Strategic programmes director jobs

Manchester Metropolitan University is a great university in one of the world's best global student cities. We advance knowledge to benefit society and make higher education accessible to those with the passion to succeed. We bring change through outstanding research and excellent education and support our region and its economy by empowering and enriching our students, colleagues and our wider community.

We are seeking to appoint our first Associate Director of Development to deliver the next step change in the University's philanthropic income. Reporting to the Director of Development and Alumni Relations and responsible for a high-performing fundraising team, the postholder will focus on translating strategy into delivery and results, focussing on the solicitation of major and principal donations.

What you'll lead and deliver

• Significantly increase the number of six-figure level and above donations to the University from high-net-worth individuals, trusts and foundations, and corporations.
• Ensure income delivered aligns with the University's strategic priorities, including advancing areas of research excellence.
• Work effectively with the Director of Development and Alumni Relations and the academic leadership to identify philanthropic priorities and projects that will resonate with potential donors.
• Effectively lead a successful and respected fundraising team, further strengthening the performance culture and practice of cross-university collaboration.
• Effectively relationship manage your own prospect pool of high-level donors and prospective donors.
• Work effectively as a key member of the Development and Alumni Relations leadership team, and with colleagues across the Directorate of External Relations and wider University.

About you

• Target-driven, with a proven track-record of managing a high-performing fundraising team.
• Significant experience of the solicitation of six-figure level, or above, donations.
• You will understand the UK higher education sector and have secured philanthropic support for research and scholarship.
• Strong analytical capability and evidence-based decision-making.
• Possess high emotional intelligence and demonstrate nuance and delicacy when dealing with senior and diverse stakeholders.

This is an unparalleled opportunity for the right individual to play a critical role in the advancement of the University, delivering our vision and ambitious agenda over the next decade.

Further information and how to apply

For a confidential conversation, please contact Dominic Boyd, Director of Development and Alumni Relations

Applications must be made via our recruitment system and should include a full CV and a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how your knowledge, skills and experience match the essential criteria being sought.

 - The closing date for applications is Sunday 28 June 2026
 - Interviews will be held in Manchester on Thursday 30 July 2026

About Manchester Met

We have been proudly driving progress for more than two centuries. As one of the UK's largest and most popular universities, we're a force for good, dedicated to delivered outstanding research and excellent education. Much more than a university, we are a place where ambitious people unite as a diverse and inclusive community to make meaningful connections. Where world-class facilities combine with exceptional minds to improve lives through innovation. We welcome those who are committed, talented, and hardworking. People who believe in our values and are as driven as we are to achieve shared goals.

Our community of over 5,100 colleagues work in close partnership every day to bring about positive change regionally, nationally, and globally.

Build a role with purpose, in an environment designed to unlock your potential. Be part of Manchester Met. Be Manchester Met proud. Let's transform lives together. 

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy

�� Are You the Candidate We’re Looking For? ��

At Shaftesbury, we’re looking for a Director of Accommodation Based Services to join our passionate and purpose-driven team. If you’re organised, detail-focused, and want to be part of something meaningful, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

You must hold a full current driving licence and the ability to travel to services and stay away from home overnight when required.

We’re not just hiring skills—we’re looking for people who genuinely care. People who want to make a difference. People who believe, as we do, that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a full, independent, and flourishing life.

Guided by our core values—Open, Enabling, Inclusive and Courageous—we are proud to deliver outstanding support across our adult care, children’s services, and education settings. Every member of our team plays a vital role in helping the people we support thrive.

�� About the Role

The Director of Accommodation Based Services will be responsible for ensuring the operation of high quality, financially sustainable services across the country that are sustainable both now and in the future.

This role is home based with national travel as and when required.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Promoting the vision and values of Shaftesbury within the residential services.
• Leading by example and ensuring that you demonstrate the values in your leadership behaviours and how you support our teams and deliver our services.
• Ensuring you meet all targets and KPIs.
• To participate in Shaftesbury’s national on call rota.
• Develop key relationships and create strategic alliances with all commissioners.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a team that directly impacts the quality and safety of the services we provide.

�� Why Join Shaftesbury?

We know our people are our greatest asset, so we make sure you feel valued, supported, and rewarded:

✨ Recognition & Rewards – Be recognised by senior leaders and receive vouchers of up to £50 for going above and beyond
�� Professional Development – Access to an excellent training and development programme
��️ Generous Annual Leave – 25 days + bank holidays, rising to 28 days after 5 years
�� Pension Scheme – Helping you plan for the future
�� Wellbeing Support – Access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme

�� Why You?

