Strategic programmes director jobs

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

(Senior UK Government official)

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

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

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

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

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

Seeking a purposeful career change? Start on your transformative journey with the On Purpose Associate Programme, offering a unique opportunity for mid-career professionals to transition into impactful work. This paid, year-long leadership programme is designed for those ready to develop the skills, knowledge, mindset, and connections to create a regenerative, equitable and just future.

Key info:

• Based in London, UK

• Full-time (4.5 days at placement & 1 half day training weekly)

• £27,010 per annum salary

• Programme dates: October 2026 - September 2027 (50 weeks)

• Apply by Monday 18th May, 9:00 am (BST).

About On Purpose:

On Purpose is tackling the greatest challenge of our time: transforming our economy from profit to purpose. Our leadership programmes develop people who will play their part in this transformation.

Together, we learn to see a different future and take action towards realising it in the organisations we work in. Our programmes seed a vibrant community who care, inspire, challenge and support one another as we make this transformation a reality.

Programme structure:

Two 6 month placements 

• Through work placements with organisations driving impactful change, you'll gain hands-on experience tackling pressing social and environmental issues 4.5 days of the week. Some of our current partners include Better Society Capital, Great Yellow, BAFTA and VISA.

Weekly expert-led learning 

• Our intensive Learning & Development programme involves half a day, weekly in-person sessions led by experts from across sectors. The blend of professional training and academic rigour equips you with the skills, knowledge and mindset to lead organisational and systemic change. 

1:1 mentoring & coaching

• Receive support through fortnightly mentoring sessions and quarterly executive coaching, fostering both your personal and professional growth.

Join a supportive, impactful community

• You’ll be part of a tight-knit cohort of ~20 Associates, participating in training sessions every Friday afternoon together. You’ll also join the wider On Purpose community with now 1000+ alumni, connecting with a global, influential network of impact-driven professionals offering life-long inspiration, collaboration and opportunities.

Benefits:

• Earn a £27.01 k salary - On Purpose stands out by offering a paid learning and training opportunity, saving you significant costs compared to paying for other leadership programmes or MBAs.

• Develop your ability to make an impact - Equip yourself with the skills and insights needed to drive meaningful change. Our alumni are leading transformative change worldwide in all parts of the system, with 92% currently working in the impact sector.

• Unlock purpose-driven career opportunities - Our Associates have moved into a range of impact roles, ranging from CEOs of social enterprises to leadership positions within traditional companies driving change from within. We have a former music label business owner now the CEO of Hubbub, a former Consultant now Director of Impact at B Lab UK and a former civil servant now Climate Lead at Ellen MacArthur Foundation. 

• Standard UK holiday allowance

• A 3-day residential (expenses paid)

Who we’re looking for:

This programme is ideal for you if:

• You’re at a stage in your career where you’ve built solid professional experience and want to use your professional skills to create change in organisations, systems and beyond;

• you’re not currently in a career that aligns with your beliefs, but looking to transition into one;

• or you’re already in the impact sector and want to deepen your understanding of how systems and organisations work, develop the skills to lead transformational change, clarify your purpose and vision, and join a cohort and wider network of peers committed to putting purpose before profit.

Specific sector or industry experience is not important. We’re looking for talented people from diverse industries who have a determination to bring their skills and experience to purpose-driven projects and to driving systemic change. We seek ambitious individuals with:

• A minimum of three years full-time professional experience

• The right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme

• Fluency in English 

• Office environment experience 

• Skills including project management, stakeholder engagement, adaptability, interpersonal communication, problem-solving, quantitative analysis and strategic thinking.

• Excitement and commitment towards building a career that helps transform our economy from profit to purpose.

Diversity and Inclusion:

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences and those who are often under-represented in the impact sector, including but not limited to individuals with disabilities and those from diverse ethnic, gender identities, sexualities, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.

How to apply:

• Register your interest via our website to receive a link to your online application form.

• Closing date for applications: Monday 18th May, 9:00 am (BST).

• Interviews will be held in mid-late June.

