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.

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.

We are looking for a Marketing Manager for a 12 month fixed term contract.  The Young People’s Borough of Culture Marketing Manager will plan, manage and deliver the marketing and audience development campaigns for Hammersmith & Fulham’s Young People’s Borough of Culture programme.

The role will sit within the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, who are taking responsibility for leading the Young People’s Borough of Culture programme on behalf of the Where Culture Connects H&F Cultural Compact. The lead partners for the programme are the Lyric, H&F Council and Earls Court Development Company, with the shared vision of implementing a new long-term model for young people, education and business sectors.

The role will oversee a discreet budget for promotion of programmes and events, which will span multiple disciplines, event types and locations across the borough. They will work closely with the Young People’s Borough of Culture working group and partner organisations to ensure audience targets are met, reaching a broad audience and ensuring the impact of the programme is appropriately highlighted.

Please download the job information pack below for full details of the post and how to apply.

The Difference is seeking a Head of the Inclusive Leadership Course to lead our year-long programme for senior school leaders, training 200+ headteachers, deputies and assistant heads annually to reduce lost learning and transform inclusion practice across England's schools.

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for designing and delivering a sector-leading professional development programme, building strong relationships with school leaders and strategic partners, and capturing evidence of impact. The role will lead facilitation of regional cohorts, oversee quality assurance across all programme delivery, and work closely with MAT and LA leaders to scale understanding and reach.

The role requires regular national travel for programme delivery, regular office attendance and representing The Difference at conferences and sector events. You will work directly with the Deputy CEO to develop course content, identify opportunities for programme expansion, and ensure the course remains at the forefront of inclusion leadership practice.

We are looking for a confident leader with a strong track record in senior school leadership, programme design and delivery, and stakeholder management, alongside the ability to translate inclusion strategy into measurable outcomes for young people.

About The Difference

Every day, the equivalent of 5,500 children are suspended from England's schools, doubling their likelihood of being NEET by 24. The Difference is a young education charity founded to change this story through whole school inclusion. Since 2019, over 1,000 school leaders have completed the Inclusive Leadership Course. 94% report shifted knowledge of inclusion, and 64% of schools subsequently saw suspensions data buck national trends. The course has been the test bed for our Whole-School Approach to Inclusion, with principles now evident in the Schools White Paper.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design of the Inclusive Leadership Course to ensure full engagement across the year and measurable improvement in Whole School Inclusion practice
• Lead facilitation on regional cohorts, building cohort buy-in and belonging while maintaining high engagement and satisfaction
• Design and execute evidence capture to provide timely, valuable data for The Difference Impact Strategy
• Stay informed of promising practice to ensure the course remains sector-leading, piloting new content before wider roll-out
• Represent The Difference through speaking engagements and writing

About You

Essential:

• Senior leadership experience in schools with a track record of leading inclusive work that gives credibility to stakeholder relationships
• Experience designing and delivering professional development that has led to improved student outcomes
• Proven ability to build teams with strong identities to deliver against ambitious targets
• Experience quality assuring autonomous staff in ways that empower while delivering consistent outcomes
• Strategic ability to juggle competing priorities, spot and mitigate risks, and identify opportunities
• Credibility to hold significant relationships with MAT CEOs, Directors of Children's Services and DfE
• Commitment to personal growth, including diagnosing your own development areas and using others' expertise
• Shared values with The Difference and personal commitment to improving life outcomes for young people

Desired:

• Insight through life or work into school experiences of over-excluded young people
• Product design experience building business cases for new services in the school sector
• Early-stage social enterprise or charity experience

Please see the attached Job Description for full role details and person specification.

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector. As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and protected characteristics redacted where possible.

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.

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.

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+.

As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement. 

You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.

By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).

You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

Strategic Leadership:  

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities 

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required 

Comms & Marketing:

• Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources 

• Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience

• Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice. 

Influencing & Public Affairs:  

• Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful 

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities

• Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:  

• Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact 

• Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do 

• Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries

Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:  

• Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels

• Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector. 

Membership, Events & Communities:  

• By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).

• Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications

• Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth 

• Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach

• Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity

General Responsibilities 

• Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity

• Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend

• Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group

• Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities

• Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group

• Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design

• Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies

• Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required. 

Personal Development  

• Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing

• Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions

• Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession

• Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.

Organisational Responsibilities: 

• Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.  

• Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.  

• Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.  

• Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.  

• Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.  

• Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.  

• Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.  

• Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.  

• Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.  

This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.  

Person Specification  

Job Title 

Director of External Relations 

• Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills

• Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships

• The ability to work effectively within a small team

• Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload

• A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work

• A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative 

• A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity

• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post

• Fit to undertake the duties of the post. 

Experience/Skills/Competencies 

Essential 

• Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success

• PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR

• Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback

• Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development

• Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making

• Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making

• Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT 

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders

• Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms

• Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.

• Experience managing budgets and associated reporting

• Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events

• Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team

• Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity

• Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment

• Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications

• Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)

• Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events. 

• Experience supporting and manging a remote team

Education and Qualifications: 

Other Requirements: 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  

• Regular travel to attend meetings and events. 

• Occasional evening meetings.  

Legal requirements: 

• Enhanced DBS check. 

At Ambitious about Autism, we are looking for a Programme Director – Service Development to join our team. You'll develop Ambitious about Autism's and the Trust's education and care services for autistic children and young people.

You'll lead on key strategic projects to extend existing or develop new education and care services for autistic children and young people, providing strong project leadership, strategic integration and managing project-related governance. You'll identify and pursue new business opportunities to drive growth and expansion of our educational settings, including school bids.

You'll be involved in new service development, conducting thorough assessment to identify gaps and opportunities for new provisions or products, whilst developing innovative concepts for new services and seeking approval through business cases. You'll also provide leadership to the Service Development team, with line management of 3 direct reports, whilst upholding Ambitious about Autism's core values.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Extensive business development and project planning knowledge
• Working knowledge of the education, health or social care of children/young people with SEND
• Working knowledge of: The social, policy, regulatory issues affecting children and young people with special educational needs or Commissioning and service delivery for children, young people and their families
• Proven experience of leading the development and delivery of new services for children, young people and/or adults with special educational needs or disabilities either from a third sector, educational, health or local authority background
• Experience of developing strategic and business plans

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

We are looking for a strategic, values-driven and collaborative Charity Director/CEO to lead DS Achieve (a small charity) through its next stage, building on strong foundations to ensure long-term sustainability and meaningful impact for the families we support.

This is a rewarding opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of a small community-focused charity supporting children and young people with Down Syndrome. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership, guide the development of the organisation, and support a committed team to deliver high-quality services for families across Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.

Please see the attached Role Profile for details.

Director of Influence and Innovation

Full time (35 hours pw) - flexible working considered

£60,000-£65,000 + pension and benefits

Hybrid, North London (NW5), 1-2 days per week in the office

Women in Prison (WIP) supports women affected by the criminal justice system and campaigns to end the harm it causes.

This is a new role which has been created to provide the vision and direction for our programming and systems change work as we embed our 2025-2030 strategy. Our ambition is to offer women in prisons and the community, impactful direct support that is more independent of government demands and funding, and with a new and deeper partnership model.

Our strategy also challenges us to mobilise women, drive women-led influencing and campaigning and co-design programmes with women with experience of the justice system.  We know we must design and deliver programmatic work that incorporates systems change work so that we are not propping up a harmful existing system.  The problem in the criminal justice system is not the women themselves, but the structures and systems that oppress them. Women in Prison is taking bold steps to design and embed new programmes that build evidence that directly challenge those harmful systems.

In this role you will:

Co-design and deliver quality programmes delivering measurable and impactful outcomes for women

Drive stronger influence and visibility with policymakers, funders and partners

Ensure that evidence from programmes is driving successful campaigns and policy changes

Develop your team so they are empowered, motivated and focused on delivering on the strategy and values of Women in Prison

The successful candidate is likely to bring a proven track record in a senior leadership role within in a charity/NGO in programming, policy, or advocacy. You will be a strategic thinker with the ability to connect operational delivery to systemic change, and bring a track record of success  in influencing policy, funding decisions, and/or public opinion.