You’ll bring:

• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• The ability to manage multiple priorities
• A proactive, team-focused mindset
• Diploma level (Level 5) or equivalent level qualification
• Evidence of continued professional and personal development
• Experience within a senior management position previously
• Track record of service improvement and operational achievement

Freshwater Habitats Trust is the UK’s leading charity for all freshwaters. We are an evidence-based organisation that protects freshwater wildlife through practical and innovative nature conservation projects across England and Wales.

The Director, Central Team, will develop and oversee programmes across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, playing a key role in realising our vision of building the Freshwater Network.

As a member of the Senior Management Team the postholder will lead the Central Team and work across the following areas:

• Strategic development

• Leadership and management

• Fundraising

• Project delivery

• Partnership development

• Technical supervision

• Finance

This position requires a creative, dynamic and enthusiastic person who works well as part of a team whilst being self-motivated and ambitious. 

The Director will have the ability to think on their feet, steer the direction of the

programme teams and support them to achieve the long-term goals of the organisation.

Closing Date: Friday 17th July 2025 (5pm)

Interview Dates: First round interviews: 27th July 2026 (On Microsoft Teams)

Second round interviews: 11th August 2026 (In-person)

The second-round interviews will be held at our offices in Oxford.

About the Investment team

The Investment team is responsible for selecting portfolio partners, managing our charity investments and supporting our portfolio partners to improve and scale their impact. 

The Investment team also leads the Impetus Leadership Academy, a leadership development programme to support talent from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK youth sector to progress into senior leadership roles. 

The team is made up of 18 people, including former teachers, charity chief executives, charity impact leads, management consultants, social investment portfolio managers and impact consultants.   

The team is led by a Portfolio Director who sits on the Senior Management Team. The Portfolio Director has 5 direct reports: a Deputy Portfolio Director, three Sector Leads (who lead our work in school engagement, school attainment and employment sectors) and an Impact Lead. Sector Leads line manage 6 Investment Directors between them. Investment Directors line manage Investment Managers (currently 7). Investment Directors and Investment Managers tend to primarily focus on a sector but might have mixed portfolios, depending on need, experience and interest. 

The Investment team has a good track record of role progression. All four Leads and a number of our Investment Directors were promoted from within the team. 

About this role

We believe that all young people deserve to succeed in school and in work, whatever their background. As we enter a challenging time with rising inflation and a likely recession, our work feels more vital than ever before. The role of Investment Director presents an exciting opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the charities portfolio partners we serve, the team itself and the whole of Impetus.   

We support a portfolio of 23 high potential charity and non-profit partners in the youth sector, helping them deliver benchmark-beating employment and education outcomes for young people, and to grow. 

We believe the strength of our approach resides in three things: 

​

• ​Building deep, trust-based, sustainable relationships with charity leaders by, investing time, kindness, integrity and honesty.
• ​Providing our charities multi-year, unrestricted funding to help them become sector-leading organisations and scale their impact.
• ​Offering tailored advice to charity leaders’ most pressing and strategic questions, including their mission, programme design, performance management, growth planning, and financial resilience.

Working with our portfolio partners is a privilege. The leaders we support are incredibly talented, passionate and keen for external advice, and the issues we work through with them are stimulating and stretching. Our senior management relationships are some of the most fulfilling relationships many of us have had in our careers, while the growth and impact performance of our partners are testament to charities’ commitment to disadvantaged young people and the influence we have on their development. 

Charities and funders often comment on the quality of our people. Our team is analytical and data driven; we are deeply relational, low-ego and collaborative. We actively invest in our colleagues holding regular training and community of practice sessions, and use skills-based assessments to tailor development. 

As an organisation we seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work and actively challenge our assumptions to better deliver change. Over the past two years we have taken action to help reduce racial inequality in the youth sector. In 2021 we launched our Connect Fund to support diverse leaders and their robust solutions to the entrenched employment gap faced by young people from ethnic minority backgrounds compared with their white peers. We have also built a highly regarded Leadership Academy for emerging youth sector leaders from ethnic minority backgrounds, with generous funding from State Street Foundation. 

If you are looking for a role combining strategic thinking, analytical insight and influencing emerging leaders, as well as the opportunity to work with a supportive team to transform young lives, I hope you will apply to work with us. 