Our Operations Director will lead the development of the operational infrastructure required to scale Fruitful Work nationally and internationally. Working in close partnership with the Founder & CEO, this role takes ownership of the systems, processes, team and organisational rhythms that enable the charity to grow rapidly and sustainably. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys building from the ground up, turning vision into reliable execution, and creating the foundations that allow a small team to deliver outsized impact.

You will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the organisation and lead the recruitment and management of a growing operations team as Fruitful Work expands.

Please see our attached candidate pack for the full role description

A fantastic opportunity to join the Cure Parkinson’s Research team – a medical research charity supporting research to slow, stop or reverse Parkinson’s. Working with the Director of Research, this role will have management of Cure Parkinson’s clinical portfolio. The charity supports a large treatment selection process that feeds new clinical trials seeking disease modification. This is an exciting time in Parkinson’s research and there is the opportunity to have a really meaningful impact by joining the Cure Parkinson’s team as we expand our funding schemes and initiate new ventures.

As our Clinical Research Manager, you will have a PhD in life sciences (an MD or MBSS would be advantageous) and significant experience in clinical trial development. A healthcare professional engaged in medical research you will be looking to move to the charity sector to influence the strategic direction of the Parkinson’s research field and drive forward the search for a cure. You must have a strong understanding of Parkinson’s, the biology associated with the condition, and the agents currently in development. You will require excellent organisational and communication skills as you will be representing the charity via stakeholder engagement. Working as an effective member of our Research Team you will be able to handle multiple tasks with precision simultaneously and be comfortable building relationships and providing support for researchers.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a strategic, faith‑driven leader to shape and scale programmes that are transforming children’s lives across the UK.

Children and young people across the UK are facing a growing mental health crisis. At Transforming Lives for Good (TLG), we believe the local church has a vital role to play in responding - offering early, relational and therapeutic support that can fundamentally change life trajectories for children and families. Our vision is fullness of life for every child, no matter what struggles they face.

As Director of Programmes & Impact, you will be a key member of TLG’s Core Leadership Team, with responsibility for the growth, quality and impact of our UK‑wide programmes, currently supporting around 5,000 children in partnership with more than 220 churches. You will lead a talented senior team, pioneer new and existing models of support, and ensure everything we do delivers deep, measurable and meaningful change in children’s lives.

We are seeking a senior leader who can lead programmes at scale, use insight and evidence to drive impact, and navigate change and complexity with confidence. You will model prayerful, emotionally healthy leadership, with a deep commitment to therapeutic, trauma‑informed practice firmly rooted in the life and mission of the local church.

TLG is a Christian charity and, as a team, we want to bring our faith to the work we do; as such, we are recruiting an individual with a strong and vibrant Christian faith. We would welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds to enable us to better reflect the needs of the communities we serve.

Hours: 30 - 37.5 per week (0.8 – 1.0 FTE)

Closing Date: Sunday 26th April

Initial Interviews: Friday 1st May – Online

Final Interviews: Tuesday 12th May – at our National Support Centre in West Yorkshire

This exciting new role offers the right candidate the opportunity to lead LBWP's programmes and services for Black and minoritised, i.e. Global Majority, women and children who are survivors of domestic violence and abuse. Our programmes team is expanding as we are providing new refuge and dispersed accommodation services as well as legal advice, counselling and ex-service user training and development support. 

This senior leadership role also involves developing and maintaining external parternships with key stakeholders, funders, strategic women's sector organisations and local community partners as well as overseeing programme budgets, facilities managment and service user engagement.

Essential skilss and experience include:

• Senior management experience within the voluntary, community, or public sector
• Proven experience of simultaneously managing complex, multi- programme delivery 
• Good understanding of specialist domestic violence and abuse services that support the specific needs of Global Majority women and their children
• Experience of working as part of a senior management team and working collaboratively to develop organisational strategy and operational plans
• Experience of managing and supporting line managers and multidisciplinary teams
• Experience of managing project budgets, reviewing management accounts and identifying issues with internal systems to improve them

London Black Women's Project is a specialist ‘by and for’ organisation providing refuge, supported accommodation, and wraparound support programmes for Black and minoritised (Global Majority) women and their children who are survivors of domestic violence and abuse. We work across London in partnership with London boroughs, the specialist women's DV sector, funders and community services to provide holistic wraparound support and advice. 

