Strategic lead jobs

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with the Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home (CDCH) to recruit its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).

The CDCH has been providing care and support to vulnerable animals in our community for over 80 years. We work across Gloucestershire and support over 1,000 animals each year living in our community.  We find wonderful families for pets who need a new home and provide access to veterinary treatment for pets living with financially vulnerable families through our subsidised veterinary clinics, ensuring no animal suffers because of cost.

As COO, you will:

• Oversee operations, including the CDCH centre, retail and fundraising as well as project delivery, finance, human resources, IT, customer service, and facilities.
• Translate the Board’s strategic vision into actionable plans and upgrade daily procedures.
• Lead a high-performing team.

If you are inspired and excited by what CDCH does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Operating Officer

Salary: Up to £75,000 p.a.

Location: Gloucestershire

Employment term: Permanent / Full Time

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about CDCH, the COO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 5th January 2026

Both CDCH and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnership.

Lead policy and research projects that shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. Join Belong and help create lasting change across the UK.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a pivotal role in delivering high-impact projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. As Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are determined to deepen our impact, strengthen our resilience, and champion cohesion and integration at scale.

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation focused on building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The Role
As Policy and Research Lead, you will design and deliver research and policy projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. You will produce high-quality outputs, translate evidence into actionable recommendations, and contribute to Belong’s thought leadership. This role combines strategic insight with hands-on delivery and offers the chance to shape national conversations on social cohesion.

Key Responsibilities

• Policy and Research Leadership

  • Lead the design and delivery of policy and research projects, ensuring quality, relevance, and impact.
  • Produce policy briefings, reports, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
  • Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
  • Ensure projects are inclusive, participatory, and informed by lived experience.
  • Monitor policy developments and contribute to strategic positioning and horizon scanning.

• Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, researchers, funders, and sector leaders.
  • Represent Belong at external meetings, events, and networks.
  • Support collaborative research and policy initiatives with partners and commissioners.
  • Contribute to dissemination of Belong’s work through events, media, and digital channels.

• Internal Collaboration

  • Support the Director of Policy & Research in developing Belong’s policy influencing strategy.
  • Contribute to organisational learning and cross-team collaboration.
  • Assist with proposal development and funder engagement.
  • Line manage junior staff or associates as required.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and thoughtful leader with:

• Proven experience in leading policy and applied research programmes.
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community development.
• Excellent project management and organisational abilities.
• Familiarity with participatory and inclusive research methods.
• Experience in income generation or bid development.
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or related field.
• Ability to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
• Politically aware and intellectually curious.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and solutions-focused.
• Collaborative and inclusive.
• Practical, reliable, and detail-oriented.
• Committed to personal and professional development.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Hybrid working
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.

The Chief Programmes and Outreach Officer is a member of the Executive Team and a key advisor to the Board and the CEO, responsible for evidence-based pedagogy and practice, partnership development and adoption of innovative methodologies.

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of Holocaust and antisemitism education in the UK at a pivotal moment in history. We are undoubtedly at a crucial juncture in Holocaust education and remembrance. Our work faces two  profound challenges: the international backdrop of rising antisemitism, Holocaust denial and distortion, alongside the inevitable loss of the remaining survivors and the need to develop effective new educational models that no longer rely on live testimony. In this challenging context, this post’s work will be critical in ensuring we carry the legacy of Holocaust survivors forward through innovative, impactful programmes that reach diverse audiences across the UK.

The post is accountable for the strategic vision and operational excellence of all the Trust's educational programmes, developing and delivering innovative, historically sound, educationally robust learning programmes that are recognised nationally and internationally as best practice. A key focus of the role is driving greater technological excellence in both teaching and operations, particularly digital testimony preservation and the use of educational technology.

The post’s success is the continuous improvement of both programme reach and impact, engaging new and diverse audiences and demonstrating meaningful long-term impact in line with the Trust’s mission and vision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Organisational leadership, as a member of the Executive Team
• Team Management and Development 
• Financial Management 
• Programme Innovation, Development and Delivery
• Partnerships and External Relations
• Impact, Evaluation and Learning
• Safeguarding and Quality Assurance

For the full Job Description, Person Specification, and details on how to apply, please follow the link to our website.