I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sebastien Ergas 
Portfolio Director 

​Key responsibilities
Finding high potential charities and non-profit partners for our portfolio 

• Identifying potential charitable organisations for investment.
• Leading and delivering in-depth due diligence process within the scope of a grant round, to assess and build partnership foundations with potential partners – covering leadership and governance, and their impact, scale, and partnership potential.
• Modelling from first contact of origination, our approach to engaged and trust-based investment management support.
• Developing and presenting high quality investment propositions to our Investment Committee.

Managing partnerships with portfolio partners​

• ​Managing relationships with partner Chairs and CEOs. 
• Agreeing Service Funding Agreements, including appropriate annual investment milestones to allow for a clear assessment of re-investment potential at end of phase. 
• Regularly monitoring and assessing partner progress / risks against milestones and making evidence-based recommendations on progression or exit to Leads, Portfolio Director and the Investment Committee.
• Escalating key risks on performance, leadership and safeguarding.   
• Conducting annual partnership reviews with Sector Leads and partner CEOs.
• Working with Impetus finance colleagues to ensure timely distribution of grant payments, in line with Service Funding Agreements.  

Supporting portfolio partners  ​

• ​Providing high quality advisory support to CEOs and senior colleagues on key strategic topics, using a mix of at least monthly one-to-one meetings and group facilitation to: 

• clarify theory of change
• ​define long term ambition
• ​develop growth strategy 
• ​achieve a step change in the delivery and performance management of outcomes 
• ​strengthen leadership (individual and collective) and governance capabilities
• ​develop path to scale
• ​build financial resilience

• ​Scoping and project managing pro bono capacity-building projects (in addition to providing direct management support). Ensure projects are delivered to a high standard and contribute to charity progression.
• Identifying engagement opportunities for our donors and supporters with portfolio partners that are aligned with the partner’s activities and do not distract or undermine their core work.
• Collaborating with the Impetus Philanthropy team to support the development of additional funding opportunities for portfolio partners, enhancing their ability to deliver impact at scale.
• Effectively leveraging the support of investment managers to advance the objectives developed for each portfolio partner that is managed by an Investment Director.

Support to Impetus

• Developing expertise about “what works” in the sector through cultivation and use of expert input and engagement as well as investigation into key research and evaluative literature.
• Contributing insights and learning from portfolio work to inform Impetus’ strategy, model and delivery, providing evidence based recommendations to senior colleagues
• Contributing to internal priorities and working groups, bringing expertise and insight from portfolio work (e.g. team strategy discussions, digital improvement initiatives, or equity, diversity, and inclusion).
• Contribute towards Impetus’ public affairs and philanthropy objectives through input into case studies, research and policy campaigns, donor reports and fundraising events.
• Sharing the learning from our work across the team, across the organisation and externally working within Impetus strategy and agreed forums.
• Engaging in Impetus pro bono, communications, and advocacy events, and engage portfolio partners appropriately in these events. 
• Line-manage and support one or more Investment Managers, setting clear objectives and providing coaching, feedback and development opportunities to enable them to deliver high quality work and achieve their individual, project and team goals
• Embedding inclusive and equitable practices in portfolio work, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered and barriers to participation are identified and addressed

​Person specification

Essential​

• A commitment to Impetus’ mission. 
• ​Senior level responsibility and a strong track record of building trust-based relationships with senior stakeholders, advising them on key strategic decisions, and challenging them in a respectful and collaborative manner. 
• ​A talent for strategic thinking around complex issues. 
• ​Strong financial acumen and analytical skills. 
• Understanding of impact measurement and evaluation fundamentals. 
• ​Resilience, tenacity and initiative. 
• ​Ability to adapt personal style to different leadership contexts, working inclusively and effectively with diverse leaders and organisations.
• ​Growth mind-set to seek out and act on feedback and a commitment to continuous learning and development. 
• ​Proven ability to work independently, and to exercise good judgment. 
• ​Strong planning and time management skills. 
• ​Experience contributing expertise to team or organisational priorities, including sharing learning and supporting others’ development. 
• ​Interest in partnering closely with charities that are doing what it takes to get better. 
• ​A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable​

• Experience in the non-profit (charity or social enterprise) sector, through work, as a pro-bono volunteer or Trustee capacity.
• ​Experience in consulting, investment management, senior charity management, or other in-depth grant making and advisory work. 
• ​Knowledge and expertise in UK education or youth employability sectors. 
• ​Board experience in private, public or third sector. 
• ​Understanding of or experience with commissioning impact evaluations. 