Stella Maris UK is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of International Programmes to drive delivery of our international strategy and strengthen our global network.

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for building strong relationships with international partners, identifying programme opportunities, and securing sustainable funding from corporates, trusts and foundations. The role will oversee the development and delivery of high-impact projects, ensure effective grant management and reporting, and support capacity building across the global Stella Maris network.

The role requires regular international travel to build partnerships, support programme delivery, and represent Stella Maris at meetings, conferences and network events.

We are looking for a confident leader with a strong track record in international development, grant fundraising, and stakeholder management, alongside the ability to translate strategy into delivery.

We are seeking an experienced and driven Director of Programmes & Impact with essential third sector experience to lead and shape our global programme function.
This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring that all funds raised are translated into effective delivery on the ground, supported by strong oversight, clear data, and credible impact.
You will own the full lifecycle of programme delivery — from partner management and implementation through to compliance oversight, data capture, and donor reporting. You will also play a key role in building the systems, processes, and structures that enable impact to be delivered and evidenced consistently as the organisation grows.
This role offers a high level of ownership and influence, with the opportunity to shape how The Zahra Trust delivers, measures, and communicates impact globally.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRHA is a great place to work – Our award-winning teams work together to improve the lives of our residents and make a real contribution to ending homelessness. As an IIP Gold standard employer, we value our staff and commit to develop their skills and support them in their important work.

When can you see your leadership translate into real change in people’s lives every single day – not just in reports, but in safer homes, stronger services and better outcomes?

Providence Row Housing Association (PRHA) offers that opportunity.

We are excited to be recruiting for a new Director of Operations, reporting into the Chief Executive. This is an exciting role for an accomplished operational leader who will be a part of an established Senior Leadership Team.

Role Focus

As a key member of our SLT, your key focus will be on providing the overall direction to services delivered to PRHA residents, including: housing management, building safety, support and property services. 

In addition, you will lead services that underpin the effective operation of these departments including GDPR, performance and Human Resources. You will drive customer experience, partnerships and manage external contractors, whilst managing broader priorities.

We value an inclusive approach, and success in this role means bringing your leadership skills and innovative approaches to problem solving to inspire, motivate, and develop our talented teams, providing advice, support and guidance.

The leader you are

We are seeking a senior-level support/housing professional with broad operational experience within the housing sector, with experience covering Support, housing management and property/asset management. We understand it is likely you will have greater experience in one of these fields, but will have worked at a strategic level that has provided strong insight to the benefit of these areas coming together.

We are interested in hearing from values-driven leaders who are committed to delivering exceptional services, hold a deep understanding of the legislation and compliance environment in which we operate, are committed to strengthening services, and ensuring our residents receive the highest level of service.

What we offer

We offer our staff a generous benefits package, which includes:

·Pension Scheme – We offer a group stakeholder pension scheme with 3% employer's contribution, employee contribution is 5%

·Holidays - Employees receive up to 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising with long service

·Medical – we provide a “Cash Back" Scheme for a range of services such as dental, physio, chiropody, health& wellbeing

·Training Programmes – We provide comprehensive training to our employees to enable them to grow in their career and achieve their professional aspirations.

·Season Ticket Loans – We offer interest-free season ticket loans after successful probation

·Life Assurance - Upon death whilst in service, a Death in Service payment may be made according to the scheme rules. The payment covers 3 times of the employee’s annual salary.

Closing Date: 5pm 13th April 2026 

Interview date: 22nd April 2026 if successful for interview you will be notified by 5pm on the 15th April 2026.

It is required for this post that the successful candidates will have to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure check.

Director of Advocacy
£67,000 - £70,000, plus 8% pension contribution 
35 hours per week – flexible working and part-time considered
Permanent role
Hybrid working – home working, with travel to our Godalming office and regular meetings in London

Lead the strategy. Influence the law. Change the future for animals.

The League Against Cruel Sports is the UK’s leading charity working to create a kinder society where animals are never harmed in the name of ‘sport’. From securing the landmark Hunting Act to exposing cruelty through investigations and championing stronger protections, we are driven by compassion and powered by evidence.

