Charity Director (VOLUNTEER ROLE)

Charity Director (VOLUNTEER ROLE)

SUNSHINE Charity (London)

We created SUNSHINE to tackle the loneliness problem head-on. Our mission is simple: to bring people together, spread joy and community spirit, and deliver services and support to those living with loneliness. We do this by:

• Fostering Connections: We create safe and welcoming spaces where people can meet, chat, and form genuine friendships.

• Enhancing Wellbeing: Our activities are designed to be fun and engaging, lifting spirits and promoting a positive outlook.

• Transforming Lives: Every interaction, no matter how small, has the power to make a huge difference in someone's day, and ultimately, their life.

Our Vision

A world where everyone feels connected, valued, and a part of a vibrant, compassionate community.

Our Values

• Joy: We believe in the power of happiness to change lives.

• Connection: We create bridges, not walls.

• Community: We are a family, united by a shared mission.

• Empathy: We listen, we understand, and we care.

Commitment: Approximately 5 hours per week (flexible, but requires regular availability for strategic meetings and critical decision-making).

Location: Primarily remote/home-based, with regular attendance at Board meetings and key London events.

Reports To: The Board of Trustees (Chair).

Role Purpose

The Charity Director is the operational and strategic lead of SUNSHINE. This individual is responsible for translating the Board of Trustees’ vision into action, providing executive leadership, ensuring the charity's financial viability, and overseeing the effective delivery of programmes to combat loneliness in London.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership and Direction:

• Work closely with the Board of Trustees to develop and execute the 3-year strategic plan for SUNSHINE's growth and impact in London.

• Act as the primary interface between the Board and the operational volunteers/staff, reporting on performance, risks, and strategic milestones.

• Ensure all activities align with SUNSHINE's mission and core values of Joy, Warmth, and Community Spirit.

2. Operations and Programme Delivery:

• Oversee the effective design, implementation, and evaluation of SUNSHINE's events and activities.

• Ensure robust volunteer management systems (recruitment, training, support, retention) are maintained and adhered to.

• Maintain oversight of all administrative and logistical functions to ensure smooth, high-quality service delivery.

3. Financial Sustainability and Fundraising:

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget, ensuring responsible financial management and reporting to the Board.

• Lead the income generation strategy, including identifying, cultivating, and securing major grants, corporate partnerships, and individual donors.

• Act as the primary spokesperson to funders, partners, and stakeholders.

4. Governance and Compliance:

• Ensure SUNSHINE complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, including those set by the Charity Commission and relevant UK laws (e.g., GDPR, safeguarding).

• Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding are met across all operations and activities.

Person Specification

Essential Experience and Skills:

• Leadership Track Record: Proven experience in a senior management or leadership role, preferably within the non-profit or community sector.

• Strategic Planning: Demonstrated ability to develop and execute complex strategic plans and budgets.

• Fundraising/Income Generation: Experience securing significant grants or developing successful funding streams.

• Governance Understanding: Strong understanding of charity governance, compliance, and legal responsibilities in the UK.

• Interpersonal Excellence: Exceptional communication, influencing, and networking skills, comfortable acting as the public face of the charity.

Desirable Attributes:

• Experience in a start-up or scale-up environment.

• Knowledge of the social care, mental health, or loneliness sectors in London.

• Experience managing and mentoring volunteers or staff.

Next Steps to Apply

This is a high-impact, influential role critical to SUNSHINE's success. Interested candidates should submit a CV and a detailed covering letter outlining their strategic vision for the first year of SUNSHINE, addressing the key responsibilities.

SUNSHINE

Loneliness Charity in London