Senior philanthropy and events manager volunteer roles
The Reading for fun charity
Chair of Trustees of World Book Day
Location: London (hybrid)
Remuneration: Voluntary role, reasonable expenses reimbursed
Time commitment: One day per week
Term: 3 years (may be appointed for a second term, maximum 6 years)
Closing Date for applications: 6th March 2026
About World Book Day
World Book Day (WBD) is a small national charity with significant reach and profile, consistently punching above our weight. WBD champions reading for fun because it seriously improves lives. In fact, it is the biggest indicator that a child will grow up to enjoy a happier and more successful future. With the spotlight in this National Year of Reading on reversing the decline in children's reading, now is an exciting time to join us.
As our current strategy enters its final phase and our 30th anniversary approaches, a new Chair would work with our board and executive team to develop and lead our new strategy and to leverage our existing strengths to realise the potential for growth in our impact. The new Chair will also support WBD's income generation activities, through attending events and philanthropy meetings and supporting corporate partnership opportunities, promoting WBD through their networks and championing donations.
This is a rare opportunity to help more children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, develop a lifelong habit of reading for fun and access the improved life chances this brings them.
What we are looking for
World Book Day's new Chair may come from a commercial, educational, public service or other background. In addition to the qualities required for a trustee, they should have the following qualities:
· A commitment to World Book Day's vision and values
Knowledge and experience:
· of senior strategic leadership (e.g. as a Chair or Committee Chair, trustee, non-executive director or senior executive)
· of charity governance and financial oversight
· of supporting, line managing and evaluating the performance of a senior leader
· to support our plans to increase and diversify WBD's income
· to work effectively with WBD's varied stakeholder landscape
· complementary or adjacent to WBD's activities, purpose and strategy
The ability to:
· lead by example
· communicate skilfully and effectively
· be an influential, inspirational and supportive leader who builds confidence and consensus
· develop partnerships and strategic alliances
· act impartially, fairly, with tact and diplomacy and respect confidences.
World Book Day welcomes candidates drawn from a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. We would like our trustees to be reflective of our society and WBD's beneficiaries. We actively encourage applications from those currently under-represented on our board: non-binary, all ethnic groups other than white British and LGBTQ+.
For a full role description and details of how to apply, please see the recruitment pack below. The deadline for applications is 6th March 2026.
Our strategy seeks to increase our impact and strengthen our foundations.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Help Us Run a Standout Impact Event
We're looking for an Events/ Marketing Professional with ideally three years’ experience in events and /or digital marketing, ideally in a high net worth/ philanthropy/luxury goods environment. Your chance to maximise funds going to education for underprivileged children & young people in the UK, the US and globally.
Your first project is to plan and deliver a private, curated event connecting ca. 20 high-net-worth donors with female entrepreneurs in Africa. The focus is on creating a warm, well-run setting that supports meaningful conversation and long-term relationships. You will manage the event end-to-end, including venue selection, partner liaison, logistics, invitations, guest lists, and design of event materials, ensuring a smooth and professional experience throughout.
With this event, you will secure new supporters for an international charity working across sub-Saharan Africa to support girls from the most marginalised communities to go to school, succeed, and transition into livelihoods.
You will also build the reputation of Greater Share - a pioneering philanthropic investment platform.
We’d love to hear from you if you have
- three years’ experience in events or digital marketing,
- pleasure in working independently,
- strong organisational skills
- attention to detail
- confidence using simple design tools (e.g. Canva)
- experience managing contact lists (e.g. in Excel),
This role suits someone who enjoys delivering well-executed events for senior audiences in a practical, time-bound way.
* If you do not want to submit a CV please include a link to your LinkedIn profile.
* Please let us know what you would like to get out of volunteering for this opportunity.
Greater Share is a new philanthropic investment platform that aims to connect high-impact NGOs with the world’s top-performing private equity funds.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
The D D McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO (DDMCS), charity number 1197598, is an active grant making
Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It has succeeded the D.D. McPhail Charitable Settlement, charity
number 267588, which was founded in 1973 and operational till 2023.
DDMCS aims to support 2 or 3 major multi-year grant projects each year, which are actively sought by the
Trustees to enable small / medium sized charities to make a significant or step change in their activities. The
original trust deed and now the CIO constitution specifies three key areas of preference in the UK around:
• Furtherance of medical research,
• Care of the disabled particularly disabled children, and
• Care of the aged and infirm
The Trustees have wide discretion to support other charitable activities in the UK. There is more detail in
the annual report available via the Charity Commission website and the charity’s own website that outlines
the activities of the charity. Within these broad areas the Trustees recently agreed, following a strategic
review, to focus for the next grant making cycle on charities supporting care for the physical and mental
wellbeing of children living in poverty.
Further information can be found in the recruitment pack (attached).
We are seeking a Chair Designate to join our board, with a view to taking over as Chair in 2027. The Chair provides inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the charity. They act as an ambassador for the organisation, working closely with the Director and fellow Trustees to maximise impact for beneficiaries.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
• Lead the Board in setting and reviewing the charity’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Ensure decisions align with charitable objectives and long-term sustainability.
• Promote diversity and inclusion within the Board and wider organisation.
Governance
• Ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document, Charity Commission guidance, and relevant
legislation.
• Maintain high standards of governance, risk management, and financial oversight.
• Facilitate annual Board and Trustee performance reviews
Board Management
• Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring impartiality and open debate.
• Provide guidance and constructive challenge to trustees.
