Chief Operating Officer (FLEXIBLE VOLUNTEER ROLE)

Become the Engine Behind SUNSHINE — Volunteer as Our Chief Operating Officer

Volunteer Role: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location: London (Community-Based, Flexible Hybrid)

Are you a natural organiser, a strategic thinker and someone who thrives on turning vision into reality? SUNSHINE — a bold, start‑up grassroots loneliness charity in London — is searching for a dynamic, committed and mission‑driven volunteer to become our Chief Operating Officer (COO).

If you’re excited by the idea of helping build a charity from the ground up and shaping the systems that will support thousands of people experiencing loneliness, this role is made for you.

Who We Are

SUNSHINE is a small but ambitious start‑up charity dedicated to tackling loneliness and social isolation across London. We bring warmth, belonging and human connection through:

• Weekly Coffee Mornings

• Our Digital Inclusion & Skills Programme

• Befriending support

• Community events, workshops and more

We’re growing — and we need a COO who can help us build the operational foundations that will allow SUNSHINE to thrive.

Your Mission: Build, Strengthen and Lead Our Operations

As our Chief Operating Officer, you will play a central role in shaping SUNSHINE’s internal structure, ensuring our programmes, volunteers and teams can flourish.

This is a rare opportunity to create, set up and oversee the operational systems of a start‑up charity.

You will:

• Lead on developing SUNSHINE’s operational strategy and infrastructure.

• Build and refine systems, processes and policies across the organisation.

• Support the smooth running of all programmes and services.

• Work closely with the CEO and leadership team to drive growth and sustainability.

• Oversee compliance, safeguarding, risk management and quality assurance.

• Ensure SUNSHINE operates efficiently, ethically and with heart.

• Help create a culture of collaboration, compassion and excellence.

Your leadership will ensure SUNSHINE is strong, stable and ready to support more people than ever.

What You Bring

We’re a start‑up charity — so passion, initiative and adaptability matter just as much as experience.

You’ll thrive in this role if you are:

• A strategic thinker with strong organisational skills.

• Someone who loves building systems and solving problems.

• Confident in planning, coordinating and improving operations.

• Calm, reliable and able to see the bigger picture.

• Excited by the challenge of helping build a charity from scratch.

• Motivated by purpose, community and meaningful impact.

If you’ve ever wanted to shape the operational backbone of a charity, this is your moment.

What You’ll Gain

• A unique opportunity to build and lead the operations of a growing charity.

• Real leadership experience in a supportive, collaborative environment.

• The freedom to innovate, design and implement new systems.

• A warm, friendly team who value your ideas and your wellbeing.

• The deep fulfilment of helping people feel less alone.

Ready to Help Build SUNSHINE’s Future?

If this role excites you — even if you’re not sure you tick every box — we’d love to hear from you.

Join us in creating a London where no one feels forgotten, and where community truly means connection.

Apply today and help us build a brighter, more connected future.