The Role

• To be the strategic lead for income, service, and performance management of Causeway’s Property portfolio. To support housing staff to achieve tangible social impact and/or recovery outcomes in line with Causeway’s mission and with funder’s contractual obligations.
• Provide inspiring leadership to the Housing Operations Team as a whole and develop opportunities for skills and knowledge development and understanding to enhance staff performance.
• To prepare and present accurate performance reports for the entire portfolio reporting on voids, rent management and tenant engagement outcomes to the CEO and local authority partners, identifying corrective action where needed.
• To ensure compliance of housing stock and tenancy matters within legal and statutory requirements.
• To ensure continuous learning and development across the Housing Operations Team by disseminating learning and sharing best practice.
• To develop and manage effective allocation processes for maximum occupancy and work closely with the other delivery colleagues across the organisation to ensure that housing is accessible and operates in line with any funding criteria.
• Champion client involvement and ensuring best practice in this area is embedded in policies and procedures.
• To be the primary point of contact for owning RP’s and private landlords, lead on landlord issues and disputes
• To represent the CEO at external events and meetings when necessary.

Our Organisation

You will work a combination of office, client-home, community, and home-based working. Causeway is a 4-day week employer, so you will work 32 hours over 4 days a week. Causeway is a London living wage employer. You will receive a 6% pension contribution, rising to 12% after two years service. We also offer an employee assistance programme that provides free financial, legal, and mental health advice and support to our employees. We provide core training, and continuous learning and development throughout your career with us. Travel schemes such as cycle to work and travelcard loans are also available.

Barnet Mencap is a very well-established local charity which provides services and support for people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and their family carers, while also campaigning alongside them to improve their lives. The organisation aims to create a world where people with learning disabilities are valued equally, have their voices heard and are included in the community. 

We are looking to appoint a new CEO to lead the organisation and ensure it continues to provide its much-valued services.

The successful candidate will have: 

• Experience in a senior role in a relevant service i.e. Learning Disabilities, Children or Adult Services

• Experience of developing a strategy and monitoring framework in a similar environment 

• Experience of effective partnership working at a strategic and practical level 

• Proven track record of income generation and financial management 

• Knowledge of charity governance, regulation for a medium size charity, and working effectively with a board of trustees.

• Knowledge of the Health and Social Care environment, including key policies and legislation 

• Understanding of Health and Safety and Safeguarding in a service delivery environment 

• Understanding of the Social Model of Disability and how to apply it to deliver empowering person-centred projects and services 

Please read the full Job Description, Person Specification and Recruitment Pack for further information on the role. 

To apply, please send your CV alongside a covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service application in line with Section 115 of The Police Act 1997.   

 Closing Date: 16th of January 2026 

Interview dates are planned for the 10th and 11th of February 2026.  

Engagement & Civil Society Lead

Permanent. Full time. Hybrid working (2 days per week in the office)

Location: London

Salary: £57,977 (including London allowance) per annum

About us

Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We are a global movement of people, churches and local organisations who passionately champion dignity, equality and justice worldwide. We are the changemakers, the peacemakers, the mighty of heart.

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and recognise the value this brings in forming strong, creative and high performing teams. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, and from those with experience from outside of the voluntary sector. And no, you don’t have to be Christian to work here – we encourage people of all faiths and none to apply. We just ask that everyone lives out our values of dignity, equality, justice and love. We value a good work-life balance, so we’re open to part-time and flexible working. We also offer hybrid working for our office-based colleagues.

About the role

Reporting in to the UK Influencing Lead, the Engagement & Civil Society Lead will manage Christian Aid’s church influencing, interfaith and civil society partners in the UK, in line with policy, advocacy and campaigns strategies that maximises impact. 

The post-holder will ensure Christian Aid is engaged in effective civil society coalitions, and coalition spaces, working closely with the campaign’s advisor and UK influencing team , empowering collaboration.

You will be building and developing relationships with the organisation’s partners, influencers and networks within the UK and globally.

Some of the key responsibilities of the Engagement & Civil Society Lead include:

• Cultivates and maintains influential relationships within UK based CSO’s, faith-based networks, private sector and campaign coalitions to enable high-impact initiatives to maximise our impact. 
• Drives and communicates high quality strategies, to ensure our engagement and influencing work has political traction within Civil Society, faith/interfaith networks and the private sector.
• Provides advocacy and influencing support on engagements with UK ecumenical groups such as CTE/CTBI in collaboration with the Ecumenical Lead.