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.​

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:  ​

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school  

• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths 

• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment  ​

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.​

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life. ​

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.​

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.​

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

​

Our Values​

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.​

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.​

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.​

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.​

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.​

​Our employee benefits ​

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.​

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button at the top of the page. ​

You will need to:​

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form)
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.​

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.​

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.​

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.​

The deadline for applications is 2026, Sunday 21st June 2026, 11:59pm.​

Interviews:​

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 29th June 2026.​

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 6th July 2026.​

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.​

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

The Director of Place, Programmes and Delivery provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the charity’s programmes and projects, including our Place Expansion work, ensuring they are high-quality, impactful, and aligned with the organisation’s mission and values. The role is responsible for translating strategic objectives into effective delivery, embedding learning and improvement, and ensuring programmes are sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of funders.

You will have a strong understanding of risk management, developing senior relationships with key partner agencies, able to take decisive and proactive actions to ensure smooth execution of programmes.

You will be purposeful and collaborative with the ability to manage multiple complex programmes at one time. The current programmes you will be responsible for include: Safeguarding and Welfare, Playzones, and Place Expansion. You will also be responsible for all of our Project work.

Being the senior leader responsible for our Place Expansion work will be a substantial part of this role.  Place-based working in this sector is still emerging and operates within complex local systems, requiring the ability to navigate, influence and align a wide range of partners, often with different priorities, accountabilities and constraints.

You will also be the lead senior officer responsible for Safeguarding.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the Director of Programmes, Delivery and Place contributes to organisational strategy, resource planning, and organisational culture. You will also regularly attend Board meetings and Sub-Committee meetings as required.

Find out more about this role at our online candidate information webinar on 8th June at 3pm.  Join the session using the link in the recruitment pack or watch the recording of the session on our YouTube Channel.

Please see the recruitment pack on our website for full details of this role.

Who you are:

• Significant senior-level experience in programme or service delivery within the charity, public, or related sectors.
• Experience of managing and influencing complex relationships with external senior stakeholders at a strategic level and brokering solutions in environments where relationships can be both collaborative and contested.
• Proven experience of leading complex programmes and teams.
• Strong understanding of programme design, delivery and impact measurement.
• Experience of project management tools, resource planning and budget management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Strong commitment to, and knowledge of, safeguarding, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Alignment with the values and mission of the organisation.
• You are able to demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, equality, diversity and inclusion in relation to London.
• You have lived experience of day-to-day life in London. 

Key Details:

• Full-time (35 hours per week).  We are open to discussing flexible working options.
• Salary: £75,000 per annum if full-time
• Permanent contract
• Flexible working: we use a model of 2 plus days per week in our central London office at House of Sport or a partner organization and working from home, with travel required throughout London
• Offering 28 days’ holiday + 8 public holidays + 5 volunteer days + Christmas Closure
• Competitive Pension scheme 
• Life Assurance and Health Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Provider giving access to counselling and practical support

Timeline:

Deadline for applications: EoD on Tuesday 16th June

Job Description

Main duties and responsibilities

Manage the DUK project portfolio

• Become a subject matter expert in applied and translational research in DMD, allowing informed decision making and effective communication with key stakeholders
• Support identification of new project and collaborative opportunities, including the ongoing management and delivery of our applicant-led funding call
• Support the Director of Research and Development in project scientific review, working with the Scientific Advisory Board, Patient Advisory Board, Senior Leadership Team and DUK Board of Trustees
• Manage project development and initiation, including contracting, the development of detailed project plans, including go/no-go milestones, and budgets
• Manage and oversee project delivery, including monitoring of progress, according to agreed timelines and deliverables (including written updates and formal reports), and managing project finances, including reviewing and approval of invoices and monitoring project expenditure
• Support research budget forecasting in liaison with the finance team and the Director of Research and Development, and ensure compliance across the project portfolio
• Build and manage relationships with external partners and maintain regular communication through the project life cycle
• Support the Director of Research and Development to identify areas of strategic focus to inform the development of new research programmes
• Contribute to and support the development of DUK led research proposals for external funding and work with the income generation team to identify opportunities for research funding