• Foster strong relationships among Trustees and between the Board and Executive Director.
• Drive Trustee recruitment and succession planning.
External Representation
• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the charity.
• Represent the organisation at external events and with grantees and key stakeholders
• Support advocacy through personal networks where appropriate.
Support to Director
• Maintain a clear distinction between governance and management roles.
• Ensure regular communication and a strong, collaborative working relationship.
• Provide guidance and support to the Director.
Person Specification:
Essential Skills and Experience
• Proven leadership experience at Board or senior executive level.
• Strong understanding of charity governance and the legal duties of Trustees.
• Strategic thinker with ability to balance long-term vision and short-term priorities.
• Financial literacy and ability to oversee budgets and risk management.
• Excellent communication, with ability to build consensus
• Experience in grant-making or philanthropic sector
Desirable
• Knowledge of charity law and regulatory frameworks.
• Established networks within relevant sectors (e.g., philanthropy, corporate, public).
Personal Attributes
• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
• Integrity, impartiality, and sound judgment.
• Ability to dedicate sufficient time and energy to the role.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Innovative thinker with ability to bring forward fresh ideas.
If, after reading the applicant pack, you feel you have the skills and experience we are looking for then please apply through CharityJobs, providing a CV and cover letter (2 pages max) detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for preliminary interviews in March (dates to be confirmed). Initial interviews will take place via Teams.
The Trustees of DD McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those underrepresented in leadership roles within the charity sector.
Please use the following contact details for any questions or queries you may have about the role or the charity:
info at ddmcphail dot org
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Become a Trustee of Young Citizens and help light the spark of active citizenship for children and young people
With citizenship education set to become statutory in primary schools, votes at 16 on the horizon, and growing concern about the health of our democracy, this is a pivotal moment to join Young Citizens as a Trustee.
For over 35 years, Young Citizens has helped children and young people understand society, engage in democracy and make a positive impact in their communities. Through flagship programmes like The Big Legal Lesson, The Big Democracy Lesson, the Make a Difference Challenge and the National Mock Trial Competitions, we bring citizenship to life in classrooms and communities across the UK – reaching 300,000+ young people every year.
Our five-year strategy, Lighting the Spark, is focused on making sure every young person in the UK experiences powerful, practical and immersive citizenship learning. As a Trustee, you will help shape this next phase of growth, strengthen our financial sustainability, and ensure we make the most of the opportunities ahead.
This is a voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed) and a chance to play a strategic part in strengthening UK democracy through education.
Role Snapshot
- Shape Young Citizens’ strategic direction and monitor performance
- Ensure compliance with charity law and our governing document
- Safeguard the charity’s values, reputation, and financial integrity
- Oversee effective use of resources and long-term sustainability
- Support and advise the CEO, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives
- Act as an ambassador, promoting Young Citizens and building relationships with partners, funders, and supporters
Why join as a Young Citizens Trustee?
Being a Young Citizens trustee is a strategic and deeply rewarding opportunity. You will:
- Help steer a national charity at a pivotal moment for citizenship education and democracy
- Collaborate with fellow trustees bringing expertise in education, law, finance, communications, governance, and public affairs
- See our impact first-hand by attending key events such as programme launches and the National Finals of our competitions
- Support a small but highly skilled staff team (around 13 colleagues across the UK) and a network of 1500+ professional volunteers
- Contribute to decisions on resource investment, digital development, programme growth, and deepening impact
In short, you’ll help ensure hundreds of thousands of young people every year gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate meaningfully in society.
What We Are Looking For
We’re seeking two trustees who can help Young Citizens expand our reach, influence, and financial resilience. You don’t need prior trustee experience, we provide a full induction, safeguarding training, and ongoing support.
We’re especially interested in those with expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Citizenship teaching or school leadership – understanding how schools work and how to embed civic learning and active citizenship across the curriculum.
- Marketing, communications and influencing – building brands, running campaigns, shifting perceptions and engaging educators, young people and supporters.
- Business growth, strategic partnerships and business development – scaling organisations, securing strategic partnerships and growing mission-aligned income streams.
- Digital transformation or innovation – using digital tools, products or platforms to grow impact.
- Fundraising and income generation – philanthropy, trusts and foundations, corporate fundraising or individual giving.
We continue to welcome applications from those experienced in leadership, public service, law, finance, policy or youth engagement.
If you’re ready to help steer a national charity at a pivotal moment for citizenship education, influence strategy and strengthen UK democracy through education, we’d love to hear from you!
Role Requirements
The role requires around 4–6 hours per month, including preparation and engagement between meetings. Trustees attend four board meetings a year at our St Paul's office (usually weekday evenings), monthly online finance updates, and an annual Away Day. Appointments are for an initial three-year term, with potential renewal. While day-to-day operations are led by the Chief Executive and senior team, trustees hold ultimate responsibility for governance and compliance.
To learn more about the role and the application process, please refer to the job pack for full details.
Please send your CV and a one-page personal statement (explaining why you want to be a Young Trustee and how your skills align with the role) via the Charity Job application link.
Deadline: 11pm, Tuesday 3 February 2026.
Shortlisted candidates will have a first-round online interview in January/February, followed by second-round interviews in mid-February. We’ll do our best to accommodate holiday schedules.
If you need any adjustments to make the process more accessible, please let us know when applying.
Young Citizens is a citizenship education charity that informs, equips and inspires children and young people across the UK to be active citizens.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.