About you

Who we are looking for:

Essential:

• Degree level qualification in a relevant field.
• Substantial experience of working in an advocacy role, faith and church advocacy, civil society engagement, community development, campaigning, or related areas.
• Substantial experience of working with stakeholders including civil society, government, or the private sector.
• Significant experience of influencing and engaging within UK Civil Society spaces.
• Detailed understanding of how to deliver influence within UK Civil Society.
• Detailed understanding of the development sector, private sector and faith networks, their policy positions and dynamics.
• Detailed knowledge of influencing and engaging churches and wider faith communities.
• Significant experience of working in complex coalition spaces.
• Significant experience of public speaking.
• Strong communication skills and ability to communicate with diverse audience.
• Highly developed skills in strategic planning, people management and project management.

Further information

At Christian Aid we strive to be an inclusive and diverse employer and recognise the value that this brings in helping to build strong, creative and high performing teams.

We are actively encouraging racialised minorities, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, returning parents or carers who are re-entering work after a career break, people with caring responsibilities, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, women, and older workers to apply. This is because these groups are under-represented within our teams, especially at senior level, and we recognise and value the contributions members of these groups make to strong, creative and high performing teams. 

We have a strong Christian ethos and we encourage applications from all faiths. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of and sympathy with Christian Aid’s faith identity. 

All successful candidates will require a DBS/police check appropriate to the role and location and a Counter Terrorism Sanction check as part of your clearance for commencing your role with us. We also participate in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  In line with this Scheme, we will request information as part of the referencing process from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

This role requires applicants to have the right to live and work in the country where this position is based and undertake the role that you have been offered. If you are successful and we make you an offer for the role, we will be required to conduct a right to work check on your immigration status in the UK. We will contact you regarding the documentation you will need to provide to evidence this. 

About Reading Students’ Union

We are a dynamic, student-focused organisation dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their university experience. Our vision is to be a place for everyone, we inspire and empower students to change the world. Check out our exciting new strategy on LinkedIn!

The Role: Director of Membership Services

Are you ready to make a big impact? We’re looking for an energetic, strategic leader to steer our Membership Engagement Directorate through an exciting period of organisational change.

This is your chance to shape student life, lead passionate teams, and ensure our student-facing services and systems for student democracy are sector leading.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Leadership & Impact

• Set the Direction: Provide clear strategic and operational guidance to managers and teams, aligning priorities with organisational goals

• Drive Collaboration: Foster a culture of teamwork across departments and with elected officers to deliver joined-up services

• Champion Innovation: Identify opportunities to enhance student engagement through data driven creative campaigns, digital platforms, and inclusive activities

• Measure Success: Monitor performance, track KPIs, and report on progress to ensure continuous improvement

• Influence Outcomes: Represent the Membership Engagement Directorate in key meetings, shaping decisions that affect thousands of students

• Build strategic partnerships: Work with the University and external stakeholders to enhance student experience. Raise our profile externally to promote our good work

• Drive membership engagement: Oversee sector leading activities that meet the evolving needs of students

People

• Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering growth, accountability, and innovation

• Offer practical support for Sabbatical Officers, acting as their key point of contact to help them succeed in their roles, particularly as political leaders

Project Delivery

• Drive equality, inclusivity, relevance, and engagement by overseeing campaigns, projects and events

Compliance & Risk Management

• Operate within charity law, regulatory requirements, and organisational policies

• Safeguard Governance Standards and uphold principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability

• Ensure teams operate safely and within SOPs

• Oversee compliance for activities, societies, communications, and elections

• Act as escalation point for safeguarding or risk concerns

• Monitor systems for governance and student democracy and drive student engagement

About You

Essential

• Senior management experience

• A true innovator and challenger of the status quo

• Strong leadership and people management skills

• Passionate about using data to drive transformation and innovation

• Has significant experience of governance, democracy, free speech and student representation

• Can create high quality strategic and operational plans and lead teams to implement

• Budget management experience

• Expert decision maker

• Strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

• Experience in a charity, education, or student-focused environment

• Expert stakeholder management skills and ability to communicate effectively at all levels with diverse audiences

Desirable

• SU sector experience

Why Join Us?

• Inclusive and supportive team culture

• Flexible working options

• 35 days annual leave including Christmas and Easter closure days

• Professional development opportunities

• Unique working environment in the heart of a vibrant Student’s Union, set on a stunning, green campus.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply today and help us bring our ambitious data strategy to life and transform student life!