Research governance and processes

• Maintain and improve, as relevant, internal processes for research management and governance
• Act as system owner for the research functions within DUK’s CRM (Salesforce), maintaining records and driving process improvements for grant workflows and monitoring
• Support the Director of Research and Development in research governance activities
• Support the Director of Research and Development to ensure compliance with the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) requirements, such as - contributing to annual data collection and surveys; implementation of AMRC processes and reviews recommendations, as relevant; keep up to date with relevant news and opportunities for training, collaboration and networking

Support the Director of Research and Development on the following external engagement activities

• Development and implementation of outreach and engagement activities in the DMD patient and research community to inform areas for research focus and prioritisation
• Scoping and development of formal and informal strategic partnerships and relationships with key stakeholder organisations (e.g. membership societies, other charities, consortia etc)

Support delivery of DUK flagship strategic programmes

DUK has strategic programmes in clinical research access and capacity, care standards and care access, assistive technologies and patient data. Under the oversight of the Director of Research and Development and working closely with the relevant programme team:

• Coordinate key programme updates and discussions between the DUK team and the programme teams
• Working with DUK comms team, support the development of external comms and marketing
• Working with the Director of Research and Development and the programme teams, support development of new initiatives and external funding opportunities

Other key responsibilities

• Provide general research admin support (e.g. arrange research meetings, both internal and external, prepare agendas and take minutes)
• Work with DUK comms team to identify case studies and success stories and support the development of the research comms strategy
• Coordinate research comms and work with the Director of Research and Development and comms team to ensure all research content is accurate and appropriate
• Work with the income generation and comms teams to provide updates to our key co-funding partners
• Support the collection of portfolio data across all programmes for DUK KPIs and to support DUK impact report development
• Coordinate and deliver research led events and support the Director of Research and Development in the agenda and content development for the annual Duchenne UK New Horizons conference
• Travel across the UK to attend meetings with partners

ABOUT BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME:

With a mission to enrich the cultural life of our region, Birmingham Hippodrome is one of the most popular theatre complexes in the UK, welcoming over 600,000 people each year. Varied productions in our 1,850-seat auditorium (dating from 1899), and in our 200-seat Patrick Studio ensure we play a key role in the region’s world-class cultural scene. With c.400 live performances annually in our main house, we present nothing but the best in touring musical theatre, ballet, dance, opera, pantomime, drama, and comedy. Our Patrick Studio welcomes a range of smaller-scale productions and is an important base for dance and for the development of new artistic work.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Job Title: Director of People & Culture            

Department: Directors

Job Title of Line Manager: CEO & Artistic Director    

Direct Reports: Head of People, Culture and Talent

Contract: Permanent, Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Location: Onsite at Birmingham Hippodrome with flexibility for hybrid working

Salary: £75,000 - £80,000 per annum

The Director of People & Culture sits within the Executive Leadership Team and, along with the Artistic Director & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Director of Creative Programmes, Director of Operations and Executive Director. The Executive Team are responsible for striving towards achieving the vision to create ‘a distinctive, world-class Birmingham cultural scene with the Hippodrome at its heart’ and succeeding in the mission to ‘provide that “goosebumps” feeling through memorable and extraordinary experiences’.

The Director of People & Culture plays a key strategic leadership role in shaping an inclusive, values-led and high-performing organisation where people can thrive. Working as part of the Executive Leadership Team, they lead the development of people, culture and talent strategies that support Birmingham Hippodrome’s mission, people and future growth, while also acting as a key liaison with the Board on people and culture matters.

ABOUT YOU:

You’ll need significant senior leadership experience in People/HR/OD, including with people strategy, organisational strategy, workforce planning, and culture change. You’ll have strong experience of employee relations, consultations, restructures, change leadership, and employment law; plus strong experience of leading EDI&B, managing senior stakeholders, and advising executive leaders and Boards. You’ll have a CIPD Level 7 or equivalent, and ideally additional accreditation in areas such as mediation and leadership development. You’ll also need financial leadership skills with the ability to control organisational people spend and manage budgets.

TO APPLY:

For full details of the role and the person specification, please view the candidate pack.

Recognising under-representation in our workforce of the global majority, and people with disabilities, we particularly welcome applicants from those backgrounds.

If you would like to arrange a time to have an informal discussion of the role with one of our Directors, please email us to arrange this. We politely request no contact from agencies. 

Managing Director of Education and Wellbeing

Contract – Permanent

Hours - 35 hours per week

Salary – Circa £75,000 per annum

Location - Coram Campus, Bloomsbury, with occasional UK travel and hybrid working as agreed

Coram is the first and longest continuing children’s charity, originally The Foundling Hospital, helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, a dynamic group of organisations, Coram now helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year through direct services, curriculum tools, and digital advice.