Application is by way of CV with a Supporting Statement that should set out your motivations for applying and how your work experience to date meets the scope of the responsibilities. As a general guide, your Supporting Statement should be around two sides of A4.

Closing date: Midnight Sunday 12th April 2026

This role is only open to women, in accordance with the sex-based exemptions of the Equality Act 2010 pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.  Due to the nature of our work it will be necessary for an enhanced disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service for details of any previous criminal convictions which are not protected under the Act.

For further information and to apply please click the apply button.

Program Director (Youth Employment)

Prospectus is supporting an independent foundation seeking a Program Director (Youth Employment) who can complement the existing team by virtue of their experience in labor market economics, workforce development, value chain transformation, and/or the prioritization of public-sector investment in critical economic sectors.

Program Directors work with their government counterparts to design and support implementation of transformative programs, and many government counterparts are prioritizing youth employment. Program Directors are accountable to the CEO and are responsible for ensuring quality execution of programs; strengthening routine monitoring systems; leading evidence-based decision-making; and driving highly leveraged outcomes.

Program Directors each work on a variety of matters related to human capital development and contribute to programs in different African geographies. You can expect a dynamic environment and a culture of collaboration, innovation, and drive for highly leveraged outcomes.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive experience with complex and large-scale program ideation and implementation, ideally related to youth employment, labor market interventions, value chain transformation, and public-sector investment.
• Good understanding of how governmental departments work, ideally with direct experience working within government.
• Significant interactions at high policy levels within governments, with proven experience in managing complex and politically sensitive relationships with different stakeholders.
• Demonstration of methodical program oversight and management.
• Experienced in the use of programmatic tools such as dashboard creation, program monitoring and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated familiarity with and/or experience working in sub-Saharan Africa.

Terms

• £100,000 – £140,000 + benefits.
• The position is full-time. Staff members working in the London office attend the office five days a week. However, if you have a disability and need a different arrangement as a reasonable adjustment, please let us know. We are committed to supporting an inclusive and accessible workplace and will consider any requests in line with the organisation’s obligations.
• The position will require travel to sub-Saharan Africa
• Equal opportunities employer

How to Apply
To apply for the role, please upload your CV together with a supporting statement (no more than 500 words) onto the Prospectus website.

At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website.

Recruitment Timetable (Subject to Change)

• Deadline for applications: 5th April
• Interviews with Prospectus: 13th – 14th April
• First stage panel interviews: w/c 4th May

Development Manager (Individual Giving & Major Donors)

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation | Shalford, Surrey (Hybrid)
Salary: £40,000–£45,000, dependant on experience

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) is seeking an experienced and relationship‑driven Development Manager to lead our individual giving and major donor fundraising. This is a pivotal role within a conservation charity dedicated to protecting endangered species across Africa and Asia.

As our Development Manager, you will:

• Shape and deliver strategies for major donors, mid‑level giving, regular giving, adoption programmes and campaign‑led appeals
• Cultivate and steward high‑value donors through personalised engagement
• Oversee donor journeys and ensure an exceptional supporter experience
• Provide strategic leadership for key fundraising events
• Work closely with colleagues across Conservation, Education, Art, Marketing and Finance
• Line manage a Development Executive and play a key role in developing a coordinated, high‑performing fundraising team

We’re looking for someone with:
✔ Proven success in major donor / high‑value individual fundraising
✔ Strong relationship‑building and communication skills
✔ Experience developing donor journeys and direct marketing appeals
✔ Confidence working with senior stakeholders
✔ Passion for wildlife conservation and DSWF’s mission

Why join us?
You’ll be part of a small, committed team making a tangible impact on global wildlife protection. We have invested over £14 million into frontline conservation since 1984 and continue to drive meaningful change through anti-wildlife crime initiatives, education and the power of art.

Role details:

• Hybrid (home + 2 days/week in Shalford, Surrey)
• Full time, 35 hrs/week
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + extra days at Christmas
• Pension + Employee Assistance Programme
• Start date: As soon as possible

How to apply:
Send your CV and a cover letter (no longer than two pages) by email by midday, Monday 20th April.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in conservation and the arts.