Committed to equality, celebrating diversity, and embedding sustainability — building an inclusive workplace and a brighter future for all.

Director of Fundraising and Development (Maternity cover)

Reporting to: CEO as part of the Senior Leadership team
Direct reports: Head of Business Development, Head of Corporate Partnerships, Head of Individual Giving and Engagement, Head of Major Giving, Department Coordinator Location of work: Remote/ Home based with travel to London and occasional UK travel.
Contract Length: 18 months Maternity Cover
Contract Type: Proposed full-time, 35 hours per week; 28 hours per week or 35 hours compressed may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work.

Salary: £80,000 - £85,000

BACKGROUND
Magic Breakfast’s mission is to end child morning hunger in the UK now and for good. The latest research suggests that the number of children and young people at risk of hunger has rocketed to 2.7 million, meaning that one in five children don’t have enough to eat. When a child is too hungry to learn, they struggle to concentrate, absorb information, and manage big emotions, causing them to fall behind in their studies.
Magic Breakfast provides a nutritious and filling breakfast to over 300,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma. We are now at an exciting point in our journey as we launch Nourishing Futures, our long-term strategy, which capitalises on market changes and government commitments to scale our work, while redefining breakfast spaces not just as places to eat, but as places to thrive.

JOB PURPOSE
The Director of Fundraising and Development (Maternity Cover) will provide strategic leadership and direction across all fundraising and income-generating activities, ensuring the charity continues to deliver against its financial objectives and accelerates long-term, sustainable growth across our philanthropic, public, and commercial income streams.
You will bring strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills to equip, support, and empower the team through a period of organisational change. You will help the team optimise and make the most of the new organisational strategy, embedding strategic focus, effective decision-making, and collaborative leadership practices across the fundraising leadership group.

You will use your commercial acumen and fundraising expertise to identify opportunities and support the team to recognise, shape, and pursue them confidently and effectively, enabling them to take ownership and drive progress across all income streams. A key part of the role will be ensuring that new commercial and public sector income streams are recognised, understood, and capitalised on across the organisation, working closely with the newly established Head of Business Development to embed this focus and enable them to succeed in driving this work forward.
Working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will play a crucial role in maintaining momentum, ensuring continuity, and supporting the organisation to deliver the new strategy and business plan, helping to realise opportunities, navigate challenges, and ensure long-term sustainability during this maternity cover period.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Driving income growth: establishing high-performing income pipelines across all income streams, with a strong multi-year focus, supported by robust data, reporting, and pipeline management.
• Integrating and accelerating public sector and commercial income streams: Ensuring newly integrated income areas are understood, valued and operational across the organisation.
• Embedding and executing a unified, co-owned fundraising and development strategy: Partnering with the CEO, SLT and Board to embed strategic focus, ensure integration, and alignment with organisational goals.
• Strengthening leadership, culture and team performance: Providing coaching-based leadership, direction, support and empowerment, helping the team thrive and achieve ambitious income targets across philanthropic, public sector and commercial streams.
• Advance cross-organisational impact, insight and influence: ensuring fundraising and development is tightly integrated with organisational strategy, marketing/engagement, service delivery and external influencing.

For more information on the role or to apply please contact:

Katie Booth | peridot partners| email and phone number can be found on the website link 

Simon Callaghan | peridot partners | email and phone number can be found on the website link 

Timetable

Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 12th January 2026
Candidates informed of outcome: By 5 p.m. Tuesday 13th January 2026
First stage interviews: Friday 16th January 2026 (Online)
Second stage interviews: Tuesday 20th January 2026 (In person, London)

Migrants Organise is seeking an experienced and values-driven Co-Director to join our leadership team and work closely with our CEO and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to strengthen Migrants Organise’s organisational infrastructure, support growth and sustainability.

This is a pivotal leadership role that combines strategic vision, grassroots solidarity movement building with hands-on management. The Co-Director will contribute to key aspects of organisational development, including strategic leadership, fundraising and financial management, staff management and development, governance, and capacity building of our grassroots membership to ensure that our mission and movement values are reflected in our internal systems, culture and external impact.

The National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) is seeking a Finance Manager to strengthen our financial foundations as we celebrate 60 years of nurturing young talent. This newly created role brings together financial operations across our vibrant organisation, working closely with our Chief Executive and all departments.