We are now seeking a Director of Advocacy — a strategic, inspiring leader who can steer our campaigns, public affairs and intelligence work to deliver meaningful and lasting change for animals. The focus of the role is mission delivery - ending cruel ‘sports’.

About the role

This is a high-profile leadership position at the heart of the organisation, you will oversee the strategy for political change (with a particular focus on England and Wales).

You will:

• Provide strategic leadership for our campaigns, public affairs and intelligence functions (England & Wales).
• Lead organisational planning to ensure our advocacy is aligned, evidence-led and delivers maximum impact.
• Oversee the development of compelling campaigns to influence public opinion and drive legislative change.
• Ensure operational robustness, risk management and governance across all advocacy activities.
• Play a hands-on role developing our strategy for engagement with different press and broadcast media platforms and contributing to our capacity for delivering this work, supporting our Senior Communications Officer.
• Inspire and develop a talented team, line managing the Heads of Campaigns, Intelligence and Public Affairs.
• Work closely with colleagues across fundraising, marketing and senior leadership to ensure a unified approach.
• Support the CEO on strategic messaging, while they remain the organisation’s primary spokesperson.

This role is predominantly internally focused shaping the strategy, strengthening systems, and empowering teams with the evidence and direction needed to create effective advocacy. It is also an exceptional opportunity for someone aspiring to future executive leadership.

About you

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Leadership experience in advocacy, campaigns, media or public affairs (ideally within the charity or campaigning sector).
• A deep understanding of political and legislative processes in England & Wales.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive cross-organisational planning.
• Strong strategic judgement with a track record of influencing policy or social change.
• Experience managing operational risk in complex or high-profile advocacy environments.
• Collaborative leadership style and the ability to inspire, motivate and mentor others.
• A passion for animal welfare and a commitment to creating meaningful, positive change.

Experience in animal welfare, environmental or social justice sectors — as well as existing political contacts — are welcome advantages.

Why join us?

At the League, you’ll be part of a courageous, committed and supportive organisation working every day to end animal cruelty. You’ll shape national debate, influence policy at the highest levels, and help secure a future where animals are protected and respected.

We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance, enjoy flexible working arrangements, including options for compressed hours and remote work from day one. With 28 days (pro-rata) of annual leave, in addition to the public holidays, and a generous employer contribution of eight percent towards your pension scheme, we prioritise your well-being. Additionally, our benefits package includes discounts on shopping, electronics, hospitality and leisure. Find out more about working at the League. 

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a short covering statement outlining how your experience aligns with the role, by 19 April 2026.

The interview process will include a 30-minute online introduction to our intelligence unit on Thursday 23 or Friday 24 April and an in-person interview at our Godalming Head Office on Tuesday 28 April or Thursday 30 April.

The League Against Cruel Sports is committed to inclusivity and diversity, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

We believe that together we can end animal cruelty in the name of sport. Join us in our purposeful mission to redefine what is acceptable and inspire positive change in animal welfare legislation.  

Salary:                                 £62,651 per annum

Contract Type:                     Fixed Term Contract – Paternity Cover (up to 10 months)

Closing date:                       7 April 2026 at 11pm

Interview date:                  4 – 15 May 2026

About CARE

CARE International is a global humanitarian organisation leading the fight to end poverty in the world’s most challenging situations. Women and girls are at the centre of our work, because we cannot overcome poverty and inequality until all people have equal rights and opportunities. We know that when a crisis erupts, women are often the first to pick up the pieces, so we work alongside women, so they have the power to make change where it’s needed most. Founded in 1945, CARE currently works in over 100 countries and last year alone reached 53.4 million people through nearly 1,500 projects.

Why work for CARE International UK?

CARE International UK is currently developing its new 4-year Strategy working within the CARE International Vision 2030, which will launch in July 2026. The strategy will build on our focus on women’s leadership in crisis, and expand on our strengths in anticipatory action and women’s access to economic opportunities. This includes investing in CIUK’s Early Action Fund, which sits within the Programme Management Team and works with country offices to support communities to prepare for and respond to climate and conflict-related emergencies. The Programme Management Team is at the centre of driving the impact we want to achieve through our new strategy, and continuing to work towards our goal of giving more power, resources and space to local organisations and communities, in particular to women-led organisations and women activists, so they can lead the decisions, debates and programmes that affect their lives.

