Founding Charity Director (FLEXIBLE VOLUNTEER ROLE)

Volunteer Opportunity: Founding Charity Director

Lead a Movement Tackling Loneliness and Social Isolation Across London

Location: Hybrid (East London focus)
Time Commitment: Flexible, approximately 4+ hours per week
Salary: Voluntary Role
Reports To: Founder and Board of Trustees
Position Type: Senior Leadership Volunteer Role

About SUNSHINE Charity

SUNSHINE Charity is a new volunteer-powered community organisation dedicated to reducing loneliness and social isolation by creating welcoming spaces where people can connect, build friendships, and develop a genuine sense of belonging.

We believe that no one should feel invisible in their own community.

As we prepare to launch our first programmes across East London, we are seeking an inspirational and committed Founding Charity Director to help lead SUNSHINE through its exciting start-up phase and beyond.

This is a unique opportunity to take a leading role in building a charity from the ground up, helping shape its strategy, culture, growth, and long-term impact.

The Opportunity

This is far more than a traditional volunteer role.

As Founding Charity Director, you will be at the heart of SUNSHINE’s development, helping transform a vision into a thriving organisation that changes lives and strengthens communities.

Working closely with the Founder, Board of Trustees and volunteer leadership team, you will help guide the charity’s growth, oversee day-to-day operations, support volunteers, develop partnerships, drive fundraising efforts, and ensure that our programmes deliver meaningful impact.

You will be a champion for our mission, helping build an organisation that creates lasting opportunities for connection, friendship, and belonging across East London.

What You’ll Be Doing

1. Strategic Leadership

• Help shape and deliver SUNSHINE’s vision, mission, and strategic direction
• Support the development of annual plans and organisational objectives
• Identify opportunities for growth, partnerships, and innovation
• Work closely with trustees to support effective governance

2. Operational Leadership

• Oversee the day-to-day coordination of the charity
• Support and coordinate volunteer leaders across different functions
• Ensure activities and programmes are delivered effectively
• Help develop policies, procedures, and operational systems

3. Volunteer Leadership

• Inspire, motivate, and support the volunteer team
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture
• Help recruit and retain volunteers
• Support leadership development within the organisation

4. Partnerships & External Relations

• Represent SUNSHINE with community organisations, local stakeholders, and partners
• Develop relationships with local authorities, housing associations, and community groups
• Build networks that support the charity’s growth and impact

5. Fundraising & Sustainability

• Support fundraising activities and funding applications
• Help identify new funding opportunities
• Work alongside the Fundraising Lead to build long-term sustainability
• Promote the charity to potential supporters and sponsors

6. Impact & Growth

• Monitor progress against organisational goals
• Support the collection of impact data and success stories
• Help prepare the organisation for future expansion and development
• Ensure SUNSHINE remains focused on delivering meaningful community impact

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about reducing loneliness and strengthening communities
• Has strong leadership and people-management skills
• Can motivate and inspire volunteers
• Is organised, proactive, and solutions-focused
• Has excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Is comfortable balancing strategic thinking with practical action
• Shares SUNSHINE’s values of kindness, inclusion, respect, and community

Experience in charity leadership, community development, project management, volunteer management, operations, fundraising, business leadership, or social enterprise would be highly beneficial.

However, we are equally interested in people with the passion, commitment, and vision to help build something meaningful.

Why Volunteer With SUNSHINE?

This role offers an opportunity to:

• Lead a new charity from the very beginning
• Shape the strategy, culture, and future direction of the organisation
• Gain senior leadership and charity management experience
• Build expertise in governance, operations, fundraising, and community development
• Expand your professional network across the voluntary and community sector
• Work alongside a passionate and ambitious volunteer team
• Create lasting social impact in communities across East London
• Leave a legacy that helps thousands of people feel more connected and supported

The Difference You’ll Make

Loneliness is one of the most significant yet often invisible challenges facing our communities today.

• Behind every community session is someone who felt welcomed.
• Behind every new friendship is a moment of connection.
• Behind every stronger community is a group of people who chose to make a difference.

As Founding Charity Director, you will help create those opportunities.

Your leadership will help transform SUNSHINE from an ambitious idea into a sustainable organisation that changes lives, builds belonging, and brings communities together.

You will help ensure that people experiencing loneliness know they are seen, valued, and connected to others.

An Exciting Time to Join

SUNSHINE Charity is at the beginning of an exciting journey.

We are building our founding team, developing our first programmes, launching our fundraising efforts, and preparing to establish a lasting presence across East London.

As Founding Charity Director, you will have the opportunity to influence every aspect of the organisation’s development and help build a charity that could make a significant difference for years to come.

This is a rare opportunity to be part of creating something from the ground up.

Join Us

If you are a passionate leader who believes in the power of community, connection, and positive social change, we would love to hear from you.

Help us create a future where no one feels alone.

Become SUNSHINE Charity’s Volunteer Founding Charity Director and help lead a movement that brings connection, belonging, and hope to communities across East London.

SUNSHINE Charity

Creating connection. Building belonging. Bringing communities together.