Coram is the largest charity provider of Personal, Social, Health and Economic education from infancy to independence. Supported by a distributed network of delivery partners across the country, Coram SCARF curriculum supports teachers across 2800 schools. Coram Beanstalk is the original volunteer reading help charity supporting children to become fluent readers with face-to-face volunteer support in primary schools. Coram Kidscape provides targeted support to schools, parents and children who are experiencing bullying whilst Coram Leap Confronting Conflict provides place based approaches to building the resilience of young people in navigating conflict. Together with Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation, providing the largest youth drama festival, they work to realise our strategic goal to enable children to develop the skills they need for life no matter where they live.

About the role

Working directly with the Chief Executive as a member of the Senior Management Team of Coram, the Managing Director of Education and Wellbeing provides direct and matrix management and leadership across these different streams of our work with schools and teachers.

In this role you will drive partnership, business development and income to extend the reach, relevance and results for children. You will work to build and diversify subscription, direct purchase, international, statutory and commercial income streams integrating the offers and driving synergies between the programmes in the Centre. Included in this is the development of the voice of children in relevant areas of policy, particularly seeking to build social relational and critical thinking skills.

You will seek to represent Coram to advance public understanding and the development of policy and practice as it affects children and young people. You will grow Coram’s share of voice in the education arena, ensuring that policy positions, consultation responses and public communications remain consistent.

This senior role is an important opportunity for a for an established charity education leader with an entrepreneurial approach and programmatic leadership skills including income generation, built on extensive policy and systems knowledge, to impact through existing and new programmes to change the prospects of the next generation.

The successful candidate will have a strong business focus, with senior experience of identifying, responding to and delivering new business opportunities, product development / sales and fundraising. This, together with, experience of managing multiple and distributed teams whilst maintaining both quality assurance of programmes and building engagement.

You will be able to work individually, in a team and across the organisation. Strong ability to lead and motivate others, partnership building skills and knowledge, experience and commitment to improving lives of children are essential.

Please note: This is a full-time role, office based in central London; hybrid working is supported but this post is not offered for job share or for majority home working. It requires the ability to travel in the UK on business occasionally and for flexibility in attending occasional breakfast or evening events

To apply for this role, please visit the Coram website to complete an application. Please note CV’S alone will not be accepted.

Closing date: 29th June 2026 at 9am

Interview date (at Coram Campus, Bloomsbury): Thursday 2nd July 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

Earth Trust is looking for a Finance Director to help shape the next stage of our development as a place-based environmental charity with growing ambition, increasing complexity and a powerful mission.

Based at Wittenham Clumps in Oxfordshire, Earth Trust cares for farmland, woodland, meadows, wetlands and community reserves, connecting people with nature and demonstrating how people and the natural world can thrive together. Our work brings together public engagement, learning, nature-friendly farming, partnerships and commercial activity in support of our charitable purpose.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. Alongside our established charitable work, we are delivering Gateway to Nature — a major programme to improve access, enhance the visitor experience and support growth in sustainable earned income. We need a Finance Director who can ensure this ambition is underpinned by clear, robust and commercially sound financial thinking.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will work closely with the Chief Executive, senior colleagues and Trustees to shape organisational direction, strengthen financial planning and ensure resources are aligned with impact. You will provide strategic financial insight, constructive challenge and practical support across the organisation.

You will lead budgeting, forecasting, management accounts, statutory reporting, audit, financial governance, risk, reserves and controls. You will also support business cases, financial models, capital project oversight, trading activity and commercial decision-making.

We are looking for a qualified accountant with significant senior finance leadership experience, ideally gained in a charity or similarly complex organisation. You will bring strong technical finance skills, sound judgement, commercial awareness and the ability to communicate clearly with non-finance colleagues. Just as importantly, you will be collaborative, values-led and motivated by the opportunity to use finance as an enabler of environmental and social impact.

This role will suit someone who combines strategic leadership with a practical, hands-on approach, and who enjoys helping colleagues build financial confidence, accountability and discipline.

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter explaining why you are suitable and what attracts you to the role to by Sunday 21st June.

The COO will translate BLiM's mission and strategy and ensure its well-run, properly resourced, with its ambitious day-to-day delivery. You will free the CEO to focus on strategic leadership and external influence by owning operations, people management, financial oversight and internal systems.