The Head of Programme Management is a key organisational leadership role and will be part of the CIUK Extended Leadership Team working with other heads of team and the senior leadership team to help run the organisation effectively and deliver the 4-year strategy. CIUK’s restricted income from donors is significant and is CIUK’s largest income stream; as such the Head of PMT has a high level of responsibility for stewardship and effective management of the ongoing programme portfolio. Our largest programmes are complex multi-partner consortia in fragile contexts with budgets of up to £60m. The role-holder also has a crucial role to play in identifying learning from our programmes and sharing these across CARE and the sector.

About you

You will have demonstrated experience working with a range of donors, including the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), with deep knowledge of how the FCDO operates, how they are structured and contract programmes, as well as their current priorities. You will also have experience delivering programmes with corporate partners, and trusts and foundations. You will have the ability to build strong relationships and have demonstrated ability to negotiate complex contracts with donors and influence donor positions. You will have a strong programme management and risk management background that allows you to understand and work across multiple projects and contexts, and manage risk at the portfolio level, dealing effectively with new risks and issues as they emerge.

As a leader of a large team, you will have strong people leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate strategy into action, motivate colleagues and demonstrate to team members how their role links to organisational strategy and objectives. Your leadership style will be aligned with CIUK’s feminist leadership principles and values. You will need to have experience of working in donor-funded organisations, understand cost recovery models, and have experience working to deliver large-scale programming in development and/or humanitarian contexts.  A good understanding of the current debates in the sector on local leadership and a commitment to the principles set out in the pledge for change are essential.

About the role

The Head of Programme Management leads a large team to oversee all of CIUK’s active humanitarian and development projects funded by UK donors. The team leads CIUK’s relationships with Country Offices and Regions and develops close partnerships to help us achieve long-term and effective programming across the humanitarian and development arena. The team also builds strong relationships with institutional donors and works with the Partnerships and Philanthropy team to deliver corporate-funded programmes. The Head of Programme Management is responsible for ensuring strong grant management and donor compliance including programme financial management. The team ensures that CARE provides and is recognised by donors for offering excellent value for money and real impact for its programme participants. The team also leads CIUK’s approach to delivering smart development and humanitarian programmes with an increasing focus on equitable partnership approaches. 

The role covers four main areas of responsibility:

Representation and relationship management

Holding relationships with a set of senior stakeholders including FCDO Senior Responsible Owners, other donor counterparts, CARE Country Directors, Programme Directors and Regional Directors. Negotiating contract terms with donors and troubleshooting delivery issues with country offices. Positioning CARE’s work to external stakeholders, including personally representing CIUK in external forums and with donors.

Organisational and team leadership, strategy and planning:

Set and drive the programme management team’s annual plans and contribution to the organisation’s strategic priorities. Be accountable to delivering on team KPIs and organisational KPIs that link to PMT’s work. Play a key role in the leadership of the Programme and Policy department. Provide strong line management to direct reports and demonstrate a strong personal commitment to CIUK’s equity, diversity and inclusion goals and feminist leadership principles.

Financial and compliance management

Provide close and effective management of multi-million pound budgets. Reforecast accurately throughout the year, identifying and working with country offices to rectify implementation issues. Manage risks and issues at portfolio level, raising high and critical risks for attention by senior leadership and board as necessary. Ensure donor compliance is followed.

Programme quality, monitoring evaluation and learning

Ensure that CIUK closely monitors project implementation, relevance of programme outputs and outcomes and ensures programmes meet relevant technical standards and up to date best practice. Programmes fulfil requirements on programme quality and adhere to do no harm standards, the Core Humanitarian Standard, and ensure that CARE’s safeguarding standards are met throughout the life of the programme. Proactively share knowledge from CIUK’s programmes across the confederation and externally.

Right to Work in the UK

All applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom at the time of appointment. Proof of right to work will be required as part of the recruitment process. For more information, please visit the UK Government's guidance on right to work. Where you do not have current right to work in the UK, then this will be discussed with you as part of the recruitment process. Please note that not all roles are eligible for sponsorship and further information (should you require sponsorship to work in the UK) on eligibility can be found here.