Founded in 1965, NYJO has grown from a single jazz orchestra to a dynamic charity delivering engaging participation projects and impactful live performances. As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and Resident Artistic Company at Woolwich Works in Greenwich, we're dedicated to making jazz accessible to early-career musicians, young people, and audiences nationwide.

You'll oversee day-to-day financial management while contributing to strategic planning that shapes how we empower the next generation of jazz musicians. This includes managing our Xero accounting system, preparing quarterly management accounts and cash-flow statements, leading the annual budgeting process, and ensuring compliance with charity finance regulations.

Working across our three core areas - the National Youth Jazz Orchestra for emerging professionals aged 18-25, NYJO Learning programmes, and Community Outreach initiatives - you'll collaborate with programme, marketing, and development teams to create and monitor project budgets, track restricted income, and provide financial reporting to funders including Arts Council England, trusts, foundations, and sponsors.

This role offers genuine impact: your financial expertise will directly support young musicians' creative development and help us deliver programmes that respond to community needs. You'll produce reports for our Board of Trustees, manage Gift Aid returns, ensure statutory compliance, and maintain the strong financial governance essential to our mission.

We're looking for a qualified or part-qualified accountant with charity finance experience, or equivalent expertise in the arts sector. You'll need strong Xero skills, solid understanding of charity SORP and restricted fund accounting, and the ability to translate complex financial information into clear insights for non-financial stakeholders.

Requirements and Responsibilities

Essential:

• Qualified/part-qualified accountant (ACCA/CIMA/ACA/CIPFA) or equivalent professional experience in charity/arts finance
• Experience managing finances for UK charity or non-profit organisation
• Working knowledge of charity SORP, Gift Aid, and fund-restricted accounting
• Strong Excel and accounting software skills
• Excellent communication skills to explain finance to non-financial stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

Desirable:

• Experience in music, youth, education, or cultural sectors
• Experience with Arts Council England and other funders
• Interest in jazz music and supporting music education opportunities

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage Xero accounting system and maintain accurate financial records
• Prepare quarterly management accounts, cash-flow statements, and variance analysis
• Lead annual budgeting and support multi-year financial planning
• Track restricted income and provide funder reporting
• Ensure charity compliance (Companies House, Charity Commission, HMRC)
• Support Board meetings and contribute to strategic decision-making

Job Responsibilities

Financial Management: Oversee Xero accounting system, maintain accurate records, prepare quarterly management accounts and cash-flow statements with variance analysis for Board of Trustees. Manage bank reconciliations, accounts payable/receivable, payroll and pension administration.

Strategic Finance: Lead annual budgeting with CEO and department leads, support multi-year financial planning and scenario modelling.

Project & Grant Management: Collaborate with Programmes, Marketing and Development teams on project budgets. Track restricted income and provide financial reporting to Arts Council England, trusts, foundations, and sponsors. Ensure accurate cost allocation across projects and funding streams.

Governance & Compliance: Ensure statutory compliance (Companies House, Charity Commission, HMRC including Orchestra Tax Relief and VAT). Lead year-end financial statements preparation and independent review. Manage Gift Aid returns and maintain internal financial controls.

Working Schedule: Part-time position: 3 days per week Location: London with flexible/hybrid working Salary: £45k-£55k FTE depending on experience Holiday: 20 days plus bank holidays (pro rata) Reports to: Chief Executive

How to Apply

Send your CV and covering letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your relevant experience and what draws you to NYJO before 22 January 2026. Please confirm your availability for first round online interviews (week of 2nd February 2026) and in-person second interviews at Woolwich Works (12th February 2026). We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse team. 

The Ogden Trust is a family charitable trust which supports the teaching and learning of physics. The Trust delivers professional development programmes for teachers of physics across England, supports schools and multi-academy trusts to improve their physics provision and works with universities to support high-quality physics enrichment.

Job scope

Head of Teacher Support leads a team delivering professional development for teachers of physics across England. The team manages a range of professional development programmes covering Early Years to Key Stage 5. The postholder will have specific responsibility for the strategic leadership and management of the team as well as managing delivery of external funding contracts.

Remote working and other flexible working arrangements will be considered.

The Head of Policy and Advocacy will lead the strategic development and delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research agenda.Join the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations.

Job role: Head of Policy and Advocacy

Employer: Muslim Charities Forum

Salary:£42,000 – 45,000 per annum

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (4 days office-based, 1 day hybrid/remote)

Position: Fixed Term Contract, 3 years.