The COO will be a senior leader who shapes organisational culture, makes operational decisions, manages complex stakeholder relationships and drives the performance of a passionate, high-commitment team. You will be the person the organisation looks to when it needs clarity, stability and momentum.

The COO joins at a moment of leadership transition following the departure of BLiM's co-founder and Director of Operations.

Why Join Us:

Black Lives in Music (BLiM) is a not-for-profit dedicated to advancing racial equity across the UK music industry. We amplify the voices of Black artists, music professionals and communities; drive systemic change; and hold the industry accountable for meaningful progress. Through research, advocacy, programming and strategic partnerships, BLiM creates the conditions for Black talent to thrive.

BLiM has published ground-breaking research including the Being Black in the UK Music Industry report, produced the UK's first Black classical music festival in Classically Black, influenced government policy on live music licensing, and built a network of over 100 partner organisations across the four nations. BLiM is now entering a new phase of its development, with a strengthened leadership team, a Target Operating Model designed to carry the organisation beyond its founding era, and an ambition to become the UK's most influential voice for racial equity in music.

Person Specification 

Essential

• Significant experience in a senior operational leadership role, ideally as a COO, Head of Operations or Director of Operations in a charity, social enterprise or purpose-driven organisation.

• Demonstrable track record of building and improving operational infrastructure: systems, processes, policies and ways of working that make organisations more effective and resilient.

• Proven people management experience, including line management of senior staff, performance development, recruitment and team culture-building.

• Strong financial literacy, including experience of budget management, grant compliance, financial reporting and working with a board finance function.

• Experience of leading or supporting governance processes, including board reporting, risk management and compliance.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex operational information into clear, accessible reports and presentations for senior stakeholders.

• A genuine, demonstrable commitment to racial equity and an understanding of the specific systemic barriers faced by Black professionals, artists and communities.

• The emotional intelligence and interpersonal skill to lead with care, build trust quickly and navigate complex relationships under pressure.

• The resilience and adaptability to thrive in a small, fast-paced, mission-driven organisation where the work is varied, the stakes are high and no day is the same.

Desirable

• Experience of working in or with the music industry, creative industries or arts and culture sector.

• Familiarity with Arts Council England funding frameworks, charity law and the regulatory environment for non-profit organisations.

• Experience of implementing or managing a CRM system, project management platform or other operational technology.

• Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) frameworks and how to embed inclusive practice into operational systems and culture.

• Experience of leading an organisation through a period of significant change, transition or growth.

• An existing network within the UK music sector, creative industries or racial equity and social justice space.

At BLiM, we're interviewing on a rolling basis, so we'd encourage you to apply sooner rather than later!

To be considered for a first interview, please include a Cover Letter with your application. This initial conversation will be relaxed and informal, and we'll take you through the full interview process together so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.

Pay: £63,099.00 per year

Job title: Director of Services

Hours per week: 37 hours Monday to Friday

Salary: £63,099

Location: Coventry and Warwickshire

About the role

Would you like to play a key role in improving the lives of older people living within Warwickshire and Coventry? We have a rare and exciting opportunity to join our senior management team at a time of significant change for the charity. Trustees have set out an ambitious strategy for growth and long-term sustainability that is supported with significant investment in technology, buildings and staffing resources. This investment will enable us to expand the reach of our current service offer and enable the growth of new services that meet the growing needs of our communities.

Our current service offer includes a range of dementia support services, home support, advice, financial support services, counselling, befriending, social groups and activity centres.

As Director of Services, you will maintain and develop service quality, support and develop a team of managers. You will build strong strategic stakeholder relationships and play a significant role in the broad leadership of all aspects of the charity.

How to apply

Please apply directly on our charity website Age UK Coventry & Warwickshire. If you would like an informal discussion regarding the role please email or phone us.

Age UK is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria. We welcome requests for flexible working.

Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.

Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Staff benefits include:

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Blue Light Discount Card
• Age UK Discount Portal
• Tickets for Good
• 27 days annual leave + Bank Holidays (Pro Rata)

Closing Date: 8am on Monday 6th July 2026

Interview Date: Week Commencing 13th July 2026

Work Location: In person

Forest Farm Peace Garden is a small East London charity offering ecotherapy and community gardening to support people’s mental health and wellbeing.

We are looking for a strategic, hands‑on Director (21 hours per week) to lead our next chapter, working closely with a committed staff team, trustees and volunteers.