Safeguarding 

CARE International UK has a zero-tolerance approach to any abuse to, sexual harassment of or exploitation of, a vulnerable adult or child by any of our staff, representatives or partners. CARE International UK expects all staff to share this commitment through our Safeguarding Policy (link here) and our Code of Conduct (link here). They are responsible for ensuring they understand and work within the remit of these policies throughout their time at CARE International UK.

Safeguarding our beneficiaries is our top priority in everything we do, including recruitment. All offers of employment at CARE International UK are subject to: 

· Satisfactory references. CARE International UK participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (link here).  In line with this Scheme, we will request information from successful 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. 

· Appropriate criminal record checks (including a Bridger check, link here).

By submitting an application, the applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures. 

Equality and Diversity

We are committed to Equality and value Diversity. We are a Disability Confident Employer and particularly welcome applications from disabled people. We guarantee interviews to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role (see person specification). If you require the candidate brief or need to submit your application in an alternative format, because of a disability, please do get in touch by sending an email to HR.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We particularly welcome applications from people of underrepresented backgrounds, including those from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority communities, and individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.

Across the UK, makers are building creative businesses, sustaining heritage skills, experimenting with materials and influencing design, art, architecture, sustainability, wellbeing & much more.

At the Crafts Council we champion craft and the people who make it.

As our work grows and the craft sector evolves, we’re looking for a Director of Marketing, Communications & Audiences to help shape how we tell the story of craft today.

This role will enable us to connect insight, develop narrative and grow influence — ensuring that what we learn from audiences, makers, members and partners helps shape how craft is represented nationally and internationally.

The Role

The Director of Marketing, Communications & Audiences will lead our marketing, communications and audience development strategy.

We are looking for an exceptional candidate who can help the organisation interpret insight, articulate a confident narrative and strengthen our public presence.

Working closely with the Executive Director and senior leadership team, you will ensure that insight drawn from audiences, makers, members, programmes and partners informs:

· how we position craft nationally and internationally

· how we grow and engage our audiences

· how we strengthen our influence across the cultural and creative sectors

You will lead a small but talented team and work across the organisation to build clarity, confidence and collaboration around our communications and audience strategies.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has significant experience leading marketing, communications or audience strategies
• Understands how cultural organisations build influence and public profile
• Is confident translating complex information into clear narrative and messaging
• Has strong experience with digital ecosystems, audience journeys and CRM insight
• Is collaborative, curious and comfortable working across organisational boundaries
• Brings a genuine interest in creativity, craft and the cultural sector

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to shape how a national cultural organisation listens to its audiences, understands its role and communicates its impact.

You will play a key role in strengthening the visibility and influence of craft — and the makers who shape our world.

We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking, strong marketing expertise and curiosity about the role creativity plays in society.

Someone who understands how cultural organisations build influence, bring people with them and tell stories that matter.

Contract and Hours - Permanent, part time, minimum of 3 days and up to 4 days per week. 0.6 - 0.8 / 21.75 – 29 hours per week (full time 36.25 hours per week). To commence as soon as possible from June 2026 onwards.

A typical working day is 9.15-5.30pm, including a lunch break (unpaid). We support flexible working and part-time arrangements where it is appropriate for the role.

We promote hybrid working with three days per week worked at our office and gallery for full-time staff, and two days per week office and gallery working for part-time staff.

Wednesday is a whole team office and gallery day when staff meetings take place.

Salary - £65,000 to £70,000 gross per annum based on full-time working, equating to:

£39,000 - £42,000 gross per annum based on part-time working 3 days per week,

£52,000- £56,000 gross per annum based on part-time working 4 days per week.

Location - Crafts Council Office and Gallery is based on the Pentonville Road in Islington, London, with some hybrid / home working.

Context and Purpose of the Role

After five years of dedicated leadership, GROW’s Managing Director is moving on. We are now seeking an exceptional, values-led leader to guide GROW through the next phase of our 2030 strategy and help realise our ambition to become a movement-shaping force within agroecology.

GROW is entering a pivotal stage of growth. Our focus now is on strengthening team capacity, centring community voice, developing pathways to leadership and employment, deepening hyper-local networks, and contributing more visibly to the agroecology sector.

