-organised working environment where staff, trustees and members feel enabled to do their best work. The role requires exceptional organisation, sound judgement and a genuine pride in quality.

By ensuring that the practical aspects of the organisation run reliably and well, the Operations Officer helps create the conditions that allow the Fair Education Alliance to deliver its mission and drive progress towards a fairer education system. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis from Tuesday 10 March

• Applications close: 30 March (9am)

• First round interviews: Rolling during application window 

• Second round interviews: Rolling during application window 

• Start date: As soon as possible (to be agreed with the successful candidate) 

The Development Manager plays a central part in enabling the Royal Court Theatre’s Development team to reach and grow ambitious fundraising targets for the charity’s mission.

The role will be responsible for a range of fundraising relationships and initiatives across a variety of sources, including high-level donors, corporate partners and trust & foundations (with scope to focus the role around the specialisms and interests of the appointee). This includes managing and stewarding key individual and corporate relationships, leading on applications, proposals and campaigns, and contributing to long-term fundraising targets and strategies.

The Development Manager will work closely with the Director of Development and wider Development Team (including as manager for team-members), as well as collaborating with other departments across the theatre.

The successful candidate will have:

• Experience successfully planning and writing proposals and/or pitches for funding across a range of contexts and funders/partners.
• Experience managing relationships with key stakeholders including high level individual and/or corporate partners.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (both written and verbal).
• Excellent organisational and management skills to handle a busy workload, tight deadlines and conflicting priorities.

Further details of the role can be found in the Job Description below. If you are interested in this role, please complete an application form. Please address how you meet the criteria set out above within your application.

To note, your personal statement can also be sent through in the form of a voice note, or PowerPoint presentation (no more than five slides). Should there be a more accessible form for your application to be received, please contact the recruitment team (email on our careers page).
 

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Organisation: The Skill Mill
Location: Remote, with expectations to travel to Gateshead and occasional travel to other UK locations
Salary: £45,000 pa 
Contract Type: 2 years fixed term contract, Full-Time
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Job Purpose:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will play a pivotal role in driving the operational success of The Skill Mill. Working closely with the CEO, the COO will oversee day-to-day operations through line-management of the 3 regional Operations Managers, will ensure the delivery of exceptional services, and will support the growth of our social enterprise model across the UK and beyond. This is a strategic leadership position, requiring a dynamic individual with a passion for social impact, operational excellence, and business development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership: Oversee all operational functions, including service delivery, project management, and workforce coordination, ensuring high standards and client satisfaction.

• Strategic Growth: Collaborate with the CEO to develop and implement expansion plans, identifying new partnerships, contracts, and opportunities to scale The Skill Mill’s impact, ensuring operational readiness and quality as the organisation scales.

• Team Management: Lead, motivate, and develop The Skill Mill’s operational delivery teams (see attached structure chart), including the Operations Managers, the Pathway Advisors, and the Supervisors, fostering a culture of inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement. Lead workforce planning, staff development and wellbeing to ensure a sustainable, motivated and resilient workforce.

• Financial Oversight: Work with the finance team to manage budgets, monitor performance against targets, and ensure cost-effective operations while maintaining quality.

• Governance: Supporting organisation and partnership governance by contributing to papers, risk registers and performance reports, engaging in solution-focused discussion at relevant forums, and ensuring feedback loops with operational delivery teams.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including local authorities, commercial clients, criminal justice partners, and community organisations.

• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all activities comply with legal, regulatory, and health and safety standards, mitigating risks effectively and escalating through appropriate organisational and legal pathways where necessary.

• Safeguarding: Act as senior lead and an initial escalation point for safeguarding, ensuring robust policies, training, reporting and continuous improvement.

• Impact:

         - Measurement: Monitor and report on social and environmental outcomes, ensuring alignment with The Skill Mill’s mission and funding requirements.

         - Performance: Work alongside partners, including Social Outcomes, evaluation and funding partners to drive performance in line with key success milestones, and engage in collaborative problem-solving to improve the offer and overcome challenges.

         - Quality Assurance: Contribute to organisational quality assurance processes by providing operational insight to support effective monitoring and review. Facilitate and support quality assurance audits, reviews and continuous improvement practices across operational delivery, working closely with operational delivery teams and relevant partners to ensure learning is embedded and service standards are consistently met.

• Innovation: Drive operational efficiencies and explore innovative approaches to service delivery and trainee support.
   

Person Specification:
Experience:

• An understanding of, and sensitivity to, working with vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.

Skills and Abilities:

• A values-led approach to strategy, with the ability to balance social impact, quality, and financial sustainability in strategic and operational decision-making.

• Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with a collaborative and empowering approach.

• Confident in using insights from performance data and information to drive continuous improvement

• A clear, confident and inclusive communication style, with the ability to engage, motivate and align within the organisation and externally

• A collaborative approach to partnership working, with the ability to navigate differing priorities and build trusted relationships across sectors/ stakeholders.

• Proficiency in working with digital tools that support operational efficiency (e.g., CRMs, project management software, Microsoft Office/Google Suite)

• Ability to translate organisational strategy into actionable operational plans
  ​

Personal Attributes:​

• Passionate about social justice, youth development, and environmental sustainability

• Resilient, adaptable, and solution-focused, with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.

• Commitment to The Skill Mill’s values of opportunity, integrity, and excellence.
  ​

What We Offer:​

• The chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people and the environment.

• A supportive and purpose-driven work environment.

• Opportunities for professional growth as part of a growing social enterprise.
   

Essential Requirements:

Experience:

• Proven senior leadership experience in managing operations, ideally within criminal justice or a social enterprise, charity, or environmental services sector.

• Demonstrable ability to lead and manage complex operational delivery in multiple geographical areas, ensuring quality and consistency across teams.

• Demonstrable success in growing an organisation or enhancing service delivery, including securing contracts and partnerships.

• Experience managing diverse teams in a hybrid work environment

• Experience of working effectively with external partners, including commissioners, criminal justice agencies and/or commercial organisations.
   

Skills and Abilities:

• Analytical mindset with experience in budgeting, performance monitoring, and process improvement.
   

Qualifications and Certifications:

• A relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification (e.g., business management, operations, or social enterprise leadership) is preferred but not essential.

• Enhanced DBS check is required.

About The Skill Mill:

The Skill Mill is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background.

The Skill Mill is an innovative social enterprise dedicated to transforming lives and communities. We provide employment opportunities for young people with criminal convictions, equipping them with skills and experience through delivering high-quality environmental services, such as grounds maintenance, horticulture, and flood prevention. Our mission is to reduce reoffending, enhance employability, and create sustainable social and environmental impact.