As Director you will hold overall responsibility for the charity’s vision, strategy and day‑to‑day operations, ensuring our programmes run safely, sustainably and in line with our values. You will lead on fundraising and finance, including developing and delivering a fundraising strategy, managing budgets and reporting to funders and the Board of Trustees.

You will line‑manage our Ecotherapy Worker, Gardener, and three sessional staff, nurture a positive, inclusive culture, and make sure staff and volunteers are supported to do their best work. Building relationships with local mental health services, community organisations and partners will be central to the role, helping us reach people who can benefit most from time in the garden.

This role would suit someone who enjoys combining strategic thinking with practical delivery in a small organisation, and who is confident working independently while collaborating closely with others. If you care about mental health, social justice and nature connection, and want to help a much‑loved local project thrive, we would love to hear from you.

The Director of Audiences role is a new role at Freelands Foundation, and the successful candidate will be first in post. They will be joining us at a time of growth and opportunity, as we start planning for a major building refurbishment to re-open as a “centre for visual art education” with the needs of our audiences embedded into our plans and designs. All this while still delivering programmes and awarding grants that create positive change across our sector, including our flagship £1.5m Freelands Awards and our expanding Freelands Studio Fellowships with UK universities.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Audiences is responsible for one of the three core pillars of the Foundation. Alongside the Director of Programmes and the Director of Finance and Operations, they form the organisational leadership team who are responsible for delivering the Foundation's mission.

The Director of Audiences will lead the cohesive development and delivery of all Freelands Foundation's audience-facing work, delegating and managing delivery where appropriate, and ensuring that our audiences are identified and served in ways that meet our strategic objectives and align with our values.

They will lead the Audiences department that currently comprises the Head of Digital, Graphic Designer and Digital Content & Communications Coordinator.

Closing date: 12pm (noon) Tuesday, 30 Jun 2026

Term: Fixed term contract ending 30th May 2028
Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: £49,747
 
We also offer:

• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and a discretionary Christmas closure
• Benefits platform with discounts on retail, dining and days out 
• Salary sacrifice schemes for gym, bicycles and nursery/childcare
• Access to a free Employee Assistance Scheme to support you inside and outside of work
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay and leave schemes

 
Location: Head Office (Victoria) and occasional site travel typically 1-2 days per week, remaining from home
 
Flexible working: Hybrid working is available in this position. Flexible working requests are available from day one including the opportunity to work compressed hours. We would also consider applications from part time applicants working 4 days per week. 
 
Role & Responsibilities 
Looking for a role where you can help shape the future of nature recovery in London?
 
Ready to help deliver ambitious projects that restore habitats, support communities and inspire the next generation of nature recovery leaders? 
 
We’re looking for a Head of Strategic Projects to join London Wildlife Trust’s Nature Recovery team. Reporting to the Director of Nature Recovery, you’ll lead a team delivering a diverse portfolio of strategic projects spanning woodland and waterways restoration, ecological monitoring and youth skills development. You’ll oversee established projects, support the development of new nature recovery initiatives, and help strengthen and monitor the impact of our work.
 
You will:

• Lead and support a multidisciplinary team delivering practical, innovative and ambitious nature recovery work across London
• Oversee delivery and development of the Keeping it Wild traineeship, helping young people build skills and pathways into nature recovery careers 
• Shape new projects and partnerships that support the Trust’s long-term ambitions for nature
• Support ecological monitoring and evidence-led approaches that strengthen the impact of our work 
• Build collaborative relationships with communities, funders and partners to deliver projects with lasting impact for wildlife and people 

 
Our ideal Head of Strategic Projects
We’re looking for someone with strong programme leadership and partnership skills, significant experience of managing complex projects and teams, and a passion for helping people and nature thrive together.
 
(Please see job description for full person specification)
 
Closing Date: 10th June 2026 at 9.30am
Interviews: Are scheduled to take place on 24th and 25th June and reasonable adjustments will be offered to all candidates including the choice to meet online or in-person.
 
Does this sound like you? We’d love to hear from you! 
 
Our vision is a London alive with wildlife, with nature in everyone's neighbourhood. To achieve our goal of inspiring everyone to help restore London’s wildlife, we recognise that our team must better reflect and represent all of London’s diverse communities. Find out more about London Wildlife Trust’s commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion on our website.
 
We are also committed to ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk is at the heart of our engagement with people. Read about our commitment to safeguarding on our website.
 
REF-228 718