With strong financial foundations, a committed team, and a long-standing partnership with a progressive secondary school, this is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation uniquely positioned at the intersection of farming, education, and community action.

The Managing Director will provide clear strategic direction and overall leadership, ensuring GROW remains responsibly-governed, financially resilient, and grounded in its agroecological values. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, they will nurture and inspire a multidisciplinary team of 16 employees and freelancers, strengthen key partnerships, and guide the organisation’s continued development and impact.

Job Title: Managing Director
Reports to: Board of Trustees
Salary: £48,000-£53,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full Time, 40 hours per week (9am-5pm with 1-hour paid lunch break)
Location: Hybrid. Minimum 3 days a week on site at The Totteridge Academy, Barnet Lane, N20 8AZ (more days on site expected for the first 3-6 months)
Pension: GROW participates in the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pension scheme and contributes 3%.
Benefits: 30% off all GROW Farm produce, annual training budget, subsidised lunches, and a generous holiday allowance of 28 days plus bank holidays.
Probation period: 6 months

GROW is a site-based organisation, and our farm sits at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for a Managing Director who is as comfortable talking with students, volunteers and visitors as they are shaping strategy and leading the organisation’s future. This is a role for a thoughtful, adaptable and hands-on leader who can hold the big picture while staying closely connected to our farm, outdoor programmes and the communities we work alongside.

Leadership at GROW is practical, relational and rooted in place. One day you might be gathering feedback from our Student Board of Advisors, listening to how our programmes are working for the young people who shape them. The next, you might be at the farm stall chatting with local community members selling jars of GROW’s homemade pickles. The Managing Director helps ensure that these everyday moments remain central to the organisation.

The successful candidate will lead a small, committed team of 16 staff, nurturing a culture that is collaborative, knowledgeable and grounded in our values. They will guide GROW’s strategic direction while staying attentive to the daily rhythms of farm and school life that make it a vibrant place for learning, growing and connection. 

Trustees recognise the breadth of this role and are committed to strengthening the organisation’s operational capacity. An early priority for the new Managing Director will be to shape and secure support for an additional capacity-building role that complements their leadership and enables GROW to thrive in the years ahead.

1. Strategy, Governance & Risk

• Provide overall leadership and strategic development of the charity.
• Oversee and report on organisational performance to the Board of Trustees quarterly.
• Ensure charity policies and legal guidelines are up to date, clearly communicated, and embedded in everyday culture.
• Ensure statutory filings (e.g. Charity Commission, Companies House) are accurate and timely.
• Maintain and regularly review the organisational Risk Register and report key risks and mitigations to the Board.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including charity law, employment law, data protection, health & safety, safeguarding, and environmental regulations.
• Lead on crisis management and serious incident reporting.
• Prepare high-quality written reports for Board and sub-committee meetings.
• Advise Trustees on strategic opportunities, risks, and sector trends. Support Trustee recruitment, induction, and development.
• Enable Trustees to fulfil their governance responsibilities effectively.
• Engage relevant professional expertise where appropriate to support decision making. 

2. Operations, Education & Farm

• Ensure operational resilience, deputising and covering critical functions during staff absence.
• Work closely with Education Leads to develop the quality of our educational
• programmes, ensuring they align with agroecological principles.
• Ensure thorough Risk Assessments are completed, communicated, and
• implemented for all activities and programmes.
• Support the income generation strategy for the Farm.
• Support the Farm Manager with infrastructure development, including planning permission applications.

3. Finance & Fundraising

• Act as the main point of contact for the charity’s accountants.
• Develop and oversee organisational budgets, leading annual budget-setting and ongoing monthly, quarterly, and forecast reviews.
• Develop and deliver the annual income generation and fundraising strategy with the Head of Fundraising.
• Oversee effective impact reporting with the Head of Fundraising.
• Develop and implement plans to improve cost-efficiency.
• Support the completion of large and complex fundraising bids.

4. Partnerships

• Act as the main point of contact for GROW’s key partner, The Totteridge Academy (TTA), and the Academy Trust, United Learning, to ensure the partnership is effective and positive.
• Build and develop partnerships with schools, youth services, local authority, community growing networks and organisations to support the long-term development of educational programmes and participant recruitment and local environmental impact.

