Head of Business Development and Operations - VOLUNTEERING ROLE

Volunteer Role: Head of Business Development & Operations

Unlock YOUR Potential — Social Mobility Charity

Drive growth, build partnerships, and shape the operational backbone of a movement transforming lives across England.

Unlock YOUR Potential is a passionate, volunteer‑run social mobility charity supporting adults from working‑class, low‑income, and underserved communities. We break down barriers, open doors, and equip people with the skills, tools, networks, and confidence to thrive.

We are now seeking a strategic, ambitious Head of Business Development & Operations to lead two critical pillars of our growth: expanding our reach through partnerships and ensuring our internal operations run smoothly, sustainably, and with excellence. This is a defining leadership role for a charity with national ambition — perfect for someone who wants to build systems, relationships, and opportunities that unlock long‑term impact.

About the Role

As our Head of Business Development & Operations, you will shape the charity’s growth strategy while building the operational infrastructure that keeps everything running smoothly. You will help us form powerful partnerships, secure opportunities, and create the systems that allow Unlock YOUR Potential to scale across England.

You will lead on:

1. Business Development & Growth

• Identifying and securing partnerships with employers, funders, community organisations, and stakeholders.

• Developing new opportunities that expand our programmes, reach, and impact.

• Supporting income‑generation activities, including grants, sponsorships, and collaborations.

• Representing the charity in meetings, pitches, and networking spaces.

2. Operational Leadership

• Designing and implementing efficient, scalable operational systems.

• Overseeing day‑to‑day coordination across programmes, volunteering, and administration.

• Ensuring smooth communication and workflow between teams and functions.

• Supporting data management, reporting, and operational documentation.

3. Strategic Planning

• Working closely with the Founder and leadership volunteers to shape long‑term strategy.

• Helping prioritise projects, manage capacity, and align operations with our mission.

• Ensuring that growth is sustainable, ethical, and mission‑aligned.

4. Quality & Delivery Oversight

• Supporting programme planning, scheduling, and quality assurance.

• Ensuring volunteers and facilitators have the tools and information they need.

• Monitoring delivery to ensure consistency, professionalism, and impact.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of strategy, relationships, and operations — someone who wants to build both the engine and the runway for a movement with national reach.

What You Bring

You don’t need charity experience — just strong organisational skills, strategic thinking, and a passion for social mobility. We welcome people from all backgrounds, especially those with lived experience of the barriers we aim to break.

You are likely someone who is:

• Strategic, proactive, and able to see the bigger picture.

• Skilled at building relationships and spotting opportunities.

• Organised and comfortable designing systems and processes.

• Confident representing a mission‑driven organisation.

• Passionate about equity, empowerment, and community impact.

• Excited to help build a charity with national reach and long‑term legacy.

What You’ll Gain

• A senior leadership role shaping the future of a national‑ambition charity.

• Experience in business development, partnerships, operations, and organisational growth.

• The chance to build systems and relationships from the ground up.

• A supportive, purpose‑driven community.

• The knowledge that your work directly empowers adults to grow, thrive, and unlock their potential.

Time Commitment

Flexible and shaped around your availability. We value your time and will work with you to create a sustainable, enjoyable leadership role.

Join Us

If you’re passionate about growth, partnerships, and building strong operational foundations for a movement that changes lives — we’d love to connect with you.

Help us build an organisation that opens doors, champions ambition, and unlocks potential across England.