Location: London SE1.Nearest stations Waterloo, Lambeth North

Closing date for applications:16th December 2025, 5.00pm or until a suitable candidate is identified.

About Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) 

Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) is the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations. Guided by our pillars of Support, Connect and Represent, we champion excellence, transparency and social justice through resources, capacity-building, research and advocacy. 

We work to tackle structural and funding barriers, influence government, policymakers and the wider sector, and build a more sustainable, equitable Muslim-led charitable landscape. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, we drive systemic change and amplify the contributions of Muslim-led organisations across society. 

Role Purpose 

The Head of Policy and Advocacy will lead the strategic development and delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research agenda. The role involves shaping long-term strategy, building a robust evidence base, influencing government and policymakers, and representing MCF at senior levels across the charity, public and political sectors. 

The postholder will engage proactively with central and local government, devolved authorities, and regional mayors, ensuring that the voices and experiences of Muslim-led organisations are represented in policy development and decision-making. 

They will work collaboratively with MCF’s Communications, Partnerships, and Systemic Change and Sector Capacity teams to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach that delivers sustainable, long-term impact. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Strategy and Leadership 

• Develop and deliver the next three-year Policy and Advocacy Strategy aligned with MCF’s organisational objectives. 

• Provide strategic advice to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board on policy opportunities and risks. 

• Lead and develop the Policy and Advocacy team, fostering a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative culture. 

2. Policy, Research and Insight 

• Monitor and analyse UK policy and regulatory developments affecting Muslim-led civil society. 

• Oversee research, consultations and data-driven insight to inform MCF’s policy positions. 

• Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, consultation responses and position statements. 

3. Influencing and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Lead MCF’s engagement with central government, local authorities, devolved administrations and regional mayors, as well as regulators and sector networks. 

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, think tanks and sector leaders. 

• Coordinate MCF’s public affairs activity, including roundtables, Select Committee and APPG engagement, and representation at high-level external forums. 

• Strengthen MCF’s profile as a credible and influential voice for Muslim-led civil society across all tiers of government and the voluntary sector. 

4. Sector Capacity and Member Support 

• Engage MCF’s members and Muslim-led organisations in collective policy development and advocacy. 

• Design and deliver tools, training and resources to build members’ influencing capacity. 

• Identify and advocate for structural solutions to sector-wide challenges, including funding inequality, regulatory barriers and intersectional disadvantage. 

5. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting 

• Develop and implement frameworks to assess the effectiveness and impact of MCF’s policy and advocacy work. 

• Provide regular progress reports to the CEO. 

• Ensure compliance with charity law, lobbying and regulatory requirements. 

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria 

• Significant experience (5+ years) in senior policy, advocacy or influencing roles within the UK charity or voluntary sector. 

• Demonstrable success influencing government at national, local or devolved levels, achieving measurable policy or funding change. 

• Strong understanding of the UK charity policy, funding and regulatory environment. 

• Knowledge of the UK Muslim-led and/or faith-based civil society landscape. 

• Experience amplifying marginalised voices and embedding lived experience into policy and advocacy work. 

• Proven ability to lead teams and deliver organisational strategy. 

• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills, with strong political acumen. 

• Commitment to social justice, equity and strengthening Muslim-led civil society. 

Desirable Criteria 

• Experience working with Muslim-led, faith-based or minority-led organisations. 

• Understanding of intersectionality and its impact on underrepresented communities. 

• Experience of research collaboration with academic institutions or think tanks. 

• Proven track record in building partnerships for policy or advocacy initiatives. 

Values and Behaviours 

• Strategic and forward-thinking leadership. 

• Collaborative and inclusive approach to diverse stakeholders. 

• Resilience and adaptability in complex, fast-changing environments. 

• Integrity and credibility in representing MCF and the wider sector. 

• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. 

• Excellent communication skills, particularly in amplifying underrepresented voices. 

Additional Information 

This is a senior leadership position. Occasional evening or parliamentary activities may be required, along with UK-wide travel. 

What We Offer 

• The opportunity to lead impactful change within one of the UK’s most dynamic faith-based networks. 

• A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive working environment. 

• Opportunities for professional growth, leadership, and innovation. 

Application Information 

To apply, please send a CV (no more than 2 pages) and a covering letter (max 1,000 words) explaining how you meet the essential criteria and your motivation and suitability for the post.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from candidates with lived experience of marginalisation and an understanding of Islamic ethos.  