5. Marketing & Profile

• Oversee the charity’s overall marketing and communications strategy.
• Retain strategic oversight of all core marketing and communications, including the press opportunities, charity’s website, printed materials, and promotional content, ensuring that GROW’s voice, values, and impact are communicated clearly and consistently.
• Build and enhance the charity’s public profile through events, speaking engagements, and external representation.

6. People, HR & Safeguarding

• Manage and support the team to effectively perform their roles and develop within GROW, ensuring staff are fully trained and confident with organisational policies.
• Lead the recruitment and onboarding of all staff in line with Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Safeguarding policies, and Safer Recruitment best practice.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensure compliance with any safeguarding requirements set by partner school, The Totteridge Academy.
• Be rigorously mindful of child safeguarding at all times, embedding safeguarding policies in everyday culture and remain up to date with relevant legislation and training.
• Oversee HR processes including appraisals, performance management, and professional development.
• Develop progressive internal systems, policies, and training that promote a fair, inclusive, and supportive workplace, grounded in our agroecological principles.
• Ensuring the organisation is GDPR compliant and acts as the Data Protection Lead.

7. Values & Culture

• Act as a role model for GROW’s guiding agroecological principles and organisational values in all internal and external relationships.
• Create a supportive, nurturing, high-trust culture in which staff and freelancers can thrive.
• Champion a culture of reflection, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Centre community voice in decision making, governance, and organisational strategy

Direct reports:
Farm Manager
TTA Education Lead
Senior Facilitator
Head of Fundraising
Freelance Programme Leads

This job description is not exhaustive; as a small and evolving charity, flexibility is essential and all staff are expected to take a hands-on approach and support wider organisational needs where required.
 

Person Specification

Essential Personal Qualities

• Strong alignment with GROW’s mission, agroecological principles, and organisational values.
• Ability to lead and nurture a strong, cohesive, and collaborative team intuitively
• and with empathy.
• Resilient and adaptable.
• Calm under pressure.
• Collaborative by nature and solution-focussed in approach.
• Strong commitment to inclusive working practices and social justice.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience working in a Senior Leadership role within a not-for-profit,
• education, and/or environmental sectors.
• Experience of building and maintaining successful partnership work, for example
• with farms, schools, local authorities, funders, and/or community organisations.
• Significant experience of managing and developing staff and freelancers in a
• small team.
• Proven ability to lead organisational strategy and translate it into operational plans.
• Experience working with, and reporting to, a Board or governing body.
• Experience of financial management, including budgets, forecasting, and working with accountants.
• Track record in contributing to fundraising, including securing major bids.
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, and risk in a regulated environment.
• Experience of safeguarding within an education, youth, or community context.
• Understanding of legal, progressive and inclusive HR systems and policies.
• Ability to develop and oversee marketing and communications that clearly articulate organisational mission, build community engagement and support financial sustainability.
• Demonstrable experience handling and reviewing legal documentation, including contracts, leases, and formal agreements.

Essential Skills & Abilities

• Strategic thinker, able to see and drive forward the “big picture” while managing operational detail.
• Skilled and inclusive people manager, able to motivate, develop, and challenge others.
• Excellent, adaptable and confident communication skills.
• Ability to prioritise and manage a broad and competing workload.
• Effective decision-making and ability to work independently with accountability.
• Strong relationship-builder with credibility across diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to lead teams through change and uncertainty.
• Strong organisational and administrative capability.
• Sound judgement and a high level of discretion when handling confidential or sensitive matters.

Desirable

• Experience or knowledge of agroecological farming.
• Experience working with local councils, schools, academy trusts, and authorities.
• Knowledge of charity and regulatory frameworks.
• Knowledge of the local Barnet area.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

At GROW we’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified and eligible applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, gender identity or expression, race, national origin, religion or belief,
disability, age, sexual orientation or pregnancy and maternity. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, especially those who are under-represented in the charity and food growing sectors. This includes, but is not limited to, people from the global majority, neurodivergent individuals, and those with a range of lived experiences. 

We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community and brings a rich mix of perspectives, skills, cultures, and ways of thinking.