We reserve the right to withdraw this role once a suitable candidate is identified. 

If you have not heard from us concerning your application within 6 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. 

Interviews: Initial online short interview (stage 1), face-to-face in-office interview (stage 2). 

No agencies.

UK residents only.Sponsorship is not possible for this post. References will be taken up prior to appointment including relevant ID checks. 

As the leading specialist mental health charity for women who have experienced domestic abuse, Woman’s Trust’s mission is to help survivors to overcome the devastating mental health impact of domestic abuse.

We are seeking a Counselling Manager to lead our clinical services.This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced therapeutic professional to combine clinical practice with leadership, safeguarding, and project management.

If you are looking to make a real impact on women and children’s lives, then please do get in touch. 

About Woman's Trust

The charity, established almost thirty years ago to meet the gap in specialist mental health services, is led by and for women and aims to ensure that women affected by domestic abuse can live a life free from further harm and abuse. Our approach is trauma-informed and person-centred, empowering survivors on their journey to recovery from the trauma. We are committed to a positive, inclusive and equitable environment for our staff, service users and volunteers.

Alongside delivering our existing 1-1 counselling, self-development workshops and therapeutic support groups for women who have experienced domestic abuse, we are focused on developing our innovative mental health services for young women and girls, delivering new peer-led support groups and providing therapeutic groups to children and their mothers. We are also committed to developing further awareness-raising workshops and training for professionals, building on our research and policy to improve systems nationally.

About you and how to apply

As a skilled and compassionate counselling manager, aligned with our feminist ethos and the needs of our service users, you will bring experience in leading counselling services, with a proven ability to deliver high-quality, trauma-informed support for women affected by domestic abuse. You will have experience in managing counsellors and/or volunteers, providing clinical supervision, and ensuring best practice across service delivery. You will be able to oversee the full cycle of service management, including monitoring outcomes, safeguarding, and compliance, while also contributing to service development and innovation in line with our strategic priorities.

If you are looking at the next step in your career into management, whilst making a real impact on women and children’s lives, we want to hear from you!

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter of no more than 2 pages outlining your experience, skills, and knowledge, relevant to this post.

Closing date for applications: To be considered on a rolling basis.

Interviews: To be held on a rolling basis.

This post is open to female applicants only, in line with the Equality Act 100 pursuant to Schedule, 9 Part 1 applies. We particularly welcome applications from women from black and minoritised, and disability communities.

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to drive the growth of our philanthropy programme as we deliver our most ambitious strategy yet including a new £200m Global Cancer Appeal for a major development in Chelsea. You’ll lead and motivate a high-performing team, while also managing a personal portfolio and securing large value gifts. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference for people affected by cancer, working alongside passionate colleagues and dedicated supporters.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the Philanthropy strategy and drive growth across all high‑value income streams
• Identify, cultivate and solicit major supporters to secure high value donations aligned to agreed targets, including the £200m Global Cancer Appeal.
• Recruit and work with Appeal Board members, senior volunteers and trustees to progress prospects and secure transformational gifts.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior clinical leaders, to shape compelling fundraising priorities and packages.
• Work with the Head of Philanthropy & Special Events and the Head of Trusts, Stewardship and Philanthropy Communications to lead, motivate and inspire our high-performing teams
• Contribute to charity‑wide leadership, governance and risk management; deputise for the Associate Director as appropriate.

About you

You bring a well‑established, highly successful career in high‑value philanthropy, with:

• A proven record of securing seven‑figure and above gifts, and developed expertise in high‑value acquisition and relationship management.
• Experience in identifying, recruiting and managing senior volunteers, and working credibly with donors, board members, VIPs and ambassadors.
• Strategic leadership of senior fundraisers and teams, driving performance, culture and process change.
• Significant budget accountability (c.£1m+), high numeracy and the ability to interpret financial reports and KPIs.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills; confident handling complex, sensitive and confidential information.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, embedding inclusive practice across fundraising.

What we offer:

• Hybrid working between home and Chelsea with occasional travel to Sutton.
• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm
• 27 days annual leave rising with length of service
• Up to 6% employer contributions subject to matched contribution from you (increasing with length of service)
• Training, support and development opportunities
• Access to the blue light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities
• Access to subsidised staff restaurants, on-site yoga and wellbeing classes, staff choir and much more
• Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes

Inclusion Matters

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you.